Outdoor Dining in Alexandria

As the weather warms and open-air dining is more alluring than ever, Alexandria, VA, offers al fresco options galore in Old Town, Del Ray and beyond. We’ve rounded up our favorite places to eat outside, from patios by the Potomac River to secluded rooftops to secret gardens and more. Keep reading to plan your next reservation.

Still scoping out the perfect spot? Explore dozens of other outdoor dining options across Alexandria.

Let the Potomac River breeze ease you into the weekend at Ada’s on the River. Sample a menu of dishes cooked to perfection in the wood-burning oven, including swordfish steak and custom-aged prime beef, followed by a sweet finish like caramel-apple beignets. Steps away, BARCA Pier is a seasonal outdoor eatery inspired by Barcelona’s beach bars and made from carved-out shipping containers, with a menu consisting of mouthwatering Mediterranean small plates.

Head farther north along the waterfront to the iconic turquoise turrets of Chart House, or watch the world go by at Vola’s Dockside Grill while savoring lobster rolls and refreshing cocktails (or mocktails).

At Blackwall Hitch, kick back on an outdoor sofa and toast those summer evenings with an aperitif, from frozen cocktails to Port City brews to rosé. Or, circle back to sample their dessert menu, including famous Smith Island cakes, while the waterfront’s good vibes wash over you.

Flit over to Hummingbird at Hotel Indigo, whose blue-and-white décor enhances the nautical vibe splashed across the space.

See how community favorites have gotten creative in their outdoor upgrades. Known for the bourbon slushies and breezy vibes at The Front Porch, regionally acclaimed Evening Star Café has expanded its outdoor dining footprint with Hi/Fi Tex Mex, featuring cozy cabanas to savor the casual fusion cuisine.

Also in Del Ray, Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap offers space to dine and sip in Lena’s Beer Garden, while Virtue Feed & Grain’s brick patio beside Waterfront Park buzzes with friends and families indulging in elevated tavern fare.

King Street is lined with endless restaurants offering a curbside culinary experience for those who like to be surrounded by Old Town’s charm. Duck off the beaten path to pick between sweet or savory crêpes at Fontaine on S. Royal Street, steps away from the main thoroughfare.

For people-watching on the King Street pedestrian block, order prime aged steaks and nautical fare at The Warehouse. Enjoy white-tablecloth dining outside Landini Brothers or fresh seafood from Fish Market. Head to upper King Street to grab Greek and Italian eats under Vaso’s Mediterranean Bistro‘s vine-entwined canopy or savor a margarita over chips and salsa outside Los Tios Grill in Del Ray.

In Old Town North, Jula’s on the Potomac’s four-story-high balcony offers sweeping views of the Potomac River as a stunning backdrop for your meal. Nearby, rendezvous at Hank’s Oyster Bar‘s rooftop to sample mouthwatering seafood.

And almost hidden from passersby, Daniel O’Connell’s second floor patio on King Street is the perfect perch for an evening out in Old Town as you savor comforting fare like fish and chips with a Guinness.

Inspired by St. Augustine, the Patron Saint of Brewers, Augie’s Mussel House and Beer Garden blends traditional Belgium cuisine with a modern twist. Raise a glass outside at Augie’s expansive outdoor beer garden, and pair your ale with one of ten mouth-watering mussel flavors.

For more beer garden vibes, reserve a fire pit at The Garden Del Ray, head to Hops N Shine’s dog-friendly backyard in nearby Arlandria, or sample Alexandria’s premier beers at Port City Brewing Company’s West End headquarters.

King & Rye’s courtyard offers a retreat off King Street featuring lounge areas, dining spaces and firepits. Nearby, Taverna Cretekou’s lush hidden garden casts a spell with its tranquil environs and exquisite Greek plates.

Plus, take a few steps off King Street to Parisian-inspired Josephine and dine beneath a lush floral mural.

Luxuriate in an indulgent lunch of pimiento grilled cheese at Le Pré Del Ray, Cheesetique’s spacious, shaded “meadow.” Or come for dinner and order the perfect red to pair with the “Mac n’ Cheesetique,” followed by chocolate mousse.

In Carlyle, visit Tequila & Taco’s parklet for a mouthwatering margarita and plentiful taco options, plus ceviche, fajitas and more.