West Texas Guide to Patio Dining
Texans harbor unique appreciation for the magic of patio happy hours and al fresco dinners enjoyed under the stars. For our more northern counterparts these scenes evoke memories of summer, but for West Texans, an afternoon spent sipping on a beer sweatier than you recalls the opposite: a handful of early “Spring,” late “Fall,” and “Winter” days.
And while temperamental West Texas weather may make for an unpredictable al fresco season, patio-perfect days are all the more sweeter. To help you enjoy those sub-80 degree (but plus 65 degree) days, we’ve scouted West Texas’s favorite outdoor dining and drinking options.
MIDLAND
MURRAY’S DELI
SCOUTED | 3211 W Wadley Ave, Midland | @murrays_deli | Murray’s Deli has been a Midland staple, serving up family favorites, since 1984. With a covered, open air patio, Murray’s is an easy go-to for casual lunches and dinners.
THE HALF ACRE
SCOUTED | 1101 Washita, Midland | @mmchalfacre | From West Texas favorites, Midland Meat Company and Scharbauer Ranch, comes Half Acre, a pasture-to-plate barbecue joint. Expect locally raised beef from pittmaster Aaron Lesley, plus classic sides and inventive desserts. Ample outdoor space makes it a great place for outdoor dining and letting the kiddos run wild(ish).
CORK & PIG TAVERN
200 Spring Park Dr, Midland | @corkandpigmidland | The casual, contemporary gastropub serves up wood-fired pizzas and elevated American fare that pair perfectly with selections from the extensive wine list or craft cocktail menu. Dining outdoors is a must!
FAIR TO MIDLAND
1115 Tradewinds Blvd, Midland | @fairtomidland_ | Open air is essential at the state-fair style kitchen and bar, Fair to Midland. Grab draft beers, burgers, and an obligatory order of waffle fries to munch on while enjoying fair-style games, live music, or football on the big screens.
MAC’S BBQ
2400 W Indiana Ave, Midland | @macsbbqandcatering | Mac’s BBQ serves up slow-smoked, Texas-style barbecue and statewide favorites for dine in, take-out, and catering. Order by plate or weight and pair with a bucket of beer for the quintessential West Texas al fresco experience. Note seasonal hours.
THE PATIO DRAFTHOUSE
2101 W Wadley Ave, Midland | @the_patio_drafthouse | As the name suggests, outdoor dining reigns at The Patio Drafthouse, brunch through dinner. Opt for the patio or enjoy a seasonal breeze indoors when the garage doors are rolled up to enjoy Tex Mex and generous cocktails or beer.
VENEZIA
2101 W Wadley Ave, Midland | @veneziamidland | Venezia is a luxe, Northern Italian bistro serving everything from handmade pastas, sizzling steaks, fresh seafood, and an award-winning wine list to match. With two shaded patios, Venezia offers ample outdoor space for al fresco dining come milder West Texas evenings.
ODESSA
RED OAK KITCHEN
7260 TX-191 Frontage #200 | @redoakkitchenodessa | For upscale, yet casual dining breakfast through dinner, Red Oak Kitchen delights. Enjoy Southwestern Fusion and American favorites complemented by signature cocktails and a well-curated wine list on the patio or beer garden for a easy dining experience.
CORK & PIG TAVERN
7260 E. State Highway 191 Odessa | @corkandpigodessa | Cork & Pig Tavern’s Odessa location brings the same easygoing, contemporary gastropub atmosphere and elevated American fare you’ll find at their Midland counterpart. Similarly, their outdoor dining is delightful.
FAR WEST
COCHINEAL
SCOUTED | 107 W San Antonio Street, Marfa | @cochineal_marfa | Cochineal is a casual fine dining restaurant that cements Far West Texas as a true culinary destination. Opt for an outdoor table and enjoy a seasonally-inspired, locally-sourced multi-course seasonal menu that is elevated and inventive, yet totally accessible. *Open most Fridays & Saturdays by reservation. Get to know the Executive Chef…
THE POOL
205 E El Paso St, Marfa | Cool down as things heat up in Marfa. Hotel Saint George’s poolside bar and grill serves up burgers, frozen cocktails and more 11:00 am to 10:00 pm daily seasonally.
12 GAGE RESTAURANT
SCOUTED | 102 NW 1st St, Highway 90W, Marathon | @gagehotel | Serving West Texas Cuisine with a gourmet twist, the Gage Hotel’s award-winning restaurant offers a refined seasonal menu utilizing high-quality ingredients including locally sourced meats and fresh seafood served with vegetables and herbs grown from their own on-site garden. Enjoy dinner al fresco, their patio includes fireplaces and fountains that set the mood in any season.
Did we miss your favorite? Email [email protected] to nominate your favorite, locally-owned West Texas patio. And don’t forget to tell them Scout sent you!
