Long Weekend's patio showcases large TVs, fireplaces and a playground. (Courtesy Marco Wang)
With spring bringing milder temperatures and longer days to Houston, many local establishments are opening their patios to diners looking to spend more time outdoors.
Check out these eight places to visit for outdoor dining in the Heights, River Oaks and Montrose.
Long Weekend
Newly opened in the Heights, the restaurant offers more than 20,000 square feet of outdoor amenities and a large outdoor play area. The expansive patio features a playground, an active stream with fish, TVs for sports viewing and live entertainment.
The River Oaks District hot spot offers a stylish patio where guests can enjoy Azumi’s daily happy hour specials with dishes such as discounted sushi rolls, cocktails, sake and wine. On Thursdays, the restaurant offers $2 martini specials.
Azumi is a sushi restaurant with an outdoor patio in River Oaks. (Courtesy Atlas Restaurant Group)
Jax Grill
Guests can snack on menu favorites such as Texas red chili, grilled burgers, chicken-fried steak, burgers and salads, along with lighter bites while relaxing on the outdoor patio.
The Mexican restaurant offers a patio where guests can indulge in margaritas, tequila cocktails and classic dishes like fajitas, tacos and nachos. Happy hour specials include $8 margaritas, palomas and ranch waters, plus $4 beers and a selection of food specials.
Johnny Ritas recently opened in February and is led by chef Jesus Salinas. (Courtesy Hasan Yousef)
Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar
Loro is an Asian smokehouse and bar that merges Asian and Texas cuisine. Menu items include Crispy Thai Pork Ribs, Crunchy Cabbage Salad and appetizers such as Wonton Chips and Dip. Loro is also known for its boozy slushies, including a frozen espresso martini and a mango sake slushy.
Nestled in the heart of River Oaks Shopping Center, Brasserie 19's patio hosts monthly events such as Le Brunch de Funk on the last Sunday of the month and themed brunches, including its Aperol Spritz brunch and Rosé Day.
Brasserie 19 is a French restaurant with New American influences. (Courtesy Andrew Hemingway)
Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette
Enjoy fresh oysters on the patio at Liberty Kitchen, as well as lunch, dinner, weekend brunch and happy hour. The restaurant also offers “Evening Royale,” which it calls reverse happy hour, lasting from 4 p.m. to close on Sundays and Mondays.
Located directly on the Heights Hike & Bike Trail with views of Lawrence Park, the Da Gama patio offers a vibrant setting to explore a menu rooted in Indian and Portuguese heritage.
