You haven’t fully experienced Austin unless you have settled into a primo patio location to enjoy excellent food, colds drinks and indulged in a bit of people watching. Being a patio lizard is our official Austin past time and it’s best enjoyed before the summer heat turns the city’s temperature up to a very uncomfortable Hades broil.

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With the perfect lazy patio season upon us; here is our selection of the perfect patios waiting to welcome you, and in most cases, your kids and dogs, too!

Mozart’s Patio

You can’t go wrong with Mozart’s Coffee Roasters on Lake Austin. Enjoy a vast array of artisan baked treats, quiches and sandwiches (my favorite is the Elgin Sausage Dog) along with a large selection of on-premise roasted coffee. The food and coffee alone are worth a visit, but their multi- level patio nestled in large trees and overlooking Lake Austin is worth an extended day. There is ample outdoor and indoor seating to enjoy alone or with your family and dog. Parking is best in the lot just across the street and the Wi-Fi is free. Facebook.com/MozartsCoffeeRoasters

Ranch 616 Patio

If cool, kitschy Tex-Mex is your style, then look no further than Ranch 616. Located on Nueces in downtown Austin; this patio offers skyline views, retro neons, fire pits and extraordinary service. The crowd is eclectic with business, pleasure, adults and college kids all enjoying the authentic Austin vibe. The robust menu is truly diverse and has something for everyone: steak, seafood and creative Tex-Mex offerings. The extensive bar menu will not disappoint! If you don’t know what to par with dinner; just ask their staff as they are very knowledgeable. Parking is on the street or in the condo building behind the restaurant. Best to make a reservation! Facebook.com/Ranch616

Treaty Oaks Distillery

Enjoy a nice Sunday drive to Dripping Springs and spend a day, yes, a whole day, at Treaty Oaks Distillery. Anchored on a twenty-seven-acre ranch in the Hill Country; you will enjoy picnic tables under giant oak trees, a covered pavilion, playscapes for the kids, ample room for your dog to run around and lots of twinkling lights. Food is Texas BBQ and it is amazing. Get there early on Sundays to have the best brisket sandwich you will ever taste. Indulge in the pork nachos, Mexican street corn or Amy’s Ice Cream. They create grain to glass whiskeys using local ingredients and offer many other adult libations to include craft beers, artisan gins, mixed drinks and Texas wine. They offer a huge gravel parking lot under the trees, so your car stays cool. Facebook.com/TreatyOak

Cherrywood Coffeehouse

If you love a great neighborhood hangout with music, food and drinks for you and your dog; make your way to Cherrywood Coffee House on 38th ½ Street. Enjoy a huge patio, Austin atmosphere and some of the best burgers you will ever eat. Sunday brunch is a must with an offering of tacos, migas and the most perfect French Toast. The coffee is rich and there are 24 beers on tap. Lot parking is ample. Facebook.com/cherrywoodcoffeehouse

Perla’s Patio

This patio is hands down the best brunch patio in Austin. Perla’s is located on South Congress Avenue and offers an Instagram worthy oak-shaded patio situated perfectly for people watching. Their menu changes often and offers simple, clean plating of seasonal seafood offerings that are flown in daily from both coasts. Their lobster roll, brioche French toast and oyster bar paired with coastal cocktails and a playful wines list are what brunch dreams are made of. Street parking and a reservation is strongly suggested. Facebook.com/Perlassouthcongress

Moontower Saloon

This way south awesome 11-acre patio is set amongst giant spreading oaks. Fun to be had is extensive! Bring your friends or your family and dogs to enjoy sand volleyball courts, fire pits, live music and food trucks. The multiple bars are well stocked, and the events are eclectic and inclusive. Lot parking is provided but you might consider an Uber as it fills quickly. Facebook.com/Moontower-Saloon

Steiner Ranch Steakhouse

The views from three upscale outdoor patios overlooking Lake Travis and the surrounding hills are nothing less than breath taking. They offer perfectly cooked hand cut premium steaks and many seafood choices. If sipping outstanding wine while appreciated amazing vistas is your speed, then Steiner Ranch Steakhouse is your new best friend. Reservation recommended and lot parking is available. Facebook.com/steinersteaks

Contigo Patio

Offering a rustic beer garden vibe with an approachable farm-to-table menu including bar food charcuterie eats; Contigo is an all-weather happening patio. Dine open air under pretty lights and umbrellas or on the indoor patio with roll up doors. This is a true communal place to relax, enjoy great food and company; including your dog. Reservation recommended and parking is available. Facebook.com/contigoaustin/

Olive & June

With a two-hundred-year-old oak tree as the center piece, the multi-level patio at Olive & June is the perfect backdrop for cocktails and light fare or indulging in the best of Southern Italian handmade pasta dishes. A perfectly curated Italian wine selection awaits you along with friendly and formal service. Reservations recommended. Street and valet parking. Facebook.com/pg/oliveandjuneatx

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