By Hunter Lanier

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, TX may have just what you’re craving.  

Dining on the Water 

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

Eating by the lake is nice, but what if you wanted to eat on the water? You can do just that at Rockin’ S Bar and Grill, the only restaurant that’s directly on Lewisville Lake. In fact, you’ll have to walk across a dock to get there or float up by boat. Once inside, you’ll be treated to American classics and rock-n-roll décor.  

Spring 2024 saw the opening of The Rackhouse, a scratch kitchen and whiskey bar. With outdoor seating near the lake, The Rackhouse is a prime location for taking in the sights (and drinks).  

Music With Your Meal  

The Colony has some unique spots where you can see a concert, get a meal, and enjoy the outdoors all at once. One of the most popular locations is Lava Cantina, where the live music in their outdoor pavilion pairs exceptionally well with their inventive Creole/Mexican fusion menu. And if you notice the ceiling moving, you haven’t had too many drinks—that’s just their retractable roof. Pretty cool! 

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 lawn filled with eclectic furniture and lawn games. You can also get a front row seat to a range of local musicians any night of the week.  

Rock & Brews brings alfresco dining, live music, and a huge selection of craft beer to The Colony, but with a distinct rock ‘n’ roll flavor. With their fireplace, high-end bar food, dog-friendly patio, and weekly live events, this family-friendly restaurant is a greatest hits of culinary delights.  

Shared Patio Dining: The More, the Merrier 

Seven restaurants, a massive patio, and an off-leash dog park. Believe it or not, we’re talking about a single location: The Shacks. Among the restaurants, you can find coffee, pizza, burgers, street tacos, and seafood, not to mention craft beer and cocktails at The LOCAL. Since the raised patio is directly above the dog park, you can enjoy your meal while watching your dog enjoy life or they can with you on the patio. Doesn’t get much better than that! 

Right off the highway, you can find The Oasis, a collection of restaurants that share an outdoor patio with suspended lighting and natural tree cover. Choose from fresh seafood at The Crab Station, New York style woodfired pizza at Goodfellas, then head to Twisted Bar and Grill for late night dancing and drinks! 

The Grotto is an assortment of restaurants featuring diverse flavors and styles connected by an underground outdoor space. Savor housemade pasta and deeply satisfying Italian food at Quartino Ristorante. For a more intimate 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 exclusive code for entry.  

Eating Up Good Vibes in The Colony  

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.  

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

About the Author: Hunter Lanier is the head writer and content specialist for Tour Texas. When he isn’t writing about the many great places in the state of Texas, he’s writing books and screenplays. He may or may not own an armadillo in the future.