Best Outdoor Dining in Boone, NC: Patios + Porches for Every Season
Because everything tastes better outside.
In Boone, patio season doesn’t end when summer does. Thanks to crisp mountain breezes, long golden evenings, and the occasional sweater-weather afternoon, outdoor dining here can be enjoyed well into fall (and sometimes even winter, if you’re bundled up right). Whether you’re catching up with friends, winding down after a hike, or just looking for a reason to linger outside, Boone’s patios and porches are made for savoring good food with a side of fresh air.
Here are our favorite spots around town where the meals are memorable, the drinks flow, and the High Country vibes are always on the menu.
Appalachian Mountain Brewery (AMB)
A beloved Boone staple, AMB has long been a hub for locals and visitors alike. Their spacious outdoor area is dog-friendly and often hosts live music, making it a prime hangout spot year-round. With a rotating lineup of craft beers brewed on-site and a food truck (Farm to Flame) parked outside, this laid-back spot brings the community together over pints and flights. Whether you’re sipping a Long Leaf IPA or trying their latest seasonal cider, it’s always a good time at AMB.
Best for: Laid-back hangs with local brews, live music, and a community vibe.
Wild Craft Eatery
A longtime Boone favorite, Wild Craft’s shaded patio is perfect for a casual meal in the heart of downtown. Their eclectic menu features creative, locally sourced dishes with lots of gluten-free and vegetarian options. Whether you’re ordering garam masala yellow curry, baha mahi tacos, or their sweet potato enchiladas, it’s always flavorful and fresh.
Best For: Globally inspired dishes + downtown people-watching
Lost Province Brewing Co.
Lost Province pairs wood-fired pizzas, hearty entrees, and craft beer with some of the coziest outdoor seating downtown. Their all-season covered porch means you can dine outside rain, shine, or snow, and the tucked-away rooftop patio offers a quieter perch with views over Depot Street. From creative pies to house-brewed beers, it’s a go-to spot for groups, families, or anyone craving a relaxed meal in the heart of Boone.
Best For: Wood-fired pizza, house brews + year-round outdoor seating
The Cardinal
The Cardinal is a local go-to for a reason. Its back patio is simple but spacious, making it an easy place to kick back and unwind. The eclectic burger menu features everything from elk and bison (when available) to a flavorful house-made beet burger, plus some of the most inventive cocktails in town. It’s big on flavor without ever taking itself too seriously.
Best For: Creative burgers (elk, bison + beet) + inventive cocktails
Booneshine Brewing Co.
Booneshine gives you options: dine on the patio attached to their full-service restaurant, or head over to the beer garden for picnic-table seating and food truck fare. Either way, you’ll enjoy stunning views, fresh craft brews, and a super chill environment. There’s often live music, and the golden hour light over the hills is chef’s kiss.
Best For: A beer with a view—take your pick between the restaurant patio + the beer garden
Basil’s Fresh Pasta + Deli
Basil’s is tucked into a shopping center just off Highway 105, and while it may not be flashy, their shaded patio is surprisingly peaceful—and the food keeps people coming back. They serve scratch-made pastas, delicious sandwiches made with fresh bread from Stick Boy Bread Co., and boast one of the best wine selections in town. Pro tip: Stop by for free wine tastings every Wednesday in the Market Bar (in the back of the restaurant).
Best For: House-made pasta, shareable appetizers + tucked-away patio dining
SouthEnd Brewing Co.
Located downtown on King Street, SouthEnd offers a spacious outdoor patio perfect for people-watching or catching live music. The food menu goes well beyond typical bar fare—their Tuna Poke Nachos are a standout—and there are plenty of beer options to sample. It’s walkable, lively, and perfect for a relaxed afternoon or casual night out.
Best For: Cold drafts, tasty bites + a prime King Street patio
Coyote Kitchen
Coyote Kitchen has been an established favorite for years, known for its creative fusion of Caribbean and Southwestern dishes and an ultra-accommodating menu for gluten-free, vegan, and allergy-sensitive diners. The covered patio is casual, cozy, and pet-friendly—perfect for colorful bowls and “boats”, fish tacos, or their signature sweet plantains. Big flavor, low stress, and a staff that makes you feel right at home.
Best For: Island-meets-Southwest flavors + allergy-friendly eats
Whether you’re soaking in sunshine over lunch, enjoying a cool mountain evening with dinner and drinks, or bundling up on a crisp fall day, Boone’s outdoor dining scene proves that patio season is far from a summer-only affair. From bold flavors to small-town charm, these local patios and porches invite you to slow down, savor the moment, and stay a little longer.
Got a favorite we missed?
Tag us @bestofboonenc and share your go-to outdoor dining spots — we’re always looking for more local gems to add to the list.
Love a good beer with your patio time? 🍻
Boone is home to some incredible local breweries — many with patios, porches, and beer gardens of their own. Check out our full guide to the Best Breweries in Boone, NC to plan your next sip-and-savor stop.
