One of the most frequently searched topics on the CultureMap Fort Worth search bar is “best patios;” perhaps because Texas weather is so darn finicky, a nice day around here calls for being outside.

A patio outing could call for cocktails, brunch, or a simple open-air meal without the confines of walls. Choices are numerous in Fort Worth, but these 10 nominees for Tastemaker Awards' Best Patio stand out for their visually appealing atmospheres, sky-high views, comfortable seating areas, good food and drink, or all of the above.

Only one will win this wild card category at the annual CultureMap Fort Worth Tastemaker Awards, taking place May 2 at The 4 Eleven (411 S. Main St.). The annual tasting event and awards ceremony, hosted by chef Jon Bonnell, will highlight top local restaurant and bar talent. Follow all of the nominees in our special editorial series.

There’s just one week left to snag Early Bird tickets, on sale through March 31 at discounted rates of $60 for general admission and $99 for VIP (includes early access to the event, valet, and a dedicated bar.)

Here’s a closer look at the 10 nominees for Best Patio, presented in alphabetical order:

Atico
The nearly 360-degree panorama view of Fort Worth doesn’t get old at chef Tim Love’s Spanish-inspired rooftop tapas bar at the Springhill Suites Stockyards (2315 N. Main St.). Opened in early 2020, the indoor-outdoor space offers exterior seating along an L-shaped covered balcony, where cushy chairs and a constant breeze create a comfortable spot for sipping cocktails. The place is a popular pit stop for pre-gaming before a night out in the Stockyards, and bands play live music there every Thursday evening.

B&B Butchers
With its prime location in the heart of the Shops at Clearfork (5212 Marathon Ave.), B&B’s patio is a people-watching hub for all the shopping center’s activity. It sits adjacent to the steakhouse’s lively bar, situated over a greenspace where shoppers can relax and kids play. White tablecloth seating amid lots of greenery add a sophisticated feel, and musicians often provide live music on the patio, especially during brunch.

Branch & Bird
Located on the 12th floor terrace of downtown’s Frost Tower (640 Taylor St.), Branch & Bird has a covered patio with seating for up to 100, meaning there’s plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the sky-high open-air views. Minimal décor lets the downtown skyline serve as scenery. Wednesdays are popular for live music and half-price bottles of wine, but the patio is also a midday refuge for downtown workers who visit for the daily lunch special.

HG Sply Co.
The anchor of the WestBend complex (1621 River Run Dr.) opened in 2016. Despite lots of restaurant turnover nearby, it is still going strong for its feel-good food and drink and riverfront patio, which is popular for weekend brunch, sunset toasts, and Trinity Trails people-watching. (HG Sply Co. also has a Trophy Club location with a massive, covered patio that offers couch seating, tabletop firepits, and a gaming area with foosball and giant Connect 4. A new location is headed to the Alliance area, too.)

Joe T. Garcia's
Joe T. Garcia’s patio (2201 N. Commerce St.) is nothing short of legendary in Fort Worth. There's not another that comes close in terms of size, landscaping, or the line of patrons outside hoping to snag a spot to enjoy the 89-year-old restaurant's strong margaritas and enchilada dinners. With seating up to 1,000, Joe T.’s patio draws folks from all walks of life: locals and out-of-towners, business people and cowboys, girl groups and guy groups, young families and Hollywood celebrities. Fun fact: the patio fountain originated as the Lancarte family swimming pool in the early '70s. One too many tipsy patrons taking a dip (whether intentional or not) led to its transformation to a fountain.

Maggie's R&R
Just follow the arrow on the sign that says “Cold Beer” to find this Near Southside patio that touts itself as a “sunny place for shady people.” Maggie’s R&R settled into its digs at 1264 W. Magnolia Ave. in late 2020, following previous short-lived tenants including La Zona and Southside Rambler. The patio has always been inviting with its crushed granite, cacti and agave plants, numerous umbrella-topped tables, and rows of string lights. Maggie’s shines for its well-executed drinks and food (the wonton-chip nachos are a fan favorite), friendly service, and live music every Thursday through Sunday.

Piola Italian Restaurant & Garden
One of the most elegant patios in Fort Worth (and most sought-after for big group events) belongs to this West Fort Worth Italian restaurant, which has remained a family-owned gem in the shadow of flashier restaurants that have opened all around it. Piola still draws legions of fans for its decadent dishes like Grandma's Lasagna and Eggplant Parmigiano, along with its lengthy wine list. The covered garden-patio offers white tablecloth seating under string lights with breezy fans but feels as comfortable as someone’s backyard. Maybe that’s because it’s not located on a main drag in town, but rather hidden in a 1940s cottage house (at 3700 Mattison Ave.) near the Monticello neighborhood.

Rogers Roundhouse
Celebrating its five-year anniversary this month, Rogers Roundhouse (1616 Rogers Rd.) has established itself as a go-to for alfresco dining, especially for families, thanks to a roomy patio. Owned in part by the founder of Curly’s Frozen Custard (a Curly’s ice cream sandwich is on the menu), the restaurant is anchored by a barn-like structure with mile-high ceilings and an open wall that leads to a gravel-paved outdoor seating area. Rows of umbrella-covered picnic tables sit under string lights and a small corner stage offers live music on Friday nights. It’s also popular for watching sports with TVs located inside and outside.

Second Rodeo Brewing
This live music venue and brewery opened in the Fort Worth Stockyards' Mule Alley (at 122 E. Exchange Ave.) in 2021 and encompasses more than 14,000 square feet. The massive footprint is anchored by a patio with multiple bars, truck bed booth seating, and Adirondack chairs, all covered by a retractable roof. Even more seating sits along the hidden creek outside within earshot of the daily live music. In fact, Second Rodeo is the only place in Fort Worth where patrons can hear live music, starting at lunchtime, seven days a week. They also serve food, including nachos, cheesesteaks, and wings, via counter service.

Woodshed Smokehouse
Chef Tim Love’s riverfront restaurant just marked 12 years as one of the first dining destinations to be located right on the banks of the Trinity River (at 3201 Riverfront Dr.). Always a hopping scene, the upscale barbecue joint is centered around a crushed granite covered patio dotted with picnic tables, fire pits, multiple bars, and views of passersby, from cyclists and runners to families and fishermen. On Thursday through Sunday, musicians sing toe-tapping tunes. It’s pet-friendly, too; there’s even a menu for pups that’s especially convenient for dog walkers along the Trinity Trails.