Looking for some outdoor fun in Texas? You’re not alone, as evidenced by a recent Google search for “outdoor patio events Texas.” Results say it all: “18 Essential Austin Patios for Outdoor Drinking and Dining,” “The 14 Best Dallas Patios for Drinking” and “The Best Patios to Enjoy in Houston on a Sunny Day.” In the fall, there is no better place for an outdoor meet and eat than in Texas, with ample patio space and distinct features such as sprawling lawns, sweeping city rooftop views and cozy fireplaces.
Sundown at Granada | DALLAS
Located in the Greenville neighborhood of Dallas, this lively beer garden and restaurant located next to the historic Granada Theater offers a selection of more than 60 beers and the largest patio on Lower Greenville.
A high-quality, farm-to-table menu, including a large selection of vegetarian and vegan options, makes it a great choice for corporate events.
“Sundown at Granada’s rooftop patio is the place to be in Dallas’ historic Lower Greenville neighborhood,” says Adam Ziegler, PR representative for the venue. “Neighbors with the Granada Theater, Sundown at Granada specializes in bringing fresh, locally sourced food to the table. With a maximum capacity of 200 people, it’s small enough to host intimate group outings while also allowing for wellattended special events.”
For reception food, Ziegler recommends rooftop menu items such as the Mediterranean Plate, Hammered Goat Flatbread and TexMex Meatballs.
Geraldine’s at the Hotel Van Zandt | AUSTIN
The fourth-floor pool deck at the Hotel Van Zandt in Austin remains one of the hippest venues in town since it opened in November 2015. It has great views of Lady Bird Lake and downtown Austin. An outside fireplace creates a cozy atmosphere for the cooler months, and the lush greenery and polished glass does a great job of dividing the pool area from the restaurant dining area, Geraldine’s.
The chic, black-and-white-tiled bar with a metal surface stands beneath the shade adjacent to the outside diners, while the high-rise, wooden fire pit towers over the front of the pool providing a warm, intimate atmosphere for guests lounging in the cushy, light blue upholstered furniture on the pool decks edge. The pool deck area can accommodate up to 150 guests, depending on the table arrangement and seating.
For food, Executive Chef Stephen Bonin offers a variety of unique selections including the Heirloom Tomato Salad, made with queso fresco, strawberries, nopales and green goddess, or ceviche, made with cobia, fried chicken skin, toreado and avocado. Guests will also have fun sampling some of the signature cocktails such as the Texas Mule, made with Tito’s Vodka, lime, jalapeño and ginger brew, or the Willie’s Cup with High West Double Rye, hemp seed milk and sage.
The Live Oak Music Hall & Lounge | FORT WORTH
This 5,000-square-foot music venue is a great location for groups, with or without taking in a concert. The Live Oak Music Hall & Lounge is also home to a rooftop patio that in 2016 was inducted into the DWF.com Alfresco Hall of Fame.
With an unparalleled treetop view of the Fort Worth skyline, it is a gem tucked into the vibrant Fairmount neighborhood, according to manager Sara Kinney. With its own private bar and room for up to 200 guests, the rooftop patio caters to local and regional music enthusiasts, featuring free live music almost every night of the week. Both partial and full reservations are available. Top menu items include the Shiner Cheddar Burger, Blackened Chicken Sandwich, House Salad, Ahi Tuna Salad and Veggie Wrap.
The Mesquite Patio at Travaasa | AUSTIN
Less than 30 minutes from downtown Austin, this Travaasa Experiential Resort is something special, with only one additional sister resort in Maui. In addition to distinct meeting space and unique and scenic team-building programs, the property features a breathtaking yet serene outdoor space, The Mesquite Patio. Guests gathering at dusk can take in the glory of a true Texas sunset from a oneof-a-kind location while enjoying all of the culinary amenities the resort provides. The patio is perfect for outdoor receptions and cocktail hours, and can be combined with the adjacent Spur room, which includes a stone fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows, to create an indoor/outdoor event. Food and beverage packages are provided by the Preserve Kitchen & Bar and feature farm-to-table menu items, many coming from the resort’s own farm, according to Jorah Anderson, director of sales.
“There is something about sharing an extraordinary Hill Country sunset that creates a sense of togetherness,” Anderson says. “But whether it’s the orange glow during magic hour or stargazing over dessert, the ability to dine amongst the trees gives a group an intimate setting, without feeling closed in. The Mesquite Patio is also the best seat in the house for panoramic views of Lake Travis.”
El Fenix | DALLAS
Located in downtown Dallas, the rooftop patio at El Fenix offers great views and was voted a D Magazine Reader’s Choice winner for both its Tex-Mex and margarita consecutively for four years since 2011.
“Spice it up with a tequila tasting, salsamaking class, or happy hour for mingling,” says Victoria Williams, senior account executive for Champion Management. “One of our experienced team members can help plan, coordinate and execute every detail of your event. It’s a flexible space designed to accommodate groups of 110 seated to 150 attendees in cocktail reception, and features one of the best views of downtown Dallas.”
Groups will appreciate the venue’s inclusion of votives, china, a sound system, projector and lounge furniture.
FOR LARGE GROUPS
THE LONG CENTER CITY TERRACE IN AUSTIN
The Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Center for the Performing Arts “was built by the community and for the community” to house Austin’s opera, symphony, ballet and other local arts organizations. In addition to several indoor performance venues, outdoor events are equally popular. There is a massive 30,600-square-foot terrace that can accommodate 2,000 guests for a reception/concert. This incredible outdoor venue is located within the ring beam and columns that surround the facility and has striking views of the downtown Austin skyline.
“The incredible City Terrace on the front lawn of the Long Center has truly become the front lawn and meeting place of Austin, with a view of Austin unmatched by any other property,” says Larry Kille, president, Sterling Events Austin, which is the exclusive catering and event company for The Long Center. “The expansive manicured lawns of the property are the perfect space to enjoy the best view of the emerging skyline, and enjoy all that the Long Center has to offer.”
Sterling events at the center include outdoor events such as the Texas Monthly BBQ festival, Trailer Food Tuesdays, Sound and Cinema, American Statesman Skyline concerts, Keep Austin Weird Festival, Jimmy Kimmel Live and more, according to Kille.
