In Phoenix, where the weather cooperates for most of the year, patios are part of everyday life. There’s something special about a climate that supports open-air living, especially when restaurants see the potential to foster community.
These 15 restaurants across the Valley take patio culture seriously, designing outdoor spaces guests can enjoy in every season. With everything from cooling systems and shade structures to mature tree coverage, firepits, and space heaters, there’s rarely a bad time to settle outdoors.
LON’s at The Hermosa Inn
Built in the 1930s by cowboy artist Alonzo “Lon” Megargee as his personal home and studio, The Hermosa Inn is now one of Paradise Valley’s most beloved historic properties. Its restaurant, serving Southwest-inspired dishes, has a patio worthy of mention. Trickling fountains, broad mesquite trees, and weathered Saltillo tile transports guests to simpler times. Sit beneath the umbrellas for reprieve in warmer months or congregate near the stucco fireplaces in winter. Few patios in the Valley capture Arizona’s charm quite like this one. 5532 N. Palo Cristi Rd., Paradise Valley, azhideawaycollection.com
El Encanto
This Mexican-inspired oasis in Cave Creek, called “the enchanted” in Spanish, is devoted to exposing guests to the “sights, sounds, and tastes of Mexico.” Each location is filled with handcrafted wrought iron details, imported Mexican tile, and lush greenery planted throughout the cantinas and patios. As you wait for your food, feed ducks and swans, or simply enjoy the ambiance of clinking glasses and good conversations. Multiple locations, elencantorestaurants.com
Chelsea’s Kitchen
Housed in a 1940s adobe building where a dance hall once stood, Chelsea’s Kitchen still embraces that same communal spirit in the form of an American roadhouse. Its award-winning patio along the canal features an outdoor bar, large brick fireplace, and shade from both umbrellas and natural tree coverage. Misters in summer and heaters in winter make this patio pleasant in every season, for every meal, from brunch to dinner. 5040 N. 40th St., Phoenix, chelseaskitchenaz.com
Luci’s at the Orchard
Luci’s at the Orchard, known for fresh American café fare, takes its name from the orchard that once stretched across the property. Today, the patio serves as a community gathering place drawing everyone from business professionals to families. Co-founder Lucia Schnitzer said the vision behind Luci’s was always to be a good neighbor. She even advocated for a splash pad in the design to better support parents and children.
At the center of the outdoor space sits a large white tent with plenty of seating, along with shaded tables, misters, a Free Little Library, and an ice cream parlor…