Outdoor Dining Experiences Only in The Colony

Dining al fresco is a treat — a respite as much as a reward. And while the food is certainly important, going out to eat is really about the experience. Outdoor dining is perfect for a more laid-back outing or for meals that linger. Whether you want to eat on the water, come together on a communal patio or take in live music with the cool breeze, The Colony has just what you’re craving.


Dining at The Lake

Rooftop deck dining at The Rackhouse at sunset with string lights and people at tables overlooking trees and Lewisville Lake

The Colony’s proximity to Lewisville Lake makes it an ideal destination for lakeside dining. Pay a visit to Angelina’s Don Francisco’s for authentic Tex-Mex and refreshing margaritas. Their casual patio makes for an amazing venue to watch the sun set over the water.

The Rackhouse, located next door, offers the same beautiful views, along with a scratch kitchen and whiskey bar. With plenty of outdoor seating, The Rackhouse is a prime location for taking in the sights (and drinks). They even have a second-story private patio event space for large groups and parties! Visit on Fridays and Saturdays for dinner and a show as performers set the mood with live music in the evening.


Entertainment With Your Meal

Country musician playing guitar on an outdoor stage beside a vintage bus at Truck Yard Beer Garden

Speaking of live music, The Colony is home to a variety of venues where you can see a concert, get a meal and enjoy the outdoors all at once. For a relaxed backyard-meets-bar atmosphere, check out Truck Yard, which, as its name suggests, plays host to an ever-rotating selection of food trucks. In addition, they sell their own food and drinks, which you can enjoy on the patio or on the expansive lawn, filled with eclectic furniture and oversized yard games. You can also get a front-row seat to a range of local musicians any night of the week.

For a high-energy option, Gas Monkey Icehouse delivers a lively sports bar vibe with plenty of TVs tuned to the day’s biggest games and matches. With its massive covered patio, full menu and lineup of nearly 30 craft beers on tap, it’s an easy pick for turning dinner into a full evening out. Keep an eye out for their monthly car shows, where classic rides and custom builds take center stage.


Shared Patio Dining: The More, the Merrier

Lively dog-friendly patio with people socializing and dogs playing beneath trees.

Multiple walk-up restaurants, a massive patio and an off-leash dog park all come together in one great location: The Shacks at Austin Ranch. You’ll find coffee, pizza, burgers, street tacos and more, not to mention craft beer and cocktails. Since the raised patio is above the dog park, you can enjoy your meal while watching your dog play and socialize, or they can dine with you tableside.

With different menus for different tastes, The Oasis is another collection of restaurants that share an outdoor patio. Choose from your favorite menu items, such as fresh seafood or New York-style wood-fired pizza, then stick around for late-night dancing and drinks under soft string lighting and natural tree cover!

If you’re looking for food within Grandscape, The Colony’s premier indoor-outdoor destination for retail, dining and entertainment, then make your way to The Grotto. Assorted restaurants featuring diverse flavors and styles are connected by a lush sub-level courtyard designed to satisfy any appetite. Savor house-made pasta and delicious Italian food at Quartino Ristorante. With gourmet dishes and excellent service, Tande Thai aims to bring you casual, resort-style dining with traditional Thai flavors. For a more exclusive setting, enter the Red Phone Booth, a lounge bar modeled after a prohibition-era speakeasy. Be sure to follow the dress code and secure the secret code for entry. Contact Visit The Colony for more information.


Picnic-Ready Meals

Picnic basket setup with sandwiches, salads, fruit, and drinks on a checkered blanket.

Takeout is the name of the game when it comes to planning a quick and easy picnic. Unwrap a tasty slider curated by local sandwich shops or nosh on a refreshing salad and light bites from a nearby café. The options are endless with a catered spread from your favorite restaurant. With an array of cuisines available to-go, picnics in The Colony transform into memorable culinary experiences outdoors, with flavors to satisfy every palate and preference. Check out a complete list of eateries for more picnic-friendly takeout and explore our local parks to find the perfect backdrop to your meal.


Eating Up Good Vibes in The Colony

Outdoor restaurant patio in the Grotto at Grandscape with tables under a vine-covered overhang.

Special cuisines and unique restaurants can be a memorable part of any trip. Trying something new, mixing great live entertainment or getting to dine with your canine companions are all perfect ways to elevate the everyday event of eating to extraordinary proportions. Check out our Outdoor Dining itinerary to easily choose from a complete list of restaurant patios in town.


To plan your stay in The Colony, download the mobile app and check out the city’s local hotels.