There’s something about Spring that simply calls you to get outside and stay there. Fortunately, Salina serves up more than just small-town charm—it’s got a vibrant outdoor dining scene that’s perfect for soaking up the Midwest sun. Why spend the best part of the day when fresh air and sunshine beckon?
Whether you’re craving a laid-back burger, a frosty craft beer, or a creamy ice cream cone, Salina’s patios and sidewalks have you covered. Here’s your guide to the best al fresco spots in town, broken down into casual dining and bars, fast food, coffee joints, with a sweet bonus thrown in at the end. Grab your sunglasses and let’s dig in!
Casual Dining and Bars
Salina’s casual dining and bar scene is all about good food, great drinks, and open-air fun. These spots offer everything from wood-fired pizzas to signature cocktails, with pet-friendly patios and lively atmospheres.
- Speakeasy: This sports bar brings the fun with a large, shaded patio that’s perfect for game day or a chill evening. Sip on a cold one, munch on wings, and bring your pup—Milo’s welcome at outdoor tables. It’s a laid-back spot to kick back with friends. Located at 2030 South Ohio Street.
- Blue Skye Brewery & Eats: A Salina gem, Blue Skye pairs craft brews with wood-fired pizzas like the fan-favorite Chicken Cantina. The patio is a cozy urban hangout, ideal for savoring a locally sourced mushroom and Swiss burger under the stars. Beer lovers and pizza lovers, this one’s for you. Bonus: On nice days, the front wall opens up garage-door style, so you can enjoy that indoor/outdoor vibe. Located at 116 North Santa Fe Avenue. Click here to read our feature article on Blue Skye.
- YaYa’s Euro Bistro: Upscale yet approachable, YaYa’s outdoor patio at Homewood Suites is dog-friendly and dishes out European flair. From gnocchi to shrimp risotto, every bite feels like a mini-vacation. Perfect for a romantic date or a mini-break in your work day. Located at 251 South Santa Fe Avenue (on the ground level of Homewood Suites by Hilton).
- The Voo: This bar’s patio is a local favorite for cornhole, drinks, and a “where everybody knows your name” vibe. It’s a great spot for a low-key night out (and a great spot for karaoke on Wednesday nights). 🎤 Located at 249 North Santa Fe Avenue.
- Five Guys: Burgers, fries, and a side of sunshine? Yes, please! Five Guys’ outdoor tables are perfect for enjoying a hot, fresh burger and their famous fresh-cut fries. The vibe is pure fast-casual fun. Located at 3015 South 9th Street.
- Panera Bread: For a lighter meal, Panera’s patio on South 9th Street offers salads, sandwiches, and soups in a relaxed setting. It’s a great spot for a quick lunch or a leisurely coffee break with a side of people-watching. Located at 2375 South 9th Street.
- Bogey’s: This diner-style spot near Kansas Wesleyan University has a dog-friendly patio and a menu packed with burgers, wraps, and dozens of milkshake flavors (peanut butter Twix, anyone?). The drive-thru is handy, but the patio’s where the fun’s at. Located at 1417 South 9th Street.
- Old Chicago: Pizza and beer lovers unite! Old Chicago’s outdoor seating is ideal for digging into a deep-dish pie or sipping a craft brew. The casual vibe makes it a go-to for group hangouts or family dinners. Located at 214 South Santa Fe Avenue. Click here to check out their food and beer menus.
- AJ’s Sports Grill: A sports bar with a patio that’s all about wings, burgers, and cold drinks. AJ’s laid-back atmosphere is great for catching a game or chilling with friends over a heaping plate of pizza nachos. Located at 115 East Ash Street.
- Martinelli’s Little Italy: This family-owned Italian spot offers a dog-friendly patio for enjoying spaghetti marinara or Martinelli’s chopped salad. The checkered tablecloths and Frank Sinatra tunes add charm to your al fresco meal. Located at 158 South Santa Fe Avenue.
- La Curva: Dive into vibrant Mexican cuisine on La Curva’s covered patio. From tacos to pollo bandido, the flavors pop, and the friendly atmosphere keeps things festive. Located at 550 South Ohio Street.
- Coming Soon! Jose Peppers: Soon, diners will be able to spice up their day with Jose Peppers’ Mexican fare on a beautiful, vibey patio in downtown Salina. Tacos, queso, and margaritas shine here, with vibrant flavors that pair perfectly with the outdoor setting. Located at 123 South Santa Fe Avenue.
Fast Food
When you need a quick meal but still want to enjoy the breeze, Salina’s fast food joints with outdoor seating deliver. A few notables:
- Chick-fil-A: Salina’s Chick-fil-A is a family-friendly spot with outdoor tables for savoring chicken sandwiches and waffle fries. The warm hospitality and quick service make it a perfect pitstop. Located at 2245 South 9th Street (near Central Mall).
- Dairy Queen: Nothing says summer like a DQ Blizzard on the patio. This classic fast food option offers burgers, fries, and soft-serve treats that hit the spot while you enjoy the Salina sunshine. Two locations with outdoor seating: 321 North 9th Street (downtown) and 1000 Buckeye Avenue.
Coffee Joints
For a caffeine fix with a side of fresh air, many coffee spots in Salina have inviting outdoor areas to sip and chill. A few to check out:
- 1858: This cozy coffee shop offers a welcoming patio for enjoying free-trade coffees or smoothies. Pair your drink with an acai bowl and soak up the laid-back vibe. It’s a great spot for a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon break. Bonus: On nice-weather days, you’ll find the front opened up to the patio, garage-door-style, for that fun, indoor / outdoor feel. Located at 131 South Santa Fe Avenue.
- Starbucks: The downtown Starbucks at 257 South Santa Fe Ave is a crowd-pleaser with a small outdoor area for sipping lattes or digging into a breakfast sandwich. The baristas are friendly, and puppaccinos make it a hit for dog owners. The Starbucks at 3125 South 9th Street boasts a large patio where you can get some work done or plan a day of shopping and fun in Salina.
Click here to check out our article about coffee shops in Salina.
Bonus: Dagney’s Ice Cream Shop
No outdoor dining adventure in Salina is complete without a stop at Dagney’s Ice Cream Shop. This beloved spot doesn’t have a traditional patio, but its walk-up vibe and nearby outdoor seating areas make it perfect for enjoying a scoop (or two) in the open air. From salted turtle to maple bacon to strawberry cheesecake, the creamy, custard-like ice cream is a game-changer. Bonus: The color-changing spoons add a fun twist, and they cater to allergy requests, so everyone can indulge. Located at 105 East Iron Avenue.
Salina’s Outdoor Dining Awaits
Salina’s outdoor dining scene is a delicious mix of flavors, vibes, and sunshine. From the craft beer and pizzas at Blue Skye to the tacos at La Curva, the quick bites at Chick-fil-A, the coffee at 1858, and the sweet treats at Dagney’s, there’s something for every craving. So, head out, grab a seat, and let Salina’s patios make your meal unforgettable. Got a favorite spot we missed? Share it with us, and keep exploring this buzzing, vibey town of Salina!
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