As you put together your summer sit and sip patio list, don’t forget these five old-school spots with OG swagger. From lakeside chilling, prime people watching perches in Fourth Ward and places your dog is going to love, this list  will have you and your crew chilling on some of the best open spaces in and around Charlotte.

Cheers to summer!

Poplar Tapas Wine and Spirits

Photo Courtesy of Poplar Tapas Wine and Spirits

Address: 224 W 10th St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 5-10 p.m.

Vibe: The nicely spaced tables and chairs on the spacious front lawn at Poplar Tapas Wine and Spirits make you feel like your Fourth Ward BFF planned an elegant picnic just for you. With a view of Uptown Charlotte and a full cocktail and dinner menu, this is the perfect spot to pre game or make a night of it.

Pro Tip: A toast to preserving Charlotte history! Poplar Tapas Wine and Spirits is in the former home of The Morrison House designated as a Charlotte Historic Landmark.

Dilworth Tasting Room

Photo Courtesy of Dilworth Tasting Room

Address: 300 E Tremont Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 4-10 p.m.; Friday, 4-11 p.m.; Saturday 1-11 p.m.

Vibe: If you like a koi pond with your patio sitting (and who doesn’t?), head to this gem in beautiful Dilworth. Venture to the brick patio and find the perfect spot under large trees, soak up the shade and say hello to the fish. DTR’s interior is all about class with a lively bar and plenty of comfortable chairs and couches complete with tableside service if the weather calls for passing storms.

Pro Tip: Celebrate Tuesday with a free cheese plate with purchase.

Carolina Beer Temple

Photo Courtesy of Carolina Beer Temple

Address: 195 N. Trade St, Matthews, NC 28105

Hours: Monday, 3-9 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 2-9 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday, Noon-10 p.m.; Sunday, Noon-8 p.m.

Vibe: With a large outdoor space perched above a bustling sidewalk, wide side area with tables and chairs and backyard seating with picnic tables, you are sure to find a spot – even on a cloudless sunny day. This hot spot specializes in craft beer made in North Carolina as well as a smaller wine selection. Purchase a scoop of a salty snack for $1 or grab dinner from the rotating food truck parked out front. Two and four-legged children welcome!

Pro Tip: Extend your night and head next door to The Temple’s Edge – a comic bookstore and collectables gift shop with gaming tables where you can rent or bring your favorite game to play while enjoying a beverage!

Hello, Sailor

Photo Courtesy of Hello, Sailor

Address: 20210 Henderson Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031

Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Vibe: For gorgeous Carolina days when you need a million dollar view but are a little short on cash, an afternoon on a prime patio spot at Hello, Sailor in Lake Norman is the next best thing. Start with a hot order of hush puppies and a cool drink, then treat your followers to a sunset pic.

Pro Tip: Park your boat right outside the restaurant if you prefer to leave the car at home.

Village Tavern

Photo Courtesy of Village Tavern

Address: 4201 Congress Street, Charlotte, NC 28209

Hours: Monday – Thursday: 4-9 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.(Brunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m.); Sunday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (Brunch 10 a.m.-3 p.m.)

Vibe: Wide open spaces await at this South Park staple with an equally large menu. Keep this one in your back pocket when the weather hits 75 degrees and perfect. This find can accommodate small or large groups so plan your next friends night out, book club or family gathering here. Brunch is available Saturday and Sunday till 3 p.m. so you can start – or end – your weekend whenever you and the crew are ready.

Pro Tip: Start here, then head across the street to Reid’s Fine Food for an afternoon of patio hopping.

Ready, set, patio!