Is it just us, or does eating outside make food taste better? Catch some rays or laze in the shade at one of these 30+ Richmond patios.

Open-air options

Pinky’s
Travel to the Mediterranean (via Scott's Addition) with fresh flavors and an expansive patio.

Cobra Cabana
This music-filled dive in the Fan feels like a neighborhood backyard, spaced out with picnic tables.

Union Market
This Church Hill spot is great for remote work if you can settle in some shade.

The Continental
Both the Manchester and Westhampton locations have patios to sit and sip limeades.

TBT El Gallo
Scout out a shady spot on the enclosed patio and order horchata, first thing.

Blue Atlas
Enjoy a scenic view over brunch or dinner in Richmond's East End.

The Patio Thai
Enjoy Thai fare in the open air at this Monroe Ward spot.

En Su Boca
This fence-enclosed patio on Arthur Ashe Boulevard has heaters for the colder months.

Susie's Delicatessen
Keep an eye on Susie's socials for events inspiring a patio hang in the Fan.

Virginia Transit Company (VITCO)
This shipping-container-style venue serves up bar drinks and So-Cal Mexican eats on Richmond's industrial North Meadow Street.

Enjoy Afghan fine dining in the fresh air. | Photo by @themanturva

Covered patios

The Mantu
Chef Hamid Noori serves up Afghan cuisine at this fine dining restaurant near Ellwood Thompson’s.
Try this: A table on the breezy covered patio, Chicken Kobihda, and a saffron iced tea.

The Smoky Mug
Whether you’re on the hunt for specialty coffee or Tex Mex tacos, this pup-friendly, fenced-in patio is a great spot to get some work done or connect with friends.
Pro tip: The patio is partially shaded.

Auntie Ning’s
Occupying the former Smoky Mug location in Brookland Park, this Filipino spot offers take-out that you can sit down with right outside.

Little Nickel
Tropical flare meets diner staples at this Forest Hill spot.

Brambly Park
Make a reservation to dine on the covered patio or in the park. The restaurant also hosts several local musicians for dinnertime tunes and After Dark events.

The rooftop at Quirk is ideal for post-work drinks. | Photo via @quirkhotelrva

Rooftop views

New York Deli
Did you know this Carytown establishment has a rooftop bar? The deli's been in business since 1929, but added the Rockaway Beach Rooftop Bar in 2022.

Starr Hill Beer Hall + Rooftop
Head to Scott's Addition for a local brew and watch the sun set from up on the roof. Reader Justin M. told us the views are worth the trip.

Q Rooftop Bar
Grab a bite or a drink at this iconic spot. It'll come with a panoramic view of downtown Richmond. Pro tip: You can also rent the Quirk Hotel rooftop for events.

Solaire Rooftop Bar
Enjoy the skyline at this socialite bar with an expressed focus on daytime energy, rather than nightlife.

The Boathouse (all four locations) is one of 30+ restaurants participating in Richmond Restaurant Week. | Photo via The Boathouse

Waterside seats

Island Shrimp Co.
On a nice day at the Rocketts Landing location, the garage doors open and each diner has a view of the James.

Latitude Seafood Co.
The Hull Street seafood spot has some top-tier views. "It’s right on Swift Creek Reservoir," Reader Bird C. said. "It feels like you’re at the Outer Banks."

The Lilly Pad
Follow the James outside the city to catch live music on the marina.

The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing
Enjoy a meal overlooking one of the most scenic stretches of the James that Richmond has to offer.
Pro tip: If you're able to plan ahead, making a reservation is probably a good idea.

What local business would make your perfect beverage day? | Photo by RICtoday

Breweries

Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
Both the Richmond and West Creek locations have plenty of outdoor seating.

Ardent Craft Ales
Order brews from your seat on the Scott's Addition patio.

Väsen Brewing Company
Head to Scott's Addition for unconventional ales on the patio.

Triple Crossing
The downtown tasting room has an outside deck that's pup-friendly (leashes required).

Main Line Brewery
This brewery has a large outdoor space with a stage for performers. There are often food trucks on-site to grab a bite.

Legend Brewing Company
This Southside staple has been serving Richmonders since the nineties as Virginia's oldest craft brewery.

More reader recs

"The plant-filled 'secret' patio at Laura Lee’s." – Bird C.

"Lola’s Farmhouse Bistro is my favorite outdoor dining spot." – Anita A.

"My favorite outdoor dining recommendation is Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe... Pet-friendly patios with a great ambiance." – Waltieria P.

"I love the outdoor patio at Stella’s on Grove. My Westie loves it too. And the food is amazing." – Lacy L.

We know we left off some stellar Richmond restaurants.Let us know your favorite patio in the city.

Want even more recommendations? Our list of places with heated patios has spots that are welcoming even in cooler months.