8 Of The Best Outdoor Seating Restaurants In Richmond, VA

8 Of The Best Outdoor Seating Restaurants In Richmond, VA

During spring and fall, and sometimes summer and winter (just depends, you know?), you’re able to find us outside, probably eating and drinking. There’s nothing better than lounging on a sun-splashed patio while sipping a local beer or other beverage and eating a delicious meal. Something about the sun makes everything taste better, doesn’t it? Here are a few of our favorite places to drink & dine in Richmond with outdoor seating. 

Best Café / Amuse

Best Café is the cafeteria on the main floor of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA), while Amuse is the finer dining option directly upstairs. Both include a large patio or balcony with views over the lawn behind the museum, where you can look at the VMFA’s outdoor art and water features, watch people picnicking, and soak up the sun. Best Café is particularly popular during their Friday evening happy hour!

Boathouse

One of Richmond’s best-known seafood restaurants, The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing provides arguably one of the best riverfront dining views, with the downtown skyline as a bonus. Chowing down on one of the various versions of Crab Cakes is highly recommend, as are reservations if you’re planning on having dinner there.

Legend Brewing Co.

The only restaurant on our list located south of the James, Legend Brewing Company is worth a river crossing. In addition to the 25-year-old brewery’s beer, you’ll delight in the underrated food and the appropriately highly-rated view of downtown Richmond. We recommend the legendary (pun intended) Mac & Cheese, washed down with a Golden IPA.

New York Deli Rooftop

Newest to the outdoor seating category is New York Deli’s incredible rooftop! With a whole menu dedicated to the tiki vibe (Rockaway Nachos, anyone?!) and abundant seating with giant umbrellas, you won’t ever want to leave. Plus, the rooftop has its own full bar AND VIP seating for that special event you’re hosting. We can’t wait for the partnership with the Byrd Theatre to commence, giving us the full dinner and a movie experience!

Pizza & Beer of Richmond (PBR)

We know we probably shouldn’t include two pizza joints in the same list (see the next restaurant on this list!), but with a patio like Pizza & Beer of Richmond’s, it’s hard not to. Right in the middle of the city, you can play bocce ball or corn hole on PBR’s large patio while you enjoy delightful food (have you tried those cauliflower wings?) and an extensive beer list.

Pizza Bones

When you want to combine truly life-changing pizza with a beautiful patio, Pizza Bones is the spot for you! This restaurant is situated at a great Church Hill intersection, perfect for people watching and admiring the architecture. It’s a great place to enjoy a slice, grab a glass of natural wine, and chat with friends. If you’re there on a warm weekend, chances are you’ll be able to snag some fresh veggies from a local farm!

Q Rooftop Bar

The Quirk, one of Richmond’s trendiest hotels, also features one of the city’s most sought-after rooftop hotspots. Q Rooftop Bar is where Richmonders and visitors alike head after work for a drink and a view of Jackson Ward and downtown Richmond. Craft cocktails and a menu of elevated street food make this a great happy hour spot!

Union Market

Union Market is Church Hill’s favorite small grocery, restaurant, and bar combination. Open every day, the kitchen puts out a variety of amazing soups, salads, and sandwiches (in fact, in 2018, Union Market was named one of the Best Sandwich Spots in the U.S. by Thrillist). Add a bar with several beers on tap, and there are several reasons to enjoy the 60-seat patio when the sun is shining.

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