Designing for Outdoor Dining: Creating Memorable Outdoor Restaurant Spaces
There’s something about dining outdoors that just feels right and while in Arkansas, the conditions seem to be rare, there are certain moments where the weather is perfect for snagging the perfect patio meal. Whether it’s a casual coffee on a patio or a candlelit dinner under the stars, the setting can elevate the entire experience. We believe that outdoor dining spaces deserve just as much care and creativity as interiors.
In this post, we’re sharing how thoughtful outdoor restaurant design can shape unforgettable guest experiences, featuring two of our recent projects: Draft and Table in North Little Rock and The Grumpy Rabbit in Lonoke.
Materials Built to Last—and Delight
Outdoor furniture and finishes need to work hard—rain, sun, spills, and heavy use are just part of the package. But durable doesn’t have to mean dull. We selected performance fabrics, weather-treated woods, and powder-coated metals that hold up beautifully while adding richness and texture.
At The Grumpy Rabbit, our palette plays off the restaurant’s charming vibe with soft wood tones, black metal accents, and custom planters that add greenery and create boundaries and seating zones.
Lighting, Shade, and Shelter: The Details That Make the Difference
Lighting can make or break an evening patio experience. At both restaurants, we layered ambient string lights with sconces and subtle landscape lighting to keep the mood warm and inviting—never harsh or too dim.
We also considered comfort across seasons. The Grumpy Rabbit includes built-in shading elements and windbreaks that allow for more use throughout the year. Draft and Table’s patio benefits from overhead coverage that extends the usability well into fall, with space heaters easily added during cooler months.
Bringing the Brand Outdoors
An outdoor space is an opportunity to reinforce your brand in subtle, sensory ways. Think: a signature color carried through planters, a branded menu board near the entrance, or a recognizable tile pattern underfoot.
At Draft and Table, our design pays homage to the building’s heritage with curated finishes that blend old and new—evoking familiarity while sparking curiosity. For The Grumpy Rabbit, we continued the playful sophistication of the indoor space, making sure the transition between indoors and out felt seamless and story-driven.
The Power of Outdoor Atmosphere
Outdoor dining isn't just a warm-weather trend—it’s a lasting shift in the way we experience restaurants. Guests are drawn to fresh air, natural light, and the opportunity to linger a little longer. But without intentional design, patios and outdoor spaces can feel like an afterthought.
We love to see outdoor spaces as an extension of a restaurant’s brand and story. From layout and finishes to lighting and furniture, every detail should invite connection, comfort, and enjoyment.
Layout: Where Comfort Meets Flow
The best outdoor dining spaces feel easy to navigate—for both guests and staff. When designing The Grumpy Rabbit’s outdoor area, we thought about everything from server paths to seating sightlines. We used subtle zoning techniques (like furniture groupings and lighting changes) to define cozy corners for couples, larger tables for gatherings, and lounge seating that feels spontaneous but still intentional.
Draft and Table, a neighborhood favorite for cocktails and small bites, needed flexible seating that could easily adapt to event nights or weekend brunch. We designed the outdoor layout with a mix of seating styles, keeping it casual, accessible, and always Instagram-ready.
Why It Matters
Designing a beautiful outdoor dining space isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about experience. When guests feel relaxed, seen, and inspired by their surroundings, they stay longer, come back often, and share their experience with others.
In our work, we’ve seen firsthand how a thoughtful outdoor environment can increase revenue, build community, and enhance a restaurant’s brand identity. And for restaurateurs looking to grow, it’s an investment that keeps giving.
Get Inspired
If you’re a restaurant owner or developer looking to reimagine your outdoor space, we’d love to help. Reach out to Shine Interior Design Studio to start a conversation about transforming your restaurant’s outdoor dining experience.