Is it just us, or does eating outside make food taste better?

Catch some rays or laze in the shade at one of these 22 Northern Virginia patios. Pro tip: Don’t miss the shade level we’ve included for each of these locations.

Restaurants

Ada’s on the River | Alexandria | Partially shaded
Set right on the banks of the Potomac River, this patio offers the ideal spot to relax outdoors. Whether you're enjoying brunch, lunch, dinner, or happy hour, the view is always a part of the experience.

This restaurant is known for its popular patio, located right on the water. | Photo via Barca Pier + Wine Bar

Barca Pier + Wine Bar | Alexandria | Partially shaded
Savor Spanish-Mediterranean dishes crafted with regional ingredients, all in a waterfront setting. Stop by for weekend brunch, unwind during happy hour, or pull up by boat after a day on the water.

Blackwall Hitch | Alexandria | Partially shaded
Perched along the river, this coastal-inspired restaurant features a spacious patio complete with cozy couches and fire pits — perfect for relaxing outdoors. The menu offers fresh options like the Southwest chicken salad and a variety of artisan pizzas, including the Chesapeake, topped with crab meat, shrimp, chicken, mozzarella, and tomatoes.

Ned’s New England Deck | Fairfax | Partially shaded
Take a trip to Maine, I mean Fairfax, and grab yourself a lobster roll while sitting in the sun. Not to mention that there is a Baskin-Robbins next door, perfect for a sweet treat after your meal.

Ruthie’s All-Day | Arlington | Partially shaded
Indulge in delicious brisket and a draft beer, or enjoy brunch with a mimosa while relaxing on the patio. A second location is also coming to Fairfax, where guests will soon be able to enjoy additional patio seating.

Hawkers Asian Street Food | Arlington | Partially shaded
Located in the Ballston neighborhood, this restaurant is an ideal spot to enjoy Asian street food outdoors when the weather is nice. My go-to is the pad thai, edamame, and a yuzu spritz.

The Secret Garden Cafe | Occoquan Historic District | Partially shaded
In my opinion, this is one of the sweetest patios in NOVA. With twinkle lights and a variety of plants, it creates that cozy backyard vibe that I love. I’ll eat anything with goat cheese, so I was immediately drawn to the warm goat cheese + spiced pecan salad.

Coffee Shops

Hypergoat Coffee Roasters | Alexandria | Partially shaded
This cafe offers a welcoming dog-friendly patio, ideal for sipping coffee, getting some work done, or losing yourself in a book outdoors.

Northside Social | Arlington + Falls Church | Partially shaded
This popular patio is serving up flavorful coffee, along with food, beer, and wine. You can also enjoy delicious baked goods while basking in the sunlight.

I opted for an iced coffee, but they also serve some alcoholic drinks if you want to grab a glass of wine. | Photo via NOVAtoday

Simona Cafe | Arlington | Partially shaded
Take advantage of this perfect outside-working spot, with both shaded coverage and fans. And to eat, enjoy the Franklin, made with scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, avocado, pickled onions, smoky red pepper salsa, all on house-made focaccia.

St. Elmo's Coffee Pub — Old Town North | Alexandria | Full sun
There are three St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub locations across Northern Virginia: one in Old Town North, one in Fairlington, and another in Del Ray. We’re especially fond of the Old Town spot for its inviting patio. It strikes the perfect balance — thanks to the large windows that open wide, you can enjoy the fresh air while still feeling like you’re inside. It's the best of both worlds.

Kid-Friendly

Caboose Commons | Fairfax | Partially shaded
This spacious three-story venue features a large beer garden complete with cornhole and sidewalk chalk to keep the kids entertained. Beyond dinner and craft beers, they also serve up fresh coffee and a delicious brunch worth checking out.

The Cowboy Cafe | Arlington | Partially shaded
Adorned with a vibrant mural by local artist Federico Frum, also known as MasPas, this whimsical, cowboy-themed bar is a fun and inviting spot for the whole family. Enjoy a range of American classics, from crispy homemade fried pickles to tender Texas BBQ brisket, all served up in a playful, Western-inspired setting.

Our dream summer night? Enjoying the sunset while sipping on a beer. | Photo via Port City Brewing Company

Port City Brewing | Alexandria | Partially shaded
With its laid-back vibe, this spot is perfect for families — kids and pets are always welcome. While you relax with one of their many craft brews, the little ones can dig into tasty tacos from their partner, La Tingeria. Be sure to check out their lineup of events, including the popular Loading Dock Rock Summer Concert Series.

Water Park | Arlington | Partially shaded
This outdoor dining space in National Landing features a variety of vendors, from bagel sandwiches to bowls of pho. Explore the full list of food options here, including some spots coming soon.

Bars and Breweries

Augie's Mussel House and Beer Garden | Alexandria | Full sun
This beer garden is the place to be, offering ~70 different beers to choose from. Pair your favorite lager with a bowl of mussels, grab a seat at a communal table outside, and catch the game on one of their many TVs. Bonus: pets are welcome too.

Bronson Bierhall | Arlington | Full shade
Grab a deck of cards or one of the many board games available, and settle in on the patio with a refreshing Original Munich Lager in hand. Having grown up on cheese curds in Wisconsin, I can confidently say these are the best I’ve had in NOVA.

Bunnyman Brewing | Burke | Partially shaded
Featuring an 18-tap self-pour system, you can sample your favorite beers at your own pace. Alongside the brews, they offer house-made sodas, boozy slushies, and adult shakes. The space is also both kid- and dog-friendly, making it a welcoming spot for the whole family.

Continental Beer Garden | Arlington | Partially shaded
This seasonal spot won’t be around forever, so be sure to catch it while you can. It’s open Monday through Friday starting at 3:30 p.m., with a happy hour running from 4 to 7 p.m.

Courthaus Social | Arlington | Full shade
This is one of my favorite spots in Arlington. Grab a table with friends, bring a deck of cards, and enjoy a few beers while taking in the fresh air. Since the patio is fully covered, it’s an ideal spot even on a warm, rainy day.

Rooftop Recess | Arlington | Partially shaded
This spot has been receiving a lot of love for its patio. Sip on a refreshing drink like the Orange Crush, made with Deep Eddy's orange vodka, triple sec, and orange juice, while snacking on one of their tasty flatbreads.

Did we miss an outdoor option? We’re always looking to add to our lists. Email and let us know.