Pictured above: Pizzeria Testa
Pleasant weather means taking advantage of every excuse to sip a margarita or dine with friends and family outside. Sometimes, however, those perfect patios, that glorious perfect mixture of shade and view, ambiance and food, can be elusive.
Fortunately, the team at Lifestyle Frisco has put their local insights together to compile this inside scoop, the definitive guide to the best patios for dining and drinking in Frisco…al fresco!
We’ve organized it by neighborhood, to help you navigate your way…
The Shops at Starwood
TruFire: This Shops at Starwood spot serves eclectic, progressive American fare and craft cocktails. The ambiance is warm, lively, and the large, rustic patio boasts a fireplace as well as the twinkle lights we all adore when we relax at night. They’re known for really good food, namely the Naked Avocado Salad, Latin Fire Pizza, and the TruMac, among many other dishes. Their proud of their wine program and have perfected some terrific specialty cocktails that include fresh muddled fruits. (Try the Black Splash.)
J. Theodore: Offering everything from brunch to after-dinner cocktails, at J. Theodore, you can dine under the twinkling lights on the patio or near the fireplace, then stay for drinks in the secret bar beyond the phone booth. The food, service, and drinks are guaranteed to please a crowd. The indoor and outdoor ambiance is hard to beat – it’s a perfect balance of a quiet atmosphere without feeling like you need to whisper.
UP Inspired Kitchen: We’ve raved many times about UP Inspired Kitchen’s fantastic offerings and delightful ambiance, but what we may not have emphasized is their fantastic family-style patio, complete with a play-house and kiddo area. Shall we start the weekend with bullet coffee, leisurely sipped at sprawling tables and paired with avocado toast, while children entertain themselves in a fairy-tale-like playhouse? Yes, please!
The Star District
Tupelo Honey: Their southern charm, modern decor, and ah-maze-ing southern fare is reason enough to visit, but you should know they have an expansive covered patio with booths, tables, TVs, and a bar. Located at The Star in Frisco, Tupelo’s patio is a fun place to “see and be seen” while enjoying beautiful sunny weather.
City Works: Just across the Ford Center plaza at The Star, this 9,000 sq ft restaurant also has 4,000 sq ft of outdoor patio. It’s a great place to meet up with a large group, and they often host community events. With 90 beers on tap, 28 flat screens, and a deep love of sports and music, this family-friendly spot is a favorite at The Star. Relax on the patio and enjoy people watching during one of the many outdoor events hosted by The Star District.
Cane Rosso: The family-friendly spot serves authentic Neapolitan style pizza fired in a specially built wood-fired oven from Italy, resulting in a delicate and light, slightly charred dough. In honor of their location at The Star in Frisco, the restaurant pays tribute to the Dallas Cowboys in a number of ways. Their patio sits just in front of the Ford Center Plaza making it a fantastic place to hang out during one of the many events hosted in The Entertainment District.
The Common Table: This restaurant not only boasts a fantastic food and brew menu and some of the best live music in Frisco, but they also have a large patio where you can enjoy it all. Pair their chicken and waffles or “The Notorious P.I.G.” with one of their carefully poured beers or unique cocktails and prepare to enjoy the company of friends or family in the sunshine.
Mi Cocina: Now you can relax with a Mambo Taxi close to home with views of passersby during events at The Star District. The newest Frisco Mi Cocina offers its renowned upscale Mexican food, and a great atmosphere. Another nearby location by Nebraska Furniture Mart offers a fenced-in turf area and a child’s play space so that kiddos can entertain themselves while parents enjoy the sprawling covered patio. The bar area, fire-posts, and green area all flow seamlessly, making a leisurely lunch or dinner spent here an irresistibly tempting offer on a sunny summer day.
Neighborhood Services: Located in the Omni Frisco Hotel at The Star with a large patio off the Ford Center Plaza, it’s the only Neighborhood Services to offer breakfast and brunch. You’ll find Churro French Toast, Smoked Pork Hash, Avocado Toast, House Granola with yogurt, and hand-crafted beet juice, among other delicious lunch, dinner, and cocktail menu items. Enjoy it as a hotel guest or visit anytime you like.
The Rail District
Eight | 11 Place: More than just another wine bar, Eight|11 has become synonymous for an evening of weekend live music and a cozy outdoor atmosphere. Their intimate indoor tables play second fiddle this time of year to their outdoor garden patio and their carefully crafted pizzas, paninis, and appetizers which perfectly complement their well-honed wine and beer menu. Plus, long summer evenings are the perfect opportunity to try their S’mores board.
Frisco Rail Yard: Frisco’s favorite unique place to hang is known for its rotating food trucks, but over the last couple of years the Frisco Rail Yard has become just as popular for its live music and community events. The Frisco Rail Yard is a family-friendly environment and fun for all ages, but they discourage children to be there after 9:00 pm.
DiDi’s Downtown: Didi’s is said to be a place where guests can take time out from the grind. Relax, hang out, enjoy great food and drinks throughout the day, and experience live music or comedy from time to time. The back patio is covered and inviting, with access to the bar and the full menu. Speaking of the menu, Chef Scott Hoffner offers creative “made from scratch” food with many specials and seasonal dishes. This casual, Frisco-centric spot has a lot of personality and is not to be missed.
The Heritage Table: 2020 forced them to pause, but good news — they’re back! And we couldn’t be happier about it. The atmosphere capitalizes on the character of the 100-year-old downtown home combined with farmhouse touches and modern accents creating a casual and fun ambiance. Choose a spot in their spacious dining room or if the weather is amenable, stake out a spot on their large, wrap-around patio. The Heritage Table looks quaint and rustic, but its scratch menu is anything but. Bonus: the patio faces the Eight|11 Place patio, so you get to enjoy their live music!
Frisco Square
Jake’s Uptown: Located on the north side of Frisco Square, Jake’s offers arguably the best burgers in town along with a casual atmosphere. In the summer, the staff flings open the large patio windows, so if you can’t score one of the coveted seats on the Astro-Turf, you can still catch some sunshine. Simultaneously enjoy the scrumptious food and lively atmosphere of FC Dallas game-day vicariously as the sounds from the Toyota Stadium carry across the street.
Chito’s: Another great location to grab some grub before heading to a professional soccer game across the street, Chito’s is a cool corner to enjoy people-watching and fantastic Mexican food. As Frisco Square amps up its events calendar in 2021, you’ll want to snag a seat here before the crowd beats you. Bonus: After dinner on Friday and Saturday nights, follow the sound of salsa, merengue, and 90’s Spanish music emanating from the back room and dance the night away.
Nerdvana: This scratch kitchen and craft bar is focused on the celebration of video game and board game culture. It’s unique and “nerdy” to say the least but also boasts tons of fun, good food, and great energy. Outside, enjoy a coffee during their coffee shop hours or chill with friends in the evening as you take in Frisco’s Main Street vibe and maybe play a board game.
Pizzeria Testa: Located beside the green space in front of City Hall, Testa’s patios are popular with families since kiddos can run around on the large strip of green space while adults sip wine and browse the flatbread menu. The upscale vibe appeals to a wider audience, as well, however — in fact, we’d argue that no one in Frisco can resist the charms of the wood-fired pizza here on a sunny warm afternoon or while out for a date night. (Insider secret? Score a spot here for summer’s Music in the Square.)
Toyota Stadium
Blue Goose Cantina: Initially launched on Greenville Avenue in Dallas, the Blue Goose Cantina location near Toyota Stadium has become a choice hangout for families and game-goers alike. Enjoy their extensive happy hour and familiar TexMex menu selections while soaking in the sounds and sights of Frisco from their patio.
Rockfish Seafood & Grill: Located near the Tollway on the west side of Main Street, Rockfish offers an inviting outdoor atmosphere for families, date nights, or special occasions, even if seafood isn’t your thing. Their covered patio with abundant screens and seating complement their Rock-a-Rita.
Frisco Central
Gloria’s: Conveniently located near the Stonebriar Mall and immensely popular once the weather begins to warm up, Gloria’s offers tasty Mexican food and bottomless chips, black bean dip, and salsa. Kids love admiring the cattle statues and playing on the path near the water’s edge while adults can take advantage of the yummy margaritas or the half price bottles of wine, offered all day every, Sun – Wed.
Mash’D: The patio/bar area at Mash’D is a fantastic place to spend an early summer afternoon, especially when their one-of-a-kind guacamole plays a role. The comfortable, laid-back atmosphere lends itself to families with small children and corporate happy hours alike, and their twice-a-day Happy Hour menu of carefully designed specialty cocktails and a full array of moonshine options. Starting at $3 a drink, it may be the best deal in town.
Platia Greek Kouzina: Located near the intersection of Preston and Warren, this BYOB patio may be one of Frisco’s best-kept secrets. The simple but delightful Greek cuisine is best enjoyed in the secret alcove beside the restaurant, where small tables, abundant greenery, and high walls transport diners to the Mediterranean coast.
Beyond Frisco
Lava Cantina: Located just beyond our border in The Colony, this 18,000 square foot indoor/outdoor live music, concert venue, and restaurant is making a splash in our area. Reminiscent of House of Blues or Hard Rock Cafe, there are 1800 seats and a stage grand enough to feature some really great entertainment. And the best part? Most of it’s outdoors, overlooking water, and there’s room to dance if you feel inclined!
For other outdoor dining options, we also recommend Grandscape in The Colony, The Boardwalk at Granite Park, and Legacy West. What else would you add to our list?
Related Articles:
Tex-Mex Restaurants in Frisco That Will Keep You Coming Back
The Best Places to Find Live Music in Frisco
