Being outdoors in Orlando can be a mess for much of the year, but when nice weather finally arrives an amazing thing happens: being outside feels wonderful again. And like all new love affairs, we just can’t get enough. It’s finally time to drink outside, dine outside, and even dance under the actual stars, for once not soaking completely through our clothing.
Check out every single one of these Orlando-area patio bars and restaurants.
Canvas Restaurant & Market
13615 Sachs Ave., 407-313-7800
Besides the gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows and flashy, yellow lamps that go so well with the brick walls, Canvas overlooks a beautiful lake with a gorgeous patio you’ll want to dine at. This newcomer restaurant is already one of the area’s best restaurants with delectable items like the bourbon-braised short ribs and oak-charred octopus.
Photo via Canvas Restaurant & Market/InstagramMorimoto Asia
1600 Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, 407-939-6686
Morimoto Asia offers quite a bit of stimulation when you’re feeling particularly classy. From the hand-crafted sushi and authentic pan-Asian cuisine to the beautiful indoor seating and outdoor patio, the last thing this restaurant lacks is a wow-factor.
Photo via Orlando WeeklyThe Greek Corner
1600 N Orange Ave., 407-228-0303
If you’ve ever eaten in Greece, you know it’s common to do so outside and The Greek Corner gives you a little slice of that in their gorgeous space. Most seating is outside overlooking Lake Ivanhoe, which is pretty spectacular during sunsets. Try the moussaka, Pastitsio or baklava as the sun sets.
Photo via The Greek Corner/FacebookThe Waterfront
4201 S Orange Ave., 407-866-0468
The Waterfront’s patio is all about classic Florida charm, and the waterfront view can’t be beat.
Photo via The Waterfront/FacebookThe Boathouse
1620 Buena Vista Drive, Lake buena Vista, FL 2830, 407-939-2628
If you are brave enough to face the Disney Springs crowds this summer, this should be one of the restaurants on your list. Dine dockside and watch vintage amphibious cars float on the water.
Photo via The Boathouse/WebsiteYellow Dog Eats
1236 Hempel Ave., Gotha, FL 34786, 407-296-0609
This quaint cafe in Gotha has everything you could want for a fun, casual dining experience. It has the barbeque, the history, and an awesome garden for you to enjoy their food. If you plan adequately, you could even go to one of their music shows hosted in that same garden.
Photo via Yellow Dog Eats/FacebookEden Bar
1300 S Orlando Ave., Maitland FL 32751, 407-629-1088
This outside bar at the Enzian Theater has beautiful scenery, ancient oak trees, a beautiful fountain and most importantly, a killer happy hour.
Photo via Enzian Theater/FacebookWorld of Beer
431 E Central Blvd., 407-270-5541
Obviously, World of Beer traditionally gives you a whole bunch of different choices for beers, but what makes this downtown Orlando location stand out is its patio facing Lake Eola. Grab a plate of chimichurri meatballs, pair it with one of their recommended pale ales, and enjoy the view.
Photo via World of Beer/FacebookShake Shack
119 N Orlando Ave., Winter Park FL 32789, 321-203-5130
Located along Lake Killarney, this is the first of its New York City-based chain to open in Central Florida. Not only can you chow down a burger on their patio on the lake, but you can play ping-pong and relax around their fire pit to mourn all the calories you just inhaled. And their prices aren’t half-bad either, so there’s that too.
Photo via Orlando WeeklyThe Hammered Lamb
1235 North Orange Ave., Orlando, FL 32804, 407-704-3200
The Hammered Lamb is a landmark bar with some solid noshes. There’s an indoor room for stormy nights, but usually, rain or shine, almost everyone sits outside on the long patio. On one side of the patio, railroad tracks rumble as SunRail trains pass by. On the other side, a traffic-obscured view of Lake Ivanhoe and I-4, along with the gorgeous sunsets above. The side walls are painted with giant, colorful murals. Fun fact: The Hammered Lamb’s location was the first home of Ethos Vegan Kitchen, which is now in Winter Park.
Photo via The Hammered Lamb/FacebookEnzo’s on the Lake
1130 South Hwy. 17-92, Longwood | (407) 834-9872
This Orlando staple is just 20 minutes from downtown and offers patio seating with a view of lake. Whether you’re there for some food or just some drinks to enjoy the cool fall weather Enzo’s is a go-to night out prime spot.
Photo via Enzo’s On The Lake/Facebook310 Lakeside
301 E Pine St., 407-373-0310
Located right across the street from Lake Eola, 310 Lakeside offers a high-quality menu with a high-quality view. Sit outside on the terrace and listen to the sounds of downtown Orlando and the Lake Eola fountain. Whether you’re in the mood for munching on some tasty appetizers, biting into a juicy entree, or downing a few selections from the impressive wine list, 310 allows you to kick back in a more sophisticated environment.
Photo via 310 Lakeside/FacebookCapa at Four Seasons Resort Orlando
10100 Dream Tree Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista | (407) 313-7777
This Spanish steakhouse’s location on the 17th floor of the Four Seasons Resort makes it a prime spot for watching the fireworks shows at Epcot and Magic Kingdom. Staff will take you out onto the terrace a few minutes before the shows so you can view them from the best seat in the house. Reservations are required, so make sure you call ahead.
Photo via Capa/FacebookHillstone
215 South Orlando Ave., Winter Park FL 32789, 407-740-4005
This one is along Lake Killarney, but it will make a big dent in your wallet. However, their dock-style patio on the water makes for a great view at sunset. You may even consider splurging for their New York strip steak and Cabernet Sauvignon while you’re at it.
Photo via Hillstone/InstagramPaddlefish
1670 Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, 407-934-2628
Paddlefish is a three-story floating fortress of food permanently moored at Disney Springs. The riverboat features fresh seafood dishes, a rooftop patio deck, and multiple contemporary dining rooms and outdoor spaces. When you’re floating on the Springs, pretty much any seat can be considered the best seat in the house, especially with a lobster on the plate in front of you.
Photo via Paddlefish/FacebookBiCE Ristorante Orlando
5601 Universal Blvd., 407-503-1415
Overlooking the closest replica of Venice’s Riviera that you’ll find in Orlando, this winner of Open Table’s 2015 Diners’ Choice is an Italian-infused dining experience that has an elegant scene you can enjoy during your special dinner. With a wine selection that will only make the view more overwhelming, this ristorante, if chosen, will give you a memorable evening.
Photo via BiCE/FacebookHigh Tide
33 W Church St., 407-649-4270
The rooftop bar at High Tide gives you a bird’s-eye view of the City Beautiful. Check out their website for drink specials, suchy as Friday Happy Hour and Saturday Power Hour.
Photo via Church St. Bars/InstagramEmber
42 W Central Blvd., 407-849-5200
New American food is brought to you with a Mediterranean feel at a restaurant with a really cool patio. Sit outside and enjoy the breeze.
Photo via Ember/FacebookColibri Mexican Cuisine
4963 New Broad St., 407-629-6601
Another Tex-Mex restaurant with a view, Colibri Mexican Cuisine’s outdoor patio overlooks Lake Baldwin. Not only is the food great, but Colibri also has a full bar with specialty margaritas and all kinds of tequila to make sure you really enjoy the view.
Photo via Colibri Mexican Cuisine/WebsiteEleven at Reunion Grande Resort
7593 Gathering Drive, Kissimmee | 407-396-5397
Come dusk the sliding glass wall opens to reveal an elegant space where some of Central Florida’s best steaks are served. Whatever you order for your main, don’t miss the roasted garlic app that spreads like buttah over toasted baguette, Cambozola cheese and confit cherry tomatoes. Views of the Magic Kingdom and Epcot fireworks are on deck post-dessert.
Photo via Orlando WeeklyThe Patio
14A W Washington St., 407-354-1577
Boasting a “Freaky Tiki Bar,” The Patio is your place if relaxing is grabbing a drink in an outdoor nightclub downtown. With open air space and twinkling lights, it’s always a fun time. The Patio is also connected to other bars, such as Aero, if you’re in the mood for dancing.
Photo via The Patio/FacebookGrills Seafood Deck and Tiki Bar
4301 N Orange Blossom Trail, 407-291-8881
Choosing to eat outside Grills Seafood Deck and Tiki Bar provides you with a beautiful view of Lake Fairview. They, of course, pride themselves on their fresh seafood, so that seems like a win-win situation.
Photo via Grills Seafood Deck and Tiki BarHanson’s Shoe Repair
27 E Pine Street | (407) 476-9446
Don’t let the shoe repair name fool you – this is a classic bar in downtown serving yummy cocktails and a good time. If you didn’t know already, this place is a speakeasy so you’ll only be allowed in with a secret password but once you’re in enjoy the relaxing patio tucked away out back.
Photo via Hanson’s Shoe Repair/FacebookKabooki Sushi Sand Lake
407-776-2001, 7705 Turkey Lake Road
Bringing a modern twist on sushi dining, Kabooki Sushi invites you to taste a variety of Asian-fusion dishes that are sure to leave your mouth watering wanting more. Credit: Kabooki Sushi/FacebookLuke’s Kitchen
407-674-2400, 640 S Orlando Ave, Maitland
Describing themselves as an “everyday neighborhood restaurant”, Luke’s Kitchen is sure to deliver fresh goodness in every bite. Luke’s focuses on community-inspired, in-house dishes that puts their own fun spin on traditional American cuisine – plus an extensive list of craft beer and wine to pair with your meal. Credit: Luke's Kitchen/FacebookThe Porch
407-571-9101, 643 N Orange Ave, Winter Park
”Eat, Drink, and Stay awhile!” This popular sports bar earns points for creativity with its location, residing inside a converted garage. Frequently entertaining locals with trivia nights, special viewings of sports games and more, this is absolutely a place you’ll want to check out on your next trip over to Winter Park. Credit: The Porch/Facebook