The Outdoor Cafe in North Carolina That Is the Prettiest Place to Enjoy a Warm Afternoon

Warmer weather brings a desire to eat among the plants and flowers at an outdoor cafe in North Carolina. And nothing could be finer than eating al fresco at this nautically themed gastropub in Burnsville. Snap Dragon shares a fascinating story about Capt. Otway Burns — a U.S. Navy hero during the War of 1812 — and his life aboard the ship called the Snap Dragon. Experience the good eats and drinks at one of the prettiest places to enjoy a warm afternoon in North Carolina.

Bring your best friend for a well-deserved meal and a refreshing view on the patio at Snap Dragon. This indoor-outdoor cafe in North Carolina opens its doors at 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday (it is closed on Sunday). What we love abut this cafe is the innovative garage door that opens out to the lovely outdoor, garden-like space. But if you prefer, you can eat inside, with its brick walls and wood bar, and take in the whimsical maritime decor.

The menu offers an array of elevated comfort foods, many of which have names fitting of this nautical-themed eatery. Perhaps you'll begin your dining experience with the delicious Cannon Balls made of ground pork from Hickory Nut Gap, rolled into four succulent meatballs, and glazed with a house-made sweet and sour sauce.

For the main course, the Topsail Fish Tacos are a delightful offering with a variety of textures and flavors. Made with hand-breaded mahi mahi, cilantro slaw, and fresh salsa, these fragile delights are served in two warm tortillas and drizzled with homemade chipotle-lime sauce.

If you're feeling like having a burger, the Spicy Island Burger is also delicious. It's topped with grilled pineapple, habanero-jack cheese, fried avocado, bacon, and a teriyaki drizzle then served on a ciabatta roll. A crunchy side of fries for us too, please. Something a little stronger looks like the Thai Market Ribs that are smoked in house — a flavor bomb from the streets of Bangkok! These tender pork ribs are flash-fried and glazed with an authentic, secret family recipe — Thai Sweet Sauce — served with a side of Asian slaw.

The bartenders take requests, but try one of their signature cocktails using original recipes crafted with house-made mixes and natural fresh juices. One cocktail you may want to try is The Royal Navy Painkiller mixes Pusser's Rum with cream of coconut, pineapple juice, orange juice, and fresh nutmeg. Yum!

Come late with a date and sit outside under the glow of the elegant lights, or inside with its cozy charm. Discover more about this outdoor cafe in North Carolina on the Snap Dragon website. It is shared with the Garden Deli, which is included in this story about the charming town of Burnsville. You should also find a reason to stay overnight at a sweet Vrbo in town.