Kansas City didn’t just earn the titles “One of the Best BBQ Cities in the U.S.A.” or the “City of Fountains” for no reason. This city is full of rich and diverse culture, entertainment, sights and cuisines.
From the quaint, local restaurant to the full-scale patio restaurant in Kansas City with views for miles, this great city has all the foods you desire and even better cityscape vistas.
What better time to try out a new, shaded restaurant patio in Kansas City with an ice-cold drink than on the hot summer days and the cooler, cloudless evenings?
This guide will show you the 11 best patio restaurants in Kansas City — by location — for KC natives and visitors alike.
The Crossroads Patio Restaurants You Need to Try
1. Society
Society has one of the highest quality patio bars in Kansas City, featuring high-end, boozy tropical drinks like the “Beach Margarita” and the “Jupiter is Rising.”
It’s one of the most unique patio restaurants KC has to offer, with a full menu that runs the gamut from steak to sushi, plus the fanciest tater tots you’ve ever had.
Situated in the heart of the Crossroads, Society is also one of the best patio bars in Kansas City for watching the Arts District action under the glow of downtown skyline views.
There’s loads of space for socializing — whether at the main outdoor patio bar, around the fire pit, in the covered seating deck or within the main restaurant itself. On nice days, Society opens up all the garage doors to catch the breeze, so you can easily wander with a drink in hand.
2. Brewery Emperial
This busy Crossroads spot is one of the top patio restaurants in Kansas City for craft beer. This is a must-visit for anyone taking a tour through Brewer’s Alley, and it’s perfect for enjoying a nice day in an airy beer garden.
Order anything on Brewery Emperial’s current tap list and pair it with half of the house-smoked BBQ chicken.
3. Buffalo State Pizza Co. & Bar
This cozy outdoor patio restaurant in Kansas City is a staple in the area. With the open garage door leading out to the patio on those warm summer days and nights, make sure to check out the wooden picnic tables and the shining string lights hanging out back.
This New York Style pizza patio restaurant will surely leave you entertained and stuffed.
Patio Restaurants in Westport For You
4. Westport Ale House
An iconic Westport social hub, Westport Ale House is known as one of the best outdoor patio restaurants in Kansas City, primarily because of the lively rooftop bar.
There’s a smaller street-level patio, but if you’re looking for one of the best bar patios in Kansas City, head up the stairs of Westport Ale House. There are tons of TVs for watching the big games, cornhole boards, a wicked view of Westport, a warm fireplace, and a fully stocked bar. But, best of all, it boasts a comfortable all-season covered patio.
5. Char Bar
Deemed “Kansas City’s House of Meat,” there is no shortage of some amazing and famous barbeque. If that’s what you’re looking for, then this is one of the best patio restaurants in Kansas City for you. The spacious, dog-friendly outdoor patio has several cornhole boards, seating and a fire pit and heaters for those chillier summer nights.
Westside Patio Restaurants You Can’t Wait to Try
6. The Westside Local
You couldn’t mistake The Westside Local’s yellow siding for any other place.
Of all the KC restaurants with patios, The Westside Local serves some of the best upscale farm-to-table options. It’s also the place to be for brunch — or “blunch” — in the lush Beer Garden setting on the Westside.
It might be a good idea to snag a reservation in advance, as many other Kansas Citians will plan their next food excursion to The Westside Local.
7. La Bodega
For some impressive Spanish-style patio dining, Kansas City loves La Bodega. Situated along Southwest Boulevard in the culturally rich Westside neighborhood, La Bodega is one of the few truly great patio restaurants in Kansas City for tapas and shareable small plates.
8. Brick House KC
Just a five-minute drive south of Westside, this amazing patio restaurant in Kansas City is perfect for hanging out with some close friends and sipping on beer in the Union Hill neighborhood. Brick House KC always hits the spot if you’re looking for places to eat in KC with a patio and you’re in the mood for classic bar fare like nachos, corn dogs, and fries.
Try Nice Patio Restaurants Just Out of Downtown KC [Overland Park]
9. Chicken N Pickle
Chicken N Pickle is the Cadillac of all patio restaurants in Kansas City.
Though there is plenty of food and activities inside, the real fun begins outside on the patio. Pickleball courts, shuffleboard areas, the Tiki Shack, outdoor lounging, and so much more are scattered on the property — all for your enjoyment.
The Chef-driven menu includes clean, locally-sourced rotisserie chicken, pork and beef, hand-cut fries, tots and cast-iron desserts. Craft beers from local breweries are always on-tap, and the cocktails are nice and fresh.
10. Coach’s Bar & Grill
Fitting name for this restaurant, as the spacious rooftop patio overlooks the Blue Valley Recreation Sports Complex, where summer baseball and softball leagues take place.
The patio has a rooftop bar, covered lounging areas and a nice fire pit for those cooler summer evenings. And, if you’re not watching the games across the street, enjoy viewing the professionals on the many TVs stationed around the patio while you’re sipping on some of Coach’s specialty drinks.
11. Strang Hall
This food court-style building offers an ideal outdoor gathering space for groups of all sizes. The inside features six kitchens serving everything from Southeast Asian comfort food to craft pizza and sandwiches — there’s something for everyone!
But, the outside is the real attraction. With a sprawling green space, convenient outdoor bar access and lawn games galore, there’s no way you won’t be entertained out on this restaurant patio.
No matter what area of Kansas City you end up in, you can experience the perfect summer restaurant and patio.