Ahh, April … It’s that sweet, short time of year when it’s warm enough AND cool enough to sit outside. And, lucky us, there are some new patios and porches on the downtown scene this season.

We could continue to wax poetic about patios, but you’re smart people, you know what patios are. And we didn’t realize it until we started making this list, but the majority of downtown eateries and drinkeries have some outdoor seating. But sometimes it’s hard to remember all your outdoor options, so here’s a little list you can refer to. If we missed any DOWNTOWN outdoor dining or drinking spots, please let us know! (This list is in no specific order, so you’ll just have to try them all and find your favorite spot!)

Clay Pot – Back patio with fun, lighted trees and fixtures make for a great little escape.

The Hightop at the Hippodrome – Delicious treetop view of Austin Ave. and even delicious-er apps.

Billy Bob’s – Burgers and beer are even better when there’s a little breeze. Outdoor bar a bonus!

Z’s at the Curry – Second story patio has a fun night time view of the ALICO

Stone Hearth – Outdoor café vibes with your curry.

The Backyard – Outside seating with a side of entertainment is their specialty.

Wine Shoppe – Natural wines pair perfectly with the view of the historic Cooper house across the street.

TRUELOVE – Covered and uncovered seating on the back patio are a perfect place to wind down from the day with a beer, thanks to their new, earlier hours.

Dichotomy Coffee & Spirits – Front patio or climb the stairs to the rooftop for a great view of the historic courthouse and blue and white Waco mural

Jake’s Texas Tea House – Get lunch with downtown’s main strip as your view.

1424 Bistro – Nice fresh-air, date-night atmosphere

Lula Jane’s – Tables with shade and sun options great for lunch or coffee and a book.

Klassy Glass Wine Bar – Limited but worth it to watch the semi-bustle along Austin, wine in hand.

Guess Family Barbecue – Classic Tx barbecue at wooden picnic tables, as it was meant to be.

Coach’s Smoke – Barbecue and the outdoors just go so well together.

Waco Winery Tasting Room and Rooftop Patio – This rooftop patio always has something going, from live music to pop-up shops

Bru Artisan Coffee – Grab your espresso from inside then perch outside the gorgeous historic building that’s home to this Bru-ery.

Milo All Day – The covered patio is spacious but those roll-up doors make the whole place feel fresh when the weather is right.

Oh My Juice – Enjoy your acai bowl al fresco and watch the shoppers come and go.

Buzzard Billy’s – Covered porch with a great view of the river.

Alpha Omega – Take your Mediterranean dishes and decadent desserts out on their side patio. Plenty of room.

Hecho en Waco – Mexican food and a killer margarita are even better with a breeze.

Pie Peddlers – Grab a slice of your favorite pie and enjoy on the covered patio.

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop – Full seating, outdoor bar and often live music at this lively taco joint.

Ninfa’s Mexican Restaurant – Colorful covered balcony seating.

Cricket’s Draft House and Grill– Covered balcony that you might miss if you weren’t looking for it.

Teriyaki Park/ Wing Stop – outdoor tables in the front of both.

Magnolia Market at the Silos – On slow tourist days (ususally Tuesday), you can have your pick of tables at the Siloteria and get grub from one of our great local food trucks like Club Sandwich.

Boardwalk on Elm – Go ahead and chow down at the table outside this food truck. Don’t let that burger get cold!

Chowtown – This is the strip of food trucks at U. Parks and Franklin, with only outdoor seating.