Stay Warm This Winter at These Heated Outdoor Patios
Local restaurants promise to keep you cozy outside all winter long thanks to new “hot” additions.
by Michelle Boudin Nov 16, 2020
Charlotte restaurants and bars spent the fall buying up heaters and firepits to make sure visitors and locals are comfortable outside even during the colder temps. Here are some hot spots that will promise to keep you warm outside this winter.
Lost Worlds Brewing
Area: Cornelius
This adventure themed award-winning brewery has a patio filled with heat lamps for everyone to stay cozy. Come hungry as the brewery hosts a different food truck five nights a week. Make sure to check out their signature beer, the Euchre Golden Ale.
Camp North End
Neighborhood: North End
Camp North End is 76 acres of amazing outdoor space featuring three distinct districts connected by walking trails, 12 food stalls and restaurants, and plenty of space to hang out. The owners have put in serious work to make sure the large space is heated. (They will even have heated outdoor meeting space available.) Continue the cozy train by trying the classic tonkotsu ramen at ATU by Bow Ramen, dirty grits at Leah & Louise or the newly launched hot winter cocktails at Black Moth Bars. Look out for Camp North End’s branded cold weather gear that you can buy if you need another layer – the proceeds benefit local nonprofits.
Yafo Kitchen
Neighborhood: Dilworth
This fast casual Mediterranean eatery quickly gained a cult following for its healthy street food. Indulge in warm menu items like the chicken schnitzel and Israeli hot chicken outside on the patio under the heaters in the ceiling. The SouthPark location also has a heated patio.
Dilworth Tasting Room
Neighborhood: Dilworth
Regularly ranked as one of the most charming patios in the city, Dilworth Tasting Room has always had heat lamps and just added more. Known for their charcuterie boards, seasonal small plates and extensive wine list, this is the perfect place for a date night or girls night out.
Cordial
Neighborhood: SouthPark
Charlotte’s newest rooftop bar atop AC Hotel SouthPark offers plenty of cozy seating with chairs and couches nestled around individual firepits. Toast to a night out with their signature drink, It's French, a frothy concoction made from Grand Marnier, grapefruit, orange flower and sparkling rosé.
Mama Ricotta’s
Neighborhood: Midtown
Mama Ricotta’s is one of the OG Italian restaurants in the Queen City and a go-to for families. The restaurant just completed a major renovation to further insulate the heated patio while still having the ability to fully open the top half of the walls for airflow. Penne alla vodka, anyone?
Merchant & Trade
Neighborhood: Uptown
This chic Uptown rooftop bar on top of Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel has added multiple heat lamps covering the expansive lawn area. You can snuggle around several fire pits – including one that runs 15 feet long. Enjoy unparalleled views of Truist Field and Romare Bearden Park, plus snack on the reinvented COVID menu that focuses on small plates.
Twenty Degrees Chocolates
Neighborhood: South End
‘Tis the season to indulge. There’s no better way to feed your sweet tooth than with handmade bon bons, caramels and chocolate bars. This dessert boutique added outdoor seating and heat lamps so you don’t have to wait until you get home to enjoy your box of chocolates.
Midwood Smokehouse
Area: Huntersville
This locally owned barbecue spot has expanded to five locations across the Carolinas. Famous for brisket and ribs, the Birkdale Village location has a large patio with a fire pit and gas heaters scattered around. Don’t scrimp on the sides. You can fill your plate with some of the best mac and cheese and hush puppies in the city.
