Park, Patio, or Blanket: Where to Eat Outdoors in Elkin
- Explore Elkin
- Jul 30
- 3 min read
Eating outside just hits different and good food tastes even better in the sunshine. Elkin has a knack for turning everyday moments into something special, and that includes outdoor dining. With scenic parks, inviting patios, and special spots that locals love, it's easy to turn an ordinary meal into a little adventure. Don't even get us started on the abundance of rotating food trucks this town has to offer. This is your guide to outdoor dining done right.
Picnic-Perfect Pickups
Right off of Main Street, this cozy café serves up fresh wraps, sandwiches, seasonal soups, and the kind of baked goods that make any picnic better. Enjoy dining on their patio or grab a to-go order and head to Crater Park or Elkin's Municipal Park for lunch with a view. Their sandwiches are ideal for packing up and enjoying under a shade tree, and locals swear by their chicken salad.
An Elkin staple and the definition of no-frills, all-flavor. Donna Kaye's is the kind of spot where the bread's always fresh, the portions are generous, and the regulars are on a first-name basis. Their cold-cut sandwiches and specials are perfect for tossing in a cooler or brown bag and heading to the park.
Patio Dining Favorites
With their Southern charm and a menu full of crowd-pleasers, the patio at Southern on Main is always the right move. It's perfect for a date night, a girls' brunch, or a long, lazy dinner.
Pizza, craft beer, and outside seating that opens right out onto the sidewalk downtown, Angry Troll is casual, fun, and a great place to hangout (especially during golden hour).
Margaritas on the patio? Say less. This spot is a go-to for sizzling fajitas, cold drinks, and catching up with friends outside.
They may not serve food, but their patio is one of Elkin's best kept secrets. Order a handcrafted cocktail, bring your own bites, and enjoy a slow evening out back under the string lights.
Food Truck Finds & Community Eat Spots
This open-air hangout has food trucks rotating regularly, but you'll often find BBQ, tacos, burgers, and treats. Grab your food and a brew, find a seat, and enjoy the music and mural backdrop.
Hosted by Explore Elkin, this monthly tradition brings multiple trucks, live music, and a fun crowd to downtown. This outdoor hangout is the heart of Elkin's food truck scene. It's the ultimate way to sample Elkin's mobile eats in one place- just bring a chair or a blanket and dig in!
Bonus: Wineries with a View
Plenty of local wineries double as picnic-worthy destinations. Bring snacks or pick up a charcuterie box on-site and soak in the scenery at spots like Golden Road Vineyards, Grassy Creek Vineyard & Winery, Elkin Creek Vineyard, or Christian Paul Vineyards. There's something extra relaxing about sipping wine with the breeze in your hair and a vineyard view in front of you.
Ready to Dine Outside?
Kick back on a patio, spread out a picnic blanket in the park, or follow the scent of street tacos to the nearest food truck. Elkin's got it all. Our picturesque little town serves up outdoor dining with a side of charm. All you really have to do is show up hungry!