Yahoo Movies The 2021 ultimate guide to patios in Charlotte: NoDa edition
Editor’s note: During COVID-19, patio dining is considered a safer alternative to dining indoors at restaurants. However, it is best to check with the individual restaurant to ensure it is following social distancing protocols before going, and once you get there, leave if a place is too crowded.
Charlotte’s Arts District is known for its walkability – but also, its lack of good parking.
Once you’re comfortable resuming public transit in the era of COVID-19, mask up and park your car at the closest Park and Ride to your house. Take the Lynx Blue Line to 36th Street Station, and the light rail doors will open right at the entrance of Wooden Robot — which boasts some of the best outdoor seating in all of Charlotte (it’s got both ground-level and rooftop patios). Then, without being tethered to your car, you can feel free to explore the neighborhood on foot.
Whether you’re looking for cocktails or coffee, vegan or meat dishes, sun or shade — the neighborhood has got you covered (at some places, quite literally, with a covered patio).
Here are some of our favorite patios and outdoor seating areas in NoDa, for dining, drinking and snacking:
The Artisan’s Palate
1218-A E. 36th St.
What to know: You’ll see the outdoor seating as you arrive, but don’t miss the wine bar and coffee shop’s secret garden seating in the back. It’s the perfect spot for some bacon-wrapped dates and a glass of red.
Billy Jack’s Shack
3220 N. Davidson St.
The Blind Pig
453 E. 36th St.
Boudreaux
501 E. 36th St.
What to know: The outdoor dining area is small (only slightly larger than sidewalk seating), but you’ll want to see if you can nab a spot at the place known for its mojitos by the pitcher and Low Country Shrimp & Grits. If you can get a seat outside at sunset, just relax and enjoy the people watching at NoDa’s most popular intersection.
The Broken Spoke / Great Wagon Road Distilling
610 Anderson St.
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Brooks’ Sandwich House
2710 N Brevard St.
What to know: It may be cheating to call this a patio, but after you order your double burger with cheese served all the way at the outdoor walk-up window, dip over to the left of the building and make use of the covered, standup area or the picnic table seating. Brooks’ Sandwich House is a neighborhood classic, not to be missed. (It’s also cash only, so make sure to come prepared.
Cabo Fish Taco
3201 N. Davidson St.
The Chamber at Wooden Robot
416 E. 36th St.
Deejai Noodle Bar
3629 N. Davidson St.
Divine Barrel Brewing
3701 N. Davidson St., Suite #203
The Dog Bar
3307 N. Davidson St.
What to know: There are dogs here. What else matters? But seriously, The Dog Bar is Charlotte’s original bar for dogs to play while owners sip beer and supervise. There’s no kitchen, but you can order takeout and eat it here, as long as you don’t mind dogs walking across the table while you nosh. Hey, it’s their spot, you’re just their ride home.
The Exchange at 36th
451 E. 36th St.
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Free Will - Craft + Vine
3701 N Davidson St. #201
Goodyear House
3032 N. Davidson St. Charlotte, NC 28205
What to know: The longer the pandemic went on, the bigger Goodyear House’s patio became. In March 2020, it was a cozy, tucked-away-from-the-world spot. Today, the patio dining has doubled in space, ensuring higher chances there’s a seat for you to enjoy a Goopy Burger with a Shaken Fry Bag with some Devilish Toast.
Haberdish
3106 N. Davidson St.
Heist Brewery
2909 N. Davidson St., Ste 200
JackBeagles
3213 N. Davidson St.
What to know: Order garlic parm wings with a side of the restaurant’s signature Jack Mac (“Creamy, spicy, garlicky” mac and cheese).
Local Loaf
800 E. 35th St.
NoDa Company Store
3221 Yadkin Ave Charlotte, NC 28205
What to know: Order a NoDa Colada, it’s world-famous (and definitely Charlotte famous).
Oh My Soul
3046 N Davidson St Charlotte, NC 28205
What to know: There’s no room for meat on the menu at this vegan spot, but you won’t be just eating rabbit food here, either — so come hungry.
Orto NoDa
416 E. 36th St., Suite 600
Room & Board
3228 N. Davidson St.
Roy’s Kitchen and Patio
3112 N Davidson St Charlotte, NC 28205
What to know: There’s a covered patio attached to the restaurant, but if you want to feel the sun, head for the open-air patio just beyond the building.
From Jamaican jerk chicken to cocktails, here’s what to expect at this new NoDa spot
Salud Beer Shop
3306 N. Davidson St.
What to know: You won’t want to miss a visit to the best beer bar in the country while you’re in NoDa.
Charlotte has the best beer bar in the country
Sanctuary
507 E. 36th St.
Smelly Cat
514 E. 36th Street
What to know: During COVID-19, Smelly Cat began working exclusively from its walk-up windows, keeping you safe while you place your order of Black Cat or NoDa Nights. Don’t forget to order an Everything Poppy’s Bagel. Pick between sidewalk seating, the small tables along the sides of the building, or the round area in the back covered by a tree, with NoDa’s birds to keep you company.
Stu’s Barrel House
3215 N. Davidson St.
Want more?
SIDEWALK SEATING: There are so many places in NoDa for outdoor seating — in addition to the patios we mentioned, check out the great sidewalk seating at:
