Is it just us, or does eating outside make food taste better?
Catch some rays or laze in the shade at one of these 25+ Indy patios. Pro tip: Don’t miss the shade level we’ve included for each of these locations.
Restaurants
BODHI | 922 Mass Ave. | Partially shaded
This patio transports you to an urban jungle surrounded by a wall of greenery + a roof of vines, topped off with string lights to set the mood. While you’re there, you can sip on a refreshing cocktail or mocktail.
The casual eatery at North Mass debuted its patio space May 23-25 with a lineup of fun events.
Photo by @shindigindy
Shin Dig | 1351 Roosevelt Ave. | Partially shaded
This family-friendly Cunningham Restaurant Group spot in the North Mass District offers a casual retro atmosphere with pizza, wings, and boozy things.
Bluebeard | 653 Virginia Ave. | Shade available upon request | Dog-friendly
While taking a stroll on the Cultural Trail in Fountain Fletcher, there’s no better place to stop for a bite than Bluebeard. Try some of the best + most inventive drinks and cuisine in the country, and save room for unique desserts by pastry chef Youssef Boudarine.
Borage | 1609 N. Lynhurst Dr. | Mostly sunny
This Speedway cafe, market, and bakery offers new American food, good vibes, and locally-sourced goods. Its expansive space offers something for everyone, whether you want to stay awhile or are on the go. The cafe even recently added patio furniture outside to cater to those who like to dine al fresco.
Gather 22 | 22 E. 22nd St. | Partially shaded | Dog-friendly
This new spot to gather for coffee, cocktails, and bites has a full patio out back — complete with tables, chairs, space heaters (if needed), and grass for your furry friends.
This downtown spot has plenty of space to gather outdoors, too.
Photo by @gatherindy
Vicino | 350 Mass Ave., Ste. 150 | Partially shaded
It’s hard to miss this patio on Mass Avenue with its blue umbrellas and perfect view of Ann Dancing. Try the meatball bolognese or pear + brie crudo.
Bocca | 122 E. 22nd St. | Partially shaded | Dog-friendly
Enjoy your vino and pasta on this near north side patio. For added ambiance, visit on Tuesdays for live music. We also recommend pairing warm weather with a frosé.
The Oakmont | 323 N. Delaware St., Ste. B | Mostly shaded
This trendy spot tucked on the backside of Mass Ave offers elevated versions of comfort food classics + weekend brunch.
Petite Chou Bistro | 823 Westfield Blvd. | Fully covered | Dog-friendly
Get in the spring spirit with beautiful floral arrangements by RK Florals + champagne cocktails on deck — creating the perfect atmosphere for a Sunday brunch with your gal pals. Pro tip: Tables for breakfast + lunch are first come, first served. Dinner reservations are available Wednesday-Saturday.
Natural State Provisions | 414 Dorman St. | Mostly sunny | Dog-friendly
This watering hole in the Holy Cross neighborhood is a family and pet-friendly establishment known for its American pub comfort food + craft beer. Bonus: There’s a fenced-in dog park for your furry friends.
Parkside Public House | 2602 Shelby St. | Partially shaded | Dog-friendly
This Garfield Park spot is an art-house gastropub serving up brunch and dinner. Its team features work from Chef Fidelmar Garcia, who you may know from Union 50 and Ruth’s Cafe, and Chef Abbi Merriss, the culinary mind behind Bluebeard.
1933 Lounge | Fishers + Carmel | Fully covered
Did you know 1933 Lounge was founded when St. Elmo converted its second floor into a speakeasy-style lounge in 2011? St. Elmo expanded the concept with its Fishers + Carmel locations. Pro tip: Guests must be 21 or over to dine at either location.
Bars and breweries
Metazoa Brewing Co. | 140 S. College Ave. | Mostly sunny | Dog-friendly
This spot is known for its dog park, but even if you don’t have your own furry friend, it’s got a nice space to hang out and watch the dogs play.
Upland Brewing | 1201 Prospect St. | Partially shaded | Dog-friendly
Right in the heart of Fountain Square, this is a perfect stop while walking the Cultural Trail or around the neighborhood. It’s a small-batch brewery with 22 beers on tap + a locally-focused menu. Pro tip: Well-behaved dogs are welcome outside.
The Tap | 306 N. Delaware St. | Partially shaded
This is a great spot to hang out with friends, watch a game, enjoy craft beer and food — and, of course, people-watch.
Dugout Bar | 621 Virginia Ave. | Mostly sunny
This friendly neighborhood bar has been offering a relaxed vibe, TVs for watching sports games, and hearty pub grub since 1954.
The Rathskeller | 401 E. Michigan St. | Mostly sunny
The beer hall offers Bavarian-style decor, German food, drinks, and live music in an outdoor space that is perfect for summer outings with friends.
Big Lug Canteen | 1435 E. 86th St. | Mostly shaded | Dog-friendly
Right off the Monon in Nora, this colorful brewery offers weekly changing taps + American eats in a cool, casual, and comfortable outdoor space — it was even voted best tenderloin in Indiana by Indy Monthly. Bonus: Friday evening live music is coming in May 2025.
Coffee shops
Provider | 1101 E. 16th St. | Partially shaded
This patio space is plentiful with tables and chairs. If it’s a hot day, there’s also an awning that creates some shade to make it more comfortable.
Parlor Public House | 600 E. Ohio St. | Partially shaded
This popular spot gets so busy that it even expanded its outdoor seating options.
Bovaconti | 1042 Virginia Ave. | Shade available upon request | Dog-friendly
If you’ve driven through Fountain Square, you can’t miss this outdoor patio space by the blue mural. It’s decently sized + gets a good amount of shade tucked in the corner with the awning.
Amelia’s | 1637 Nowland Ave. | Partially shaded
This bakery shop’s Windsor Park location has a nice little patio to hang out on while you munch on a pastry + sip some coffee.
Foundry Provisions | 236 E. 16th St. | Partially shaded
This near north side cafe offers coffee, sandwiches, ice cream, outdoor seating, and Wi-Fi. What more could you need?
Blue Mind Coffee | 646 E. 38th St. | Mostly sunny | Dog-friendly
This coffee shop at the historic Rose Building recently added a few tables and chairs outside the shop — just in time for nice weather. There’s also a new bike rack if you arrive on two wheels. Keep in mind there’s only a few tables and no shade.
As you can see, this patio is baby-friendly.
Photo via @guggmanhausbrewing
The Coffee Haus at Guggman | 1701 Gent Ave. | Partially shaded | Dog-friendly
Located right next to the main taproom, this coffee shop (open Tuesday-Sunday 8 a.m.-3 p.m.) shares some of the outdoor patio space with the brewery, so there’s plenty of picnic table seating, plus other seating on the Haus’ deck.
Accessible options
Baby’s | 2147 N. Talbott St. | Shade available upon request | Dog-friendly
Enjoy your burger and boozy shake outside in Baby’s colorful outdoor space. There’s both shaded seating with fans and a green space with picnic tables where furry friends are welcome.
BRU Burger Bar | 410 Mass Ave. | Fully covered
There’s nothing like eating a good burger outside on a sunny day. No matter what day of the week it is, if it’s nice out — you’ll probably have to wait a second to get a seat. But it’ll be worth the wait if you love burgers and a patio vibe.
Livery | 720 N. College Ave | Mostly sunny
Here at INDYtoday, we love a rooftop and a patio — and this spot has the best of both worlds. The rooftop patio is strung with lights to set the mood while you enjoy Latin-inspired dishes.
101 Beer Kitchen | 1200 S. Rangeline Rd., Carmel | Fully covered
This north side spot provides a comfortable and friendly atmosphere featuring craft brews + American plates.
Got a go-to patio that we didn’t mention? Add it to our list.
📣 Your recs
- “I highly recommend Flatwater Restaurant in Broad Ripple, which boasts a large outdoor dining deck right along the Canal. Very dog-friendly, and always lots of fun. Locally-owned, with terrific food.” — Tim M.
- “My Go-to Patio is Half Liter in Broad Ripple. It’s right on the Monon, has great food and drinks (brisket and a new shandy beer called Drugstore are my favorites) and is dog friendly! A must visit in the summer, especially when they have a band playing in the Beer Garden area! Such a great atmosphere!” — Jen S.
- “Iozzos. Revolucion. The Rooftop Garden.” — Gretchen W.
- “Pier 48 in downtown Indianapolis has an awesome corner patio!” — Jenna S.
- “If you’re in Fishers, Havana Cigar Lounge has a patio and good food!” — @briteeyes
- “Tavern at the Point! Best patio on Mass Ave!” — @k8_ward_
