The 2021 ultimate guide to patios in Charlotte: Fort Mill/Tega Cay edition.
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Your guides to outdoor dining in Charlotte
Here are CharlotteFive’s 2021 guides to patio dining, by neighborhood.
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Editor’s note: During COVID-19, patio dining is considered a safer alternative to dining indoors at restaurants. However, it is best to check with the individual restaurant to ensure it is following social distancing protocols before going, and once you get there, leave if a place is too crowded.
Fort Mill is not such a sleepy Charlotte suburb anymore — instead, it’s a booming bedroom community just across the South Carolina border with a bounty of new commercial developments, including restaurants.
If you haven’t stopped in recently, you’re sure to find a new spot to visit — and plenty of those places have patios where you can enjoy a plate of tacos, a juicy burger or a cocktail outdoors with family and friends. Here’s a look at some of our favorite spots to dine al fresco across Fort Mill and Tega Cay, including restaurants in the Baxter Village and Kingsley developments.
Fort Mill
Akahana Asian Bistro, Bar & Sushi
Location: 940 Market St., Fort Mill, SC, 29708
What to know: Look for weekly sushi and drink specials to enjoy while you people-watch from its patio seating on Baxter Village’s main strip.
Amor Artis Brewing
Location: 204 Main St., Suite 101, Fort Mill, SC, 29715
What to know: There’s no food here, but Amor Artis has a full menu of beer that you can also order for curbside pickup. There are also plenty of places nearby in downtown Fort Mill to grab a bite before you go.
Blue Bar & Smokehouse
Location: 1500 Fort Mill Pkwy., #111, Fort Mill, SC, 29715
What to know: This recently opened barbecue spot offers the chance to make any sandwich into a bowl, perfect for a light meal on the patio.
Brixx Wood Fired Pizza
Location: 1343 Broadcloth St., Fort Mill, SC, 29715
What to know: Dietary needs? This Charlotte-based pizza joint offers vegan cheese and gluten-free or cauliflower crusts, so everyone can enjoy a slice on the Kingsley location’s covered patio.
Carolina Ale House
Location: 1342 Broadcloth St., Fort Mill, SC, 29715
What to know: The patio has a great view of the Kingsley pond, and there’s plenty of space for children to play within eyesight of your table.
Emmet’s Social Table
Location: 100 Main St., Fort Mill, SC, 29715
What to know: This newly opened sister spot to the Waxhaw location took over the spot that was formerly Southern Sugar in downtown Fort Mill. There’s a separate gluten-free menu available, along with a kids’ menu.
Epic Chophouse
Location: 1365 Broadcloth St., #101, Fort Mill, SC, 29715
What to know: This hot date night steakhouse in Kingsley has a covered patio and takes reservations by calling 803-548-3742.
Fish Market
Location: 990 Market St., Fort Mill, SC, 29708
What to know: This Baxter Village staple recently updated its patio and offers a brunch menu on the weekends to enjoy with a Fish Market Bloody Mary or a Yellowjacket cocktail, which includes Tanqueray London Dry Gin, lemon, local honey, a splash of orange juice and cayenne.
Fratelli Ristorante & Pizzeria
Location: 975 Market St., Suite 101, Fort Mill, SC, 29708
What to know: This cozy Italian spot in Baxter Village offers patio seating under an awning. It’s closed on Sundays, so plan to get your lasagna earlier in the week.
Gateway Canteen
Location: 2570 Lake Haigler Drive, Fort Mill, SC, 29715
What to know: The Gateway Canteen at the Anne Springs Close Greenway’s Lake Haigler entrance offers grab-and-go items such as hummus with seasonal veggies and shrimp lettuce wraps to take on your hike along with a full Sunday brunch menu to enjoy on seating outside the Canteen or at the Domtar Forest Porch. There’s craft beer and wine available as well.
Hobo’s
Location: 213 Main St., Fort Mill, SC, 29715
What to know: Pets are welcome on the patio at this downtown Fort Mill burger joint known for its decadent milkshakes, which you can also get spiked. Try a Honey Nut Cheerio with Tennessee Honey, RumChata and vanilla ice cream or a Bananas Foster with Captain Morgan rum, banana liquor, banana rum and vanilla ice cream.
Killingtons
Location: 940 Market St., Fort Mill, SC, 29708
What to know: This Baxter Village restaurant has a corner spot with a spacious patio to enjoy hearty fare, including the Maple Bourbon Glazed Pork Chop or Bacon Encrusted Meatloaf.
The Lucky Duck Gastropub
Location: 993 Market St., Fort Mill, SC, 29708
What to know: You can catch live music Friday and Saturday evenings on the rooftop patio at this Baxter Village spot.
Napa at Kingsley
Location: 1310 Broadcloth St., Fort Mill, SC, 29715
What to know: This sister restaurant to Napa on Providence boasts a spacious patio overlooking the scenic pond at Kingsley, and the glass doors at the back of the restaurant often remain all the way open for a hybrid indoor-outdoor experience.
Panera Bread
Location: 1309 Broadcloth St., Suite 103, Fort Mill, SC, 29715
What to know: The patio at this Kingsley chain is entirely enclosed, making it a good spot for outdoor eating on a rainy or windy day.
Smashburger
Location: 1329 Broadcloth St., Suite 101, Fort Mill, SC, 29715
What to know: This covered Kingsley patio runs all along the side of the restaurant, offering plenty of space to chow down on a Classic Smash Burger and fries.
Spice Asian Kitchen
Location: 251 Textile Way, Fort Mill, Fort Mill, SC, 29715
What to know: There are half price cocktails on Monday to enjoy on the patio overlooking Kingsley, plus Happy Hour specials Monday through Friday from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Taco Molino
Location: 1328 Broadcloth St., #102, Fort Mill, SC, 29715
What to know: You can make a reservation via Resy or by calling 803-650-3760, but that won’t guarantee you a spot on the patio, which is set up with curtains that can close off smaller areas for a private feel.
Tapas on Market
Location: 940 Market St., Suite 116, Fort Mill, SC, 29708
What to know: Bright umbrellas cover the patio seating tables at this new Baxter Village restaurant. You can also get a free kids meal with every $25 spent.
Z Bakery and Cafe
Location: 124 Confederate St., Fort Mill, SC, 29715
What to know: Don’t let this downtown Fort Mill place fool you, it’s way beyond your ordinary bakery. This is the kind of spot to take your mom for a chicken salad croissant or brunch on tomato spinach quiche with gal pals. Out back, you’ll find tent-covered picnic tables to enjoy your meal and a freshly baked pastry afterward.
Tega Cay
2020 Tavern
Location: 2150 Gold Hill Road, Tega Cay, SC, 29708
What to know: There’s sometimes live music at this casual spot offering wings, burgers, pasta and more.
Lake Wylie Brewing
Location: 1741 Gold Hill Road, #100, Tega Cay, SC 29708
What to know: The restaurant’s outdoor seating features picnic tables spread out over a large, fenced-in grassy area that’s popular with families who want to let young children roam a bit.
Model A Brewing
Location: 1175 Stonecrest Blvd., Tega Cay, SC, 29708
What to know: You’ll find live music to enjoy along with your All Night Blonde ale and BBQ Smoked Pork Shoulder Tacos on the patio every Saturday and Sunday from 1-3:30 p.m., weather permitting.
The Shore Club at Tega Cay
Location: 15083 Molokai Drive, Tega Cay, SC 29708
What to know: The restaurant at the Tega Cay Golf Club is open to the public and offers weekly live music. It’s also known around town for its seafood and sushi selections.
Sidewalk seating
SIDEWALK SEATING: In addition to the patios we mentioned, check out the great sidewalk seating in Fort Mill and Tega Cay at:
Starbucks at Baxter Town Center
Want more?
Check out the rest of our Charlotte patio guides:
This story was originally published August 23, 2021 at 6:00 AM.
