The final countdown is on to the official start of autumn on Sept. 22. But that doesn’t mean we have to give up on patio season any time soon.
Before nights get too crisp for comfort, check out these favorite local outdoor dining and drinking options.
Sehkraft Brewing
Photo via facebook.com/sehkraftbrewing
Even chilly nights won’t get in the way of a few beers on the expansive outdoor patio at this Arlington brewpub. Fire pits keep patrons toasty as they check out a beer menu that includes both house-made brews and guest taps from craft breweries like Smuttynose, Oskar Blues, Lagunitas and more.
925 Garfield St., Arlington; sehkraftbrewing.com
Pepita Cantina
Photo via facebook.com/pepitava
If you prefer your margaritas and smoked carnitas tacos al fresco, try this Mike Isabella spot in Ballston. Happy hour drinkers can fight for one of the couch seats, while dinner guests will want a four-top with plenty of room for extra chips and salsa.
4000 Wilson Blvd., Suite D, Arlington; pepitabymic.com
Whitlow's on Wilson
Photo via facebook.com/whitlows.wilson
This Clarendon neighborhood favorite may feel a little more diner downstairs, but upstairs is all tiki. The rooftop bar gets crowded on the weekend, but you can usually squeeze in for a beer or two, paired with a burger or quesadilla. Weather turning cold? The outdoor area has heating lamps to keep patrons comfortable.
2854 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; whitlows.com
Clare & Don's Beach Shack
Photo via facebook.com/clareanddons
Consider Clare & Don’s your chance at one final beach weekend in the city. The Falls Church bar and restaurant takes its theme seriously, inside and out. Pull up one of the rainbow-colored chairs outside and chow down on fish tacos, oysters, crab cakes and more.
130 N. Washington St., Falls Church; clareanddons.com
Courthaus Social
Photo via facebook.com/americanbeergarden
Big groups are welcome on this patio in the Courthouse neighborhood, where communal wooden tables mean plenty of seating. The plant-lined patio is the perfect setting for post-work cocktails and an order of tater tots smothered in pulled pork.
2300 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington; courthaussocial.com
Westover Market Beer Garden
Photo via facebook.com/westoverbeergarden
This beer garden is open until 2 a.m. with a separate outdoor bar to save you from having to make trips back indoors. Check the bar’s website for a calendar of live music on the small outdoor stage.
5863 Washington Blvd., Arlington; westovermarketbeergarden.com
Don Tito
Photo via facebook.com/dontacova
This taco and tequila spot features not one, but two options for outdoor dining and drinking. Prefer people watching? Try the handful of tables on the sidewalk patio. Skyline more your thing? Head upstairs to the rooftop deck, which features a separate bar and some stunning nighttime views.
3165 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; dontitova.com​
Mad Fox Brewing Company
Photo via facebook.com/madfoxbrewing
Sidewalk seating at this Falls Church brewpub offers excellent people watching to pair with one of Mad Fox’s brews, like the Kellerbier Kolsch, Lindy’s Weiss or the Defender American Pale Ale. To help soak up a second round, order sharable plates of soft pretzels, wings, fried pickles and more.
444 W. Broad St., Falls Church; madfoxbrewing.com
Tazza Kitchen
Photo via facebook.com/Tazza-Kitchen-Arlington-Ridge
With partial cover and a smattering of umbrellas, this Arlington Ridge spot is ready for drizzly end-of-summer weather. The patio feels especially inviting at brunch, when you can munch on crabcake Benedict or chilaquiles al fresco.
2931 S. Glebe Road, Arlington; tazzakitchen.com
Härth
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Photo via facebook.com/harthrestaurant
Located in the Hilton at Tysons Corner, Härth manages to keep its outdoor spaces inviting well into fall with extensive outdoor fire features keeping patrons toasty. Dinner options include filet mignon, roast duck breast and risotto — all of which pair well with the extensive wine list.
7920 Jones Branch Dr., McLean; facebook.com/harthrestaurant