The Best [Heated] Patios in the Sacramento Area

Sacramento is an outdoor town and residents enjoy its mild weather and scenic landscapes pretty much year-round. In fact, only the extreme heat and pouring rain keep locals inside. Many bars and restaurants in the greater Sacramento area make use of the locals’ love affair with alfresco dining and have been offering open-air seating long before the COVID-19 pandemic forced their hand. In fact, Sacramento has an abundance of restaurants with patio dining, from quirky hole-in-the-wall eateries to high-end, gourmet destination spots.

Sacramentans are notoriously averse to the cold. While other parts of the country shiver in near-freezing or below-freezing temperatures, those in the Sacramento area bristle at anything under 50 degrees. But the cold can’t stop locals from enjoying the fresh air, especially on an outdoor patio made toasty with the help of heaters and fireplaces. COVID-19 concerns further fueled this trend, and today, nearly all restaurants have some sort of outdoor dining — many with heaters, fireplaces, fire pits, and even blankets to keep guests warm. Following are some of our favorites.

Hook & Ladder | Midtown

Photo courtesy Hook & Ladder

In the heart of midtown, Hook & Ladder has not one but three outdoor patios! The one in the back is draped in greenery and twinkling lights, not to mention propane heaters to keep you cozy. They serve upscale comfort food with a Mediterranean twist and are known for their house-created craft cocktails.

Maria’s Cantina  | Woodland

Photo courtesy Maria’s Cantina

This charming eatery in Woodland showcases the best of Mexican-American cooking. Traditional dishes such as carnitas, mole, carne asada and fajitas are served in a dining room reminiscent of a Sonoran village, or on an outdoor patio complete with heaters and a fireplace.

Joon Market | East Sacramento

This unassuming spot in East Sacramento doesn’t look like much from the outside, but the menu is unabashedly refined. It features small plates crafted with local ingredients, many with a global influence, such as pork shoulder carnitas and crispy ribs with chili and sesame seeds. Though the dining room is small, the outdoor patio is made cozy with heaters, blankets and hanging lights.

Sutter Street Steakhouse | Folsom

Photo courtesy Sutter Street Steakhouse

This elegant, old-school steakhouse in Folsom draws carnivores with its extensive menu of steaks and seafood, not to mention classic cocktails. There’s a lovely dining deck with stellar sunset views, as well as heaters to keep the chill at bay.

Seasons Kitchen & Bar  | Davis

Photo courtesy Seasons Kitchen & Bar

If you’re looking for an upscale meal in a refined setting in Davis, look no further than Seasons. Dishes showcase locally produced ingredients, and the menu changes based on what’s in season. The rustic-chic patio has plenty of heaters to ensure a cozy outdoor meal, even in the dead of winter.

The Independent | Placerville

American fusion cuisine is the name of the game at The Independent in Placerville. Dishes include grilled steaks and seafood, plus sandwiches at lunchtime. There’s a lively bar and a private garden patio with fireplaces and heaters to keep you warm on chilly foothills evenings.

Piatti | Arden Arcade

Photo courtesy Piatti

This longstanding restaurant in the Arden Arcade area has been serving elegant Italian cuisine for more than three decades! Handmade pasta, grilled meats and pizza are served on a lovely outdoor patio with twinkling lights and plenty of heaters to go around.

Shangri La | Fair Oaks

Photo courtesy Shangri-La

This friendly neighborhood hangout in Fair Oaks is designed like a Palm Springs resort. The large outdoor area, dotted with palm trees, is kid- and dog-friendly, and offers fire pit tables, infrared heaters and blankets. The menu features varied plates like tacos, steak and burgers.

House of Oliver | Roseville

With heaters, fire pits and blankets, the covered patio at this friendly wine bar and bistro in Roseville is perfect any time of year. The menu features shared plates, sandwiches and entrees like grilled meats, plus an extensive wine and cocktail list. Plus, they have live music throughout the year.

Revolution Winery & Kitchen | Midtown

Photo courtesy Revolution Wines

Sure, Sacramento’s urban winery, Revolution Wines, produces great chenin blanc, pinot noir and rosé. But they also have a full kitchen, turning out decadent dishes featuring seasonal, locally-produced ingredients (plus vegan options!). Their outdoor patio is swathed in greenery, with towering heaters to keep you warm.

Brickyard | Roseville & El Dorado Hills

With locations in both Roseville and El Dorado Hills, Brickyard is a popular spot for a solid meal in a lively atmosphere. Menu options include classic pub fare and comfort food, plus cocktails. The expansive patio is kept cozy with heaters and fire pits and features live music when the weather’s nice.