Dining outdoors in the Kansas City metro

Whether it’s an al fresco brunch on the patio or margaritas on the rooftop, these dining decks across the metro will get you drinking in sunshine.

Picture of Brewery Emperial patio

We love taking the dog to this street art + plant paradise. | Photo by @heidilehmann

Table of Contents

It’s a fact — food just tastes better outside. When the weather takes a turn for the better, you’ll find us at one of these patios + rooftops across the metro.

Restaurants

Affäre | 1911 Main St., Kansas City, MO | Affäre’s patio is tucked into a courtyard latticed with ivy + Edison bulbs. Space heaters and a modern fire pit frame ensure warmth in the winter with your Wienerschnitzle.

Café Trio | 4558 Main St., Kansas City, MO | They call this a patio. Cafe Trio’s lushly decorated outdoor space offers stunning views of the Plaza while providing that outside vibe.

Chicken N Pickle | 1761 Burlington St., North Kansas City, MO | Perhaps the biggest patio on the list, this NKC staple is the ultimate hangout spot — either for a game, a dinner party, or drinks with corn hole.

Chicken n pickle patio

Don’t sleep on Chicken N Pickle’s menu — that jerk seasoning is delish. | Photo by @chickennpicklekc

The Classic Cup | 301 W. 47th St., KCMO | Snag a table on the sidewalk and a sunny morning — perfect for people watching and for feeling like the main character.

Fox & Pearl | 2143 Summit St., Kansas City, MO | If you can snag a table, this patio hits home with wooden tables, stone tiles, leafy decor + string lights.

Harry’s Country Club | 112 E. Missouri Ave., KCMO | This enclosed patio by the River Market pairs perfectly with a warm night and a pitcher of beer.

La Bodega | 703 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, MO | All tapas aside, the wooden pergolas, vibrant color schemes, and open flames provide their own taste of Spain.

Strang Hall | 7313 W. 80th St., Overland Park, KS | This food court concept offers a courtyard-type patio with lots of picnic tables for outdoor eats.

Taco Republic | 500 County Line Rd., Kansas City, KS | If you can find parking, these patios (which are dog-friendly) have lots of space to move around, sporting corn hole (bags?) + fire pits in the winter. Also, the food is really good.

Teocali | 2512 Holmes St., KCMO | Sip margaritas + dine on three levels with sunset views on Hospital Hill.

The Suburban | 402 S. 20th St., Leavenworth, KS | It’s like a backyard garden paradise that also serves tasty food.

Va Bene | 8232 Mission Rd., Prairie Village, KS | It’s hard to argue with outdoor Italian. Va Bene sets the mood with dozens of Edison bulb strands and lounge-style striped sofas. pic

Vivilore | 10815 E. Winner Rd., Independence, MO | Lush ivy, weeping willows, and planters in between the tables — this isn’t Eden, it’s Independence.

Bars, breweries, distilleries

Brewery Emperial | 1829 Oak St., Kansas City, MO | Grab the dog and a pint. This Crossroads favorite is bursting with color + street art. Pro tip: we recommend the Biscuit and the Belgian Wit.pic request

Bull Creek Distillery | 20559 S. Lone Elm Rd., Spring Hill, KS | Looking for options? You get your choice of patios at this large distillery, where lawn relaxation + landscaping meet libations.

Ça Va | 4149 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, MO | This Westport wine bar also serves French nibbles, craft cocktails, and an intimate brick courtyard setting.

Cinder Block Brewing | 10 E. 18th Ave., North Kansas City, MO | This brewery patio is huge, providing both a party atmosphere and an intimate get together. Find seats in the sun or under the overhang.

East Forty Brewing | 1201 W. Main St., Blue Springs, MO | Well-built with plenty of room, lots of twinkle lights, and easy parking. We love the giant Jenga + pizza available.

Electric Park | 2700 Guinotte Ave., Kansas City, MO | This recently opened garden bar attached to J. Rieger & Co. provides fair food, a long list of cocktails, Instagram-worthy backgrounds, and a history lesson.

KC Bier Co. | 10 W. 79th St., Kansas City, MO | It’s KC’s prime German biergarten. Simple as that.

Tall Trellis Brew Co. | 25600 W. Valley Pkwy., Olathe, KS | Out on the edge of the metro, this brewpub’s patio subs urban bustle for wide open space.

Wines by Jennifer | 405 Main St., Parkville, MO | Wines + vines. This unassuming shop boasts bottles from around the world + a leafy patio perfect for pictures. Plus, Jennifer is the kindest soul.

Coffee shops

City Market Coffee | 305 Main St., KCMO | Pro tip: Located right by City Market Park, sit here long enough and you’ll spot some of KC’s cutest pups.

Donutology at the Trolley | 426 Delaware St., KCMO | Don’t knock donuts on the patio, especially right off the streetcar line — making this the perfect scenic spot to take visitors.

Messenger Coffee Co. | 1624 Grand Blvd., KCMO | The Crossroads rooftop combines two of our favorite things: city views and the smell of fresh-baked pastries.

Mother Earth Coffee | 3504 Gilham Rd., KCMO | With strong coffee, great food, and plenty of greenery, Mother Earth is the complete package.

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