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The Occidental
The Occidental
R. Lopez

14 Essential D.C. Patios for Outdoor Drinking and Dining

It's time to go outside

by China Riddle
View as Map
The Occidental
| R. Lopez
by China Riddle

It’s finally spring in Washington. As flocks of tourists descend upon the Capital, locals descend upon another seasonal favorite — patios. The skies are blue, the sun is shining, and everyone is trying to leave work early and get a spot at one of D.C.’s many outdoor tables.

The options are nearly endless. D.C. boasts everything from local dives, to beer gardens, to longtime favorite eateries. While the decision ultimately boils down to a personal preference, there are some patio standouts out there with great views, loyal local followings, and the ability to capture the flavor of their respective D.C. neighborhoods. Though a couple of notable newer patios are featured here, those looking for the hottest, brand-new patios in town should turn to Eater's new patio and rooftop guide instead.

Note: this list focuses on traditional patios rather than rooftops, which Eater will highlight in a future post. In the meantime, sit down, soak up the sun and sip a cocktail at one of these iconic D.C. patios.

—Additional reporting by Missy Frederick and Meredith Bethune

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American Ice Company

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Something about an outdoor beer at American Ice Company just screams summer. Don't let the day go by without an order of swatchos (pork nachos).

917 V St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 758-3562
(202) 758-3562
Facebook

Also featured in:

Bourbon Steak

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This restaurant located in the Four Seasons Hotel captures the spirit of Georgetown with its lush patio, craft cocktail menu, and attentive service. While it certainly has the upscale atmosphere this neighborhood is known for, the 47-seat outdoor area keeps patio-dwellers cozy with sofas and fire pits. Patrons can enjoy the full cocktail menu from 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. each day.

2800 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20007
(202) 944-2026
(202) 944-2026

Also featured in:

Cantina Marina

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This is one of those patios where it just feels like vacation, all the time. This is a particular favorite for pre-Nats game drinking.

600 Water St SW, Washington, D.C. 20024
(202) 554-8396
(202) 554-8396
Facebook

Also featured in:

Dacha Beer Garden

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Crowds are always pulsing at this Shaw beer garden, which has been working to expand its food offerings and space this season.

1600 7th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 524-8790
(202) 524-8790
Official

Also featured in:

Evening Star Cafe

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For Washingtonians caught in the daily hustle of downtown, visiting Del Ray feels like it's a world away. The Front Porch, Evening Star Café’s outdoor dining area, epitomizes the neighborhood’s relaxed pace, colorfulbuildings, and close-knit community. The small patio’s backdrop is a bright purple house and offers items such as bourbon slushes and zapiekankas every day beginning at 5 p.m.

2000 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301
(703) 549-5051
(703) 549-5051
Official

Also featured in:

Fiola Mare

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Fiola Mare is the crown jewel of the Georgetown waterfront, and nowhere is that more apparent than its chic patio, which draws a glittery crowd, including politicians. Come for the view; stay for the impeccable seafood.

3050 K St NW, Washington, D.C. 20007
(202) 628-0065
(202) 628-0065
Facebook

Also featured in:

Garden District

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Logan Circle bar-goers breathlessly await the opening of this seasonal patio each year as a first sign of spring. The barbecue's pretty great, too.

1801 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
Official

Also featured in:

Iron Gate

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The tony aspects of Dupont Circle are embodied by this historic and beloved Mediterranean spot’s garden patio. Diners can order small plates and family-style dishes from underneath a tangled tree canopy, all by the light of flickering candles.

1734 N St NW, Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 737-1371
(202) 737-1371
R. Lopez

Also featured in:

Le Diplomate

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No brunch or patio list is complete without this French-themed favorite. Its prime location on thecorner of busy 14th Street makes scoring a patio seat a daunting task. The beloved atmosphere transports diners to a faraway Parisian café. Enjoy a glass of wine after 5 p.m. on weekdays.

1601 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 332-3333
(202) 332-3333
Official

Also featured in:

Masseria

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This Puglia-inspired restaurant has a courtyard and covered patio straight out of a sleek Italian villa. It's lined with sofas and landscaping, while the patio itself is filled with rustic wooden tables sitting atopMediterranean tile. The launch of this fine-dining establishment epitomizes the rapidly growing food scene eaters willfind in NoMa. Masseria is only open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday, serving food fare from the “heel” of Italy in progressions of three to six courses.

1340 4th St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002
(202) 608-5959
(202) 608-5959
R. Lopez

Northside Social - Coffee & Wine

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This Arlington favorite is a patio destination for morning coffee or an after dinner glass of wine. Located in the heart of Clarendon, patrons can order pastries, sandwiches, and even full entrees on the patio from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

3211 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA, 22201
(703) 465-0145
(703) 465-0145
Facebook

Occidental

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Few restaurants capture old-school Washington politics like this downtown institution. While the interior is lined with portraits of statesmen, the patio is filled with bright flowers. It's shaded by a canopy of trees. Seating is first come, first serve and diners can order from the regular menu or enjoy a 4 to 7 p.m. happy hour on weekdays.

1475 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20004
(202) 783-1475
(202) 783-1475
R. Lopez

Also featured in:

Right Proper Brewing Company

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This beloved Shaw brewery has just about everything — affordable beer, Southern comfort food, a mural of an epic panda battle on the National Mall and, of course, a patio. Grab a picnic table outside of Right Proper's front doors for a view of iconic Howard Theater and to enjoy a lineup of popular house brews for just $3 to $6 a glass. Other menu favorites include the southern fired chick-filet sandwich and six cheese mac and cheese.

624 T St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 607-2337
(202) 607-2337
Facebook

Also featured in:

Vinoteca Wine Bar & Bistro

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Known for its two patios and bocce court, this wine bar is just as lively as the U Street corridor in which it’s located. Linger under sparkling lights on the front patio, which acts as a prime spot for watching the crowds. For a more private experience, head to the back for a game of bocce or to order one of the daily specials prepared on the grill. Enjoy this patio after 5 p.m. on weekdays and starting at 11 a.m. on weekends.

1940 11th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 332-9463
(202) 332-9463
Facebook

Also featured in:

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American Ice Company

917 V St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Something about an outdoor beer at American Ice Company just screams summer. Don't let the day go by without an order of swatchos (pork nachos).

917 V St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 758-3562
(202) 758-3562
Facebook

Bourbon Steak

2800 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20007

This restaurant located in the Four Seasons Hotel captures the spirit of Georgetown with its lush patio, craft cocktail menu, and attentive service. While it certainly has the upscale atmosphere this neighborhood is known for, the 47-seat outdoor area keeps patio-dwellers cozy with sofas and fire pits. Patrons can enjoy the full cocktail menu from 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. each day.

2800 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20007
(202) 944-2026
(202) 944-2026

Cantina Marina

600 Water St SW, Washington, D.C. 20024

This is one of those patios where it just feels like vacation, all the time. This is a particular favorite for pre-Nats game drinking.

600 Water St SW, Washington, D.C. 20024
(202) 554-8396
(202) 554-8396
Facebook

Dacha Beer Garden

1600 7th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Crowds are always pulsing at this Shaw beer garden, which has been working to expand its food offerings and space this season.

1600 7th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 524-8790
(202) 524-8790
Official

Evening Star Cafe

2000 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301

For Washingtonians caught in the daily hustle of downtown, visiting Del Ray feels like it's a world away. The Front Porch, Evening Star Café’s outdoor dining area, epitomizes the neighborhood’s relaxed pace, colorfulbuildings, and close-knit community. The small patio’s backdrop is a bright purple house and offers items such as bourbon slushes and zapiekankas every day beginning at 5 p.m.

2000 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301
(703) 549-5051
(703) 549-5051
Official

Fiola Mare

3050 K St NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

Fiola Mare is the crown jewel of the Georgetown waterfront, and nowhere is that more apparent than its chic patio, which draws a glittery crowd, including politicians. Come for the view; stay for the impeccable seafood.

3050 K St NW, Washington, D.C. 20007
(202) 628-0065
(202) 628-0065
Facebook

Garden District

1801 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

Logan Circle bar-goers breathlessly await the opening of this seasonal patio each year as a first sign of spring. The barbecue's pretty great, too.

1801 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
Official

Iron Gate

1734 N St NW, Washington, D.C. 20036

The tony aspects of Dupont Circle are embodied by this historic and beloved Mediterranean spot’s garden patio. Diners can order small plates and family-style dishes from underneath a tangled tree canopy, all by the light of flickering candles.

1734 N St NW, Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 737-1371
(202) 737-1371
R. Lopez

Le Diplomate

1601 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

No brunch or patio list is complete without this French-themed favorite. Its prime location on thecorner of busy 14th Street makes scoring a patio seat a daunting task. The beloved atmosphere transports diners to a faraway Parisian café. Enjoy a glass of wine after 5 p.m. on weekdays.

1601 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 332-3333
(202) 332-3333
Official

Masseria

1340 4th St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

This Puglia-inspired restaurant has a courtyard and covered patio straight out of a sleek Italian villa. It's lined with sofas and landscaping, while the patio itself is filled with rustic wooden tables sitting atopMediterranean tile. The launch of this fine-dining establishment epitomizes the rapidly growing food scene eaters willfind in NoMa. Masseria is only open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday, serving food fare from the “heel” of Italy in progressions of three to six courses.

1340 4th St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002
(202) 608-5959
(202) 608-5959
R. Lopez

Northside Social - Coffee & Wine

3211 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA, 22201

This Arlington favorite is a patio destination for morning coffee or an after dinner glass of wine. Located in the heart of Clarendon, patrons can order pastries, sandwiches, and even full entrees on the patio from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

3211 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA, 22201
(703) 465-0145
(703) 465-0145
Facebook

Occidental

1475 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20004

Few restaurants capture old-school Washington politics like this downtown institution. While the interior is lined with portraits of statesmen, the patio is filled with bright flowers. It's shaded by a canopy of trees. Seating is first come, first serve and diners can order from the regular menu or enjoy a 4 to 7 p.m. happy hour on weekdays.

1475 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20004
(202) 783-1475
(202) 783-1475
R. Lopez

Right Proper Brewing Company

624 T St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

This beloved Shaw brewery has just about everything — affordable beer, Southern comfort food, a mural of an epic panda battle on the National Mall and, of course, a patio. Grab a picnic table outside of Right Proper's front doors for a view of iconic Howard Theater and to enjoy a lineup of popular house brews for just $3 to $6 a glass. Other menu favorites include the southern fired chick-filet sandwich and six cheese mac and cheese.

624 T St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 607-2337
(202) 607-2337
Facebook

Vinoteca Wine Bar & Bistro

1940 11th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Known for its two patios and bocce court, this wine bar is just as lively as the U Street corridor in which it’s located. Linger under sparkling lights on the front patio, which acts as a prime spot for watching the crowds. For a more private experience, head to the back for a game of bocce or to order one of the daily specials prepared on the grill. Enjoy this patio after 5 p.m. on weekdays and starting at 11 a.m. on weekends.

1940 11th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 332-9463
(202) 332-9463
Facebook

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