13 Alabama restaurants with patios perfect for outdoor dining

There’s something about eating outside on a shady patio, courtyard or porch that just makes a meal better.

That’s why This is Alabama recently asked its Facebook followers to share what their favorite restaurant for patio dining is, and the answers did not disappoint. From barbecue joints to romantic fine dining spots to casual eateries where you can grab wings while watching the game, there are plenty of Alabama restaurants that offer outdoor dining no matter what season it is.

You can check 13 of the restaurants readers suggested below and read the full list on This is Alabama’s Facebook page.

A view from the pool area at Pirates Bar and Grill on Dauphin Island, looking up at the main building.Lawrence Specker | [email protected]

Pirates Bar and Grill

100 Orleans Drive in Dauphin Island

When it comes to outdoor dining, it doesn’t get much better than Pirates Bar and Grill on Dauphin Island, where you can sit poolside and take in a gorgeous beach view while enjoying a menu of everything from fish tacos to half-pound burgers, ribeye steaks and every kind of fresh Gulf seafood. Whatever you order, be sure to stay for the sunset and one of Pirates’ popular Bushwackers.

Kowaliga Restaurant

295 Kowaliga Marina Road in Alexander City

Of course, the beach isn’t the only water view Alabama offers. Case in point, at Kowaliga Restaurant in Alexander City, you can relax on a covered porch while looking out at beautiful Lake Martin. In addition to a picturesque setting, the family-friendly restaurant also offers a menu filled with catfish, pimento cheese sandwiches, Conecuh dogs, hamburger steak, wings, po’ boys, burgers and more.

The courtyard at The Garage Cafe in Birmingham, Ala. (Courtesy of The Garage Cafe)

The Garage

2304 Tenth Terrace South in Birmingham

Who doesn’t love having lunch or dinner in a shady spot on a gorgeous spring day? The Garage, a beloved Birmingham bar and cafe that has been open since 1994, gives its customers the chance to do just that with its charming courtyard and revolving menu of homemade sandwiches, soups and more. Afterward, you can hang around for a cocktail and live music, too.

The Back Porch Restaurant

270 Marina Drive in Talladega

Another casual dining spot with lakeside dining is the aptly named Back Porch Restaurant in Talladega, where you can have dinner on one of its two large porches overlooking scenic Logan Martin Lake. The popular eatery’s menu features fried catfish, shrimp and grits, tacos, oysters, burgers, Philly cheesesteaks and more.

The bushwacker, a popular drink along the central Gulf Coast since 1975, comes in many varieties. — Why not sip a bushwacker on the patio of Tacky Jacks in Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, Ala.?Lawrence Specker | [email protected]

Tacky Jack’s

Locations in Orange Beach, Fort Morgan and Gulf Shores

Outdoor dining isn’t just for lunch and dinner — at Tacky Jack’s, which has locations in Orange Beach, Fort Morgan and Gulf Shores, you can also enjoy a breakfast of omelets, shrimp and grits, waffles, burritos and more morning favorites. Don’t forget the Bloody Marys and flavored mimosas while looking out at Alabama’s coast. Don’t worry, though; if you’re not an early riser, dinner and lunch are also offered.

Corks & Cattle Market and Cafe

102 West Lee Street in Enterprise

One restaurant that came up early and often when readers were asked about their favorite outdoor dining spots was Corks and Cattle in Enterprise. Open for lunch, dinner and Saturday brunch, the fine dining restaurant offers a charming patio where you can enjoy an array of seasonal specialty dishes, including steaks, seafood and pasta, made using regionally-sourced ingredients as well as decadent desserts.

Creekside BBQ

1020 Oak Mountain Park Road in Pelham

At Creekside BBQ in Pelham, you can have lunch or dinner while seated on a covered patio nestled above Bishop Creek for a meal that’s just as peaceful as it is delicious. In addition to outdoor dining, the restaurant also boasts a diverse menu of smoked meats with everything from Alabama-style chicken, North Carolina pork, Memphis kissed ribs and more up for grabs.

Billy’s Sports Grill

Locations in Birmingham and Northport

Whether you dine at Billy’s Sports Grill in Birmingham and Northport, you’ll be able to enjoy a patio setting that’s both casual and fun without having to miss a moment of the game. Not to mention, the grill boasts a diverse menu filled with all kinds of dishes, including an array of appetizers like their award-winning wings, as well as homemade gumbo, mahi tacos, hamburger steak and much more.

Botanic restaurant in Opelika, Ala., boasts gorgeous dining options.(Bob Carlton/[email protected])

The Grille at Botanic

1702 Frederick Road in Opelika

The Grille at Botanic in Opelika offers dining in its gorgeous garden, making it the perfect spot to grab lunch on the weekends. Its menu includes unique takes on classic Southern dishes, including Conecuh corn dip, Kentucky hot brown sandwich and banana pudding cheesecake, as well as savory and sweet crepes, burgers, salads and more.

Decks and Docks

Since 2018, Decks and Docks in Leesburg has been serving up memorable meals with water views of Weiss Lake to its customers. The family-friendly restaurant has a little bit of everything, from loaded nachos to barbecue sandwiches, seafood baskets, tacos of every kind, wings, pastas burgers and more, which you can enjoy while taking in some rays on its large outdoor deck.

Tin Top Restaurant & Oyster Bar

17451 County Road 49 S. in Bon Secour

At Tin Top Restaurant and Oyster Bar in Bon Secour, you can have your pick of a variety of dishes, including fresh seafood, steaks, burgers, pasta and more, while seated beneath the shade of an umbrella during the day or while enjoying a gorgeous sunset in the evening. Either way, just don’t forget to save room for dessert. With dishes like white chocolate bread pudding, turtle cheesecake and creme brulee on the menu, there’s plenty to choose from.

Coaches Corner

203 Orline Street in Wetumpka

While Coaches Corner in Wetumpka might not technically offer outdoor seating, they do have a sun room with floor-to-ceiling windows, overlooking the scenic Coosa River that can be opened to allow a breeze to blow through, and when the heat of summer kicks in, that honestly might be the better option. Plus, their menu offers everything from burgers to wings, shrimp po’ boys, steaks, salads, loaded potatoes and more so that everyone’s bound to find something they like.

Cobalt

28099 Perdido Beach Boulevard in Orange Beach

Another beachside spot with outdoor seating that was a favorite among readers is Cobalt, the Restaurant in Orange Beach, and for good reason. After all, Cobalt offers gorgeous waterfront views and a menu filled with coastal cuisine and Cajun-inspired specialty dishes like firecracker shrimp, Zydeco chicken pasta, crab and scallop cakes, Creole cheesecake and more.