Culinary Covington Outdoors

If you're looking to dine out on the Northshore this fall, you don't have to choose between enjoying the refreshing weather of the season and the first-rate food of the region. Thanks to Covington's destination culinary scene with its many al fresco dining options, you can have the best of both!

With elements of Cajun, Latin American, and American heartland cuisine, The Shack's menu, courtesy of Chef Thomas "Lolo" LoPresti (pictured above), might feel like an adventure—don’t shy away from the braised brisket machaca or the chili shrimp skewers over green rice—but the laidback, funky atmosphere makes you feel right at home. The outdoor dining area of the Shackyard is an open-air extension of that invitation: it might feel like you're spending Friday night in your own backyard, if of course your own backyard has live music and unbeatable crab cakes. A huge, fully-enclosed area with oodles of yard games and its own full bar, the Shackyard is a godsend for kids and parents both, thanks to co-owner Christine Clouatre's desire to have a space where every member of the family feels welcome and can cut loose with some good food and fun.

Pepe's Mexican Kitchen keeps it fresh: with authentic Mexican food, live tunes, and Pontchartrain breezes blowing through, the popular back patio is the place to be. Pepe's has a habit of showcasing local artists in both the indoor and outdoor dining areas, but musicians are particularly likely to take up residence on the patio on weekend evenings when the weather is nice or nights downtown Covington is particularly rockin', such as during the monthly Columbia Block Party or events like the Three Rivers Art Festival that sprawl through the scenic downtown streets.

Meribo's courtyard is great for relaxing while enjoying one of their signature wood-fired pizzas, but the space is also a little more flexible—in more ways than one! October at Meribo brings a host of events that allow you to practice movement and mindfulness while enjoying the fresh air, such as brunchworthy Yoga and Mimosas and a Yoga/Barre mashup. Less bendy but just as fun upcoming events include Pizza and Plants and a Holiday Pop-Up Makers Market.

No matter where you stop for a bite, you're sure to be in for a treat! Book your reservation today for a meal to remember, or simply stroll through downtown Covington and see where the autumn breezes take you.