7 restaurants in Auburn-Opelika with outdoor seating

Now that the weather is warming up, it’s time to start enjoying some good food and the outdoors. Here are seven restaurants in Auburn with outdoor seating you should check out this spring.

1. Botanic

Botanic is beautiful year-round, but is an especially gorgeous dining spot in the spring. (Botanic / Facebook) (Elizabeth Hobbs / The Bama Buzz)

Botanic is THE outdoor dining destination in Auburn. Immerse yourself in nature and grab a bite to eat at The Market or a drink and snack from The Patio Bar. With plenty of comfy outdoor seating, you can enjoy the sunshine and nature view during the day, and enjoy the occasional live music and events in the evening.

For an upper-scale dining experience, you have to visit Botanic’s reservation-only restaurant, The Grille. If you’re looking for outdoor dining, make reservations for the covered porch with a pond view. All ingredients are grown onsite or locally and responsibly sourced, so you’re guaranteed a fresh, mouth-watering meal. Highlights of the dining experience at the Grille include their freshly baked bread (served in a flower pot—how cute!) and personalized menus (complete with your name and a message for special occasions).

• Address: 1702 Frederick Rd, Opelika, AL 36801
• Patio Bar Hours: Tuesday-Friday 3PM-close | Saturday-Sunday 12PM-close
• The Grille Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 5-9PM | Sunday Brunch 10AM-3PM
• The Market Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 7AM-9PM | Sunday 7AM-5PM
• Website | Instagram | Facebook

2. Acre

Acre is a staple for Auburn locals. (Acre / Facebook)

Acre is the destination for special occasions and celebrations in Auburn and has gorgeous outdoor seating. Their farm-to-table menu is focused on elevating and modernizing classic Southern food with artistic presentations, innovative flavors and locally-sourced ingredients.

There is plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy the stunning scenery and edible landscapes. Yes, you read that right—Acre is dedicated to serving the freshest dishes, including seasonal ingredients harvested from the on-site garden of fruit trees, berry bushes, vegetables, produce and herbs.

• Address: 210 E Glenn Ave, Auburn, AL 36830
• Hours: Monday-Thursday 5-9PM | Friday-Saturday 11AM-10PM | Sunday 10AM-2PM
• Website | Instagram | Facebook

3. Ariccia Cucina

Treat yourself to the gorgeous outdoor ambience at Ariccia. (Ariccia / Facebook)

Did you know this hidden gem exists within Auburn’s downtown? Dine at Ariccia for a stunning outdoor garden patio dining experience. Ariccia is Auburn’s most authentic Italian cuisine serving freshly made pasta, wood-fired pizzas, house-made focaccia and other Italian staples.

• Address: 241 S College St, Auburn, AL 36830
• Hours: Monday-Sunday Brunch: 6:30AM-2PM | Dinner: 5:30-10PM
• Website | Instagram | Facebook

4. Hamilton’s

With two locations, Hamilton’s is another Auburn staple. (Hamilton’s / website)

Hamilton’s is many Auburn locals’ go-to to impress guests visiting town. Enjoy Hamilton’s in the lively heart of downtown Auburn at the Magnolia location, or take a quick detour for a relaxing dinner away from the noise at the Ogletree location.

The menu includes contemporary American dishes and the atmosphere is a laid-back, intimate and casual feel. Both locations have plenty of patio seating featuring live music every week.

• Hamilton’s on Magnolia
  • Address: 174 E Magnolia Ave, Auburn, AL 36830
  • Hours: Sunday-Tuesday 11AM-10PM | Wednesday-Saturday 11AM-10PM
  • Website | Instagram
• Hamilton’s on Ogletree
  • Address: 1849 Ogletree Rd, Auburn, AL 36830
  • Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11AM-9PM | Friday-Saturday 11AM-10PM
  • Website | Instagram | Facebook

5. Amsterdam Cafe

Enjoy the spring weather with drinks and a refreshing meal from Amsterdam Cafe. (Amsterdam Cafe / Facebook)

Amsterdam is a personal go-to, especially in the spring. I love dining here whether I just want a casual bite with friends or am celebrating a special occasion with family. Springtime means enjoying my favorite turkey wraps and house-made sweet potato fries on the patio.

• Address: 410 S Gay St, Auburn, AL 36830
• Hours: Monday-Sunday 11AM-9PM
• Website | Instagram | Facebook

6. Hey Day Market

If you’re feeling picnic-y, visit Hey Day Market for a crowd-pleasing meal. (Hey Day Market / Facebook)

Hey Day Market is the perfect casual dining spot to enjoy tasty food and the outdoors. Choose from the nine restaurants in the food hall and take a seat at one of the many outdoor tables or set up a picnic on the community green-space. I also like to grab a meal and a dessert to-go (you have to try the gelato!) and walk over to Samford Lawn.

Hey Day also hosts several fun events like Sunday Soul Brunch, Benefit Nights, Horticulture Plant Sale, Painting Classes on the Lawn and more.

• Address: 211 S College St, Auburn, AL 36830
• Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:30AM-9PM
• Website | Instagram | Facebook

7. Well Red

Well Red’s porches are perfect for any hour of the day. (Elizabeth Hobbs / The Bama Buzz)

If you’re looking for a spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors with a treat, Well Red is the perfect spot. With a cozy covered front and back porch, Well Red has plenty of space to soak in the spring weather.

Their dessert and food menu changes daily, so keep up with their socials for daily specials and new items. I love to order their chai lattes or a bottle of Birmigham-based Better Kombucha. Order a treat of your choice and even buy a new book from their bookshelves inside for the perfect you-time.

• Hours: Monday-Thursday 7AM-9PM | Friday 7AM-10PM | Saturday 8AM-10PM | Sunday 9AM-2PM
• Address: 223 Opelika Road Auburn, AL 36830
• Website | Instagram | Facebook

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