Is it just us, or does eating outside make food taste better?
Catch some rays or laze in the shade at one of these 30+ Lakeland patios. Pro tip: Don’t miss the shade level we’ve included for each of these locations.
Coffee Shops
Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro, locations vary | Fully covered
Whether you’re looking for a spacious patio on the south side, a brew with a downtown view, or a shaded seat near the lake, you can find it at one of these locations.
Concord Coffee, 1037 S. Florida Ave., Ste. 135 | Partially shaded
This Dixieland Mall shop has tables in the fully covered breezeway — perfect for warmer days when you need an overhead fan — and seats on a partially sunny patio.
Pressed, 213 E. Bay St. | Mostly sunny
Want to feel like you’re sipping your drink in a garden alleyway? Look no further than Pressed, where tables for two line the cobblestone walkway to the coffee shop’s side door.
Hillcrest Coffee, 119 Hillcrest St. | Partially shaded
Sip your favorite coffee or tea on the wraparound porch of this 1925 bungalow.
happyfastdelicious, 3601 S. Florida Ave. | Fully covered
There’s virtually no such thing as waiting in line at this mobile-order coffee shop — you can pick your order up at the drive-thru or walk-up window, then grab a spot at one of its iconic purple tables.
Unfiltered Lakeland, 801 E. Main St. | Partially shaded
Shop from local businesses while enjoying your food and drinks at this quirky downtown spot.
Sweet Cup Cafe, 1401 Lakeland Hills Blvd. | Mostly sunny
This colorful cafe is open for a quick breakfast or lunch. We also love to sip a latte, cappuccino, or café con leche on the patio.
Restaurants
The Joinery, 640 E. Main St. | Partially shaded
Grab a spot on this food hall’s front patio for a fully covered table with views of the lake, or head to the back for smaller, umbrella-covered tables.
The Patio-Lakeland, 850 S. Tennessee Ave. | Partially shaded
This recently reopened spot off of Frank Lloyd Wright Way feels like a garden hideaway.
Frescos Southern Kitchen & Bar, 132 S. Kentucky Ave. | Mostly sunny
Take “dining al fresco” to a whole new level at this dog-friendly downtown staple.
Garden Bistro, 702 E. Orange St. | Partially shaded
Soak in views of Lake Mirror while enjoying soups, salads, and desserts.
Il Forno, 3615 S. Florida Ave., Ste. 1310 | Fully covered
Pioggia o sole — that’s “rain or shine” in Italian, which is exactly how you can enjoy classic Italian dishes at this Merchant’s Walk spot.
Nineteen61, 215 E. Main St. | Partially shaded
This fine-dining Latin fusion eatery across from Munn Park is known for its craft cocktails, chef-driven menu, and unique touches for special events.
Grillsmith, 1569 Town Center Dr. | Fully covered
For those who like to be at the center of it all, grab your next outdoor meal in the heart of Lakeside Village.
Feasts of Persia, 1023 S. Florida Ave. | Partially shaded
Find this Persian-American Fusion food truck parked outside Union Hall — we recommend the kabob burger.
Mojo Federal, 130 S. Tennessee Ave. | Mostly sunny
Barbecue is best enjoyed outdoors, right? Order up your favorite feel-good foods under the twinkling lights outside this historic downtown building.
Britt’s Cafe, locations vary | Partially shaded
What’s the only thing better than brunch? Brunch on the patio. This cafe has a location on Lakeland’s north side and the south side, so all can enjoy.
Cob & Pen, 1221 S. Florida Ave. | Mostly sunny
Play lawn games or simply enjoy the outdoors at this iconic Lakeland spot.
Texas Cattle Company, 735 E. Main St. | Fully covered
Saddle up for a spot at this Swan City steakhouse with views of Lake Mirror. Pro tip: Stop by on your birthday to strike gold on a good deal.
By the slice or by the box — either way, we’re eating it.
Photo by @quickysawicki
Palace Pizza,114 S. Kentucky Ave. | Fully covered
Your chances of bumping into someone you know are pretty high here — the winner of our LALtoday Pizza Bracket boasts tons of patio seating.
Good Thyme, 1037 Dixieland Mall Ln. | Partially shaded
Pro tip: Try the rotating chef’s special tacos of the week, then grab a stool or a picnic table to enjoy.
LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken, 2101 S. Florida Ave. | Fully covered
Cool down from your hot chicken sandwich in the breeze of this shaded patio — a sweet tea slushie never hurt, either.
WACO Kitchen, 3900 Don Emerson Dr. | Fully covered
Grab a seat in the large screened-in outdoor area to watch planes take off and land at Lakeland Linder International Airport while enjoying a meal.
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, 3950 S. Florida Ave. | Partially shaded
Hot take: You can celebrate Taco Tuesday every day, so you might as well do it on the patio.
FOOD + BEER, 3615 S. Florida Ave., Ste. 1350 | Partially shaded
Merchant’s Walk has a new eatery, and the name says it all. Grab a spot on the patio for hand-crafted drinks and American fare.
Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille, 101 N. Kentucky Ave. | Partially shaded
This Lakeland classic is known for seafood, desserts, and unbeatable views of Munn Park.
Fresh Kitchen, 4520 S. Florida Ave. | Fully covered
Build your own bowl at this gluten, sugar, and antibiotic-free eatery. Pro tip: See what we ordered on our first visit.
Biscuits and Benedicts, 1212 S. Florida Ave. | Partially shaded
This Dixieland spot boasts a colorful mural and delicious brunch staples.
Teriyaki Madness, 304 N. Kentucky Ave. | Partially shaded
Take in views of downtown Lakeland while enjoying teriyaki bowls.
Jessie’s Gourmet Sandwich Cafe, 1825 E. Edgewood Dr. | Mostly sunny
Edgewood Drive’s newest sandwich cafe just opened — stop by to order from 20+ sandwiches, including a classic Cuban.
Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, 3772 US Hwy. 98 N. | Fully covered
Reader Jeanne S. recommends the patio at this spot near the Lakeland Square Mall for its covered patio with overhead fans and Louisiana-style cooking.
Bars and breweries
There’s always entertainment to be found at The Yard on Mass.
Photo by @theyardonmass
The Yard on Mass, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave. | Mostly sunny
It’s in the name — this communal yard often plays host to food trucks, live music, and more. Grab a drink inside and enjoy it outside in one of the shady areas.
Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St. | Partially shaded
Views of Lake Wire? Check. Locally-brewed beers? Check. A huge tent for tons of shade while you enjoy live music, food truck eats, trivia, and more? Check, check, check.
Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub, 111 S. Kentucky Ave. | Fully covered
This enclosed patio is just steps away from some of our favorite post-beer snacks: Palace Pizza, Taco Bus, Chop Shop, and more.
Lakeland Loft, 108 S. Tennessee Ave. | Mostly sunny
The outdoor seating is limited, but if you can grab a spot on The Loft’s second-story balcony, you’ll have one of the best views of downtown Lakeland to enjoy with your drink or cigar.
The Brass Tap, 1515 Town Center Dr. | Partially shaded
This dog-friendly spot in Lakeside Village hosts live music, trivia nights, and more.
Did we miss an outdoor option? Let us know.
