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A black patio at Mi Casa with a row of booths
Mi Casa’s matte black patio is outfitted with plenty of heaters.
Rey Lopez/Eater DC

18 D.C. Restaurants With Heated Patios to Keep Diners Warm

Dine outdoors across these reliable patios and rooftops, fancy nooks, and next-level streateries

by Tierney Plumb and Adele Chapin Updated
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Mi Casa’s matte black patio is outfitted with plenty of heaters.
| Rey Lopez/Eater DC
by Tierney Plumb and Adele Chapin Updated

Even though summer is long gone, the pandemic has helped diners warm up to the idea of sitting outside all year.

While plenty of longtime perches and patios remain top destinations for dining outdoors in the cold, this list also includes innovative streatery setups and stylish alfresco additions that came to life when indoor capacities shrank — and are now here to stay.

Here are a select group of 18 restaurants that step it up with their heated outdoor spaces.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Queen’s English

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The small Columbia Heights hit expands outside with a heated patio (weather permitting), where diners can sample its Hong Kong-style menu influenced by chef Henji Cheung’s childhood. Besides patio heaters, warm up with a hot Kowloon redeye espresso cocktail with cognac, clove, and coconut. The Northwest strip is ripe with heated options from The Coupe and Makan, too.

3410 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20010
(202) 751-3958
(202) 751-3958

Also featured in:

Provost

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Located on on Rhode Island Avenue in Northeast, Provost’s inviting rooftop is outfitted with multiple heaters to keep diners warm. The American restaurant serves burgers and organic chicken cordon bleu, with lots of options for vegans and vegetarians, too.

2129 Rhode Island Ave NE, Washington, DC 20018
(202) 200-9852
(202) 200-9852

Glover Park Grill

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Glover Park Grill unveiled a renovated, temperature-controlled patio during the pandemic. If the actual dining space is full, the expansive space is merely a stone’s throw next door.

2505 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 625-5400
(202) 625-5400

Also featured in:

Seven Reasons

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On 14th Street NW, Enrique Limardo’s experimental Seven Reasons debuted both a retractable roof system and heating system for the restaurant’s winterized garden patio. The chef’s other venture, downtown’s fast-casual spot Immigrant Food, also features a heated outdoor space outfitted with blankets, heaters, rugs, and festive lights.

2208 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 417-8563
(202) 417-8563

Also featured in:

The Imperial

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The Imperial, Jack Rose’s elegant sister restaurant in Adams Morgan, weatherproofed its rooftop for the winter with a heating system and tent with retractible sides for inclement weather. A few doors up, beloved whiskey bar Jack Rose offers a pair of heated outdoor options: a reliable rooftop terrace with a retractable glass roof and jazzed up streatery situation below.

2001 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 299-0334
(202) 299-0334
A rooftop with a shielded cover and soft seating.
The Imperial’s rooftop is perched above the bustling Adams Morgan corridor.
The Imperial/official photo

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Lulu’s Wine Garden

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The restaurant formerly known as Vinoteca features three garden patios, all outfitted with heaters capable of seating 120 in total. Hot cocktails arrive in a thermos, and there’s also lots of wines by the glass and bottle to go along with comfort snacks like hatch chile mac and cheese and hot queso.

1940 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 332-9463
(202) 332-9463

Also featured in:

Gravitas

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The Michelin-rated pioneer in Ivy City added a sophisticated seating area to compliment chef Matt Baker’s elegant tasting menus. The enclosed addition, adorned with hanging greenery, adds 25 seats across an industrial-chic vestibule and 30 in the front part of the restaurant. Its glassy rooftop structure, the Conservatory, feels like you’re dining in a cozy greenhouse.

1401 Okie St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 763-7942
(202) 763-7942
Lounge chairs and a modern table topped with plated dishes.
The enclosed addition to Gravitas adds room for 55 guests.
Gravitas/LeadingDC

Also featured in:

MI CASA

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Dupont’s Tex-Mex restaurant and tequila bar features a stylish, matte black patio filled with leafy accents, retractable windows, and soft booths. The enclosed extension, illuminated by string lights, is joined by a heated, open air deck out front. Head to Bistro du Jour, Knead Hospitality + Design’s French-themed sister on the Wharf, for a heated, wraparound patio with prime waterfront views.

1647 20th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 450-4595
(202) 450-4595
The black patio with string lights and palm print booths at Mi Casa.
Mi Casa’s enclosed patio offers cozy, boho-chic vibes in the heart of Dupont Circle.
Rey Lopez/Eater DC

Also featured in:

O-Ku Sushi DC

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The rooftop deck at this Union Market sushi spot boasts city skyline views and rooftop heaters.

1274 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 888-8790
(202) 888-8790
Rey Lopez/Eater DC

Also featured in:

St. Anselm

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Restaurateur Stephen Starr spent big bucks during the pandemic to build out rows of elaborate dining booths out front of steakhouse St. Anselm and French sister spot Le Diplomate in Logan Circle.

1250 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 864-2199
(202) 864-2199

Also featured in:

Iron Gate Restaurant

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Chef Anthony Chittum’s Greek-Italian restaurant Iron Gate has long been a spot for alfresco dining even in cold weather, thanks to its heaters, fire pit, wisteria vines, and twinkling lights.

1734 N St NW, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 524-5202
(202) 524-5202

Also featured in:

BOURBON STEAK

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Michael Mina’s popular steakhouse builds a fancy little ski village across its stone terrace every winter. Sturdy wooden chalets, named after famous Four Seasons ski resorts around the world, are filled with fancy furniture, candles, and blankets. Diners can park inside each Aspen-inspired nook and order from chef Robert Curtis’s entire menu, including smoked s’mores for dessert. Reservations will soon go live for parties up to six.

2800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 944-2026
(202) 944-2026

Also featured in:

Urban Roast

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The day-to-night Penn Quarter cafe makes use of its outdoor real estate right near Capital One Arena with rows of fire pits fit for roasting s’mores and staying warm.

916 G St. NW suite c-2, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 393-1111
(202) 393-1111

Also featured in:

Dirty Habit

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For a huge patio in the middle of the city, consider Dirty Habit’s 10,000-square-foot outdoor area out back. Saddle up to a sleek camp fire pit and order an assortment of global plates from its Mexico City-born chef Edgar Escalante.

555 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
(202) 449-7095
(202) 449-7095

Also featured in:

Belga Café

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Hiding in a sea of restaurants in Barracks Row is Top Chef alum Bart Vandaele’s Belgian-themed mainstay Belga Cafe, where guests sit inside a whimsical greenhouse and order steak tartare, branzino, and a venison rack. Each glass-enclosed structure fits dinner parties up to four.

514 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 544-0100
(202) 544-0100

Also featured in:

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Officina

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The roof deck at stylish Italian restaurant Officina at the Wharf is ready for winter, thanks to a fire pit and heaters placed by the lounge seating areas and an enclosed area. Meanwhile, sister restaurant Masseria (known for its tasting menu) boasts a heated pergola and fire pits in the lounge.

1120 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 747-5222
(202) 747-5222
The outdoor patio at Officina
The upstairs patio at Officina.
Officina/official photo

Also featured in:

Bammy's

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Navy Yard’s Caribbean-style waterfront fixture keeps guests warm outdoors with gas heaters and warm drinks like mulled wine. To pretend you’re on island time, try a Blackberry Bramble or a Guava and Campari cocktail.

301 Water St SE Suite 115, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 599-2400
(202) 599-2400
An icy red cocktail sitting on a bar
A tropical cocktail at Bammy’s pairs well with waterfront views outside.
Bammy’s/official photo

Also featured in:

The Salt Line

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Heat lamps, tables with built-in fire pits, and a tent helps ward off the chill at the waterfront outdoor patio at this seafood favorite known for its raw bar.

79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 506-2368
(202) 506-2368
A photo of Salt Line’s outdoor seating area.
The outdoor bar at Salt Line features raw seafood, cold beer, and cocktails.
Greg Powers/Greg Powers Photography

Also featured in:

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Queen’s English

3410 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20010

The small Columbia Heights hit expands outside with a heated patio (weather permitting), where diners can sample its Hong Kong-style menu influenced by chef Henji Cheung’s childhood. Besides patio heaters, warm up with a hot Kowloon redeye espresso cocktail with cognac, clove, and coconut. The Northwest strip is ripe with heated options from The Coupe and Makan, too.

3410 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20010
(202) 751-3958
(202) 751-3958

Provost

2129 Rhode Island Ave NE, Washington, DC 20018

Located on on Rhode Island Avenue in Northeast, Provost’s inviting rooftop is outfitted with multiple heaters to keep diners warm. The American restaurant serves burgers and organic chicken cordon bleu, with lots of options for vegans and vegetarians, too.

2129 Rhode Island Ave NE, Washington, DC 20018
(202) 200-9852
(202) 200-9852

Glover Park Grill

2505 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007

Glover Park Grill unveiled a renovated, temperature-controlled patio during the pandemic. If the actual dining space is full, the expansive space is merely a stone’s throw next door.

2505 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 625-5400
(202) 625-5400

Seven Reasons

2208 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

On 14th Street NW, Enrique Limardo’s experimental Seven Reasons debuted both a retractable roof system and heating system for the restaurant’s winterized garden patio. The chef’s other venture, downtown’s fast-casual spot Immigrant Food, also features a heated outdoor space outfitted with blankets, heaters, rugs, and festive lights.

2208 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 417-8563
(202) 417-8563

The Imperial

2001 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

The Imperial, Jack Rose’s elegant sister restaurant in Adams Morgan, weatherproofed its rooftop for the winter with a heating system and tent with retractible sides for inclement weather. A few doors up, beloved whiskey bar Jack Rose offers a pair of heated outdoor options: a reliable rooftop terrace with a retractable glass roof and jazzed up streatery situation below.

2001 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 299-0334
(202) 299-0334
A rooftop with a shielded cover and soft seating.
The Imperial’s rooftop is perched above the bustling Adams Morgan corridor.
The Imperial/official photo

Lulu’s Wine Garden

1940 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

The restaurant formerly known as Vinoteca features three garden patios, all outfitted with heaters capable of seating 120 in total. Hot cocktails arrive in a thermos, and there’s also lots of wines by the glass and bottle to go along with comfort snacks like hatch chile mac and cheese and hot queso.

1940 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 332-9463
(202) 332-9463

Gravitas

1401 Okie St NE, Washington, DC 20002

The Michelin-rated pioneer in Ivy City added a sophisticated seating area to compliment chef Matt Baker’s elegant tasting menus. The enclosed addition, adorned with hanging greenery, adds 25 seats across an industrial-chic vestibule and 30 in the front part of the restaurant. Its glassy rooftop structure, the Conservatory, feels like you’re dining in a cozy greenhouse.

1401 Okie St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 763-7942
(202) 763-7942
Lounge chairs and a modern table topped with plated dishes.
The enclosed addition to Gravitas adds room for 55 guests.
Gravitas/LeadingDC

MI CASA

1647 20th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Dupont’s Tex-Mex restaurant and tequila bar features a stylish, matte black patio filled with leafy accents, retractable windows, and soft booths. The enclosed extension, illuminated by string lights, is joined by a heated, open air deck out front. Head to Bistro du Jour, Knead Hospitality + Design’s French-themed sister on the Wharf, for a heated, wraparound patio with prime waterfront views.

1647 20th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 450-4595
(202) 450-4595
The black patio with string lights and palm print booths at Mi Casa.
Mi Casa’s enclosed patio offers cozy, boho-chic vibes in the heart of Dupont Circle.
Rey Lopez/Eater DC

O-Ku Sushi DC

1274 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002

The rooftop deck at this Union Market sushi spot boasts city skyline views and rooftop heaters.

1274 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 888-8790
(202) 888-8790
Rey Lopez/Eater DC

St. Anselm

1250 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Restaurateur Stephen Starr spent big bucks during the pandemic to build out rows of elaborate dining booths out front of steakhouse St. Anselm and French sister spot Le Diplomate in Logan Circle.

1250 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 864-2199
(202) 864-2199

Iron Gate Restaurant

1734 N St NW, Washington, DC 20036

Chef Anthony Chittum’s Greek-Italian restaurant Iron Gate has long been a spot for alfresco dining even in cold weather, thanks to its heaters, fire pit, wisteria vines, and twinkling lights.

1734 N St NW, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 524-5202
(202) 524-5202

BOURBON STEAK

2800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007

Michael Mina’s popular steakhouse builds a fancy little ski village across its stone terrace every winter. Sturdy wooden chalets, named after famous Four Seasons ski resorts around the world, are filled with fancy furniture, candles, and blankets. Diners can park inside each Aspen-inspired nook and order from chef Robert Curtis’s entire menu, including smoked s’mores for dessert. Reservations will soon go live for parties up to six.

2800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 944-2026
(202) 944-2026

Urban Roast

916 G St. NW suite c-2, Washington, DC 20001

The day-to-night Penn Quarter cafe makes use of its outdoor real estate right near Capital One Arena with rows of fire pits fit for roasting s’mores and staying warm.

916 G St. NW suite c-2, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 393-1111
(202) 393-1111

Dirty Habit

555 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20004

For a huge patio in the middle of the city, consider Dirty Habit’s 10,000-square-foot outdoor area out back. Saddle up to a sleek camp fire pit and order an assortment of global plates from its Mexico City-born chef Edgar Escalante.

555 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
(202) 449-7095
(202) 449-7095

Belga Café

514 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Hiding in a sea of restaurants in Barracks Row is Top Chef alum Bart Vandaele’s Belgian-themed mainstay Belga Cafe, where guests sit inside a whimsical greenhouse and order steak tartare, branzino, and a venison rack. Each glass-enclosed structure fits dinner parties up to four.

514 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 544-0100
(202) 544-0100

Related Maps

Officina

1120 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024

The roof deck at stylish Italian restaurant Officina at the Wharf is ready for winter, thanks to a fire pit and heaters placed by the lounge seating areas and an enclosed area. Meanwhile, sister restaurant Masseria (known for its tasting menu) boasts a heated pergola and fire pits in the lounge.

1120 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 747-5222
(202) 747-5222
The outdoor patio at Officina
The upstairs patio at Officina.
Officina/official photo

Bammy's

301 Water St SE Suite 115, Washington, DC 20003

Navy Yard’s Caribbean-style waterfront fixture keeps guests warm outdoors with gas heaters and warm drinks like mulled wine. To pretend you’re on island time, try a Blackberry Bramble or a Guava and Campari cocktail.

301 Water St SE Suite 115, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 599-2400
(202) 599-2400
An icy red cocktail sitting on a bar
A tropical cocktail at Bammy’s pairs well with waterfront views outside.
Bammy’s/official photo

The Salt Line

79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003

Heat lamps, tables with built-in fire pits, and a tent helps ward off the chill at the waterfront outdoor patio at this seafood favorite known for its raw bar.

79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 506-2368
(202) 506-2368
A photo of Salt Line’s outdoor seating area.
The outdoor bar at Salt Line features raw seafood, cold beer, and cocktails.
Greg Powers/Greg Powers Photography

Related Maps