There’s a certain charm that comes with outdoor dining. Fresh air, sounds of nature, and unobstructed views all make outdoor eating one of the most attractive seating options for guests. But outdoor dining doesn’t have to be relegated to the warmer months! Winter has its own special ambiance, and some restaurants in Alexandria, VA, offer outdoor seating throughout the winter months. Here are some of the best restaurants in Alexandria providing guests with a unique atmosphere to enjoy the classic charm of the Old Town neighborhood.
King & Rye
With a courtyard full of cozy igloos, only a few blocks from the Old Town Alexandria waterfront, King & Rye is one of the most intimate locations for outdoor dining in Alexandra, VA. This year, King & Rye has partnered with Veuve Clicquot, a world-renowned champagne house, to bring guests an even more unique dining experience. Patrons who reserve an igloo enjoy their own special menu entirely different from anything offered in King and Rye’s traditional dining room. Comfortable seating, good food, and a warm atmosphere are perfect companions as you linger under the stars.
Augie’s Mussel House & Beer Garden
Augie’s Mussel House and Beer Garden offer traditional Belgium cuisine and a full slate of beers on tap. With “garden” in the name, it’s a sure bet that outdoor seating features heavily into this restaurant’s design. In the warmer months, patrons can enjoy beer sampling on the patio and a meal in the only open-air beer garden in Alexandria. When the temperature drops, Augie’s strings light and enclose the alley so that patrons can still enjoy the casual atmosphere of the beer garden over a plate of mussels. Seating is first-come, first-serve, so be sure to stop by early to put your name on the waiting list as you browse the streets of Old Town.
The Light Horse
Looking for a fine dining experience in a laid-back atmosphere? The Light Horse is located in the center of Old Town Alexandria and is a late-night destination for locals and visitors alike. Offering classic American pub fare and modern American cuisine and featuring the best local live music, skeeball, shuffleboard, and more, the Light Horse is the perfect place to unwind and make memories. With outdoor seating on the new patio, patrons can now enjoy eating al fresco year-round.
Blackwall Hitch
If you’re looking for a dining experience that capitalizes on its location, then Blackwall Hitch is a must-visit. Located on the edge of the Potomac River, every seat on the Blackwall Hitch brick patio offers a stunning view of the historic river. The outdoor dining rooms are thoughtfully designed and comfortably furnished. The patio is a mix of lounge dining and private bar, and the fire pit coffee tables add light and warmth.
Don’t save your destination dining plans for the summer! Step out into the snow and experience some of the unique ways restaurants in Old Town, Alexandria is continuing to serve up good food and memorable dining experiences throughout the winter months.
Author’s Bio: Lauryn Pleva is a Junior Content Writer for Boxwood Digital, an Ecommerce SEO agency in Lakewood, Colorado. When she’s not writing, Lauryn enjoys exploring the many outdoor experiences Colorado has to offer.