Outdoor Dining In Alexandria: Our Roundup of the Best Places in Town
The warm weather is here (hopefully to stay). It’s the perfect time to enjoy it with outdoor dining or enjoying a drink at one of Alexandria’s many outdoor dining options. From rooftop decks to expansive patios with Potomac views, from cozy courtyards to charming porches, there is an outdoor dining spot in Alexandria for every palate and budget.
In Old Town
Chart House, 1 Cameron Street
The Chart House may have the best river view of any Old Town establishment. Situated on the waterfront near the Torpedo Factory, it provides stunning panoramic views of the Potomac and DC. Offering lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, the Chart House can’t be beat if you need a special setting for a big date or event. If you’re looking for a casual Happy Hour option, visit the Chart House from Monday to Friday between 4:00 – 6:30 pm for a drink and an appetizer.
Blackwall Hitch, 5 Cameron Street
This coastal inspired bar and restaurant is one of Old Town’s newer dining establishments. Blackwall Hitch’s Potomac Patio displays breathtaking views of the river from every table. Cozy firepits allow guests to enjoy the patio no matter the temperature! Stop by for happy hour every weekday from 4-7pm. Be sure to try their Watermelon & Rosemary Cocktail (Roku gin, house-made watermelon-rosemary syrup, finest call lime juice, Saratoga Springs Sparkling Water) for a refreshing drink this summer. Blackwall Hitch also offers live music from both local and touring musicians Friday and Saturdays from 9:30 pm – 12:30 am and Sunday’s Jazz for Brunch from 10:30 am – 2:30 pm.
Sonoma Cellar, 207 King Street
Sonoma Cellar brings a taste of California to 22314. Its outdoor dining space is landscaped to replicate a rural and rustic California wine garden, with a tasting table, dining tables with umbrellas, a community table, and a welcoming firepit (dogs welcome!). Sonoma Cellar offers a great lineup of live music as well. Visit for their Taste in Place: Virginia Wine Month, where you can enjoy four 2 oz pours for $15 and a small cheese plate for $10.
Vola’s Dockside Grill, 101 N. Union Street
Part of the Torpedo Factory and one of Old Town’s newest restaurants, Vola’s is a great Alexandria stop for outdoor dining, especially for seafood lovers. Enjoy Vola’s deck space or tiki bar. Be sure to check out their signature cocktails such as the “Vola’s Rum Punch” and other classic tiki-inspired drinks. Vola’s is a popular spot for a weekend brunch, workday lunch, or happy hour. Named for Vola Lawson, the first female City Manager of Alexandria and passionate citizen-advocate, Vola’s is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike.
Daniel O’Connells, 112 King Street
Old Town’s authentic Irish restaurant and pub features a fabulous rooftop deck. Check it out for weekday happy hour (with drink specials and $3 off on select starters) from 3-6 pm or Saturday and Sunday brunch from 10 am – 3 pm. Enjoy classic Irish staples like fish and chips, Corned Beef & Cabbage, or Shepherd’s Pie. O’Connells offers a wide range of international beers and offers a great lineup of sports to watch (for other great places in Alexandria to watch sports, click here).
Landini Brothers, 115 King Street
Landini Brothers offers some incredible authentic Italian cuisine on their patio. Be sure to try the Chicken Limone, a big favorite at Landini’s. They also have some great summer wines to try if it’s on the warmer side outside. Don’t forget about the Tiramisu for dessert.
Ada’s on the River, 3 Pioneer Mill Way
With spectacular views of the Potomac on their patio, Ada’s on the River is not to be missed. Ada’s is best known for its wood-fired steaks and seafood with specialty sauces including its house steak sauce, garlic chimichurri, béarnaise, blue cheese butter, and brandy-peppercorn.
BARCA Pier & Wine Bar, 2 Pioneer Mill Way
Sister restaurant to Ada’s, BARCA is actually located on the pier in front of Ada’s (an industrial freight container doubles as BARCA’s main bar!). BARCA’s menu features classic Spanish small plates such as papas bravas, fried calamari, and garlic shrimp. Boat owners can pull up to the dock at Robinson Landing and for a small hourly fee, be assisted by the Robinson Landing dockmaster. Dogs are welcome at BARCA too!
Augie’s Mussel House and Beer Garden, 1106 King Street
Located next to our Compass office in Old Town Alexandria, Augie’s is a great place to grab a drink or dinner and watch a game outside on their patio. The bar is inside/outside and the patio features TV’s as well as live music on occasion.
Jula’s on the Potomac, 44 Canal Center Plaza #401
Take in panoramic views of the Potomac River, MGM National Harbor, and the U.S. Capitol as you dine al fresco on Jula’s waterfront balcony terrace. With elevated waterfront dining, Jula’s is “where you go to impress your friends.” Offering exquisitely crafted cocktails, an ever-evolving wine list, and an impressive array of alcohol-free options, you can be sure to find something to fit your taste. The menus feature American cuisine classics with an innovative approach to brunch, lunch and dinner.
Hank’s Oyster Bar, 818 N St Asaph Street
Located in North Old Town, Hank’s rooftop bar offers great views of the Potomac River and is also a fun place to watch a game. Hank’s is an award winning restaurant and bar for oysters, and local seafood.
ELSEWHERE IN ALEXANDRIA
Lena’s Wood Fire, 401 E. Braddock Road
Lena’s is a fabulous option for serious al fresco fans, as its outdoor space is open all year long thanks to a fabulous firepit. Known for its authentic Neapolitan pizzas straight from a 900 degree wood-burning oven, diners can also enjoy a variety of craft beers from local breweries. Lena’s brunch Bellini special is worth the trip – $9 for the first Bellini; $5 for each subsequent one, with several varieties to choose from such as “The Pope’s Mimosa,” made with Cointreau, prosecco, orange juice, and lemon juice.
Evening Star Cafe, 2000 Mount Vernon Avenue
The Evening Star Cafe’s Front Porch is open Wednesday to Friday at 5 pm, Saturday from 10 am – 10 pm, and Sunday from 10 am – 10 pm, weather permitting. Stop by this funky Del Ray gathering spot for a beverage with friends or a loved one. The Evening Star also offers an astounding selection of nearly 1,200 wines (available next door at Planet Wine) and 20 craft draught and cask beers. The Front Porch offers a nice array of appetizers and small meals such as burrata and meatballs pomodoro.
Del Ray Cafe, 205 East Howell Avenue
Situated in a classic 1925 Del Ray house, this casual, neighborhood spot offers French country cuisine made with local and organic ingredients. Open daily from 9 am – 2:30 pm and 5 pm – 9 pm. Enjoy a classic French meal like crepes, duo of moulard duck, a crôque monsieur, or mussels a la Marinière on the screened wrap-around front porch. This charming spot is also open for weekday breakfasts and weekend brunch. Del Ray Cafe has an extensive wine list, featuring wine from many French vineyards.
Gustave Boulangerie & Brasserie, 2213 Mt Vernon Ave
Gustave, offers a French menu morning, noon, and night! Their “Jardin” in the side yard offers a great space for kids to run around and for their parents to grab a drink!
Northside 10, 10 East Glebe Road
Northside 10 offers warm weather patio dining – dogs welcome! With 22 beers, a full selection of wine and liquor, and signature cocktails such as a black cherry sangria, there truly is a drink for every palette. With intriguing menu offerings like short rib poutine, bacon-wrapped meatloaf, and peach-pound cake with homemade butterscotch sauce, we’ll be checking it out soon. Be sure to also check out their Thursday taco night, Raw Bar Wednesday, and nights with live music on their patio.
Did we miss your favorite outdoor dining option in Alexandria? Please let us know what it is so we can check it out for ourselves!
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