When the weather outside begins to resemble the inside of a refrigerator, you will undoubtedly appreciate the fact that certain establishments in Raleigh have taken the precaution of installing heated patios. These heated patios offer a unique blend of comfort and conviviality, allowing patrons to savor delectable fare and stimulating conversation while basking in the glow of artificial warmth.
If you continue reading, you will discover establishments that prioritize both comfort and ambiance, ensuring a most agreeable outdoor dining experience. However, be warned: unforeseen circumstances, such as unexpected social encounters, may occasionally disrupt one’s pursuit of warmth and enjoyment. Nevertheless, this guide shall serve as your humble companion on this delightful, albeit occasionally perilous, journey to the best heated patios in Raleigh.
Best Heated Patios in Raleigh
While Raleigh may occasionally succumb to the icy grip of the season, there are, fortunately, havens of respite where one can escape the chill. Here is where you’ll find the best heated patios in Raleigh.
Ajja
209 Bickett Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27608
Ajja is lively, beautiful, vibrantly decorated restaurant serving Mediterranean and Middle Eastern inspired food and fantastic cocktails. You won’t be disappointed with anything on the menu but I’m an especially big fan of the Warm Squash Dip, Creamed Feta, Warm Moroccan Hummus, and King Trumpet Mushrooms. Get a reservation and sit on the cozy heated patio if you can.
Bittersweet
16 E Martin St, Raleigh, NC 27601
At Bittersweet, delectable desserts are presented alongside a selection of expertly crafted cocktails, with a particular emphasis on libations featuring gin and intriguing concoctions incorporating coffee. In 2024, Bittersweet was a semi-finalist for the James Beard Award in the ‘Outstanding Bar’ category. Furthermore, the small outdoor seating area, equipped with heated tables, offers comfort for those unfortunate enough to encounter inclement weather.
Cortez
413 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603
Cortez serves oysters, NC seafood, and magical vegetables, often with a Mexican spin. Grab a seat on the heated patio and don’t sleep on the side of buttered beans.
Crank Arm Brewing Company
319 W Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Crank Arm is a bicycle themed brewery with indoor and outdoor seating including a massive fire pit and lots of board games. They regularly host group bike rides, a run club, and other events.
Gringo A Go Go
100 N Person St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Gringo is a vibrant and welcoming Mexican eatery with a spacious patio (enclosed and heated in the winter), excellent margaritas, and delicious standards. But they stand out because of their uniquely wide variety of tasty vegetarian and vegan offerings.
Hibernian Irish Pub Glenwood South
311 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603
Experience the heart of Ireland at Hibernian, a classic pub serving up hearty Irish dishes. Enjoy the lively atmosphere on their heated rooftop patio, featuring ample seating for groups of all sizes.
High Rail
11 Seaboard Ave 7th Floor, Raleigh, NC 27604
High Rail is a rooftop bar where one may find themself surrounded by an air of sophistication and treated to a breathtaking panorama of the city. The menu offers a captivating array of flavors from across the globe, ranging from delectable appetizers perfect for sharing to sumptuous main courses and decadent desserts. A selection of expertly crafted cocktails await to complement your meal.
Hummingbird
1053 E Whitaker Mill Rd STE 111, Raleigh, NC 27604
Hummingbird is a New American eatery with a dash of New Orleans panache. Hummingbird hums with gentle murmur of conversation, the clinking of glasses, and the tantalizing aroma of honey wafting through the air. Picture a haven of tranquility, a tapestry woven from warmth and intimacy, where patio seating beckons you to bask in the Carolina sunshine. Their craft cocktails, mixed with the utmost care and a dash of whimsy, are voodoo potions of joy that will transport you to a state of pure bliss.
Here are more great Raleigh brunch spots.
Jolie
620 N Person St, Raleigh, NC 27604
Jolie is a lively fine dining French restaurant by acclaimed chef Scott Crawford. Go for the classic French dishes and modern adaptations; stay for the beverages on the heated and enclosed rooftop patio.
Longleaf Swine
300 E Edenton St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Longleaf Swine is a whole hog BBQ spot with a great covered patio on the edge of historic Oakwood.
Mojoe’s Burger Joint
620 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603
Mojoe’s is a relaxed spot with a spacious outdoor seating area, perfect for grabbing burgers, wings, and classic pub fare. You’re going to want a basket of beer-battered onion rings.
Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar
309 N Dawson St #1313, Raleigh, NC 27603
Housed within a stylish reclaimed mill, Mulino provides elevated Italian plates and a curated selection of wines. The warm and inviting atmosphere, combined with the intriguing culinary offerings, makes Mulino a captivating destination for those seeking a taste of Italy.
Raleigh Beer Garden
614 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603
Raleigh Beer Garden is a beer paradise with over 350 on tap, plus delicious modern comfort food! Enjoy it all in a stylish bi-level space with a huge patio plus heated and covered mini-golf.
Stanbury
938 N Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27604
Stanbury is a hip and rustic restaurant featuring seasonal small plates and entrees created with locally sourced ingredients. Stanburry is possibly the best kept secret in Raleigh. They don’t take reservations so your best bet is showing up right when they open.
Taverna Agora
326 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27603
Taverna Agora is an inviting and energetic restaurant with traditional Greek decor and cuisine. It has multiple indoor and outdoor dining areas including a rooftop.
The Longleaf Hotel and Lounge
300 N Dawson St, Raleigh, NC 27603
The Longleaf Lounge is a great hangout for both locals and visitors with a fancy casual atmosphere. Have a drink in the lounge or head out to the large heated / shaded patio. They serve some of the best cocktails and mocktails in Raleigh.
The Station at Person Street
701 N Person St, Raleigh, NC 27604
The Station is a neighborhood restaurant and bar with a ton of indoor seating and a huge, covered and heated patio (though not enclosed). The food is focused on classic American fare with a Southern twist, so expect burgers, fries, fried green tomatoes, and salads.
The Willard Rooftop Lounge
9 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603
The Willard is a heated rooftop lounge on top of the AC Hotel. Their focus is craft cocktails paired with a menu of Mediterranean small bites.
Trophy Brewing & Pizza
827 W Morgan St, Raleigh, NC 27603
At Trophy, one may encounter pizzas adorned with the most unexpected and delightful combinations of toppings. Accompanying these gastronomic marvels is a veritable menagerie of house-brewed beers, each a testament to the brewer’s artful hand. And should one find themselves on the expansive patio, blessed with the warmth of artificial heat, a most agreeable atmosphere of relaxation is sure to envelop them.
Vita Vite Downtown
313 W Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Vita Vite, a downtown Raleigh wine bar, offers an atmosphere of refined tranquility, making it an ideal haven for the discerning connoisseur. Here, one may indulge in a glass of wine while simultaneously sitting by the fire and appreciating a captivating display of local and regional art. The selection of wines, a veritable treasure trove, boasts an impressive range, from familiar favorites to rare offerings from around the world.
Whiskey Kitchen
201 W Martin St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Whiskey Kitchen is a hip and relaxed restaurant with a huge dog- and kid-friendly patio. They’re known for their Southern fare, whiskey selection, and craft cocktails.
Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing
201 S Boylan Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603
Wye Hill has a cool and lively atmosphere and a patio that boasts sweet views of the Raleigh skyline. They brew their own beer on site to serve with a menu of small and large plates. In addition to craft cocktails, they offer a zero proof cocktail menu featuring kombucha, tea, ginger beer, and the What’s Up Doc, made with carrot juice, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, and apple cider.
Where are your favorite heated patios in Raleigh?
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