Dining Alfresco in Washington, DC

From casual beer gardens and relaxing poolside bars to trendy hot spots and brunch destinations the locals love, Washington, DC offers some of the best patio dining available. The only way to improve upon craft cocktails and fabulous food is to add a sunset or a sweeping view of the capital city. Whatever your style, DC has the restaurant to match.

Casual Beer Garden Fare

Biergarten Haus encourages celebrating Oktoberfest year-round. The authentic German atmosphere will make you want to don your lederhosen or dirndl. The dinner menu is full of sausages and schnitzel, but it also has vegetarian options. The beer list is an impressive lineup of German suds including hefeweizens, pilsners, lagers, and kölsch. The outdoor “biergarten” has three bars and the capacity to hold 400 people, so think of it as a European festival held daily.

With a mix of country charm in an urban neighborhood, Garden District is a common hangout spot in the Logan Circle area. The draft list has a German focus with hefeweizens and pilsners, but a craft IPA can find a spot, too. The menu resembles a Southern barbecue joint with pulled pork, barbecue brisket, hush puppies, and Carolina coleslaw. A few German specialties also dot the list including bratwurst with kraut. Visit the Garden District for a taste of Europe meets the New World.

Way Beyond Room Service

Reserve a room at The Donovan hotel, and you and your fellow guests have exclusive all-day access to the DNV Rooftop Lounge. Take a dip in the pool, or lounge in the sun with a signature cocktail. As evening approaches, in-the-know locals will join you for a scenic view overlooking Thomas Circle. DNV Lounge offers dishes from the Asian-inspired ground-floor restaurant, Zentan. Enjoy pork buns, smoked trout, or edamame as the sun sets.

Up on the 11^th floor at W Washington D.C., the rooftop terrace bar and lounge called POV gives you a bird’s-eye view of monuments and the White House. POV serves global cuisine in a trendy, well-appointed space. It is cocktail culture at its finest with local charcuterie and cheese, pork skewers, and beef short-rib tacos.

Time for Brunch

Named after DC music legend Marvin Gay, Restaurant Marvin has a bar that stretches out on its rooftop. Saturdays and Sundays mean brunch with a musical twist. DJs spin while you sip a mimosa or Bloody Mary and enjoy a sandwich special.

Situated in Georgetown’s Cady’s Alley, Kafe Leopold is a DC favorite for that midmorning meal. The sweet tooth can order a Belgian waffle or “pain au chocolate.” Those in the mood for something savory and hearty can try the decadent croque monsieur with béchamel. Linger over a steaming cup of coffee and make plans for your afternoon in the capital city.

For more information on these restaurants and other destinations to soak up the summer on Washington, DC’s finest patios, click here.