We have chosen 20 of Dallas' finest patios, even though there are so many more worthy of mention. This is a mix of new and old, and if you can't find one of your favorites, check out our rooftop dining list before you throw hands.
Dot's Hop House & Cocktail Courtyard
2645 Commerce St. This 10,000-square-foot, pooch-friendly place is one of the premier spots in Deep Ellum to enjoy a well-crafted cocktail or a cold brew from the 99-tap beer menu. The owners of Dot's Hop House rescued the grill from the old Club Schmitz near Love Field after it closed in 2014, giving the burgers extra grit and character. Get a side of duck-fat cheese fries to go with that burger. Service is consistently on point and the music (which is a mesh of genres, but generally crowd-pleasing) is loud enough to hear, but not loud enough to drown out the riveting conversation from your tablemates — the Goldilocks belt of noise. They host trivia on Mondays, which is nice because Mondays can be so lame. Smoky Rose
8602 Garland RoadSmoky Rose has a lot of things going for it, including its Tex-Que-inspired menu (think brisket queso) and its huge courtyard patio that's always a good time. But the main thing is that you can spend less than $25 for a couple of drinks and appetizers during happy hour (Monday – Friday, 3–6 p.m.). We love that. Draft beers, house wines and favorite cocktails are just $6, as are nachos, brisket queso, wings and sliders. It's just across the road from the Dallas Arboretum and there's valet parking (tips only) and live music on occasion. It's best to snag a reservation.Desert Racer
1520 Greenville Ave.Ever have the urge to peel out on your dirt bike and hit the desert dunes? Neither have we. But you can get an idea of what that might be like at Desert Racer. It's not a restaurant as much of a theme, like your quirky uncle's place. The huge walled-in courtyard has a retro camping days vibe with some lounge-like seating. Happy hour offers $5 drinks and bites, and the cheeseburger is excellent, as is anything with the smoked chicken (like tacos, flautas or nachos). There are TVs all around and some games to play, including foosball, with signs for parents to mind their children. Appreciate that. Truck Yard
5624 Sears St.After a $2 million nip and tuck job earlier this year, the Truck Yard is better than ever: additional weather-friendly patio space, fire pits and new bathrooms. Here you can enjoy a beer from Second Rodeo Brewing, whose brew boss, Dennis Wehrmann, comes from a long line of German brewers. The menu keeps things simple with hot dogs and cheesesteaks (some of the best, mind you) and nachos. There are also some food trucks on site. One thing about this spot: no TVs. Here they prefer you interact with humans. Tequila Social
3100 McKinnon St.The Katy Trail has a new boozy tenant. Tequila Social is in the McKinnon Building in the Harwood District; park in the garage and look for signs to the restaurant. The indoor dining room has a full bar, and beyond that is a 10,000-square-foot, West Texas-inspired patio with seating for 200 people and plenty of misters and fans to keep things cool in the warmer months (and surely heaters for the winter). Check out happy hour (as we did, recently), Monday through Friday, 3–6 p.m. Escondido TexMex Patio
5950 Royal LanePatio is part of the name here so they're really leaning into it. Here you can get large plates of gratifying Tex-Mex and strong drinks, all propped up with the signature spot-on service that all of owner John Alexis' restaurants offer. Escondido has two patio spaces; the one with bar seating is the real sweet spot. Get a frozen mango margarita and let the day drift by. They take reservations (you can specify the patio) but also leave tables for walk-ins.Ozona Grill & Bar
4615 Greenville Ave.
Ozona's massive patios are a quintessential Dallas scene. From fans and misters to fireplaces, every season is covered. On the weekends, the bloody mary bar is lush with options. The burgers are great, and don't miss the house-made onion rings. They recently added a massive new 14-foot LED screen outdoors that we think you might be able to see from an airplane. Happy hour runs Sunday (not a typo) through Friday, 4–7 p.m.