15 Heated patios for those cooler days in Tucson


January 21, 2022
By Sam Jump
By Sam Jump

No need to limit outdoor seating to warm, sunny days with these guys

We’ve got our fair share of toasty days here in Tucson, but when the temps drop and the sun goes left unseen, these heated patio options won’t leave you on the waitlist for indoor seating.

The Barnyard Craft House & Eatery

11011 E. Tanque Verde Rd.

Did you ever think you’d find a menu that includes craft pizza, ahi fish tacos, and New York strip steak in a redesigned barn here in Tucson? Well, The Barnyard Craft House & Eatery has made it possible.

Designed to serve the needs of their neighbors, families, and guests, they’ve achieved their goal of creating a space where elegance and quality meet fun and fare. And with heated patio seating options, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the surrounding Tanque Verde Valley year-round.

The Barnyard is open for business Tuesday – Thursday from 3 p.m. – 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

For more information, visit barnyardaz.com.

Blue Willow

2616 N. Campbell Ave.

 

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Blue Willow’s food is known to leave you feeling warm and cozy inside. And with menus for breakfast and lunch offering house-made items with fresh ingredients, you can’t go wrong.

The deal gets even sweeter with a heated patio that makes outside dining during Tucson’s colder days a piece of cake. Be sure to stop in and explore their gift shop while you’re there, too.

Blue Willow is open daily from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

For more information, visit bluewillowtucson.com.

Bob Dobb’s Bar & Grill

2501 E. Sixth St.

 

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This Sam Hughes neighborhood spot is full of charm, from the walls covered in Chicago-based sports memorabilia to the regulars quick to offer a friendly howdy.

Order a pint or two and settle in with good company on their heated patio. Don’t miss the boat on those house-made chips while you’re there.

Bob Dobb’s is open Monday – Thursday from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. – midnight, Saturday from 10 a.m. – midnight, and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

For more information, visit bobdobbs-tucson.com.

El Charro Cafe

311 N. Court Ave.

 

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El Charro Cafe has an abundance of seating options, all with great views of locally-based artwork and murals. That includes a front patio with heaters when the weather demands.

Stop in sometime this year to celebrate their 100-year anniversary, and if you happen to see Chef Carlotta, offer her a warm congrats for her recent nod by Forbes in their list of 50 women over 50 in 2021.

El Charro Cafe is open daily from 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

For more information, visit elcharrocafe.com. 

Ermanos Craft Beer & Wine Bar

220 N. Fourth Ave.
Photo courtesy of Ermanos Craft Beer & Wine Bar

Now offering heated seating at both front and back patios, Ermanos Craft Beer & Wine Bar is consistently upping its game.

With a menu showcasing diversity in flavor and preference — don’t overlook their vegetarian-friendly items — and libations via Portal Cocktails to brighten your spirits, your options at Ermanos are vast.

Ermanos Craft Beer & Wine bar is open Sunday – Thursday from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. as well as Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. – midnight.

For more information, visit ermanosbrew.com.

The Gardens at Bear Canyon

8987 E. Tanque Verde Rd

A 100% outdoor restaurant and bar with live music, craft beer and cocktails, a rotating food menu, and bocce ball – in the middle of a Tucson parking lot? Yep!

From the plants they curated to the lighting structures they crafted specifically for the space, the intention and care of owners Austin and Devin Santos, co-owners of neighboring Bear Canyon Pizza as well, have been worked into the foundation of this “passion project.”

Of course, that care includes an abundance of portable heaters for those times when temperatures drop. Pay them a visit Wednesday – Friday from 3 p.m. – 10 p.m., or Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Learn more by visiting The Gardens at Bear Canyon’s Facebook page. 

LaCo & Tallboys

201 N. Court Ave.

Tucked away in the historic Presidio District of Downtown Tucson, LaCo is all about love and community, which you’ll recognize immediately upon entering their beautiful outdoor space.

The patio is dog-friendly, you’ll find live music being played most nights, and the heaters will help set the stage for a night out with loved ones. Out front on the Tallboys’ patio, on the corner of Telles St. and Court Ave., there’s more seating if you’re ordering off of that specific menu.

LaCo and Tallboys serve the community Tuesday – Thursday from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. – 10 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

For more information, visit lacotucson.com. 

Locale Neighborhood Italian

60 N. Alvernon Way

Locale unites their deep Italian roots with their love for quality by introducing a menu that combines old Italian classics with amazing local ingredients.

From the Seven-Layer Lasagna to their Pizza a’Taglio made with local flour and freshly baked brioche, everything they do is fresh and homemade. Thanks to the addition of heaters, it can all be enjoyed from their beautiful courtyard, which was as carefully crafted as the items they dish up.

Locale Neighborhood Italian is open Tuesday – Sunday from 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.

For more information, visit localetucson.com. 

Opa’s Grill 

500 N. Fourth Ave.
Combo Platter at Opa's Best (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Grilled Salmon at Opa’s Best (Credit: Jackie Tran)

It may not get more authentic than Opa’s Grill when it comes to Greek food being served up here in Tucson. The family-owned and operated spot is dedicated to providing consistently delicious food and family-friendly service, and they don’t disappoint.

Their patio is tucked away just off of Fourth Avenue, with heaters ready to go for colder days and nights. They even have designated free parking just east of the building.

Check them out Sunday – Thursday from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. or Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

For more information, visit opasgrill.com.

Postino WineCafe

2500 E Grant Rd

 

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Postino WineCafe hasn’t slowed down since they first arrived to the Tucson scene back in March of 2020. With an abundance of natural light and the feeling of being outdoors even when nestled inside, it’s hard to not feel you’re in a trendy bar near a beach in San Diego.

Just as it gets colder in San Diego than most would think, so it does here in Tucson. Lucky us, they’ve kept that in mind and equipped their patio with incognito overhead heaters fit for these cool Tucson evenings. Or, given your timing, you may even be able to snag a spot to cozy up near the fireplace. Check ’em out sometime, and don’t sleep on their Happy Hour deals.

Postino WineCafe is open Monday – Thursday from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. and Friday from 11 a.m. – midnight. They also have brunch hours on the weekend, open Saturday from 9 a.m. – midnight and Sunday from 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.

For more information, visit postinowinecafe.com.

Smokey Mo

2650 N. First Ave.

Smokey Mo brings a passion for Kansas City-style barbecue to the Sonoran Desert with smoked — often for hours upon hours — meats and their secret sauce recipe.
Pitmaster and partner, Ocie Davis, has been barbecuing since he was 16, and that experience and craft can be sensed with each bite. Experience it for yourself from their heated patio right off of N. First Ave.
Smokey Mo is open daily from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

For more information, visit smokeymo.com.

Substance Diner at MotoSonora Brewery

1015 S. Park Ave.

 

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Substance Diner made the move to set up shop at MotoSonora Brewery in 2020, and it’s been a match made in both food and beer lover heaven ever since.

Going by Moto for a beer, a night of trivia, or live music on the patio? Substance has your dinner option covered! Sure, a majority of seating is nestled outdoors, but colder temps don’t need to be the rain on your parade thanks to heaters set up all throughout. They even have a community-beckoning fireplace centrally staged to gather around.

Plan your timing ahead if you’re going for the package deal as hours differ.

MotoSonora Brewing is slinging tasty brews Monday – Thursday from 3 p.m. – 10 p.m., Friday – Saturday from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. while Substance Diner feeds the Tucson masses Monday – Thursday from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m., Friday – Saturday from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

For more information, visit motosonora.com or substancediner.com.

Surly Wench Pub

424 N. Fourth Avenue

 

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Surly Wench is a total one-of-a-kind bar and venue with events such as burlesque and themed karaoke and dance parties.

Grab your pals and stop in for a game of pool, to throw a few songs on their old school jukebox, or to sit out back on their heated patio. It’s always a good time.

Surly Wench is open Wednesday – Friday from 4 p.m. – 2 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. – 2 a.m. with kitchen hours Wednesday – Friday from 5 p.m. – 1 a.m. and Saturday – Sunday from 4 p.m. – 1 a.m.

For more information, visit surlywenchpub.com.

Teaspoon

7053 N. Oracle Rd

For many, when considering breakfast-inclusive dining in Tucson, the mind doesn’t tend toward the northwest side of town in search of innovative options. Thanks to Teaspoon, our horizons have the ability to expand.

Embracing their theme of being a “creative, modern eatery,” they offer innovative twists on classic flavors and dishes. And with the heated patio adding warmth on Tucson’s cooler days plus a clear view of the fountain that sits front and center of the plaza where the restaurant is housed, Teaspoon is an experience all its own.

Join them as they serve up reinvented breakfast and lunch classics Monday – Saturday from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

For more information, visit teaspoontucson.com.

Vera Amore

2920 N. Swan Rd. • 12130 N. Dove Mountain Blvd. #104

Vero Amore broke ground in the Tucson pizza scene in 2006 and never looked back. With accolades as Authentic Neapolitan Pizzeria #250 worldwide and #28 in the United States, their authenticity is undeniable.

Catch their Happy Hour daily from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. With $1 off all appetizers, $2 off wines by the glass, $1 off all beer, $4 well drinks, and $6 sangria, you can’t go wrong.

For more information, visit veroamorepizza.com.

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Sam Jump is a conduit of empowerment and connection, fueled by her drive to leave a mark on the world that reminds others of the power of compassion, curiosity, and community. Her ability to integrate clear vision and mindful communication...

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