Find These Patios and More on our Map
SIT Back And Relax
The grounds of the State Fair of Texas are HUGE, so naturally our guests often seek out places where they can kick back with a cool drink underneath a shady tree. Luckily, there are plenty of patios, gardens, and seating area underneath large trees to keep guests comfy during their visit. Check out spaces listed below to find our patios filled with tasty food, live music, and friendly smiles. If chill vibes is what you’re looking for, we got ’em.
BACKYARD STEAK-OUT & PIZZERIA
Located on Nimitz Avenue near the livestock barns and Fair Park Coliseum, this area provides two dining experiences: traditional State Fair fare and fresh Italian food, including wood-fired pizzas. This oasis also provides ample shade, live music, and the perfect view of the nightly Drive Like a Texan Starlight Parade.
BLUEBONNET ROADHOUSE
Located on Nimitz and Keating, the Bluebonnet Roadhouse has it all with an indoor and outdoor beer and a large covered patio. An ideal spot for sports fans, several TVs are scattered throughout the eatery. In addition, this eatery offers an extensive variety of craft beers, wine, frozen drinks, wine-based spirits, and a selection of bar-type foods.
SMIRNOFF ICE® PARTY PAVILION
Located near the Bluebonnet Roadhouse, the Smirnoff Ice® Party Pavilion offers fairgoers a place to sit back, relax, and take a break during their day at the Fair.
CANO-SAURUS CANTINA
Nestled within the Dinosaurs at the Lagoon exhibit, the Cano-Saurus Cantina is a prehistoric paradise where ancient creatures and delectable delights merge to create an unforgettable experience and relaxing atmosphere for fairgoers of all ages.
CAVALCADE OF TEXAS
Located near Neon Big Tex, experience everything wrapped in bacon along with their “cavalcakes.” Take a picture with Neon Big Tex and relax in the seating area while eating a Cavalcade of Texas Cool Down Sundae.
Insider tip: Corona will be sampling right next to the Cavalcade, so sip some samples, and maybe you’ll find your new favorite brew!
DICKEL’S SMOKEHOUSE
Located on the corner of Cotton Bowl Plaza near the Lagoon and the Children’s Aquarium is Dickel’s Smokehouse. Serving slow-cooked meats that will delight fairgoers of all ages, this area is designed with a rustic charm, featuring wooden accents, cozy seating, and a welcoming atmosphere that captures the essence of a traditional Texan smokehouse.
FARM PAC TAVERN
Enjoy a cozy area with ample seating, located conveniently across from the Birthing Barn and the Livestock Barns! Take a break, relax from the bustling fairgrounds, and enjoy a refreshing beverage while soaking in the lively sights and sounds of the agricultural showcases happening just steps away.
FERNIE'S SKYWAY PORCH
Nestled beneath the Texas Skyway and behind Big Tex, you can relax in rocking chairs and sip on a hard soda or cotton candy cocktail while enjoying one of the best views of the fairgrounds! Fernie’s is just like relaxing on your grandmother’s front porch by serving “light bites,” ice cold beer, and refreshing wine-based cocktails on tap.
Sponsored By:
THE GROVE
The Grove showcases Texas wineries daily by offering wines crafted in the Lone Star State. Sit back and relax to live music performed daily in the Grove and stop by on Friday nights for the stand-up comedy series, “Deep Fried Comedy.”
DOS EQUIS® PRESENTS: THE PURSUIT
Located next to the Creative Arts Building, Dos Equis® Presents: The Pursuit offers fairgoers another spot to stop, relax, and enjoy the State Fair atmosphere.
GULF COAST GRILL
Another destination to relax between activities or grab a bite to eat, the Gulf Coast Grill is located next to the Leonhardt Lagoon across from Cotton Bowl Plaza. The island-style grill rounds out the Fair’s restaurant lineup with a surf and turf flair.
HANS MUELLER
Experience the charm of Germany at Hans Mueller, right next to Little Lone Stars Land. Immerse yourself in traditional German delights and experience the lively spirit of the State Fair.
HOWDY'S VALUE MENU
A patio area just for kids! Located near the Children’s Aquarium, this eatery features kid-friendly favorites like pizza, sliders, soft-serve ice cream, and family-friendly shows throughout the day in the shaded stage area.
JUICY’S TAILGATE
Enjoy a thrilling sports-themed area conveniently located next to the iconic Texas Star Ferris Wheel! At Juicy’s Tailgate, enjoy mouthwatering game-time snacks and the excitement of sports while surrounded by the fairgrounds’ vibrant energy.
MAGNOLIA BEER GARDEN
Located in the courtyard of the historic Magnolia Lounge, the Magnolia Beer Garden is a destination for any beer connoisseur. With a selection of Texas, craft, and international beers, there is something to please everyone’s taste.
Insider tip: Shiner Beer will be sampling right next to the Garden, so sip some samples, and maybe you’ll find your new favorite Texas brew!
OLD MILL INN
A Fair Park landmark gets a fresh new look for 2026! The historic Old Mill Inn is back, brought to life by longtime State Fair concessionaire Rousso’s Concessions. Located near Big Tex Circle, this historic spot features food and beverages, plenty of room to kick back, and a spacious outdoor patio in the shadow of Big Tex. Plus, catch local and regional performers throughout the Fair on the all-new ZiegenBock® Stage. Whether you’re stopping in for a bite, grabbing a drink, or staying for the music, the Old Mill Inn is a new must-see stop at this year’s Fair.
TEXAS CRAFT BEER GARDEN
Step into the Texas Craft Beer Garden beside the Children’s Aquarium off First Avenue and enjoy a variety of Texas craft beers alongside FAT bacon-packed eats from Rousso’s Fat Bacon. With plenty of room to gather, it’s the perfect place to take a break from the midway excitement, catch a game on the big screen, or watch the parade roll by. They also offer wine, frozen drinks, and food for the whole family!
STIFFLER'S MUSIC LOUNGE
Satisfy your appetite at Stiffler’s Music Lounge, where the flavors are just as bold as the concerts next door. With plenty of room to gather and relax, you can dig into smoky BBQ creations, crispyfried favorites, and hearty fair bites, all served alongside ice-cold drinks.
Sponsored By:
TRIO ON THE GREEN
Bringing a new concept of “bites and flights,” this venue serves trios of appetizers and drinks. Located under three oak trees outside the Coliseum, this shady destination will serve everything in threes, from sliders and fries to flights of beer and wine.
Insider tip: BeatBox will be sampling right next to Trio, so sip some samples, and maybe you’ll find your new favorite flavor!