The dining scene in Richmond, Virginia has exploded in the last few years. Restaurants are really stepping their game up when it comes to food, drinks, decor, atmosphere, etc. There also seem to be more and more patios popping up everyday to give people an option when it comes to their dining and drinking needs.
Whenever the weather is nice it seems like everyone has the same thought on their mind when it comes to going out. Where can I go that has a patio? So I’ve taken that question and provided a resource called Find a Patio.
Find a Patio is a GPS-enabled web application that helps users locate establishments with patios. The goal of Find a Patio is to index as many patios as possible so when you want to dine or drink outside we can let you know what’s around you.
Here is a list of my 10 favorite patios in Richmond, Virginia when I want to chill outside with friends and have some drinks.
The Daily Kitchen & Bar — They have a great selection of vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and paleo options, great for people watching, tasty drinks, and a casual atmosphere.
Postbellum — The large deck is tucked away on the second floor and is a change of pace from the normal patio.
Tazza Kitchen — Although it overlooks a parking lot this patio has a nice atmosphere with a fire place, pergola and cool lights. Their food is great too.
Portico Restaurant — One of the nicest patios in all of Richmond. It’s great for drinks around the fireplace or lunch/dinner at a table.
Conch Republic — Best place to drink an island drink and look out at the James River.
Best Cafe at VMFA — Great for happy hour or before/after looking at art at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA).
American Tap Room — I like the garage doors and televisions if you want to watch a sporting event or you can hang out around their gas fire pit. They also have a nice selection of microbrews.
Havana 59 — This second and third story patio is one of those places where the atmosphere can take you to another place. When the weather is nice and the cuban music is playing it’s a great spot to kick back and drink a mojito. It also overlooks the 17th Farmers Market.
Lamplighter (Addison St) — I’m not a coffee drinker so I usually go here when I’m showing a visitor around that loves coffee, I want a great sandwich or I want to just relax and mess on my computer.
Southern Railway Taphouse — This large patio overlooks the canal and is under the Interstate so you get that city vibe in a cool laid back setting.
So there you have it. My 10 favorites patios in Richmond, Virginia right now.
What are yours?
Don’t live in Richmond? That’s ok. Tell me your favorites patios where you live and I will add them to Find a Patio so they become useful in your city.
23rd & Main Taproom at Sette
I haven’t been since they redid it, but it was a great patio. I just don’t frequent it. If this was a Best Of list it would be included.
Uh, Caliente…
Savory Grain. Great food and taps and right on Broad street for plenty of good people watching.
The beer garden at Ardent Craft Ales is amazing!
I agree Kirsten. I don’t think they were even open when I wrote this post.
Crossroads! Great people watching, great beer selection, good happy hour!
Love this list! But surprised not to see The Boathouse in Brandermill! I know it isn’t really IN Richmond but neither is Portico and the huge deck plus water views are just wonderful.
Thank you Jessica. I would certainly consider it if this was about best patios, but it was written as my favorite 10 patios at the time. Portico happens to be a client of mine so I’ve been there many more times in recent years.