Heaters Gonna Heat: Durham's Best Heated Patios

Table for two...by the heaters, please. It's getting cold out there, so we've rounded up a list of lit spots offering delicious food and all you can heat seating in Durham, NC. Being centrally located between Raleigh, Chapel Hill and RTP, Durham is where the creativity of the Triangle’s culinary scene, and its admirers, converges. Like the region, this list is growing by the minute. So, you can skip the scrolling and jump to your chosen category using the links above. 

Restaurants with Outdoor Heaters, Heat Lamps and Fire Pits 

Enjoy the cooler months in comfort at Durham’s restaurants with heated outdoor seating. Indulge in seasonal menus and comfort food classics, sampling the harvest the Bull City has to offer.

Alpaca Peruvian Chicken – Ninth Street

703A 9th St.

Craving the most flavorful and tender rotisserie chicken around, plus tostones, yucca fries, beans and rice and more? Dine outside at the Ninth Street location with heaters keeping the space comfy all winter long. 

The Boot Room

2501 University Dr.

The Boot Room is a sandwich shop, soccer pub, and event space next to Beer Study and Starpoint Brewing in Durham's Rockwood neighborhood. They serve sandwiches, burgers, big salads and appetizers for lunch. Stop by for dinner where a soccer games is always playing on multiple outdoor and indoor TVs. Drift in for a meal, sit outside by a heater and root for your favorite club.

Boricua Soul

705 Willard St.

The courtyard seating area in American Tobacco Campus is outfitted with heaters in winter, so you can enjoy your Soul Bowl while enjoying the fresh air and even getting a little Vitamin D.

Boxyard RTP

900 Park Offices Dr.

With standalone gas heaters throughout the complex on both levels, as well as permanent heaters installed in the roof of the covered pavilion, Boxyard RTP provides a unique year-round dining and shopping experience where you can stay warm, meet, eat and connect. Whether you grab a cup of freshly brewed coffee, enjoy local craft beer and pizza from Fullsteam, bop to live music or join a pop-up yoga class on the deck, you'll be nice and cozy with your family and friends.

Bull City Burger & Brewery

107 E. Parrish St.

Patio diners can enjoy delicious food from Bull City Burger & Brewery all on the outdoor cozy patio full of heat lamps and heaters. Access the patio from Mangum Street, find a seat, then place your order.

The Can Opener

205 S. Gregson St.

Durham's food truck park is ready to keep you warm and fed through the winter. Head over to Durham's iconic Can Opener Bridge and take your pick from one of the many amazing food trucks parked there. Pair your meal with a beer or a hot drink and cozy up next to the heaters on their covered patio.

Geer Street Garden

644 Foster St.

Warm vibes are flowin' at Geer Street Garden, even when it's cold. Grab a seat under the heater, sip on a cup of tea or cider and chow down on wholesome and delicious comfort food like jambalaya, fish tacos and Italian seafood stew. The menu is always changing and always delicious. 

Glasshouse Kitchen

5 Laboratory Dr.

Looking to sample seasonal flavors while taking in the fall air? Head to Glasshouse Kitchen. Enjoy their seasonally rotating menu filled with local ingredients from their partially covered, heated patio. 

Guglhupf

2706 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd.

Guglhupf, a German-style café and bakery serving contemporary cuisine, has seating on their magical garden patio filled with plants, flowers and giant heaters.

Juju

737 9th St.

Located on Ninth Street near Duke University’s East Campus, Juju is an Asian tapas bar serving up small plates with bold flavors and a variety of drinks. Choose a table by the large fire pit on their patio to stay cozy.

Lakewood Social

1920 Chapel Hill Rd.

The local Lakewood’s neighborhood hang out, Lakewood Social offers a packed beer list and a menu full of delicious eats like their signature smash burger, kimchi melt, doner kebab and so much more. Enjoy your drinks and food outdoors even in the cooler months in their enclosed, heated patio.  

The Lenny

555 S. Mangum St.

You can enjoy a golden hour, rooftop view of Downtown Durham from the Lenny all year long with their heated patio. Overlooking the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, it's a perfect spot to take in the whole city without catching a chill. Enjoy brasserie-style plates, a seasonal menu and creative cocktails with friends or a special someone.

Little Bull

301 E. Chapel Hill St. 

Chef Oscar Diaz's Pocho cuisine was an instant hit when Little Bull opened in the summer of 2023, and the only thing that’s changed since then is their location. They’ve moved downtown, letting you enjoy a seat outdoors on their rooftop patio all year round with heaters keeping things comfortable. Don't skip the cocktails and save room for a plantain split for dessert. 

Local 22 Kitchen & Bar

2200 W. Main St.

Are you hungry for lamb sausage pizza, shrimp and grits or deviled eggs? Local 22 is a restaurant and bar that uses fresh ingredients from local farms to create delicious food with a seasonal spin. Order online, dine-in, or enjoy a seat on their spacious patio by the fire pit. 

Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas

112 W. Main St.

Whether you’re going for the arepas, vegan chili-braised jackfruit or empanadas, you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Luna has a variety of South American-inspired dishes, and they are prepared for this fall weather with “a small army of heaters” to keep customers warm and toasty on their outdoor patio.

Maverick's Smokehouse

900 W. Main St.

Who doesn't love some classic American barbecue with all the sides and fixins'? Try the smoked pork, ribs, brisket, or fried okra, and sit down with family or friends by the fire pits on the large outdoor patio. 

Mezcalito Grill & Tequila Bar

706 Ramseur St.

Mexican cuisine with a Tex-Mex heart and you-gotta-see-it-to-believe-it, larger-than-life margaritas, palomas and more. Mezcalito is a year-round party with a heated, enclosed patio.

Mad Hatter Cafe & Bakeshop

1802 W. Main St.

Whether you're interested in enjoying a casual lunch salad or sandwich, sharing coffee with a friend or indulging in a tall slice of German chocolate or Black Forest cake, you can do so outside all year round!

Monterrey Mexican Grill

4600 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd.

Head to Monterrey Mexican Grill for a fiesta in your mouth! Sit by the heaters and chow down on classic Mexican-inspired cuisine paired with your favorite hand-crafted margaritas, cervezas and more.

Namu

5420 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd.

In summer, the bamboo-filled courtyard of the Korean street food restaurant and beer garden is an oasis perfect for working, studying, visiting with friends or enjoying a serene moment of zen. In winter, it's a heated oasis perfect for ... well, you get the idea.

NanaSteak

345 Blackwell St.

With an award-winning wine list to compliment any meal, NanaSteak offers high-energy upscale dining at its finest. Make a reservation and enjoy food and drinks on a date night out on the patio full of heat lamps.

Nerra

506 Ramseur St.

Seafood-forward restaurant inspired by, and sourced from, North Carolina’s coastline. Come for weekend brunch, a weekday lunch or a date night dinner and you will find flavorful, seasonal dishes from Chef Lex. Unwind and stay toasty all year on Nerra’s heated patio.  

Nikos

905 W. Main St. Unit 21B

Escape to the Greek coast at Nikos, where you can have a meal al fresco on the heated patio all winter. 

OnlyBurger

3710 Shannon Rd.

Durham's original locally-owned burger joint upgraded its side patio with enclosures and heaters to keep the space warm all winter.

Parizade

2200 W. Main St.

Visit Parizade to experience the hospitality and flavors of the Mediterranean. Get coffee and pastries during the day or order dinner in the evening outside on the lovely courtyard complete with lights and heat lamps.

Press Coffee, Cocktails and Crepes

359 Blackwell St.

You'll feel like a true European as you enjoy crepes and coffee on the heated sidewalk cafe at Press as you watch the American Tobacco Campus clientele go by.

The Refectory Café

2726 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd.

The Refectory Café is a local farm-to-table restaurant with plenty of options for omnivores, vegetarians, vegans, plant-based and gluten-free diets. Let them cater your event, or join them for breakfast, lunch or dinner outside on their covered and heated patio.

Seraphine

324 Blackwell St., Ste 4

Seraphine's courtyard dining area is heated and decorated with lights and greenery. Dine on Michelin recommended Cajun cuisine and fresh, in-season oysters throughout the winter.

Saladelia Cafe

3604 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd.

This Mediterranean-inspired all-day cafe's menus will satisfy any appetite, from morning golden milk lattes to chicken souvlaki wraps at lunch and Za'atar Almond Roasted Salmon and a glass of wine for dinner. Enjoy it all on their heated, enclosed patio seating.

Vin Rouge

2010 Hillsborough Rd.

Ready to be transported to a quaint village in the south of France? If you said oui, make sure to stop by Vin Rouge, an authentic French bistro with outdoor seating in their heated garden patio.

Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club

3001 Cameron Blvd.

The Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club welcomes guests to a tranquil retreat on 300 acres surrounded by tall pines on the edge of the Duke Forest. The entire outdoor seating area of the Fairview Dining Room has recently been renovated, adding more capacity and cozy comforts. Enjoy a warm cup of tea, fresh scones, sweets, and sandwiches around the fireplace. The heated terrace at the Bull Durham Bar offers a casual but intimate environment fit for a solo drink or a meal with friends. Dine here for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even late night, with delicious menu options like fried oysters, shrimp and grits, steak frites and more.

Zweli's Ekhaya

406 Blackwell St., Ste 100

The patio outside Zweli's Ekhaya in American Tobacco Campus is heated with atmospheric fire pits and standing heaters. It's the perfect spot to get cozy with Bantu small plates and creative cocktails. 

Bars with Heated Outdoor Spaces in Durham, NC

Durham’s nightlife offers some of the best opportunities in the Triangle for cold weather socializing, no matter the vibe you’re looking for. Grab a fall cocktail and cozy up outdoors with your sweetie near a heater. Clink steins filled with Oktoberfest brews with new friends under a heated patio.  

Alley Twenty Six

320 E. Chapel Hill St., Ste 200

Alley Twenty Six is always a reliable destination for upscale food and cocktail pairings. Order a small or large plate and a bourbon hot toddie and dine outside in their dreamy heated alley.

Atomic Clock Brewing  

501 Washinton St.

Get your fill of craft beers, small plates, handhelds and more at Atomic Clock Brewing. People watch on the heated patio and signature brew while you wait for your corn “ribs” or chopped cheese to arrive, fresh out of the kitchen.  

Boxcar Bar & Arcade

621 Foster St.

Boxcar Bar & Arcade is ready for fire season. As they say on their Instagram page, their spacious patio seating is “lit” with a nice fire pit. Kick back with some Neapolitan-style pizza or a soft pretzel and fresh salad from the kitchen and enjoy the cozy atmosphere.

Bull McCabe's Irish Pub

427 W. Main St.

May your day be touched by a bit of Irish luck as you visit this Irish pub in the heart of Durham. Bull McCabe's Irish Pub has a few heat lamps on its patio and plenty of outdoor picnic tables on its spacious lawn. Grab a burger and check out their booze-y drinks for fall and winter. 

Conniption Bar & Lounge

715 Washington St., Ste B

Want to enjoy a wide selection of fancy drinks and light bites outdoors on a heated patio? Make a reservation at Conniption Bar & Lounge, a cocktail bar and lounge that features Durham Distillery's gin, vodka and liqueurs.

Devine's

904 W. Main St.

Devine's is a Durham institution with a loyal following, especially among sports fans. Stop in and enjoy a drink with the regulars on the patio, even when it's cold outside.

Durham Beer Garden  

812 Mangum St.  

Located in Durham’s Old Five Points neighborhood, the Durham Beer Garden is a great spot to kick back and enjoy a drink outdoors even on the crispest of days. With regular events, a robust beer list, menu filled with classic bar fare and a covered, heated patio space, this spot makes for a great evening.   

Gizmo Brew Works

3109 Shannon Rd.

Gizmo's weekly trivia and other events draw crowds to the UHills brewery, and luckily, heaters on the covered terrace keep the outdoor space comfortable during cooler months.

Glass Jug

545 Foster St., Ste 10 & 5410 NC-55 V

Both Glass Jug locations are pretty lit. With a gorgeous, well-heated patio overlooking Durham Central Park, the downtown location serves exclusive Glass Jug beers on draft, plus draft wine and cider. Their large outdoor beer garden at RTP has tabletop heaters and a heated patio with overhead electric heaters. They are serving hot apple cider and hot mulled wine at both spots to heat you up from the inside!

Growler Grlz

4810 Hope Valley Rd. Ste. 110

Serving up craft beer and community vibes in Durham, ring your friends, family and pup to enjoy Growler Grlz spacious patio all season long. Order a pie from Randy's pizza next door and listen to live music while sipping on a pint.

Hi-Wire Brewing

800 Taylor St.

Make the most of the fall weather with pints of beer from Hi-Wire Brewing in their enclosed, heated patio. Golden Belt's green space also has a huge fire pit to sit by with your ice cream (with toppings of course) from Two Roosters or pizza from Cugino Forno.

Parts & Labor

723 Rigsbee Ave.

Stay cozy while you people-watch under the industrial-strength heaters at Parts & Labor's outdoor seating area on the lively corner of Geer St. and Rigsbee Ave. Parts & Labor is adjacent to Motorco Music Hall where you can check out a show after you've had a drink and a snack.

Ponysaurus Brewing Co.

219 Hood St.

Ponysaurus Brewing Co. creates beers that are meant to be savored, appreciated, contemplated, philosophized, studied, nuzzled and mindfully guzzled. Grab a beer and get toasty by the heaters and fire pits or relax with friends out on the heated and covered patios. If you need a salty or sweet snack, order your treat of choice for just a dollar per scoop, or enjoy a full meal by ordering pizzas, garlic knots and salads. 

The Federal

914 W. Main St.

The Federal is the type of pub you could pop into on the regular (and many do) for a pint and a plate of nachos. Luckily, it keeps its patio space up and running with heaters all winter.

The Roof at The Durham

315 E. Chapel Hill St.

The Roof is a year-round gathering place with yoga classes by morning, a bar and restaurant by night, and the best panoramic views of downtown Durham all day. Heaters and enclosures keep the roof comfortable in all weather.

The Patio at Unscripted

202 Corcoran St.

Unscripted has a new pop-up dining experience on the patio featuring private warm igloos! Reserve the igloos or enjoy views of Durham and delicious food around the heaters for an ultimate winter wonderland adventure.

Velvet Hippo

119 Orange St. 3rd Floor

This rooftop bar transforms into an aprés ski paradise during winter months. Ski lodge vibes, fire pits and cocktails? Say less. 

It’s hard to beat a fire-side hot toddy on a crisp fall evening. If you or your family is looking to stay in Durham this winter or over the holidays, find the perfect hotel to keep cozy.