Food & Drink

Best Outdoor Dining

Circa at Clarendon

Tucked behind low walls of tawny brick, a hedge of boxwood and tufts of ornamental grass, Circa’s popular 16-table al fresco dining area is seldom empty.

Open from late March to early November, it’s the perfect place for a leisurely weekend brunch or happy hour, whether you’re craving fresh fruit, filet mignon sliders, flatbreads or crab cakes.

“For me, it’s an intimate spot away from the traffic and fumes. And I like their healthy menu,” says Arlington Forest resident Krista Mayer. Last summer, by popular demand, a 55-inch TV was added to the patio for must-see sporting events. “And for people watching, it’s a great alternative to our busy bar,” says general manager Erica James.

3010 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, 703-522-3010, www.circabistros.com/location/clarendon/

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