Do you ever find yourself planning to go out for lunch or dinner, wanting a restaurant with outdoor seating near you, but can’t remember which restaurants have outdoor tables?? This list is for you!
During the “cooler” months here in Florida, dining “al fresco” (aka outdoor dining) becomes much more enjoyable.
We put together a list of Lakeland and Winter Haven area restaurants that have outside tables or patio dining available to help find outdoor dining near you. Whether you need a family-friendly restaurant, are planning a date night, or want a relaxed dinner with a waterfront view, there is a restaurant on our list for you.
Don’t miss our Restaurant Guide for local coffee shops, the best places for donuts, ice cream shops, and more.
This list is for informational purposes only, restaurant seating is subject to change without notice. Please check directly with the restaurant for more details on outdoor dining availability and operating hours.
Downtown Lakeland Restaurants with Outdoor Seating
One of our favorite things about Downtown Lakeland is the abundance of restaurants with outdoor dining. You can do some great people watching while you enjoy a meal outside. The Downtown Lakeland restaurants listed below in all have an outdoor patio or multiple tables outdoors. {They also have indoor dining options available!} Reservations are not required at most of these but some do recommend them, especially on weekends or during downtown Lakeland events.
In 2021, the sidewalk along Main Street was widened to provide additional outdoor seating at Black and Brew and Nineteen61, and in 2022, some of the curbside street parking spaces along Kentucky Avenue were replaced by parklets to add more outdoor seating at Frescos and Harry’s.
Bonnet Springs Park – Central Florida’s newest place to play has a restaurant in The Depot and a coffee shop in the Welcome Center, both have outdoor seating available and you can also take a blanket and have a picnic in the park.
Black and Brew Downtown – Serving delicious coffee, sandwiches, soups, and salads. The sidewalk tables are my favorite place to eat at Black and Brew. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Chop Shop – Retro diner serving burgers and beer (and more). Open for lunch and dinner. Covered outdoor seating is located in front of the restaurant on Kentucky Ave.
Frescos Southern Kitchen and Bar – Frescos serves a combination of modern and traditional southern eats, handcrafted cocktails, and a delicious weekend brunch. Open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Outdoor seating along Kentucky Ave.
Garden Bistro – Enjoy a beautiful view of Lake Morton at this bistro serving classic sandwiches, salads & soups, as well as beer and wine. Open daily for lunch. Outdoor seating available.
Harry’s Seafood Bar + Grill – New Orleans inspired Creole style restaurant. Open for lunch and dinner. Outdoor patio located along Kentucky Ave.
Mitchell’s Coffee House – You might not know it but Mitchell’s has an outdoor patio outside the back door! Serving gourmet coffee, pastries, and lunch. Open for breakfast, lunch, through late afternoon. To find the patio head to the back of the coffee house and look for the door to the left. A few tables are also located outside the front door.
Mojo Federal – Serving barbecue, southern food, and craft cocktails. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Outdoor seating is available on the deck.
Nineteen61 – One of our favorite restaurants in Lakeland, Nineteen61 serves Latin American cuisine with a modern twist and an upscale dining experience. Open for lunch and dinner daily as well as Sunday brunch. Outdoor tables are available in front of the restaurant, reservations are recommended.
Palace Pizza – Pizza, Pasta, Italian food with a casual atmosphere. Open for lunch and dinner. Plenty of outdoor tables in the front and along the side of the restaurant.
Swan Brewing – This craft brewery and taproom has a relaxed atmosphere and ample outdoor seating with views over Lake Wire. Food Trucks and live music rotate on a regular basis, plus a large selection of craft beer. Open weekdays for happy hour and dinner, weekends for lunch and dinner.
The Joinery – This popular food hall has a variety of food vendors to choose from plus a bar. Open for lunch and dinner. Outdoor seating is on the front patio looking over Lake Mirror and also along the back of the building.
These restaurants in Downtown Lakeland have anywhere from 2 – 6 tables outside, so availability could be limited. Don’t forget you can always get a to-go meal and enjoy a picnic in Munn Park or another outdoor space!
Restaurants at Lakeside Village with Outdoor Seating
Having lunch with friends or a family dinner at Lakeside Village is always fun because you can stroll past all of the store windows and around the circle {maybe even squeeze in some shopping}, then grab a sweet treat at Coldstone or Yogurt Mountain. Most of the restaurants at Lakeside Village have outdoor dining.
Abuelos – While we love the indoor courtyard style dining room at Abuelos, outdoor seating is also available on a covered patio. Serving Mexican food and margaritas. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
bd’s Mongolian Grill – Casual chain where you can create your own stir-fry bowl. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Outdoor seating along the sidewalk a Lakeside Village.
Brass Tap – Enjoy pub fare and a large selection of beers on tap. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Outdoor seating is available along the side of the building.
Burger 21 – Serves creative burgers, fries, and milkshakes. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Couches and tables wrap around the outside of Burger 21, and festive lighting comes on at dusk. {Trust us and try ALL the sauces for dipping your fries – toasted marshmallow is my favorite}.
Fish City Grill – Serving southern-style seafood with rotating daily specials. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Outdoor seating is located along the sidewalk on the main circle at Lakeside Village.
Gaskins BBQ + Lobster – One of the newest additions at Lakeside Village, enjoy BBQ and seafood at Gaskins. There are a few outdoor tables located by the entrance, just down from the movie theater.
Glory Days Grill – This sports bar and restaurant is a chain featuring American fare and a huge wall of TV’s. Open daily for lunch and dinner. The entire front of the restaurant is outdoor seating.
Grillsmith – Known for classic American comfort dishes paired with modern wines, whiskeys, and handcrafted cocktails. Open daily for lunch and dinner, reservations are available and recommended on weekends. The outdoor patio at Grillsmith faces the movie theater and is great for people watching.
Louie Pappas – The chopped Greek salad at Louie Pappas {with extra potato salad} is one of my favorite meals! Open daily for lunch and dinner. Outdoor seating is available along this enter plaza including Moe’s and Starbucks.
Moe’s – Chain serving burritos, nachos, quesadillas, and more. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Outdoor seating is available along this enter plaza including Louie Pappas and Starbucks.
Pizzeria Valdiano – Casual Italian restaurant serving pizza, pasta, wine, and other Italian favorites. Open weekdays for lunch and dinner, weekends dinner only. A few tables are located outside the front door.
Outdoor Dining: Lakeland Florida
These Lakeland restaurants with outdoor seating are almost all locally owned, and each brings something unique to the table. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to have an outdoor date night dinner or a casual family meal, you’ll find it on this list.
1916 Irish Pub – Located at the Cleveland Heights Golf Clubhouse, serving 20+ beers, craft cocktails, gourmet sandwiches and light Irish fare. Open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Outdoor seating on the patio overlooking the golf course.
Britt’s Café – Offers a quaint, cozy atmosphere with friendly southern hospitality and delicious diner-style food. Located next to Oakbridge Publix. Open for breakfast and lunch. Outdoor seating is available.
Black and Brew Lake Morton – Located at the Lakeland Library, this is my favorite place to work outside on a beautiful weekday, and I always treat myself to breakfast or lunch. Open daily for breakfast through late afternoon. Ample outdoor seating is available.
Black and Brew Southside – Located on South Florida Avenue, this new Black and Brew location features an intimate cafe and vibrant patio with a menu all its own.
Chipolte – Fast-food chain with burritos, tacos & bowls. Open daily for lunch and dinner. All locations in our area have outdoor seating.
Cob and Pen – Enjoy the yard games outside this renovated 1927 Tudor House when you sit outdoors at Cob and Pen. Serving happy hour and dinner daily and weekend brunch.
The End Zone – Known for burgers, beer, and homestyle cooking, this sports restaurant is kid friendly and has outdoor tables. Located next to Defy.
Ford’s Garage – Your kids will love the atmosphere in this car-themed restaurant that serves burgers, comfort food and delectable desserts. Located just off I-4 in north Lakeland. Open daily for lunch and dinner. A large outdoor patio is located at the front of the restaurant, but be sure you peek inside to check out the car decor and fun restrooms.
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop – Both counter service and table service are available at this casual restaurant serving Mexican fare, beer, and margaritas. Located across from the bowling alley on South Florida Ave and in the same parking lot as HTeaO Lakeland. Outdoor seating is available on a covered patio, plus garage style doors are used to open up the entire restaurant during nice weather. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Good Thyme – Located behind the Dixieland Mall, Good Thyme serves breakfast and lunch with plenty of vegan, gluten free, and vegetarian options. Open for breakfast and lunch. Outdoor seating on the wood deck or behind the restaurant.
Mission BBQ – This casual dining restaurant is a BBQ chain with outdoor seating. Located across from the bowling alley on South Florida Ave. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Palace Italian Restaurant North – Pizza, Pasta, and authentic Italian food. Open for lunch and dinner.
Panera – Both Panera locations in Lakeland offer outdoor seating.
Red Door – Enjoy a scratch kitchen, classic cuisine with a modern twist, plus wine bar and craft beverages on the front porch of this renovated historic home with a view of Lake Morton. Serving drinks and dinner. Outdoor seating available on the porch.
Wade’s Kitchen – Choose from an extensive breakfast menu, as well as salads, sandwiches, burgers, wings, and more on the lunch and dinner menu. Located in north Lakeland on N Socrum Loop Road. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Outdoor seating is available on a large covered patio.
Yard on Mass – Offering eclectic food trucks, craft beer, wine, cocktails, live music, yard games, and more. Open weekday evenings and weekends for lunch and dinner. Both indoor and outdoor seating are available.
Outdoor Dining: Downtown Winter Haven Restaurants
Main Street Winter Haven, the City of Winter Haven, and the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce have worked together to create innovative outdoor dining areas and parklets in Downtown Winter Haven. Visit the Main Street Winter Haven website to see a map, then pick a restaurant with outdoor seating.
Arabellas – Serving Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, created from the freshest ingredients and served in a warm, casually elegant atmosphere. Open for lunch and dinner. (Great date night restaurant!)
Ave Bar – Eat, drink, and socialize at Ave Bar on Central Ave in Winter Haven. Menus are provided from both sister establishments – Arabellas and Bistro Pizza.
Bistro Pizza – Enjoy hand-tossed, brick oven pizza and other Italian favorites. Bistro Pizza is next to Arabellas and Ave Bar, sister establishments. Open for lunch and dinner.
Egg Haven – Enjoy breakfast or lunch on the outdoor patio at Egg Haven. Breakfast is served all day, and a large lunch lunch menu is also available.
El Olivo Mexican Restaurant – Serving authentic, homemade Mexican dishes in Downtown Winter Haven since 1988, all made from the freshest and finest ingredients. Open for lunch and dinner. Outdoor seating on the front patio.
Fire Eatery and Bar – Fire’s lunch menu includes burgers, wings, salads and more. The dinner menu has fresh seafood, angus steaks and a full service liquor bar. Open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday Brunch.
Grove Roots – This local craft brewery and taproom located in downtown Winter Haven is inspired by Central Florida’s juicy history. Check website for hours, food truck schedule, live music and special events. Head outside for patio tables and green space with a beer garden feel.
Nutwood – This farm to table restaurant is a local favorite that serves local fare, sustainable and delicious. Open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday Brunch. Outdoor dining is available on the patio.
Scores – Wings, burgers, wraps, salads, sandwiches, and more. Open for breakfast and lunch. Outdoor tables located outside the front door.
Winter Haven Restaurants on the Water
Looking for a restaurant in Polk County with water front dining? These Winter Haven restaurants have outdoor dining AND lake views over the Chain of Lakes. Whether you visit by land or by boat, you can enjoy sunset or a waterfront view for lunch or dinner.
Tanners Lakeside – This waterfront restaurant and bar is accessible by land or by boat on the Chain of Lakes (Lake May). Live music and special events happen weekly (corn hole tournament anyone??) Outdoor seating on the back deck along the lake.
Twisted Prop – Also located on Lake May and accessible by boat, this bar and grill serves seafood, burgers, wraps and more in a casual atmosphere. Open for lunch and dinner. Outdoor seating in the screened in patio or outside with a lake view.
Old Man Frank’s – Enjoy a lakeside view at this Winter Haven restaurant with a Key West style atmosphere. Raw bar and seafood menu, live music on the weekends, and karaoke on Wednesdays. Open for lunch and dinner. Outdoor seating on the deck with a sunset view.
Harborside – Sunset views over Lake Shipp make this a great place to enjoy outdoor dining in Winter Haven. Known for steaks, seafood, and casual American fare. Open daily for lunch and dinner, accessible by boat. Outdoor dining on the patio or the screened deck.
Map – Find Outdoor Restaurants Near You
Outdoor Seating Restaurants Near You
Do you know of another restaurant with outdoor tables? Or has one of these restaurants removed its temporary outdoor seating? Contact us and we’ll update our list.
Food + Restaurant Guide
Check out our Food + Restaurant Guide for more places to eat in Lakeland + Polk County including ice cream shops, coffee shops, donut shops, food banks, outdoor dining, Kids Eat Free deals, and more.