With spring temperatures finally arriving in our area, I am so excited to finally get to partake in one of my favorite activities….patio dining! Luckily, Fort Worth has so many great patio options, and all with yummy food and fun atmospheres. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite, both kid-friendly and perfect for date nights, options to share with you.

Kid-Friendly Patios

Hg Sply

Everytime I eat at HG Sply, it makes me feel healthy. Maybe because the dishes are Paleo-inspired. Maybe because I feel like I HAVE to get cauli rice instead of the real thing, or because they give my kids carrot sticks and apples. Whatever it is, I don’t care, because it’s delicious. My kids love it too. The patio right on the river is super cool for them. Also, they love the burgers there so anytime my kids will clear their plates at a restaurant, I call that a win.

What I order –The Stack bowl with grilled shrimp

Joe T’s

I don’t think I’m going to get any arguments here. Joe T’s has the best, and probably most well-known patio in Fort Worth. Its big and there’s a lot of activity, so you don’t feel like a bad parent if your kids are being loud.

What I order – a Joe Ts nacho and beef fajitas, and a frozen margarita

Press Café

Lots of seating options, check. Covered options to keep you out of the sun, check. And the biggest draw for my family – space for the kids to run around outside, check. Press Cafe is a staple in our outdoor dining rotation.

What I order – Trailhead chicken salad and fun fact, my pregnancy craving was the crabcake salad and I ordered it to-go once a week

Doc B’s

We are big fans of the Clearfork area. It is in a central area and there are lots of options. One of our favorites is Doc B’s, and we love their outdoor patio space. We love to people watch and my kids, once again, love the burger.

What I order – guac with sweet potato chips and the Knife And Fork Cobb

Zoli’s

If you haven’t tried out Zoli’s yet, you’re missing out. They don’t have the biggest patio in town, but it is covered and looks right out to an enclosed play space for the kids. Its a great place to go with friends because the adults can enjoy some time at the table together while the kids play – all within reach.

What I order – the Honey Bastard pizza and, if I’m in the mood for something other than pizza, the Roasted Corn Carbonara is delicious!

Central Market

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen me and my daughter grabbing lunch on Central Market together on Fridays when she’s out of school. We love Central Market because there are so many different options to just grab and go and the patio is huge. There is covered areas and open areas and a playground for the kids!

What I order – gumbo or the make your own sandwich bar

Date Night Patios

Gemelle

Gemelle is Tim Love’s take on Italian food, and if you haven’t been there yet, you’re missing out! Located in the old Froggie’s bar, there is a ton of outdoor space in a really cool atmosphere. Perfect for a lunch date or evening out.

What I order – 18 month prosciutto and burrata and Fettucini with Crispy Chicken Alfredo, with an Aperol Spritz, of course!

Reata

If you’ve been following the Sundance Square drama, you may have heard the news that Reata is moving locations in 2024. So make a plan to get there before their lease runs out! The patio at Reata is one of those classic Fort Worth places that everyone knows about. People often rent out the patio for events and I’ve even heard of several people getting engaged up there! Don’t miss this one!

What I order – stacked chicken enchiladas for lunch and Grilled Mahi Mahi topped with Lobster Florentine for dinner

Tinie’s

I don’t know what took us so long to check this place out, but we love Tinie’s! The rooftop is perfect for date night in the trendy Near Southside area. And don’t worry, if you can’t get a rooftop table, the inside is charming and cozy. Tip – if you can get the bartender as your server, take advantage! He is SUPER knowledgable about Mexican tequilas and mezcales, and he has great menu recommendations too.

What I order – Steak and shrimp tacos with a Tres Amigos

Nonna Tata

In the beloved Magnolia area, there is Nonna Tata. A Fort Worth staple, known for its tiny interior, line to get in, and cash only policy. If you don’t want to stuff yourself inside, take advantage of the patio where you can people watch on Magnolia. Nonna Tata has some of the best Italian food in Fort Worth, so definitely add this patio to your list!

What I order – Tagliata al Tartufo or Gamberi

Branch & Bird

Full disclosure – we have NOT been to Branch & Bird yet but it is on our list! With a patio on the Sky Lobby Level of Frost Tower, the views are sure to be killer. Have you been yet? Tell me in the comments what you order!

There are so many great outdoor dining options in Fort Worth, and these are some of our favorites. Did I miss one of your favorites? Drop it below so we can all check them out!