- Camille Renner
Gaston Outdoor Dining—27 Warm and Spacious Patios to Enjoy this Winter
Although we are in the throes of the winter months, there are still plenty of opportunities to eat, drink and play outdoors in Gaston County—and stay warm doing it.
This is your guide to social-distanced and heated patios thanks to our county's creative local bars and restaurants. Whether you want to go out for the first date night you've had in months, take the whole family out to eat or meet a friend for drinks, these businesses have got you covered.
Barrister's at the Esquire Hotel
168 W. Main Ave., Gastonia
Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
(Patio heated)
Looking for a perfect date night spot? Barrister's features delicious cocktails and locally sourced menu items. Their patio, with its beautiful iron gate and climbing vines on the exterior walls, is a romantic spot to impress your date, too.
Belmont Specialty Foods
35 N. Main St., Belmont
Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
(Patio heated)
Need a new lunch spot? Enjoy a deli sandwich, fresh-sliced meat and cheese and bottled soda on the Belmont Specialty Food's patio. Try their famous Rueben and finish with some soft serve ice cream.
The Bottle Tree
102 Davis St., Belmont
Wednesday–Thursday, 5 p.m.–9 p.m.; Friday 5 p.m.–10 p.m.; Saturday Brunch 11 a.m–3 p.m., Saturday Dinner 5 p.m. –10 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
(Patio heated)
Rain or shine, The Bottle Tree has a beautiful, vibrant outdoor space equipped with multiple bonfire-pits, fireplaces, and heaters. This restaurant features seasonal Southern fare and unique cocktails which make for a special dining experience.
Cavendish Brewing Company
207 N. Chester St., Gastonia
Monday-Tuesday, 4 p.m.-10 p.m.; Wednesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
(Patio heated by request)
Whether you're hot off the trails or heading in for beer, wine or pizza, Cavendish Brewing Company's large outdoor space is perfect for those looking to play games, be outdoors and social distance. An added plus? Their award-winning beer selection.
Cherub’s Cafe
23 N. Main St., Belmont
Monday-Saturday, 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Cherub’s Cafe has taken its mission of providing employment opportunities for the differently-abled outdoors. Now you can enjoy one of their signature breakfast sandwiches, chicken salad croissant or a scoop of Tony’s ice cream on the green space adjacent to The Cotton Candy Factory (another business-for-good managed by Holy Angels).
Doffer’s Canteen
119 Center St., Cramerton
Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Doffers spacious patio is the perfect place to relax and grab some tacos, sandwiches and beer—all while social distancing. A nice bonus to the scenery? A huge mural depicting the history of Cramerton.
Estia’s Kouzina
609 N. Main St., Belmont
Tuesday-Thursday 4 p.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 4 p.m.-10 p.m.
When Estia’s Kouzina opened in May of 2018, it brought both family-style Greek cuisine and the Greek tradition of outdoor dining to Gaston County. Their spacious patio is an excellent place to sample vibrant saganaki (flaming Greek cheese!), a hearty gyro plate or a delicious brunch.
The Everyday Market
7 S. Main St., Belmont
Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 8 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Inspired by European cafes, The Everyday Market places an emphasis on community, with plenty of room to gather. They have fresh coffee, pastries, smoothies and wine to enjoy on their street-facing patio.
Floyd & Blackie's
137 8th Ave., Cramerton
Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m.-6 p.m.
Floyd & Blackie's is the perfect place to start for a day of outdoor activities. Grab a coffee and one of their delicious pastry offerings to enjoy out on their patio. The shop is also right on the Goat Island Greenway if you wanna take a stroll on Gaston County's growing greenway system with your coffee.
Fryeday Coffee Roasters
106 E. 1st St. Unit B, Lowell
Monday 7 a.m.-2 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday, 7 a.m.- 7 p.m.; Friday 7 a.m.- 9 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.- 7p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
(Patio heated)
This coffee shop features small batch specialty roasts along side decadent desserts and pastries and even bottles of wine to enjoy in store or at home. Their eclectic patio is the perfect spot to grab coffee with a friend.
Glenway Premium Pub
55 Glenway St., Belmont
Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
(Patio heated)
Glenway’s covered deck is tucked away one block off of Belmont’s Main Street, giving it a little more of a “your buddy’s backyard” feel. It’s casual and comfortable, just like the food they serve. The pimento cheeseburger is a pretty fantastic place to start.
Jack Beagles
125 S. Main St.,Mount Holly
Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
(Patio heated)
A regional favorite, Jack Beagles of Mount Holly offers classic bar food, beer and cocktails of exceptional quality. Not to mention their unusual Mac-N-Cheese menu with a variety of 7 delicious, cheesy creations. Their patio seating is spacious, covered, heated and comfortable. Really, what else could you ask for?
Jekyll & Hyde
10 Catawba St., Belmont
Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-12 a.m.; Sunday 12 p.m.- 12 a.m.
(Patio heated)
This steampunk themed bar and grill features a patio with picnic style seating and fire tables. Often hosting live music, the patio is a great place to have one of their many beers, unique cocktails or pork belly tacos.
J.R. Cash's Grill & Bar
1000 Marina Village Dr., Mount Holly
Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
(Patio heated)
Located adjacent to Tailrace Marina in Mount Holly, J.R. Cash’s patio is a fantastic spot for full-service riverside dining. There’s even a bar outside so you can stop in for a quick drink, but you’ll probably want to stick around for their prime rib. It’s a large cut and comes out with a perfect crust.
Mayworth’s Public House
115 Center St., Cramerton
Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
(Patio heated)
Most people know Mayworth’s Public House for their fantastic pub fare, but the brunch at the restaurant in downtown Cramerton is also ridiculously good. The patio behind their dining room is covered and has multiple TVs. It would be an incredible spot to tackle one of their giant breakfast burritos or Belgian waffles then catch a Hornet's game.
Mugshots Coffee and Tea
4 N. Main St., Belmont
Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
For hot-beverage lovers-Mugshots has an extensive menu of coffees and teas to keep you warm during the winter months. The maple cinnamon latte is especially soul-warming.. This alley patio gets plenty of sunshine and has space for everyone to spread out.
Old Stone Steakhouse
23 S. Main St., Belmont
Monday-Frida,y 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5 p.m.- 9 p.m.; Saturday 11:30 am - 9:00 pm
(Patio heated)
Enjoy steak and seafood while dining al fresco on Old Stone Steakhouse's heated patio which overlooks Stowe Park. Be sure to check their daily specials on wine, beer and cocktails.
The Pickle Bar
103 N. Holland St. #1601, Dallas
Tuesday-Saturday, 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Located in the lovely town of Dallas, The Pickle Bar features BBQ, burgers and wings for patrons to enjoy on their expansive two-story patio. Stop by for cocktails, live music and a chance to enjoy great food in the great outdoors.
Pita Wheel
110 S. York St., Gastonia
Monday-Sunday, 11:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m.
(Patio heated by heat lamps)
Grab your favorite local brewery's latest release and pair it with one of Pita Wheel's famous pitas and you've got the perfect patio meal. Their picnic style dining and vintage vibe make this a great family spot or place to gather your crew. The Pita Wheel team also just opened up a second location in Dallas with another great patio.
Primal Brewery
52 Ervin St., Belmont
Tuesday-Thursday, 4 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 12 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m.-8 p.m.
Primal's patio, which is equipped with a dozen-or-so picnic tables, is the perfect place to try out their sizable beer list while still social distancing. Keep an eye out on their social media for events such as outdoor brewery yoga, live music and food truck nights.
South Main Kitchen & Tavern
128 S. Main St., Mount Holly
Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m- 9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m, - 9 p.m.
Friendly staff, home-style cooking, and a large patio are all the ingredients you need to enjoy spring in the south. And Mount Holly's South Main Kitchen and Tavern has an ample supply of all three. The country fried steak is substantial, and you can pop into the tavern for live music.
Sprouts
1012 S. New Hope Rd., Ste. B, Gastonia
Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sprouts is a great option for those patio dwellers looking for vegetarian or vegan cuisine. They also have meat options for burger lovers as well as breakfast and bakery items. Check their website for special events, like wine dinners, as well.
Spruced Goose Station
118 Wesleyan Dr., McAdenville
Monday-Saturday, 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Like Cherub’s Cafe, Spruced Goose Station is also run by Holy Angels and provides an integrated work environment to individuals will all levels of ability. It also provides excellent coffee and a menu full of sweet treats and sandwiches to go along with it.
Station
4 N. Main St., Belmont
Wednesday-Saturday, 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
(Patio heated with fire table)
Station in downtown Belmont has one of the coolest stone patios in the area. It includes a bar, a long fire feature with seating, and a handful of tables. The outdoor kitchen fills the space with aromas of Asian street noodles and grilled chicken wings. They have even more outdoor seating in the small alley on the opposite of the building that they share with Mugshots Coffee and Tea.
The String Bean
106 N. Main St., Belmont
Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.- 9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.- 10 p.m.
(Patio heated with fire tables)
The patio at The String Bean is a shaded, mini-oasis in downtown Belmont, complete with fire tables. It’s a quiet, low key place to enjoy a glass of wine from their award-winning list or a cold craft beer. Of course, “The Bean” is regionally famous for their fresh meats and seafood. Take a minute to step inside and choose an aged New York strip or some scallops from their glass deli counter.
Thirsty Dog
508 Woodlawn St., Belmont
Tuesday-Friday, 4 p.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday 12 p.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m.-8 p.m.
(Patio heated by heat lamps)
Gaston County's newest dog bar is your place for all things outdoor fun. Along with an extensive tap-list, the bar is home to a 7500 sq. ft. outdoor area for your dog (and you) to play.
Thirsty Dog offers daily drink specials and hosts food trucks, yoga and trivia weekly. For you and your pup to visit, you have to buy an annual membership ($60) or day pass ($6), which can be purchased online or at the door.
Two Chicks Sandwich and Scoops
102 S. Main St., Belmont
Monday 11 a.m.-3p.m.; Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
(Patio heated with heat lamps)
Specializing in wraps, quesadillas and (of course) ice cream Two Chicks Sandwich and Scoops landed on the corner of Main Street and McLeod Avenue after a few years running as a food truck of the same name. The 900-square-foot space (once home to Mugshots Coffee) is exclusively outdoor seating and owners Jen Quaglio and Jaime Wallen have gone the extra mile in making this cozy, covered and heated downtown Belmont patio a must.
Viva Tequis
238 W. Main Ave., Gastonia
Monday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
First, get there early. The small, covered patio at Viva Tequis is very popular. Next, get the guacamole. It comes in several variations and is made to order. Every other choice you make will be a winner. Their tacos, tortas, and tortillas are all amazing.