20 Of The Best Places To Eat And Drink Outdoors In The Louisville Area Right Now

8UP Elevated Drinkery & Kitchen

350 W Chestnut Street
You don’t eat at the rooftop restaurant 8UP because you want a casual last-minute hang with friends; you go to 8UP when you’re trying to impress somebody — a client, a boss, a date, a soon-to-be fiancé. The restaurant is somewhat of a splurge, but you don’t have to be a Barnstable Brown guest to afford 8UP’s skyline views.
That said, it’s not uncommon for people to head up to the rooftop just to take selfies, and 8UP does host the occasional silent disco. But what the restaurant is arguably most famous for is, of course, its transparent and themed winter-season “igLOUs” — and reservations can go quickly. They, too, are a splurge, but split the cost with a bunch of friends to share a unique “indoor outdoor dining” experience. —Carolyn Brown

ShopBar

950 Barret Ave.
I have to say it, ShopBar is what patio dreams are made of. Located in the Original Highlands neighborhood, ShopBar has many patio seating options of different sizes so you can enjoy your time whether you’re with one friend or five. To accommodate changing seasons, they have fans and umbrellas in the summer and heaters in the winter, as well as an actual fireplace. Being able to visit most of the year makes it even more dreamy to me. Once you get settled in with a drink (specifically, a Stop Collaborate & Lemonade, if you ask me) you’ll find they have daily food truck offerings that rotate consistently. I’ve honestly found some new food truck favorites this way. So why is it called ShopBar? There is a boutique shop next to the bar offering local, handmade, and vintage items for sale. This is not one you want to pass up. —Leah-Jane Schultz

Nouvelle Bar & Bottle

214 S. Clay Street, Suite B
Tucked away in NuLu is one of the worst kept secret patios in Louisville, belonging to Nouvelle Bar & Bottle. Nouvelle allows you to sip wine while there or purchase a bottle to take home. Their staff is excellent in helping you choose what you want, and expanding your wine palate. They even have a cocktail menu with one of my favorites, an espresso martini. When you arrive, be sure to take a seat on their incredible back patio, including beautiful trees and string lights throughout. The view of this patio after dark, honestly, makes you feel like you’re in Europe. Deciding what wine you want to drink is one thing. You may not always order the same way, but you absolutely can’t go to Nouvelle without ordering one of their cheese and/or charcuterie plates. This is a spot that should be at the top of your list. —Leah-Jane Schultz

Sen?ora Arepa

721 E Market St.
I feel like I use the world magical pretty often, but it’s a feeling I seek often, and when I first walked onto the patio at Señora Arepa in NuLu, I felt like I had entered a tropical paradise. It is simply gorgeous and definitely a place built not only for enjoyment but with selfies for the “Gram” in mind. There are walls covered in leaves with neon signage and other Instagram-ready photo corners. It’s easy to toss a few tropical plants and some colors on a patio for a tropical feel, but it isn’t easy to create the truly beautiful experience that comes from dining under the fans, the misters and the density of foliage that Señora Arepa has created. Furthermore the food… the food… the food. Venezuelan arepas, empanadas, pepitos, cocktails, juices and more make this place perfect for lunch or dinner. You will certainly not leave hungry. —Erica Rucker

Common Haus Hall

134 Spring St., Jeffersonville, Indiana
There’s nothing like a summertime bike ride with a friend. One of my favorite casual routes — what qualifies as casual may vary — is riding from Bowman Field to the Falls of the Ohio. But what plagued the ride for the longest time was a great stop for lunch. Eating indoors can make you feel a little self-conscious after the trek, so a place with a patio, something light on the stomach, and maybe a beer (don’t tell mom) would’ve made for a perfect afternoon. With a triple-decker patio, a snacks and shareables menu that doesn’t miss, a phenomenal beer list, and the masterful brand of hospitality from the folks that gave us Pints&Union, it’s as if Common Haus answered the call. I’ve been texting friends to plan a few opportunities to say thank you. The elevated decks also serve as a premium vantage point for people watching if you’re the type that’d rather camp out for a while and enjoy more of the beer menu. —Jon Larmee

Chik’n & Mi

1765 Mellwood Ave.
Back when this place was the L & N Wine Bar, the outdoor patio was little more than a smoking section. The building has passed through several hands since. Now that the resident eatery is the popular Chik’n & Mi, this patio has evolved into a lovely setting befitting the building’s original status as a 19th century farmhouse. A nicely manicured hedge and a picket-style white fence surround a tree-shaded dining space that winds around the corner of the restaurant building. Pair this pretty scene with Chik’n & Mi’s Laotian spiced fried chicken and Asian-accented comfort food, and you’ve got a splendid destination for dinner in the open air. —Robin Garr

Frankfort Avenue Beer Depot

3204 Frankfort Ave.
Beer. Barbecue. Putt-putt. You can’t ask for much more on a hot, sunny day than what the Frankfort Avenue Beer Depot (or FABD, to those in the know) offers up. The barbecue can be a little hit or miss if you’re a smoked meat snob like me. But the sides are mouth-watering and the beer is cheap and the vibes are good. The small mini-golf course tucked behind the building is a little rutted, but it’s free to play and the deterioration of the course really separates the amateurs from the true champions. If you’ve ever driven the length of Frankfort Avenue with your windows down you probably already know where it is; The wafting smells from the street-side smokers out front are so good they’re distracting. And if somehow you haven’t noticed it before, the casual BBQ joint is right on the Louisville/St. Matthews border, just a little ways down past the Crescent Hill Reservoir. Summer is obviously the idyllic time to enjoy FABD’s patio, but a fire pit out front means cooler evenings in the spring and fall can be in play as well. —Josh Wood

Guaca Mole Modern Mexican

900 E Market St.
It’s not often that one eats dinner underneath a bright orange mural of Frida Kahlo, but that’s what this eminently Instagrammable NuLu restaurant is all about: memorable visuals. Of course, that extends to the food, too; pardon the cliche, but the restaurant itself is a feast for the eyes. Derby Festival poster artist Kacy Jackson brought the mural to life, and now Frida gazes out into the distance above the popular small rooftop patio. The space comes with egg chairs, couches, misting sprays, a tiled bar, string lights, hanging planters and brightly-colored furniture. In other words: even on a hot night, it’s one of the coolest places in the city. —Carolyn Brown

TEN20 Craft Brewery

1020 E Washington St.
Compared to other cities in the region, Louisville has some pretty dense, connected neighborhoods without a whole lot of dead space. That makes it tough in the heart of some areas in the urban core to have a building with an expansive, isolated feel, but TEN20 — located a block away from Main Street in Butchertown — feels like it’s on its own little island. The front patio has long, beer hall-style wooden tables and a few smaller ones, with some places meant to catch some sun, and others for the shade. The upstairs deck is still under construction, but it will add sweeping views to an already really relaxing and vibrant outdoor space. —Scott Recker

South Seas

1301 Story Ave.
Located just a few blocks from Lynn Family Stadium, South Seas is a new addition to Butchertown. Open for brunch and dinner, their unique tiki-inspired vibe shows up everywhere from the menu to the decor. The menu is seriously stacked, too. We’re talking Mai-Tais, tropical fruit pancakes, Hawaiian tortas and more. As soon as you walk in the door, you’ll feel like you’re in a tropical paradise. The best part? Outdoor seating. They have an incredible deck and a turf seating area filled with plants and bright umbrellas to add to that tropical feel. They even have a walk-up window you can order from on their patio. Next time you’re headed to a local soccer game or just want to feel like you’re on vacation, be sure to take the time to have a drink and some tacos in paradise. —Leah-Jane Schultz

V-Grits and Chimera Brewing

1025 Barret Ave.
V-Grits and its partner microbrewery, Chimera Brewing, draw a loyal crowd with Chef Kristina J. Addington’s exceptional all-vegan cuisine and vegan craft beers to go along. Addington’s skill at crafting tasty meat-like dishes from vegetable matter has gained V-Grits fans even among obligate carnivores, who eagerly consume vegan dishes when they’re as good as this. The restaurant building started life and served many years as a dry cleaner before an Iranian restaurant moved in years ago. The Monkey Wrench took over later and earned a loyal core audience before it closed, giving way to V-Grits in 2018. Monkey Wrench’s management had the brilliant idea of converting the building’s flat roof into a large outdoor-dining venue, and it proved hugely popular. Knowing when they had a good thing, V-Grits kept the inherited space and tuned it up even more. “It’s beautiful up there,” Addington said in a Facebook Messenger conversation. When the current spectacular heat waves cool a bit, V-Grits plans to host live-music concerts in the open space. What’s more, V-Grits also offers a group of outdoor tables out front of the building for the benefit of those who can’t or prefer not to climb the flight of stairs to the rooftop space. —Robin Garr

NuLu Marketplace

823 E. Market St.
NuLu Marketplace, located in the 800 block of E. Main and E. Market Street, is basically a hub of great businesses. Opening with just a few businesses in early 2021, they have since become a local hotspot. They have one of the best outdoor seating areas in the city. Their huge patio courtyard allows you to shop around, eat and have drinks, all in a central location. The places you can enjoy in the Marketplace include West Sixth Brewing, The Craftery, Gertie’s Whiskey Bar and Sports Bar, The Local Seltzery, Emmy Squared Pizza, Clayton & Crume and more. What I like to do is go with a group of friends, grab the food and drinks we want, and meet back at a table to enjoy the day in their incredible courtyard. Even better, the courtyard is dog-friendly! —Leah-Jane Schultz

Brasserie Provence

150 N Hurstbourne Pkwy
The Forum shopping center — which Provence anchors on one end — is probably the least expected setting on this list. Its view of Shelbyville Road wouldn’t win any photo competitions, but the owners have made do with what they’re given to brilliant effect. The building’s overhang provides shade for most of the patio’s dozen tables. Sitting there, in the shade, diners are treated to the spoils of the summer breeze and the aroma of herbs in the planters. I’m not sure if the garden on its own is enough to warrant a wine pairing, but staff always has a suggestion to go with the meal. And, as it turns out, Provence’s seasonal menu just got a refresh. One of Chef Gosden’s new offerings, shrimp kebabs served with couscous and saffron aioli, was recommended with a rosé. Once your entrees arrive, it’s clear how integral the patio setting can be to the menu, and how it elevates a fine dining meal to what it is supposed to be: a complete experience. —Jon Larmee

River House Restaurant and Raw Bar

3015 River Road
Pricey? Yes. But the views over the Ohio River are unparalleled and the seafood is as good as it gets in landlocked Louisville. Reservations are encouraged to help you get a seat outside, but River House warns that even with a reservation they cannot guarantee outside seating. If you show up without a reservation, you can sit at one of the outside bars if there’s space available or, alternatively, grab a drink and head down to the Adirondack chairs on the lawn overlooking the river while you wait for something to open up. I usually forget about the menu and just order a few East Coast oysters and pick a daily special that sounds good. Sitting at the zenith of fancy date nights and rich people eating, the people watching can be fantastic and you never know who you’re going to see there. (One time I was there, Attorney General Daniel Cameron was eating at the table behind me.) —Josh Wood

Porcini

2730 Frankfort Ave.
I’ve been following Porcini almost since the beginning: On a trip back home from my time away in New York City during the early 1990s, I stopped in to review this hot new spot for a New York Times travel piece about Louisville at Derby time. I liked it then, and its Italian style didn’t seem provincial, even to a newly minted New Yorker. When we returned to Louisville a few years later, we bought a house in Crescent Hill only a few blocks away, so I’ve been able to keep up with Porcini as it became a landmark on the emerging Frankfort Avenue restaurant row. As the original restaurant expanded into a smaller adjacent building, it took advantage of open space just to its east as a larger outdoor dining area than its original table or two out front. Over time, that space has developed into something much more stylish and comfortable: A wall-size mural of the Tuscan countryside highlights the space. A permanent roof overhead offers protection from the rain. Wall panels can move into place during wintry weather, and ceiling fans and infrared heaters also extend the season. In the best of weather, though, the patio remains open for the enjoyment of breezes and the busy scene on the avenue. And, of course, Chef John Plymale’s excellent Italian fare. —Robin Garr

Garage Bar

700 E Market St.
The iconic Louisville bar used to be an auto service garage, and it has kept its history as a theme, with the shells of muscle cars out front, while the building still looks like it still might be a place to pull in for an oil change. But, on a sunny day, it’s one of the best spots in town to grab a beer and a pizza, with plenty of space and various types of seating. And, after you’re replenished, there’s an outdoor ping-pong table, so you can work up another appetite to go back inside and order some more of that addicting wood-fired pizza. —Scott Recker

Club K9 Dog Bar

9316 Taylorsville Road
The first time I went to K9 on a scouting trip, I stood shyly by the bar. “Am I allowed in without a dog?” I asked, “I’m okay paying the cover charge.” (Single day memberships are $10.) It’s okay, she told me, humans get free entry. I asked the bartender how often people come by without dogs. All the time, she reassures me, and they always feel out of place. She compares off-leash humans to single people at the playground. Luckily, patrons don’t stare suspiciously there. They’re just happy to see someone else ready to throw a ball. A few mounted TVs, trivia nights and visiting food trucks; K9 isn’t much different from the average bar. It’s a casual spot without the worry of a bad cover band showing up. A slow-paced stay over where you don’t have to encounter as many bad sports opinions. And where else can you meet a Doberman with a fading pedicure? —Jon Larmee

Seviche

1538 Bardstown Road
The patio at Seviche holds a special place in my heart. Once upon a time, it was the site of one of the most lovely conversations I’ve ever had with a friend where we finally began to see in each other the metamorphoses we were both experiencing. It allowed us to become great cheerleaders in each other’s lives. The patio is on busy Bardstown Road, but at night under the light of flickering candles, it’s magical, romantic and the perfect place for the unexpected to happen. It helps that the food is special and the chef genuinely cares about what he’s preparing. The Seviche patio makes a great date night or gathering spot with close friends. It’s close enough to stroll to some local bars and offers an intimate oasis in the midst of the often chaotic Highlands nightlife. —Erica Rucker

The Irish Rover

2319 Frankfort Ave.
Another well-established Frankfort Avenue spot that I’ve enjoyed almost since it opened, the Irish Rover came to town in 1993, just a few months before I returned from New York. A local friend told me that my re-entry might be eased by the news that this signaled a growing restaurant row right in the neighborhood, and she was right! The lovely building, the genuine Irish food, the dark, friendly bar and the pub scene reminded me very much of the Emerald Isle. And that was before you could dine on the patio out front of the building during good weather. The historic two-story red-brick building and its adjacent parking lot sit well above Frankfort Avenue, allowing a good view of the busy street scene as you enjoy summer breezes along with your pint of Guinness and scotch egg or fish and chips. Full-service dining is available on the front patio, and there’s also a quick-service beer garden under a tent at the rear of the lot. Diners may choose to sit down at a table out front for a meal, or walk up to the bar and grab a table in the beer garden to enjoy a drink or wait for a carryout order. Irish hospitality is the name of the game here, and that has made the Rover a favorite local destination. —Robin Garr