We stand firm on the opinion that there aren’t many of life’s true pleasures better than feeling a little sun on your face, cooled by a gentle breeze—while enjoying a tasty beverage and delicious food. Largely due to the many months of great weather and a plethora of excellent restaurants and pubs in Fayetteville, Arkansas, it should come as no surprise that there’s a lengthy list of patio options to choose from for your next relaxation stop.
We’ve got a handful of independent favorites to share that represent an array of vibes, beverages and cuisines for you to check out:
Arsaga’s
If you truly want to see where a cross-section of locals gravitates on a regular basis, Arsaga's happily provides. This is one place where the quality of the food and the loveliness of the space are in direct competition for what makes this family-owned spot a perennial favorite. Order the house roasted java plain or fancy, and don’t pass up the chance to taste the sweet or savory (or both) crepes any time of day. Snag a spot under the canopied patio next to the trail.
481 S School
arsagas.com/mill-district
Dickson Street Pub
The rooftop patio of Dickson Street Pub is considered by many to be THE best public view of Dickson Street and Old Main, and we wouldn’t dispute that. Gather with friends to visit in the heart of the entertainment district without the competing noise of a loud pub scene, and be dazzled by the menu of more than fifty craft beers or tip back a Mason jar of lip-smacking good Hog Punch. The venue is pet-friendly, and if a rain cloud blows over, just find an alternative spot at the cozy pub below.
303 W Dickson Street
dicksonstreetpub.com
Farmer’s Table Café
One visit to Farmer’s Table and you’ll be smitten. The mission of this wonderfully eclectic café is to support local food producers, increase community food security and explore the tastes of the Ozarks—and the tight-knit crew who own and operate the establishment do just that. The deck and front patio garden seating is always filled with residents and visitors who flock there for hearty breakfast, brunch and lunch offerings. We recommend you arrive early on weekends, but if you find a line, it’s well worth it to settle in with a cup of coffee and people watch while you wait.
1079 S School Avenue
thefarmerstablecafe.com
JJ’s Brewing Co.
If there’s ever a place in town you can always count on to find good fun, food and brews in the outdoors, it’ll be at one of the Fayetteville locations that comprise the very popular JJ’s family of restaurant bars. The JJ’s on Dickson covered patio overlooks the daytime and nighttime fun of the city’s entertainment scene—and JJ’s Fayetteville on the west side of town features great covered outdoor seating perfect for all ages. All locations boast a huge menu to satisfy every palate.
1271 Steamboat Drive #7
324 W Dickson Street
jjsgrill.com
Lambeth Lounge
There’s no other place in Fayetteville quite like Lambeth Lounge, where Southern hospitality meets laid-back sophistication. Lambeth Lounge is a bar on the University of Arkansas campus, located within the historic Inn at Carnall Hall. Locals and hotel guests staying at the stately Inn at Carnall Hall love to unwind with a fine selection of scotch, signature cocktails, craft beers, excellent wine, and handcrafted pizzas.
Each April-November, you can sit on their gorgeous wrap-around porch that overlooks Old Main Lawn and enjoy live music! Sippin' at Sunset takes place from 5-8pm each Friday. Of course, you can always enjoy the porch during lounge hours. Best seat on campus!
465 N Arkansas Avenue
innatcarnallhall.com/drinks-and-dining
Little Bread Company
Patios don’t have to be big to be perfect, and we’re happy to let you in on a little secret. Little Bread Company is pretty much legendary for the artisan breads, pastries and tasty sandwiches that immerge from its tiny kitchen, but we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the shady, sweet vine-covered patio nook tucked into the side of this local hotspot. Stop in for the great coffee and decadent, yet lighter-than-air croissants—and stay to watch Fayetteville wake up on its much-loved Block Avenue.
116 N Block Avenue
littlebread.com
Nomads Southtown and Nomads Trailside
If you’re hankering for a hip and arty vibe where there’s no skimping on great food options, you can’t miss with either of the two Nomads locations. Offering brunch, lunch and dinner Thursday through Sunday, guests will rejoice at the creative cocktails and colorful food menu full of tasty non-traditional fare featuring plenty of healthy fare. Time things correctly, and you’ll find live music and occasional stand-up comedy to keep you entertained.
Nomads Trailside is a perfect stopping point along the Razorback Greenway and Nomads Southtown is a quick, convenient jaunt from University of Arkansas Baum Stadium and surrounding area.
676 Ash Street (Trailside)
facebook.com/nomadstrailside
1431 S School Avenue (Southtown)
facebook.com/nomadsfayetteville
Noodles Italian Kitchen
This locally owned and operated uptown Fayetteville restaurant has been serving delicious house-made Italian cuisine to happy customers since 1999, with generous portions that usually require to-go boxes for everyone but the heartiest diners. The beautiful large dining area is conducive to groups of all sizes and ages, but if the weather is warm, don’t miss the chance to sit outside under the gorgeous large covered patio and bar area. The space is perfect for everything from a romantic dinner for two to a large reception.
3748 Mall Avenue
noodlesitaliankitchen.net
Sassy’s Red House and Sassy’s BBQ & Grill
Sassy’s Red House was born as a result of a generations-old quest to find the perfect BBQ sauce, and the recipes for the sauces and rubs date back to Sassy Jones’s grandfather Jasper back in 1895! The first Fayetteville location on College Avenue was where locals and out-of-towners quickly developed a strong liking to the food and friendly sports bar atmosphere, as well as the fantastic deck that feels more like an expansive treehouse. One location wasn’t nearly enough, so a second spot opened in west Fayetteville—also with a spacious outdoor dining area.
708 N College Avenue (Sassy’s Red House)
1290 Steamboat Drive (Sassy’s BBQ & Grill)
sassysbarbq.com
Theo’s
You’ll be hard pressed to find better deals (or flavors) for happy hour cocktails and small plates than at Theo’s, located just off Dickson Street. The fine dining restaurant’s patio fills up quickly, as does the swanky indoor bar. If you’re in the market for a full dinner, you’re in luck with a menu that offers beautiful appetizers and entrees that are anything but ordinary. We suggest the #1 Basil Gimlet (vodka, lime, basil syrup) and the Honeysuckle Fizz (honeysuckle vodka, apricot liqueur, champagne) or take a peek at the wine and premium liquor list.
318 Campbell Avenue
theosfayetteville.com
