Best Patio Dining Spots in Salt Lake City 2024 | Top Outdoor Dining & Patios

westward offers a summery, dog-friendly courtyard where the standard of hospitality meets easygoing vibes. were you strolling with friends? just grab a seat along the sidewalk, order from the grille, and savor a menu built for shared plates under string lights.

muertos brings a southern flair to a corner square, with an open-air setup that serves bold tacos and smoky corn from a wood-fired grille. The least noisy hours are early evenings, when the summer breeze and frozen cocktails keep the mood relaxed.

in utah‘s capital district, a philadelphia-inspired concept near callowhill-style vibes draws locals and visitors alike. friends gather at sidewalk tables and share bites, while the interior space stays warm with wood accents and a simple summer menu.

To secure a prime seat, arrive before sunset and snag a spot by the side of the square where the breeze hits the stone. If you’re early, the least pressure on service means you’ll get faster each course and a better chance to try the side dish selection.

Love the scene? This trio of open-air experiences delivers a balanced mix of southern comfort and urban edge, with standard treats and a menu that changes with the season. For groups of friends, a quick call to reserve a table on the sidewalk is worthwhile; you’ll walk away with a vivid memory and a note to return when the weather is summery.

Best Patio Dining Spots in Salt Lake City 2024 – Top Outdoor Dining & Patios; Arlo Restaurant

Arlo Restaurant’s open-air terrace delivers views of the marina and waterfront; arrive around golden hour for the nicest light and a crisp breeze that makes the room feel natural and inviting.

The seating mix features lush courtyard tables and intimate nooks, all with low-key service that lets you savor conversations. If you want a prime vantage, pick a rail-side perch; for people-watching, settle into the center where ferries glide by.

Menu notes run American-Italian with traditional Southern accents, plus signature pizzas and fresh fish offerings. Highlights include oyster arrivals and stoneground corn bread that complements a seafood-driven night; expect natural ingredients and deeply balanced flavors that never feel heavy.

Cocktail options shine with bright, well-crafted drinks; Beck, the bartender, can tailor a pairings list to your flavor profile; time spent here tends to feel relaxed and unhurried, which many say is the nicest part of the experience.

For a complete open-air visit, plan around sunset and reserve a spot that blends terrace views with a sheltered courtyard vibe. This place affords easy access to table service, delicious picks, and ample space for groups, making it a solid choice when you want a refined yet approachable scene to enjoy the water-facing scenery and the lively marina ambience.

Best Patio Dining Spots in Salt Lake City 2024: Top Outdoor Patios and Arlo

Try Arlo’s terrace for a hidden, unique afternoon experience that pairs margaritas with a gardenlike setting–they prioritize shade, friendly service, and quick tables to keep crowds satisfied.

italianlocation cues surface in Arlo’s kitchen, with wood-fired bites and crisp salads that pair with margaritas and beers. gardenread cues from herb planters drift through the air, elevating a simple eating session into a memorable experience.

Anglers and guides alike frequent this stretch of downtown, where they can switch from conversation to tasting flights and back again, often at tables arranged to maximize sun or shade as needed.

Across downtown blocks, Copper Onion’s rooftop deck catches late-afternoon light; crowds gather for beers, burritos, and a handful of sample dishes, creating a friendly union of neighbors and visitors.

Muertos Cantina presents a colorful courtyard with tacos al pastor and smoky margaritas; where protection from sun and a steady breeze help the afternoon feel longer, they prioritize comfort and flavor.

Park Café offers a historic garden terrace that blends coffee beverages with savory options; near parks and green spaces, visitors have a relaxed, worth-the-visit experience and can sample a range of dishes while watching rays from the sun fade.

Reserve Prime Patio Seating: Timing, Fees, and How to Secure Outdoor Tables

Reserve prime seating at least two weeks in advance for weekend peak windows; use the restaurant’s direct line or a trusted booking platform to lock a specific garden or corner near lights and shade.

Timing: Target two slots–5:30-7:30 p.m. and 8:00-9:30 p.m. For groups of six or more, request a 6:15 p.m. or 7:45 p.m. window to keep the heart of the lively scene accessible while avoiding packed crowds.

Fees: Most operators don’t impose a separate terrace charge; instead, watch for minimum-spend requirements, a service charge, or corkage if you bring wine. Confirm policies when booking to avoid surprises, and ask about weekday promotions that relax minimums during slower periods.

Securing: Book directly and note preferences–shade vs sun, proximity to a brewpub or a secluded garden nook, and any seating constraints for groups. For large parties, request a semi-private area; share menus in advance and highlight dietary needs, including vegetarian cauliflower bites, chicken, and pork options, so the kitchen can prep.

Vibe and cuisine cues: seek venues with a historical story–former owners, Positano-inspired courtyards, or the oldest spaces perched near parks and gardens. String lights can span feet and create a warm cork-dusted glow that complements cocktails and snacks.

Practical logistics: arrive early to scout the layout and weather; the staff often drilled seating rotations to maximize comfort while keeping groups together. A venue owned by a local lady with a long history in the craft tends to deliver better service; you’ll likely land coveted tables that overlook the gardens and, if you’re lucky, a quiet corner by the shade.

Pet-Friendly and Family-Friendly Outdoor Spaces

Recommendation: Ruths in Draper offers a large upstairs deck above the street and a downstairs courtyard where leashed dogs are welcome alongside kids; a grille that handles steaks impeccably helps satisfy friends and family, always.

When choosing spots, look for spaces with shade, safe surfaces, and a generous footprint–at least 50 feet of width–to give room for strollers, dogs, and those with small children to move alongside; a simple, accessible layout with clear paths keeps everyone relaxed during evening visits, and further, it’s helpful when there are benches along the edge for quick breaks.

Other nearby options in the mountains corridor sit alongside a spanishlocation vibe, with a brewing program and olas beverages visible from the bar, and menus that accommodate families; Christopher is known for attentive service, and the steaks are reliably flavorful, making it easy to order for those with friends.

For those who want warmer evenings, seek spaces with heaters or retractable awnings; ordering a well-seasoned steak with sides and a craft brew while the sun sets over the peaks creates a memorable scene; these spots welcome dogs, kids, and a shared love of meals and conversation; if you want else, check a nearby terrace with a different rhythm.

Signature Dishes and Drink Highlights for Outdoor Patios

Grab the pike sliders with dill remoulade, plus the burgers with pepper aioli for a low-key kickoff that pairs with a crisp lager. The lineup occupies a corner near the overhang, tucked under a covered canopy, and the scene is decidedly relaxed after years of urban heat.

original crowd-pleaser items include primitive-charred beef skewers glazed with miso and a lemon-caper chicken that travels well for a picnic. The crossing of smoke and citrus yields a mean finish. A washington-born mixologist crafts shrub-heavy options: berry-rose spritz, cucumber-pineapple cooler, and a lemon-sage sour that goes down smoothly.

Their service occupies the open lane, keeping the vibe friendly and mostly low-key. Side strategy includes little jars of crisp greens, fries tucked into wax paper, and a few sample sauces you can grab without rushing. Patrons love the balance of crisp textures and savory contrasts, making those little extras feel meaningful.

Plan a late-evening crossing to a quiet corner near the club deck, where you can sample a dessert and lean into the view. The clinking of glasses gives a shared, relaxed energy. Feet rest on the railing as dusk settles, and you might linger under the open canopy.

Arlo Restaurant Patio Experience: What to Order and Best Outdoor Seats

Reserve the east waterfront terrace for a summery backdrop and ideal seats by the railing; youll feel the breeze as seasonal changes shape the mood from sunlit to lantern-lit.

Ordering here rewards flexibility: share plates, then move to mains that hold up as the evening cools, and finish with something that echoes desert sweetness. The menu offers a terrific variety, with pizza and taco options that cater to different tastes.

1. Pizza: Walnut crust, original sauce, deep mozzarella; choose from margherita or pepperoni; order accordingly for a shared round; beers boost the experience.
2. Taco: Carne asada or roasted mushroom tacos; onions, cilantro, and salsa verde; seasonal changes keep the flavors bright; pair with a light beer or white wine to balance the heat; summery notes emerge as the night settles.
3. Small plates: Walnut-crusted goat cheese crostini; beet and citrus salad; they provide a bridge as you meet the group and sample both flavors; pair with a pale ale or light white.

Optimal seating options:

• Railing-side seats along the waterfront offer the clearest backdrop and quick service; these seats are prioritized for groups that want to linger and watch the neighborhood life unfold; youll enjoy a direct view and fresh air.
• Covered booth near the walnut trees hides the chill on colder evenings and keeps conversation intimate.
• Head-of-the-table center table provides a dynamic vantage and fast access to the crew; deep seating keeps comfort high while you chat, sip beers, and plan the next round.
• franklin waterfront edge seating offers proximity to the action and a view of the desert skyline; a summery mood with seasonal changes, thats the point.

Weather-Proof Comfort: Covered Patios, Heaters, and Umbrellas

Choose a covered terrace with a retractable canopy and a thermostat-controlled heater cluster to resist wind and evening chill. That setup keeps light levels comfortable and colder air at bay, so guests can linger without shivering. Integrate spanishlocation-inspired canopies and flora-friendly fabrics to soften acoustics and enhance ambiance.

Opt for wood frames and Adirondack chairs paired with a warm wool throw; this friendly layout invites lingering, making breakfast service feel relaxed and easy.

Umbrellas with auto-tilt and side panels extend coverage when clouds drift; pair them with a weather-smart canopy that seals at the edges to cut wind breezes while preserving visibility of the coast.

Menu strategy centers on a plate of citrusy breakfast items, a plate of fish, and a bottle of crisp white wine. Keep the flavour bright and the textures varied to complement wood tones and that same warm glow of lamps.

Events around independence weekends or Muertos-themed evenings perform well, especially when heaters stay on and a friendly, beach-friendly, clancys-inspired bar element adds character. Consider a tinga-inspired taco option to diversify the menu without cluttering service.

Plan ahead: visit during shoulder seasons when weather is cooler but sunsets shine; take note of wind patterns and never block egress. Discover nearby flora and back-facing buildings to craft a cohesive look that nods to the coast.

Light strategy matters: use warm LED strings to cast a fine glow on wood and stone; a subtle shade element helps keep the air comfortable without shutting out the view.

Neighborhood Focus: Downtown, The Avenues, Sugar House, and More

Start at attico on midtown’s terrace for sunset over the mountain and a quick bite, then circle around these blocks to sample vietnamese bowls, tacos, and burritos at places with flora-filled courtyards and wood accents.

• Downtown area

  • Ground-floor grilles line the pedestrian lanes, pairing steaks with charred corn and herbs in a stone-and-wood setting.
  • Rooftop lounges offer city views, string lights, and sirenito-inspired cocktails that stay cool when the mercury climbs in summer.
  • Street-side vietnamese spots serve pho and bowls on sheltered patios, ideal for a breezy after-work round.
  • Cart-style mexican options push out crispy tacos and burritos with lime, cilantro, and fresh salsa; keep an eye on the standard menu items and daily specials.
  • Courtesy notes: these places are found along the core avenues and often owned by small teams that rotate pop-ups; youd find a mix of family-owned and newer concepts–they come alive when crowds fill the streetsread environment.

• The Avenues

  • Tree-lined streets host patios shaded by elm branches, with wood pergolas and planters that frame views of the hills.
  • Small, family-owned eateries lean into vietnamese and mexican influences, plus a few burrito counters for a quick bite between strolls.
  • Flora-filled courtyards provide a cool backdrop for a relaxed supper; expect seasonal herbs and peppery greens next to grilled proteins.
  • Tips: arrive early on weekends to snag a curbside or sidewalk table; these spaces are popular with locals who walk the avenues after work.

• Sugar House

  • Family-owned grills anchor several blocks, offering wood-fired steaks and cumin-kissed corn as options for sharing.
  • Casual spots run burritos and taco platters with bright salsas; some patios double as beer gardens, linking local brewing with seasonal bites in summer.
  • Patio seating often blends with yard-like spaces–long wooden benches, clipped hedges, and open-air porches that feel like a small house-style courtyard.
  • Practical note: a few spots host weekend live music and outdoor pop-ups, so outdoor access varies by day; always check the day’s outside hours.

• Midtown & surrounding hubs

  • attico anchors the midtown scene with a glass-walled terrace and a deck that catches alpine light; the menu pairs seafood, steaks, and share plates with a subtler spice profile.
  • Brewinghouses along the fringe bring craft pours to well-lit patios, ideal for a relaxed summer evening that still feels refined.
  • Look for places that blend vietnamese staples, taco offerings, and burritos under one roof or across adjacent patios–they usually share a common outdoor space with easy access.
  • These venues often feature a wood-dominated vibe with warm tones and primitive beam accents that nod to rustic charm while staying modern.
  • Outside readers and locals alike use outsiderread and squareread lists to compare options; youd find consistent picks emphasizing simplicity and a quick turnaround for tables.
  • Be prepared for a busy scene when a weekend crowd hits; you might want to stake a claim on a spot near the garden or street-facing edge for people-watching.