As the weather slowly warms up in the NC Triangle, thoughts move from wool sweaters to t-shirts and sunshine! And of course being outdoors whenever possible. Dining out on patios is always a great excuse to get fresh air but how about some of the best bar and lounge patios? A beer or glass of wine outdoors can be inspiring in the fantastic weather we get here in North Carolina. Here are some of my favorite spots to do, just that. But let’s first set the criteria, we’re talking about places that don’t serve food. If you’re interested in restaurants, please check out my Best Outdoors Dining post!
First up is my old favorite, Mosaic! Part lounge, part club and all around chill, Mosaic’s cool Moroccan interior is amplified by its great outdoor seating. Out front you’ll find a pair of tables to watch the street crowd go by or wait for a friend. And to the left side of Mosaic is a large, canopied area for more relaxed and private lounging. Bring a bottle of vino out or order a hookah pipe for some puffing. Just watch out for the train tracks behind you and the occasional 200-ton visitor!
Over on S. Dawson Street you’ll find the slightly hidden (behind a wooden gate) Babylon! While it’s also a restaurant, people often come to Babylon to grab a glass of vino and dance the night away. The amazing patio with reflection pools will bring you to another place and time and is wonderful on hot summer days.
Another favorite bar of mine is the Flash House and even while it’s uber-cool inside, it’s also got a great outdoor patio. Hidden from the roadway for some privacy, you’ll find some plush seating and small tables to catch some sun and have a cocktail.
The new Circa 1888 bar and speak-easy sports a large side patio with heaters so you might have a chilly weather option here. The bar is fairly new and screams speak-easy but the option to have some sun with your brewski seems like a great choice.
For a huge bar patio, don’t miss the Surf Club out on Rigsbee Street! A bit hip, fun and chill, the interior at Surf Club sports plenty of space and entertainment (pool table, shuffleboard, darts) but the outside is where the real action is at! Picnic tables, lights strung overhead and bocce courts make for a relaxing evening. A service window on the side means you don’t even have to go inside to refill your beverage. Definitely a great spot on a warm summer’s night.
Whether your drink of choices is an IPA, chardonnay or gin and tonic, there are so many warm weather patios to enjoy it on. I’ll be updating this post as the weather heats up, slainte and salud!
Great Bar and Lounge Patios in the Triangle
Mosaic- Raleigh
Circa 1888- Raleigh
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