Diners' Choice: Great for outdoor dining restaurants in Charlotte

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are great for outdoor dining in Charlotte? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Jimmy

4.7

4.7 (766)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Myers Park

About the restaurant

The Jimmy is a neighborhood restaurant that takes its cue from the Mediterranean coasts of Italy and France, a region known for its casual, sunwashed elegance and unhurried pace.

(nice to meet you)

It is a celebration of an influential cuisine that is in turn influenced by many others, one that favors communal cooking, local ingredients, and straightforward preparations.

Top review

ElizabethVIP

Dined on Apr 28, 2025

Our server Amber was fantastic. We were celebrating four birthdays. She did a very good job of making us feel special and getting our food out efficiently during a busy time. We had a lovely birthday lunch on the patio and the food was delicious!

Maiz Agua Sal

4.7

4.7 (21)

$30 and under

Mexican

Charlotte

About the restaurant

Located in the vibrant Wesley Heights neighborhood, Maiz Agua Sal is a celebration of authentic Mexican cuisine that honors tradition while embracing culinary diversity. We serve brunch, lunch, and dinner, crafting meals that reflect Mexico's rich history and unique flavors.

At the heart of our kitchen are house-made heirloom corn tortillas pressed daily, alongside long-simmered braises and perfectly tender meats, all complemented by farm-fresh produce. Our scratch kitchen ensures every dish bursts with vibrant flavors, offering a fun and delicious dining experience.

Our beverage program beautifully mirrors our culinary philosophy, featuring a thoughtfully curated selection of artisanal agave spirits and high-quality ingredients inspired by Mexican culture. Join us for an unforgettable meal that brings a taste of Mexico to Wesley Heights!

Top review

SarahVIP

Dined on Apr 29, 2025

Best Mexican food in Charlotte, hands down. The house made chips and tortilla's are amazing, great views of the city skyline from their patio and everything I've tried has been truly excellent.

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Experience

Street Taco Lunch Special

Experience

Large Party Dining at Maiz Agua Sal

Rusty Bucket - South Park

4.6

4.6 (415)

$30 and under

American

SouthPark

About the restaurant

Rusty Bucket is a casual neighborhood tavern serving the highest quality food and beverage in a “come as you are” setting. Scratch kitchens, fresh cocktails, and the perfect pour are our craft. Our associates are welcoming, and our hospitality naturally makes us the local hub where friends and family frequently gather to share in a good time.

Top review

Sujata

Dined on Apr 5, 2025

Very pleasant, the hostess was extremely gracious

State of Confusion- Charlotte

4.5

4.5 (460)

$30 and under

American

South Charlotte

About the restaurant

State of Confusion features authentic dishes from Latin America, New Orleans, and the Carolina Low-country. We serve lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, with takeout and delivery available. Multiple indoor and heated outdoor hangout areas offer you and your groups a variety of options for dining in and special events.

Additional free parking at 301 Clanton: Monday - Friday after 5:00 pm and all day Saturday and Sunday.

Top review

KennethVIP

Dined on Apr 28, 2025

A real gem in Charlotte. Great Menu choices and extremely talented staff.

The Goodyear House

4.4

4.4 (1610)

$30 and under

Southern

NODA

About the restaurant

Welcome to The Goodyear House, nestled in the vibrant NODA neighborhood, just a stone’s throw away from Uptown. Led by the culinary prowess of Executive Chef Chris Coleman, a champion on Food Network’s Chopped, Beat Bobby Flay, and SuperChef, our restaurant promises an unforgettable dining experience. Indulge in our menu featuring casual elevated cuisine, expertly crafted to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal or a light bite, our diverse offerings cater to every palate. Relish the charming ambiance of our beautiful patio as you sip on handcrafted cocktails and savor delectable dishes. As part of NODA, the city’s premier arts and entertainment district, The Goodyear House invites you to immerse yourself in a culinary journey like no other. Book your table today and join us for an unforgettable dining experience.

Top review

Abe

Dined 4 days ago

We had a fantastic experience at The Goodyear House! Great food and wine, but the exceptional service made the evening very cool.

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Scallops a la Plancha

Pizza Baby West

4.4

4.4 (139)

$31 to $50

Pizzeria

Uptown

About the restaurant

Meet Pizza Baby West-- a full service pizza restaurant by A&C Food Group, in Charlotte's Wesley Heights neighborhood, locally opened and operated by the same team of the beloved Flour Shop restaurant... Serving Americana style pizza, large 18" rounds, 48-hour cold proofed dough, alongside a full cocktail menu where you'll find classics, Italian inspired spritz, and an extensive wine list (in addition to snacks, salads, and sandwiches)-- old school meets new school, served in a polished industrial space with carefully curated music. It's Pizza, Baby!

Top review

Laura

Dined on Apr 5, 2025

Really great food! Pizzas are unique amd the appetizers were tasty.

North Italia - Birkdale

4.4

4.4 (178)

$30 and under

Italian

Lake Norman

About the restaurant

Using only the season’s best ingredients, our chefs create a variety of modern Italian dishes including pastas made from scratch daily, hand-tossed pizzas like the classic Margherita but make it Tie Dye, and savory lunch and dinner entrees like Pork Milanese, Tortelloni al Pomodoro, and Braised Short Rib Lumache that deliver flavors that go above and beyond the expected as well as a full-bodied wine and beer list accompanied by an array of handcrafted cocktails including a Sicilian Margarita and the Pomegranate Mule. For more information, visit northitalia.com.

Top review

JamesVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Our third trip to North Italia since its opening and IMHO, this place is perfect. Fantastic food, cool vibe and kind, attentive and caring service. A definite upgrade for Birkdale Village.

Reid's Fine Foods

4.3

4.3 (958)

$30 and under

American

SouthPark

About the restaurant

Founded in 1928, Reid's is North Carolina's neighborhood specialty food store offering superior meats, wines, locally grown produce, seasonal fresh meals to a very loyal customer base. The South Park restaurant accommodates Deli Style service for lunch Monday-Saturday and Restaurant Menu service Tuesday-Friday night and all day Saturday and Sunday.
Join us for:
"Almost" 1/2 off steak burgers on Tuesday!
1/2 off wine by the glass on Wednesday!
$10 charcuterie boards on Thursday!
"Special Sips" on Friday - A special wine selected from our wine departments reserved list, changes each week, offered one day only!
1/2 priced restaurant wine bottles (in-house only) on Saturday's!
Sunday Brunch Features 10AM-4PM!
Live Music 6PM-9PM Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday's!

Top review

AnuVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Waters were not refilled. Our fries did not come out until our entrées were half eaten and we had to remind the server.

Tap & Vine - Quail Corners

4.3

4.3 (81)

$30 and under

American

South Charlotte

About the restaurant

If you’re in the Quail Hollow area and looking for something a bit outside the ordinary, we invite you to discover what makes Tap & Vine a favorite among locals for Tapas, Salads, Entrées, Appetizers and everything in-between. See our full menu, make a reservation, or get complete information on letting us host your upcoming celebration.

Top review

Joelle

Dined on Apr 11, 2025

I really enjoyed the food and drinks while dining at Tap and Vine.

Aura Rooftop

4.1

4.1 (368)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Uptown

About the restaurant

Experience magnetic vibes up high at Charlotte's best rooftop lounge!

Ascend to Aura Rooftop atop the JW Marriott Charlotte, where an enchanting oasis awaits. Bask in breathtaking city views as you indulge in vibrant small plates and sip on signature botanical cocktails.

Top review

Frank

Dined on Apr 27, 2025

Very nice, love the aesthetic. 2nd time coming and it was still great. The people are very sweet and super laid back.

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Experience

Mother's Day Spring Spritz

Experience

Greens and Golden Hour | Championship Week

Experience

Regal Vibes Happy Hour

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