Outdoor Dining

After a prolonged winter, the sun and warmth have made their seasonal appearance with vengeance!

Throughout the year, many area restaurants and dining establishments offer outdoor dining options, including patio seating on the Downtown Mall, heated outdoor spaces at breweries and wineries and rooftop spots with great views.

Check out some of these popular places with different outdoor sitting experiences!

Brazos is a Texas-style taco joint that specializes in a wide range of tacos from breakfast style to vegetarian based. Brazos is located downtown near the IX Art Park and has a large open outdoor seating area where you and your friends can enjoy tacos at a picnic-style table under some hip string lights and embrace the outdoorsy and artistic vibes.

2. Bodos Bagels on The Corner

You cannot visit Charlottesville without trying a Bodos bagel! The Bodos location on the UVa Corner holds a very special place in many UVa students’ hearts. This classic “go-to” place is located at the hub of university life off-campus, and you can experience the constant stream of people and excitement with a spot at one of their tables outside. That being said, summer is an ideal time to enjoy this spot because most students have departed for summer vacation, and a shorter line means you can shove your delicious customized bagel in your face that much quicker!

3. Monsoon Siam

Monsoon Siam serves Thai inspired cuisine, and their shady patio overlooking Market Street is the perfect spot to enjoy Thai food during these warm months. Customers get the best of both worlds with being surrounded by large trees while downtown life is just on the other side of the street.

The historic downtown mall is home to many of Charlottesville’s favorite restaurants, and Citizen Burger Bar always keeps people coming back for more of their gourmet burgers. Citizen’s outdoor seating is central to a lot of the mall’s action, and you should take advantage to soak in some fresh air while listening to street musicians who mark the Downtown Mall as their stage. Bonus! Their patio area now features a cool corner bar area.

As you make your way downtown from UVA, you’ll come across Oakhart Social located on West Main Street. Oakhart’s outdoor patio radiates a lively and urban ambiance and is the place to be on a warm spring or summer night. Fine bricks line up the exterior décor which complements the greenery used to accentuate the patio. If we haven’t convinced you, just check out their menu. You will want to go.

1799 at The Clifton features a sun-drenched veranda and enclosed patio with beautiful Virginia countryside views. This could easily be considered one of the most romantic (and delicious) restaurants in the area. If you choose to make a night or two out of it, guests of the hotel enjoy complimentary breakfast each morning of their stay.

7. The Local

The Local is located at the heart of the Belmont neighborhood, where local craftsmen skillfully architected its design. This Charlottesville staple attracts both residents and visitors alike and has two-floor outdoor seating where you can admire historic Belmont while indulging in a meal with locally sourced ingredients (hence the name).

8. Feast!

A foodie’s delight, Feast! boasts gourmet, local food with everything from sandwiches to specialty cheese and wine. Browse the shop and treat yourself to its broad selection before enjoying a delicious lunch outside on one of their two patios.

9. Hamiltons’ At First and Main

Hamiltons’ is one of the contemporary American options you’ll find on the Downtown Mall. You and your company can dine in an open environment amidst the bustle of downtown Charlottesville and all of the passersby. You will know you’ve arrived at Hamiltons’ patio when you see the beautiful blue water glasses lining the tables. There’s no doubt you will enjoy your dining experience here!

This list just grazes over the numerous outdoor dining options Charlottesville and Albemarle County offer! Stay tuned for a second part in this outdoor sitting chronicle. And remember, you can eat indoors at restaurants all year long, but you only enjoy outdoor dining season for a limited time. Make it count!