Best Outdoor Dining in Greenville

Few views capture the essence of Greenville than the one from the patio at Larkin's On The River. As you eat you will gaze across the lush, green Reedy River Amphitheatre, historic Wyche Pavilion, the slow flow of the Reedy River, and an artist's row of galleries offering some of the best local art in town. This is Greenville at its finest and Larkin's On The River serves up a front row seat to all of it. It helps that the food and service are both excellent and the wine list feels more like a novel, meaning you have much to discuss and choose from during an absolutely satisfying outdoor dining experience.

When Willy Taco opened in Spartanburg, it became a big reason for Greenville diners to drive north on I-85, instead of the other way around. Fortunately, Willy Taco Feed & Seed brings the experience to Greenville, just outside of Downtown. The tacos are top notch, the service is always stellar, and the patio is just a fun, relaxing place to enjoy a meal and a couple of cervezas with friends. The restaurant does get full during prime lunch and dinner hours on the weekend so plan accordingly, get there early, and be prepared to grab a drink from the bar while you wait.

My first visit to Limoncello saw me almost not make it to the entrée as the list of antipasti options had us dining on Fried Calamari, Ricotta Toast, House Meatballs, and Fried Mozzarella. I persevered, however, and found room for the scallops served with herb mascarpone risotto, crispy broccolini, and lemon butter. All of this was enjoyed on a picturesque patio setting right in the heart of Downtown Greenville for the perfect city street dining experience. Time your visit right and you might even take in live local music or enjoy some really great specials on Margherita Monday or Prosecco Tuesdays!

As great as White Duck Taco's food is - and to be clear, it is really, really great - they are part of the larger experience that is a visit to Hampton Station. A significant green space welcomes you to the veritable oasis that is Hampton Station, beyond which you will find White Duck Taco, Birds Fly South Ale Project, Craft Axe Throwing, Wandering Bard Meadery, and so much more. On a nice day, there is little more satisfying than grabbing a couple of tacos and a cold craft brew and sitting outside to soak it all in. When you are done eating, you can peruse the artist studios that call Hampton Station home, throw some axes, or just relax and watch the day go by.

Rich colors and exotic decor accent this attractive dining room where patrons feast on flavorful Persian cuisine. Starters include shirazi salad (cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, parsley and Persian citrus dressing) and hummus. Appetizing mains such as rack of lamb or beef shish kabob are served with Basmati rice and veggies. All of this is located right on South Main St. just a stone's throw from Falls Park and countless other local attractions. Pomegranate's climate controlled outdoor patio is the perfect place to grab a bite and a glass of wine all year round, right in the thick of things in Downtown Greenville.

The James Beard-nominated Anchorage is one of Greenville's best eateries, featuring an ever-changing menu of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. It is also located in the heart of one of Greenville's fastest growing neighborhoods - The Village of West Greenville. Diners (or those just in for an outstanding cocktail) have the choice of dining just steps away from the bustling Village sidewalk or taking things upstairs to the modest rooftop patio. Wherever you end up, both the Village's vibe and the quality of food coming out of The Anchorage's kitchen make this a destination just begging you to eat outside anytime the weather allows it.

The Commons is not a restaurant but, rather, an intersection of four great eateries and Greenville's most popular taproom. The Bake Room, Pangaea Brewing Company, Automatic Taco, Methodical Coffee, and GB&D all reside under one roof, anchored by The Community Tap's second Greenville location. All of this goodness resides just steps away from the Swamp Rabbit Trail and the newly built Unity Park, making it the perfect place for outdoor dining and libations. Whether you arrive by car or on foot or bicycle via the Trail, there is a little something for every appetite in this outstanding destination just a stone's throw away from Main St. in Downtown Greenville.

Trattoria Giorgio's authentic Italian cuisine is all the reason you should ever need to visit. Perfectly prepared classic Italian favorites like the Pappardelle Bolognese and Veal Scallopine Picatta make for a special evening no matter where you sit but when the season is right, you will not want to eat anywhere else than the restaurant's beautiful courtyard garden. The setting is relaxing and surprisingly private given the fact that you are seated just steps off of Main St. in Downtown Greenville. You will almost forget you are in Greenville with the flowers in bloom, a glass of wine in hand, and that special someone sitting across the table from you for an evening you will not soon forget.

Anyone who has spent any amount of time in Downtown Greenville can tell you that the city's crown jewel is Falls Park, specifically the Liberty Bridge that spans high over the Reedy River. As such, Passerelle Bistro is tough to beat for outdoor dining as its patio overlooks the park and the waterfall below. The restaurant is located just of Main St. right in the heart of Downtown putting all of the city's shopping and entertainment options right at your fingertips. The Bistro Burger is a solid option any time of day but for dinner, items like the Burgundy Braised Lamb Shank and Duck Cassoulet really capture the true spirit of the French styled bistro.

For outdoor dining, there is no debate that Up on the Roof serves up the best views along with some really quality cuisine. Perched at the top of the Embassy Suites just a block off of Main St., the restaurant is eight stories up in the sky with plenty of outdoor seating. Diners and bar patrons alike will be treated to views of the Downtown Greenville skyline, the Reedy River as it meanders downstream to Falls Park, and the Blue Ridge Mountains off in the distance but plenty visible on a clear day. This all pairs nicely with a craft beer or cocktail from the bar and the Rooftop Prime Burger, Seafood Pasta, or any number of other tasty options.