Patio season has officially arrived, so grab a seat and soak it in. Prime people-watching, live music, bright cocktails, and fresh seasonal bites await. From laid-back hangs to buzzy hotspots, there’s a perfect perch for every mood at these outdoor dining spots around Arlington.
Little Falls Café
This daytime café and 2026 Best of Arlington winner is feels impeccably European, from the gingerbread millwork to the kerchief-wearing staff. It’s dine-in only, so kick back at an outdoor table and sip espresso from pretty porcelain teacups, or order up an Aperol Spritz with one of the kitchen’s signature crepes. The Galette Complete features ham Emmentaler, Gruyere and a sunny-side-up egg; the Garden Party is a symphony of leeks, potatoes, mushrooms, artichokes and Gruyere. For dessert, delight in the apple and caramel-laden Miss Caramelle crepe, topped with walnuts and whipped cream. Or get your chocolate fix with the Rich, Dark and Handsome, with dark chocolate and pistachios. 106 Little Falls St., Falls Church
Neutral Ground Bar & Kitchen
Named Best Restaurant in McLean by Arlington Magazine readers, chef David Guas’ newest restaurant focuses on new interpretations of American classics. Dine al fresco under a striped cabana awning surrounded by fresh garden greenery. Neutral Ground offers dinner Tuesday through Saturday, lunch on Fridays and Jazz brunch on Sunday. 6641 Old Dominion Drive, McLean
Stratford Garden
Opening for the first time this spring, Stratford’s dog-friendly outdoor beer garden is an expansive wrap-around pavilion with festive string lights and outdoor seating for 100. Brothers Arash and Afsheen Tafakor, owners of Dominion Wine & Beer and Brick House Butcher, transformed the former Stratford Motor Lodge into a neighborhood restaurant and watering hole that befits The Little City’s casual vibe. The classic bar fare and creative main courses range from cheesesteaks and burgers to rockfish and branzino, featuring locally-sourced meats and seafood from the owners’ butcher shop just up the street. 300 W. Broad St., Falls Church
Immigrant Food
This dog-friendly patio in Ballston offers prime people-watching alongside globally-inspired dishes such as dumplings, bao buns, Indian samosas and Venezuelan tequenos. The award-winning restaurant’s “gastroadvocacy” mission celebrates America as a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. Signature cocktails espousing social justice include the Invictus (rye, honey, cinnamon, pilsner, fortified wine, citrus) inspired by Nelson Mandela, and the Ternura (pisco, passion fruit, honey, matcha, jalapeno) honoring Nobel Prize-winning author Gabriela Mistral, an advocate for oppressed people. 4245 Fairfax Drive, Arlington (Ballston)
Thompson Italian
Get your comfort food fix of housemade pasta, gelato and tiramisu as you dine al fresco at this neighborhood osteria. Husband and wife restaurateurs Gabe and Katherine Thompson focus on seasonal and local ingredients, with spring starters such as spring pea arancini (mint, parmesan and goat cheese) and panzanella salad (asparagus, spring peas, artichokes, grilled pea leaves, focaccia and feta). The pasta dishes are just as divine, including the option of a gluten-free garganelli. 124 N. Washington St., Falls Church
Joon
Hit the patio of this upscale Persian concept for Live Fire Fridays in May and June, when a live DJ spins tunes while the culinary team cooks over a live wood fire. The outdoor space in the heart of Tysons brings a mix of classic Persian favorites, such as hummus, kubideh kabobs and lamb and pistachio meatballs, plus innovative interpretations of Middle Eastern cuisine. Weekend brunch brings an unlimited plates deal. 8045 Leesburg Pike, Vienna (Tysons)
Carbonara
Old school Italian gets an upscale twist at this popular Ballston trattoria by chef Mike Cordero. The dishes are big, including the requisite Sicilian pizza, Italian sandwiches and veal or chicken parm. Other menu highlights include Clams Oregenato, Gnocchi della Mamma and Shrimp Scampi. The scratch kitchen makes everything inhouse, including the bread, pasta, mozzarella—even the brandied cherries infused with star anise and vanilla that find their way into signature cocktails such as Naples is Calling (olive oil washed Cirrus Vodka, basil and tomato-infused dry vermouth), and the Spritz Straordinario (Aperol, Skyy blood orange vodka, freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice and prosecco.) 3865 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)
Padaek
The outdoor patio at chef Seng Luangrath’s Arlington Ridge outpost seats 50, and while it’s located in a grocery store parking lot, walls and lush greenery give the feel of a tropical escape. The flavorful menu showcases Lao and regional Thai cuisine, with temptations such as crab fried rice, Gaeng Phed Puu (coconut red curry with crab meat and frosty pea tendrils served over rice or vermicelli noodle) and Pla Makham (crispy fried catfish, sweet tamarind sauce, fried shallot and crispy basil). 2931 Glebe Road, Arlington (Arlington Ridge)
Lyon Hall
Taqueria Xochi
Swing by this fast-casual eatery for Mexico City-style street food favorites such as tlayudas (crispy open-faced tortillas) and cemitas (a sandwich with Oaxaca cheese, chipotle and avocado with your choice of chicken, beef or eggplant). For something sweet and spicy, try a mangonada (mango smoothie with spicy chamoy and a tamarind candy straw). The full bar serves margaritas and palomas. Make your drink spicy by adding Xochi firewater verde. 1450 S. Eads St., Arlington (National Landing)
Northside Social
The patios are always hopping at the Clarendon and Falls Church locations of this coffeehouse and bar. Stop by in the morning for a latte and a pastry or breakfast sandwich. For lunch and dinner, find soups, salads and sandwiches on the menu, such as a baby kale and romaine Caesar or brown rice and chickpea bowl. Try them with a glass or bottle of Langhe Rosso in the evening. 3211 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon) and 205 Park Ave., Falls Church
Godfrey’s
Start your day off with shrimp and grits or a breakfast pizza topped with roasted garlic cream sauce, mozzarella, Brussels sprouts, eggs, bacon and chives at this lively Falls Church bakery and cafe. Or, swing by later for a smash burger or a plate of crispy whole snapper escovitch with fried yuca nd mango chili-lime aioli. Not hungry? You can also sip a cocktail, beer or wine and watch the world stroll by. On “Wine Down Wednesdays” get a bottle of wine for 50% off all day. 421 W. Broad St., Falls Church
Clare & Don’s Beach Shack
We may be landlocked here, but Florida natives Rebecca and David Tax (who also own Lazy Mike’s Deli) bring us the beach vibes—minus the sand. Originally situated in Clarendon (look again at its name), the restaurant relocated to Falls Church almost 20 years ago. It remains a local hotspot for live music, trivia nights, casual coastal fare and beachy beverages. Bring your pup to the patio and treat yourself to fried oysters and crab cake sandwiches, plus orange crushes and margs from the bar. 130 N. Washington St., Falls Church
Harvey’s
Enjoy a balmy, springtime meal out on the patio at Thomas Harvey’s easygoing all-day café in Falls Church, where fans flock for breakfast sandwiches, homey entrees and a well-stocked bar. Current menu items include a duck breast with Moroccan risotto, Brussels sprouts and pomegranate gastrique; and mushroom “scallops,” a vegan dish made with seared royal trumpet mushrooms, roasted spaghetti squash, green beans, red pepper and a balsamic glaze. There’s even a special menu for dogs, featuring Fido’s choice of meatballs, chicken or dog bacon. 513 W. Broad St., Falls Church