Photo courtesy of Chapman & Kirby

 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, at least for those of us that love to bask in the sun with a cold drink in hand. That’s right—it’s officially patio weather, and we are spoiled with options in EaDo.

8th Wonder Brewery

2202 Dallas Street

One could spend all day at the craft brewery known for its Houston-branded beers and Instagram-friendly photo ops. Under the shadow of David Adickes’ giant Beatles’ statues, there’s plenty of space for Fido to roam and the kids to play while you sip a draft beer from the taproom. For the hungry, the Eatsie Boys food truck provides plenty of tasty choices. Did someone say Elote Fries?

 

Around the Corner Bar

1510 Hutchins Street

It’s hard not to love a bungalow-turned-bar, especially when it was built in 1903 and has its original floors, walls, and sliding doors. Add in a delicious range of shareable plates, weekday happy hour from 4-7p.m., and a selection of refreshing cocktails and you’ve got the gist of neighborhood favorite Around the Corner Bar. Oh, and the back patio with a great view of the Downtown Houston skyline? That’s a pretty nice bonus.

Chapman & Kirby

2118 Lamar Street

This steampunk-inspired gastrolounge (named for the founders of Houston) is beautifully designed inside and out—and that includes the huge outdoor patio. Whether you’re enjoying bar snacks before getting down on the dance floor or taking advantage of Wednesday all-night happy hours, it’s an equally great spot to meet up with friends or take a date. If you really want to impress without breaking the bank, check out Thursday steak nights with half-priced wine bottles (available on the patio!).

 

East End Hardware

3005 Leeland Street

This neighborhood bar that took over an old hardware store space has plenty of charm to spare. Perhaps more importantly, it has an excellent outdoor patio and boozy snowballs—like childhood, but…better. Bar-provided board and card games (UNO, anyone?) make this spot a great secret weapon for lowkey weeknights, with farmers’ markets and springtime crawfish boils available on select weekends.

 

Pitch 25

2120 Walker Street

Though it’s owned by soccer star and former Dynamo player Brian Ching, you don’t need to be a soccer fan to appreciate the truly impressive architectural space that makes up Pitch 25’s patio. That said, it’s a great place to head with friends to watch any sports event, or just to enjoy the weekend “Boozy Brunch” specials from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. A large and varied tap list, wine and frozen cocktails means there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

 

Rodeo Goat

2105 Dallas Street

This is the spot for anyone that craves the pure bliss that comes with savoring a good burger as a gentle breeze tussles the hair. Add a cold beverage, and it’s basically paradise. If you’re not one of the lucky few that can take a long lunch on a weekday, the industrial chic space at the corner of Dallas and St. Emanuel was made for weekend brunches. A whole host of inventive burgers awaits the hungry customer, from the relatively classic Pulp Fiction-inspired Royale with Cheese to the beloved Marvin Zindler (bacon, jalapenos, barbecue sauce, and pickle chutney). There are even two veggie burgers to satisfy the meatless crowd.

 

Truck Yard

2118 Lamar Street

Cold beer, frozen cocktails, a ferris wheel, and food trucks. There’s a lot on offer at this mostly outdoor family and dog-friendly Lamar Street venue. True to its name, Truck Yard’s rotating bevy of food trucks offers a wide range of food options to pair with draft beer and frozen cocktails. Depending on the day, food choices could range from burgers, barbecue, burritos, pizza or seafood. And if it’s too difficult to decide, the always-available Philly cheesesteaks pair well with any drink on offer.