The outdoor dining area for JoJo's Restaurant, formerly known as LaCo.

As the temperatures finally drop below 80 degrees, we thought we'd re-share our giant list of restaurant patios.Ìý

This list of outdoor dining spots is long and all-encompassing. And now, the updated version has even more restaurants on it, including some unexpected spots you might not have remembered or thought of. Bookmark this page and return again the next time you feel like going out to a restaurant. (Or coffee shop or bar.)Ìý

We tried to include all of our favorite patios on this list but if you know of any others we should add, reach out to us at thisistucson@tucson.com.Ìý

This story was last updated on Nov. 1, 2024.

Coffee shops

• Decibel Coffee Works: Located in the MSA Annex outdoor market, this local roaster sources its coffee with an eye toward social responsibility and the environment. / website:Ìý / address:

• Raging Sage Coffee Roasters:ÌýThis classic ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ cafe has a mid-sized patio with a sidewalk cafe vibe that's lined with leafy trees. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:

• Barista del Barrio:ÌýEnjoy a grilled breakfast burrito and a horchata coffee in one of the several quaint outdoor seating areas. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:

Breakfast / brunch

• CaféÌýa la C'Art: Located on the grounds of the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Museum of Art, this charming breakfast cafe has a Monet-inspired garden patio with lots of leafy plants. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:

• Blue Willow:ÌýSince 1978, this midtown restaurant has attracted ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ brunchgoers with its shaded patio and backyard fountain. / website: / address:

• Cup Cafe:ÌýEnjoy The Cup's large patio, often with live music on the nearby stage. / website:Ìý / address:

• Nook: This breakfast and lunch cafe in downtown ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ has a hidden patio out back with some lovely plants. / website: / address:Ìý

• Poco and Mom’s:ÌýThis New Mexican restaurant is known for its excellent brunch dishes, like the migas and pork tamale breakfast. / website: / address:

•Ìý Village Bakehouse: The Oro Valley bakery has a nice covered patio out front, where you can order a full breakfast or snack on some freshly-baked pastries. website: / address:Ìý

• LeBuzz: Come for the patio, stay for the breakfast sandwiches. / website:ÌýÌý/ address: ,

•ÌýBaja Cafe: Order one of Baja Cafe's extravagant specials while sitting on their pet-friendly patio. Get a cinnamon roll pancake for the table! / website: Ìý/ address: and

•ÌýTeaspoon: Enjoy the popular bubble waffles on the patio. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:

•ÌýPlayground: This rooftop bar is the perfect spot for brunch or dancing on weekends. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:Ìý


Mexican food

•ÌýEl Charro Café: ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s most storied Mexican restaurant has three locations, but the original building has one of the largest and nicest patios in downtown ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. / website: / address:

• ¸é±ð´Ú´Ç°ù³¾²¹:ÌýThe gourmet Mexican spot at St. Philip's Plaza has ample patio seating shaded by large eucalyptus trees. / website: / address:

• Calle Tepa: The east-side Mexican restaurant has a full-service patio out back by the bar area, which is also dog-friendly. / website: / address:

• Guadalajara Original Grill: The Prince location has a leafy adobe patio where you can get that tableside salsa, margaritas and more. / website: / address:Ìý

• Blanco Tacos + Tequila: Take in nice views on the patio while enjoying carne asada tacos and a cocktail. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:Ìý

• El Coronado: Enjoy views of the sunset at this far-east ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ spot. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:

• La Yaquesita: Eat your quesabirria outdoors at La Yaquesita. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:Ìý

•ÌýBOCA: Dine at local celebrity chef Maria Mazon's restaurant, where there's a pet-friendly patio! / website:ÌýÌý/ address:

•ÌýEl Sur: One of our readers recommended the patio at El Sur, a casual spot with a large menu of Mexican favorites. / website:Ìý / address:

Slurping ramen on the Obon patio is an essential ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ experience.Ìý

Asian, Middle Eastern and Indian food

•Ìý°¿²ú´Ç²Ô:ÌýGet your pork buns out onto this patio, because it's one of the best in the downtown area. They've also got a nice heater situation for when the nights get chillier. And of course, ramen. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:Ìý

• Sushi Garden:ÌýOne of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s most popular sushi spots! Two locations, but head to Broadway for the best patio option. / website: / address:Ìý and .

• RA Sushi:ÌýThe Asian fusion joint at La Encantada mall has a spacious patio out front that looks onto the open plaza. / website: / address:

• ³Ò´Ç±¹¾±²Ô»å²¹â€™s: This hidden gem restaurant has an oasis of a patio with a koi pond and a waterfall. The vegetarian restaurant is connected to theÌýHare KrishnaÌýtemple. / website:Ìý / address:

• Indian Twist: Order some butter chicken or lamb tikka masala on this reader-recommended patio. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:

•ÌýMed Cuisine: In the former home of El Saguarito, this Lebanese restaurant in midtown has a sprawling patio with a fire pit. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:

•ÌýAspasia: Head to this charming patio for tasty chicken shawarma wraps. / website: ÌýÌý/ address:

Casual spots

• JoJo's Restaurant: JoJo's, formerly LaCo and La Cocina, arguably has one of the best patios in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. Decked out with twinkling string lights at night, JoJo's is the place to be in fall weather. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:

• The Barnyard: This far-east ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ spot has a massive outdoor space to go along with its burgers, sandwiches and sharables. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:Ìý

• Main Gate Square: Most of the restaurants in Main Gate Square on the edge of the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus have patios. Check out , , , , Ìý²¹²Ô»å . / website:ÌýÌý/ address:

• Raspados El Paraiso: This raspados and antojitos shop has two locations on the east side, but the Golf Links spot has a giant patio in the back. / website:Ìý / address:Ìý

• Eclectic Cafe: This cafe was founded in 1980 and serves up a mix of Mexican food, salads, sandwiches and burgers. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:

• Zinburger: Both ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Zinburger locations flaunt lush patios, perfect for your burger and chocolate shake. / website:ÌýÌý/ address: ,

• Beyond Bread: Head to Beyond Bread for sandwiches, soups and cookies. All three locations have patios! / website:ÌýÌý/ address:Ìý,Ìý,Ìý

•ÌýGusto Osteria: Enjoy Italian food on this reader-recommended patio. If you head inside, you'll see lots of art on the walls! / website:ÌýÌý/ address:

•ÌýBrother John's Beer, Bourbon & BBQ: Barbecue and beer on this reader-recommended patio! / website:ÌýÌý/ address:Ìý

• Monterey Court: A menu of American classics, lots of live music, artisan shopping AND outdoor dining. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:

•ÌýCorbett's: This restaurant-meets-pickleball destination has an outdoor bar, live music and tons of outdoor seating. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:

•ÌýDoughbird: From restaurateur Sam Fox comes Doughbird, which has a menu of pizza and rotisserie chicken. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:

•ÌýCaruso's: Enjoy spaghetti and ravioli on this reader-recommended patio. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:

•ÌýFork & Fire Smokehouse: Enjoy mountain views at this reader-recommended patio. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:Ìý

•ÌýBasqueria: Watch as cars pass by on Congress Street as you eat your lamb skewers and paella. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:

•ÌýChez Peachy: Order your lunchbox-sized cakes, sparkly refreshers and kawaii cookies inside this ultra-pink bakery, then head outside to eat your sweets. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:Ìý

The lush patio area at Locale Neighborhood Italian is the perfect place to drink a spritzy cocktail or a glass of rose wine.Ìý

Bistros and fine dining

•ÌýLocale: Located on the historic grounds of the former Old Pueblo Grille, this modern Italian restaurant is an excellent place to sip an Aperol spritz. The sprawling patio reaches around the building with plenty of shady umbrellas to protect you from the sun. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:Ìý

•ÌýFlora's Market Run: This restaurant with an attached market space comes from the folks behind Prep & Pastry — with a patio out front! / website:ÌýÌý/ address:Ìý

•ÌýÌýTohono Chul Garden Bistro: This gourmet restaurant is situated on the 49-acre garden and natural desert landscape that is Tohono Chul. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:Ìý

•ÌýWildflower:ÌýThe original Fox Restaurant at Casas Adobes Plaza has one of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s most sought-after patios. Be sure to make a reservation in advance. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:Ìý

•ÌýIgnite at theÌýRitz-Carlton Dove Mountain:ÌýThe cocktail lounge has an epic patio that looks out onto the Tortolita Mountains. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:Ìý

• Vivace: Sit on a beautiful patio surrounded by a fountain while indulging fine Italian food. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:

• Cielos: Visit Lodge On The Desert's restaurant Cielos for an expansive tiled patio, complete with twinkling string lights. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:

•ÌýThe Coronet:ÌýThe bistro on Cushing Street is located in a historic building with a dreamy Spanish patio.Ìý/ website:ÌýÌý/ address:Ìý

• Maynards: Dine on Maynards' patio, tucked into the historic train depot, for some bites off of a seasonally-inspired menu. (Sister restaurant Cup Cafe also has an expansive patio.) / website: Ìý/ address:

•ÌýWild Garlic Grill: When the California bistro moved to its Foothills location in 2017, it inherited a large patio out back in the stately Plaza Colonial. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:Ìý

• Proof Artisanal Pizza & Pasta: Find pizza and pasta at Proof, which is nestled into the beautiful St. Philip's Plaza. / website: Ìý/ address:

• Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink:ÌýGrab some of Reilly's iconic Brussels sprouts or head out to the beer garden. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:Ìý

• TheÌýMonica: Visit this downtown market and restaurant from the El Charro dynasty. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:Ìý

• Ghini's French Caffe:ÌýEnjoy brunch and lunch on this pet-friendly patio. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:Ìý

• Vero Amore: Get Neapolitan pizza and other Italian favorites at Vero Amore's two locations. / website:ÌýÌý/ address: and

• Flying V Bar & Grill: Dine at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort's eatery, which pays homage to the historic Flying V Ranch. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:

• Contigo Latin Kitchen: Enjoy both desert views and Spanish fusion recipes while dining at Contigo. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:

• The Cork: Fresh with new patio furniture, enjoy happy hour alongside steak and seafood on the patio of The Cork. / website: / address:

Food and drink halls

• The Boxyard:ÌýThe shipping container food hall on Fourth Avenue has a bar and food vendors that serve burgers and bacon-wrapped burritos. / website: / address:

• Mercado San Agustin andÌýMSA Annex:ÌýThe Mercado District complex on the west side has proven to be a popular spot, with several food options including , , , and . / website: / address:ÌýÌý²¹²Ô»åÌý

• American Eat Co.:ÌýThis indoor food hall on the south side has a decent patio area where you can eat your giant Sonoran hot dogs and giant slices of pizza. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:

Server Chloe Tribolet takes orders as the sky darkens over the patio at Saguaro Corners, 3750 S. Old Spanish Trail.

BrewpubsÌý

•ÌýUnion Public House:ÌýThis popular gastropub sprawls out onto the beautiful patio of St. Philip's Plaza. / website: / address:

• Trident Grill: This popular sports bar has several locations across ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, but the best patio is the one at Plaza Palomino, which looks out onto the stately shopping plaza. / website: / address:Ìý

• Postino:ÌýThe Phoenix-based wine bar has a nice wraparound patio set up on the side of its midcentury modern building on Grant. / website: / address:

• Saguaro Corners:ÌýLocated at the base of Saguaro National Park East, this east-side gastropub has fabulous views of the Rincon Mountains and you may even spot roaming animals like javelinas. / website: Ìý/ address:

• Noble Hops:ÌýThis gastropub's location in Oro Valley has a spacious patio with sweeping mountain views of Pusch Ridge in the Santa Catalina Mountains. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:Ìý

Chris Jeffrey wrestles with Mogi in the pet area as the two stop in for a beer and a tennis ball at MotoSonora Brewing Co., 1015 S. Park Ave.

Breweries and craft beer bars

•ÌýMotoSonora Brewing Co.:ÌýThis microbrewery on Park Avenue sports a large outdoor beer garden with tables made from wooden barrels and even a dog park. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:Ìý

•ÌýÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Hop Shop:ÌýThe midtown beer and wine bar has almost 20 brews on tap as well as a leafy beer garden out back with sculptures from the Metal Arts Village. / website: / address:

• Crooked Tooth Brewing Co.:ÌýThis Fourth Avenue-area brewery opened a spacious patio with tables made from Whiskey Del Bac barrels. / website:Ìý / address:Ìý

• Borderlands Brewing Company:ÌýSpotted with palo verde trees, the Toole Avenue brewery has a vibrant front patio surrounded by red brick buildings. / website: Ìý/ address:

• Three Canyon Beer and Wine Garden:ÌýThis east-side pub features a spacious 1½-acre patio, complete with desert landscaping, picnic tables and fire pits. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:

•ÌýBarrio Brewing: Take your pup to the pet-friendly patio at Barrio. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:

•ÌýIron John's Brewing:ÌýThisÌýbrewpub not only serves Iron John's beer, but also select burgers from the now-closed Monkey Burger and pizza.Ìý/ website:ÌýÌý/ address:Ìý

Neighborhood bars

• Mojo Cuban Kitchen and Rum Bar: ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥Ìýfinally has a Cuban restaurant! And there's a patio bar. / website:Ìý / address:

• Owls Club: The downtown watering hole has spread out onto its outdoor patio. / website: / address:

•ÌýÌýSaint Charles Tavern:ÌýThis South ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ bar has a large patio area in the back with long picnic tables and colorful mural art by local artists. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:

•ÌýChe’s Lounge:ÌýThe large patio area in the back is still the place to be! / website:ÌýÌý/ address:

• Mr. Heads:ÌýWith 32 beers on tap and a sizable side patio, this Fourth Avenue bar has been a prime patio spot for ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ans. / website: / address:

•ÌýThe Moonstone:ÌýOn the 14th floor of The Graduate Hotel, you'll find rooftop barÌýThe Moonstone, with sunset views and cocktails. / website:ÌýÌý/ address:


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