Patio Season Is Here: The Best Outdoor Dining, Breweries, Coffee Shops & Rooftops in Richmond & Midlothian, VA

Patio Season is Officially On

When the weather warms up, there’s nothing better than grabbing a seat outside, ordering your favorite drink, and enjoying everything our local scene has to offer. Richmond and Midlothian are packed with incredible patio spots — from laid-back breweries and rooftop views to cozy coffee shops and go-to neighborhood restaurants.

Whether you’re new to the area or a longtime local, this curated list highlights some of the best patios to enjoy this season. Bookmark this guide — you’ll be using it all spring and summer.

Best Patio Restaurants in Richmond & Midlothian

Blue Atlas (Church Hill)
A local favorite for globally inspired small plates with one of the best skyline views in Richmond. The patio is perfect for sunset dinners and relaxed evenings with friends.

Casa del Barco (Rocketts Landing)
Riverside dining with Mexican favorites and margaritas. The outdoor seating overlooks the James River and is ideal for warm evenings and weekend brunch.

The Daily Kitchen & Bar (Carytown & Short Pump)
Healthy, fresh, and approachable. Their patio seating is great for casual lunches, weekend brunch, or a low-key dinner out.

Slacktide (Scott's Addition)
A must-visit coastal-inspired restaurant in Richmond’s vibrant Scott’s Addition neighborhood. Slack Tide serves globally influenced seafood and seasonal dishes in a relaxed, convivial setting that’s perfect for patio dining. Their outdoor space offers a laid-back atmosphere and a great place to enjoy fresh oysters, creative seafood plates, and handcrafted cocktails with friends.

Cirrus Vodka + Patio Bar (Scott’s Addition)
Elevate your patio experience with city views and craft cocktails at Cirrus Vodka’s rooftop bar + restaurant. This sleek spot pairs small plates and seasonal fare with panoramic skyline views — perfect for date nights, sunset toasts, or weekend celebrations above the city.

Toast (Midlothian)
A neighborhood staple for brunch, cocktails, and comfort food. The patio fills up fast on weekends for a reason.

Best Breweries with Outdoor Seating

Hardywood Park Craft Brewery (West Creek & Richmond locations)
Spacious outdoor areas, great beer, and frequent events make Hardywood a go-to patio hangout for groups.

Triple Crossing Beer (Fulton Hill & Downtown & Midlothian)
Known for top-tier IPAs and wood-fired pizza, with outdoor seating that’s perfect for relaxed evenings.

Basic City Beer Co. (Scott’s Addition)
Large patio, lively atmosphere, and easy access to other Scott’s Addition spots. Great for brewery hopping.

Väsen Brewing Company (Scott’s Addition)
A neighborhood favorite for craft beer lovers, Väsen offers a spacious outdoor patio and relaxed, dog-friendly atmosphere that’s perfect for patio season. Known for their farmhouse-style ales and creative seasonal brews, this is an easy spot to gather with friends, grab a pour, and enjoy the energy of Scott’s Addition on a warm afternoon or evening.

Best Coffee Shops with Outdoor Seating

Urban Farmhouse (Shockoe Slip & Short Pump)
A great option for working outside, casual meetups, or slow mornings with coffee and pastries.

Sugar & Twine (Fan District)
Cozy outdoor seating with some of the best breakfast sandwiches in Richmond.

Fuel Pump (Downtown Richmond)
Perfect for a quick coffee stop with outdoor tables in the heart of the city.

Foxtail Coffee - Promenade at Winterfield (Midlothian)
A beloved coffee destination in Midlothian with friendly vibes and delicious brews — including cold brews, lattes, and seasonal specialty drinks.

Best Rooftop & Elevated Patio Spots

Quirk Rooftop (Downtown Richmond)
A rooftop favorite for cocktails with skyline views. Ideal for date nights, after-work drinks, and out-of-town guests.

Solaire Rooftop – One of Richmond’s newest rooftop destinations, perched atop a downtown building with panoramic views of the city skyline and James River.

Graduate Richmond Rooftop (Downtown Richmond)
Great views of the city and a relaxed rooftop vibe, especially at sunset.

Make the Most of Patio Season

A few local tips to help you enjoy patio season like a pro:

• Go early on weekends to beat the crowds

• Check for dog-friendly patios before bringing your pup

• Look for live music nights and special events

• Try weekday afternoons for a quieter experience

• Bring layers — spring evenings can cool down quickly

Why We Love Living Local in Richmond & Midlothian

One of the best parts of living in Richmond and Midlothian is how easy it is to enjoy the outdoors — whether that’s dining by the river, grabbing coffee in the Fan, or meeting friends for a drink on a rooftop. Patio season is a reminder of why our community is such a great place to call home.

If you’re new to the area or thinking about making a move, exploring local spots like these is one of the fastest ways to feel at home.