This year's mild winter conveniently put patio activities in full swing by the end of February, and you won't find us complaining. With the cold — and hopefully most of the rain — behind us, it's time to find your favorite patio and enjoy the sunshine.
Lucky for us, Fort Worth has an abundance of wonderful establishments to drink and dine outdoors. Here are some of the patios on our radar for the foreseeable weekends.
Woodshed Smokehouse
Tim Love's Smokehouse has been a success since it hit the Fort Worth dining scene in 2012, and it continues to impress. With the doors rolled up, almost the entire restaurant opens to the Trinity River. The back patio seats tables of guests for brunch, lunch, and dinner but also features plenty of space for those here for the drinks, live music, and a relaxed vibe. Oh, and did we mention it's dog-friendly too? Bring man's best friend on your next visit and you can even order a treat off the "Pup Menu."
Flying Saucer
The Flying Saucer really upped its patio game when it moved into the old 8.0 space in Sundance Square. With a full view of Sundance Square, a stage for live music, and one of the largest patios around, the beer garden is a must-visit on a beautiful day. Known for its extensive rotating beer selection, this Flying Saucer also serves mixed drinks and wine alongside an excellent food menu.
Mash'd
Sitting across from FW Market + Table and Thirteen Pies, this restaurant and bar offers a prime patio spot for the best people-watching. Moonshine is the name of the game at Mash'd — there's an extensive selection of moonshine, moonshine based-cocktails, and frozen drinks. These will definitely cool you off in that Texas heat, but beware: they aren't for the faint-hearted.
Joe T. Garcia's
Joe T's has been a Mexican food staple in Fort Worth forever, and it would be blasphemy not to mention it on a best patios list. The outdoor seating space has expanded over the years to accommodate the faithful crowds that flock here on warm sunny days for the famous enchiladas and margaritas.
Bar Louie
On a clear night, you can't beat the view of the West 7th District from the rooftop of Bar Louie. The menu features an extensive selection of martinis, cocktails, and wine to drink while you enjoy the music, crowds, and dancing.
Rodeo Goat
Rodeo Goat stands out among Fort Worth's competitive burger scene. The finger-lickin' good burger selection is complemented by the impressive cocktail and beer menu, all of which can be enjoyed on a large patio. The colorful lights, picnic tables, and games make this an awesome place to eat and drink under the sun or stars.
Capital Bar
Live music, a dance floor, and happy hour specials? It's a no-brainer that Capital Bar's outdoor patio, the Backyard, is a popular destination for locals. Check the calendar for music acts ranging from popular Texas country artists to DJs, then put on your dancing shoes for some outdoor grooves.
The Social House
The Social House is a go-to destination for patio drinking and dining all across DFW. The Fort Worth outpost sits at the corner of Currie and Crocket streets in the bustling West 7th District.
Ellerbe Fine Foods
Who says a good patio can't be accompanied by a charming atmosphere and upscale dining? Ellerbe's patio on Magnolia Avenue is a quaint spot to sit back, relax, enjoy a glass of wine (or two) and experience the seasonal fare for which the restaurant is known.
The Live Oak
The Live Oak is home to a large downstairs patio and a rooftop bar featuring free live music most nights of the week. Grab a beer from the well-curated selection, then people-watch from a picnic table on the patio or soak in the Fort Worth skyline from the rooftop.
Another highly anticipated patio scheduled to hit Fort Worth in 2016 is Truck Yard, to be located in the old Crystal Springs Dance Pavilion on White Settlement Road. A runaway success off Greenville Avenue in Dallas, Truck Yard has a wide selection of booze and brews served up alongside a rotating selection of food trucks.
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Mash'd is excellent for people watching.
