Warmer temps are here and the patios are open! Find your preferred spot for people-watching, live music, springtime cocktails and seasonal eats.
Circa at Clarendon
Enjoy some fresh air while tucking into brunch, bar snacks (pretzel loaf, anyone?), an eggplant parm sandwich, jambalaya or braised short ribs at this Best of Arlington 2025 winner. While you’re at it, try an aptly named cocktail, such as the So Fresh & So Green (gin, basil, elderflower, pineapple and basil oil) or Pretty Bird (whiskey, Campari, passionfruit, pineapple and lemon). // 3010 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Clare & Don’s Beach Shack
We may be landlocked here, but sibling owners and Florida natives Rebecca and David Tax (who also own Lazy Mike’s Deli) bring us the beach vibes—minus the sand. Originally situated in Clarendon (look again at its name), the restaurant relocated to Falls Church almost 20 years ago and remains a hotspot for live music, trivia and casual coastal fare. Bring your pup to the patio and treat yourself to fried oysters, crab cake sandwiches, and pasta with shrimp, scallops or fish, plus orange crushes and margs from the bar. // 130 N. Washington St., Falls Church
Continental Beer Garden
This family- and dog-friendly space in Rosslyn is now open for the season Monday-Friday starting at 3:30 p.m. Catch happy hour from 4-7 p.m., when beer pints and cans and glasses of wine are $2 off. Need something stiffer? Try a cocktail, available by the glass or carafe, such as Spa Water (cucumber mint vodka, elderflower, lime and simple syrup). Shareable snacks, salads, skewers, sausages and sammies are all on the menu, too. // 1901 Fort Myer Drive, Arlington (Rosslyn)
El Rey
Grab a seat on the taqueria’s 180-seat patio outside the Ballston Exchange building and sip a specialty marg (on the rocks or frozen) while nibbling on tacos such as the vegan falafel, the DC (fried chicken with mambo sauce, crispy frites and cilantro) or classic al pastor (roasted pork shoulder, pickled onions, chipotle aioli and cilantro). Be sure to peek inside, though, to admire local artist Mike Pacheco‘s colorful wall murals. // 4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)
Hawkers Asian Street Food
This lively Ballston watering hole has a serious outdoor bar scene that welcomes leashed pooches. Relax under one of the big yellow umbrellas or grab a seat and the indoor/outdoor bar while you wait for your order of wontons, dumplings, bao buns, spring rolls and noodles. The beverage options include sake, Japanese whisky, Asian-inspired craft cocktails, Vietnamese coffee and Thai iced tea. // 4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)
Láylà Mediterranean Garden
Lyon Hall
Maison Cheryl
Ruthie’s All-Day
With a custom-built wood-burning hearth inside and a dog-friendly patio outside, chef Matt Hill’s perennial Best of Arlington winner puts a Southern spin on dishes like skillet cornbread and smoked pork or brisket. Need gluten-free or pescatarian options? He’s got those, too. Relax and take a load off with one of the many tempting cocktails and mocktails. And treat yourself to campfire cookies or butterscotch pudding for dessert. // 3411 Fifth St., S., Arlington
SER
With seating for 100, the breezy patio at Javier Candon’s decade-old Spanish restaurant is one of the biggest in the area. Kick back with a glass of sangria and a plate of jamon Iberico, pan Catalana, or one of the many pleasing dinner entrees, such as Magret de Pato (duck breast in a soy-honey marinade) or paella for two. // 1110 N. Glebe Road, Arlington (Ballston)
The Salt Line
Pair a frozen shandy, Boston lager or signature Fish House Punch with a plate of stuffed clams, a crab roll or Portuguese fish stew at this lively New England-style watering hole. Weekday happy hours feature deals on oyster shooters and drink specials, as does a weekend “happy brunch” on Saturdays and Sundays. The ample patio, with its cane chairs and blue-and-white accents, feels downright coastal. // 4040 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)
Upside on Moore
Spring brings a new slate of signature cocktails to the easygoing patio of this Rosslyn food hall. Try clever concoctions such as the Ho Chi Minhtini (vodka, lemon, lychee, orgeat, simple syrup) or a Tony Negroni featuring house-made strawberry syrup and chocolate bitters. Friday happy hours feature $1 oysters, and Saturdays bring happy hour all day (11 a.m. to 9 p.m.) with plenty of brunch fare and good vibes. // 1700 N. Moore St., Level M2, Arlington (Rosslyn)
Water Park
National Landing’s landscaped Water Park is basically one giant patio, with a veritable smorgasbord of food options from 11 kiosks and restaurants. Picture award-winning fried chicken sandwiches, loaded plant burgers, New York-style pizza, poke bowls, Thai noodles, tiki drinks and scoops of gelato. The park’s airy indoor-outdoor Water Bar hits the spot with sharable small plates, raw bar and cocktails to suit every booze preference, from espresso martinis to a lavender rosemary gimlet. The bar’s daily happy hour from 4-6 p.m. features discounted chicken wings, sweet potato fries, margaritas, Aperol spritzes and wines by the glass. // 1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
Westover Beer Garden
The craft brews are calling your name. The beer selection changes frequently at this easygoing neighborhood hangout, so keep tabs on what’s on tap. Stop by for outdoor live music on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays (see who’s playing) and grab grub from the adjoining market, which includes a kitchen and onsite butcher shop. Menu highlights on the succinct menu include burgers made with beef from Roseda Farms in Maryland and sandwiches stacked with meats from Fields of Athenry in Middleburg, all served on bread from Lyon Bakery. // 5863 Washington Blvd., Arlington (Westover)