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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

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The Occidental
| R. Lopez

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).

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.

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.

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.

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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.

Official

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.

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.

Official

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.

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.

Official

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

American Ice Company

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).

Bourbon Steak

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.

Cantina Marina

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.

Dacha Beer Garden

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

Official

Evening Star Cafe

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.

Official

Fiola Mare

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.

Garden District

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.

Official

Iron Gate

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.

Le Diplomate

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.

Official

Masseria

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.

Northside Social - Coffee & Wine

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.

Occidental

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.

Right Proper Brewing Company

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.

Vinoteca Wine Bar & Bistro

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.

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