Central Florida is no stranger to the world of scenic outdoor seating, but you still may be missing some killer spots that are lesser-known or a little less expected. Here are 19 secret patios at Orlando bars and restaurants that you need to put on your radar as cooler weather approaches.
Some may be off the beaten path, some are extra outdoor seating only regulars know about, some might not be the first thing you think when you hear “patio seating” at all. But all these stops have some great outdoor (and some waterside!) options where Orlandoans can chill out.
Grape and the Grain
1110 Virginia Drive, Orlando
Grape and the Grain is a quaint neighborhood wine bar that also offers frequent live music and some killer high-rise views. Credit: Photo via Grape and the Grain/FacebookImperial Wine and Beer Garden
1800 N. Orange Ave., Orlando
This unlikely drinking spot is tucked away in the back of Washburn Imports, a high-end furniture store in Ivanhoe Village. When you step inside the homey living room-esque bar area, you may be hesitant to sit on (or even touch, for that matter) the exquisitely crafted furnishings. We suggest grabbing a drink from the moderate list of boutique wines and heading to the comfortably squished outdoor beer garden embellished with natural cedar loveseats and soft, twinkly lighting. Credit: Photo via Imperial Wine and Beer Garden/FacebookHanson’s Shoe Repair
27 E. Pine St., Orlando
Don’t let the “shoe repair” name fool you — this is a classic bar in downtown Orlando serving tasty cocktails and a good time. And if you didn’t know already, this place is a speakeasy so you’ll only be allowed in with a secret password. Call 407-476-9446 on the day of your visit to get it (shhh). Credit: Photo via Hanson’s Shoe Repair/FacebookRocco’s Italian Grille
400 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park
At Rocco’s Italian Grille, you can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine on an outdoor patio reminiscent of an Italian villa. Enjoy your meal under strings of twinkling lights as you sit sipping champagne to the sounds of a courtyard fountain. It might just be the perfect spot for an intimate first date or a quiet night out with friends. Credit: Photo via Rocco's Italian Grille/FacebookHamilton’s Kitchen – Alfond Inn
300 E. New England Ave., Winter Park
Hamilton’s Kitchen at the Alfond Inn is one of the pricier patios to chill at but if you’re up for it, it’s worth the cash. Enjoy drinks and snacks in the courtyard, or go for breakfast, lunch or dinner (along with brunch on the weekends) — plenty of opportunities to enjoy their Southern-style cooking al fresco. Credit: Photo via Alfond/FacebookPropagate Social House
40 E. Fifth St., Apopka
Propagate is a local spot in downtown Apopka offering coffee, wine, breakfast, brunch or lunch. Check out their grab & go bottle shop for craft beers and canned cocktails before you sit back and take in the homey backyard patio perfect for summer nights. Credit: Photo via Propagate Social House/FacebookLil Indie’s
1036 N. Mills Ave., Orlando
You never really know what you’ll get here: going out for drinks with friends is always a new experience depending on whether this bar has a live show playing that night. Sit at a booth with friends, although sometimes you’ll have to scream over the music, or stand and mingle. The outside patio area is always nice for a breather where you can relax under the twinkling lights in an intimate (this is a code word for small) space that may just push you to make some new friends. Credit: Photo via Lil Indies/FacebookYellow Dog Eats
1236 Hempel Ave., Gotha
This quaint cafe in Gotha has everything you could want for a fun, casual dining experience: the barbecue, the history and an awesome garden to enjoy their food in. Check out Yellow Dog’s live music schedule to catch a show in that very same garden. Credit:Photo via Yellow Dog Eats/YelpGnarly Barley
7431 S. Orange Ave., Orlando
Nosh on a hangover-preventer, like the Johnny Mac’n Cheese sandwich, while you down a craft brew on Gnarly Barley’s patio. Credit: Photo via Gnarley Barley/FacebookEast End Market
3201 Corrine Drive, Orlando
The Central Florida food hub and neighborhood market is jam-packed with food ranging from savory meats to powerhouse smoothies and cold-brew Lineage coffee. The patio outside is perfect to enjoy meals, brews and more. And if you take a special liking to any of the foliage around you, you can probably take it home! Plants are for sale from Porch Therapy inside. Credit: Photo via East End Market/FacebookHillstone
215 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park
You can access Hillstone’s glorious lakeside patio by car, boat or seaplane. Choose from a lunch, dinner or wine menu, and bask in the beautiful view of Lake Killarney with friends and strangers. Credit: Photo via Hillstone/FacebookThe Greek Corner
1600 N. Orange Ave., Orlando
Most of the Greek Corner’s seating is outside overlooking Lake Ivanhoe, offering some spectacular and picturesque sunset views. Try their authentic Greek classics like the moussaka, pastitsio or baklava as the sun sets down. Credit:Photo via The Greek Corner/YelpEmber
42 W. Central Blvd., Orlando
Grab a drink on Ember’s picturesque Mediterranean piazza-themed patio. The 7,600-square-foot outdoor terrace hosts sofas and a beautiful bar. Credit: Photo via Ember/websitePat O’Brien’s
6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando
Located in Universal’s CityWalk, this bar is a replica of the one in New Orleans. There’s all the Cajun food your soul could take, and a flaming fountain out by the patio area perfect for a relaxing evening after a day in the theme parks. Credit: Photo via Pat O’Brien’s/FacebookShake Shack
119 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park
Shake Shack might not be your first thought when it comes to patio dining on the water. But this location, right on the edge of Lake Killarney, is a prime spot to down a burger and pretend you’re on a lakeside vacation. FWIW, this is also the very first outpost of the New York City-based chain to open in Central Florida. And the prices aren’t half-bad, either. Credit: Photo via Shake Shack Winter Park/YelpCanvas Restaurant and Market
13615 Sachs Ave., Orlando
Besides the gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows, the flashy yellow lamps and the brick walls, Canvas restaurant overlooks a beautiful lake with a gorgeous patio. We suggest you try the oak-charred octopus, to really drive home that on-the-water feel. Credit: Photo via Canvas Restaurant and Market/FacebookArmando’s
463 W. New England Ave., Winter Park
Armando’s gives you the opportunity to eat some Neapolitan pizza out on their patio, right in Hannibal Square. You get the views and the food without having to fly all the way to Italy. Credit: Photo via Armando's/YelpTeak Neighborhood Bar & Grill
6400 Time Square Ave., Orlando
Teak Neighborhood Bar & Grill is largely known for its burgers and large selection of beer, with 41 drafts and 51 bottles to choose from. A little less known, though, is that it also happens to have one of the best patios in Orlando. So pull up a chair and order one of your favorite brews from the outdoor bar while you enjoy a football game available on any of the numerous TVs. Credit:Photo via Teak Neighborhood Grill/Yelp903 Mills Market
903 S. Mills Ave., Orlando
903 Mills Market is the quintessential neighborhood gathering place with a relaxing patio. What began as a convenient market has evolved into the very heart of this charming downtown neighborhood — a place to sit on the patio and sip beer or wine with friends and neighbors. Credit: Photo via 903 Mills Market/Google Maps