As dogwoods bloom and warm weather teases, the question of outdoor dining arises.
For those with more specific line of inquiry, like: What if I want to hear trains while I’m eating? What if I want to be on a rooftop? How about near trees or a bookstore?
Here is a list of possibilities for plein air provisioning.
In converted garages
116 S Addison St.
Open daily, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
In a converted filling station on a quiet intersection in the Fan, Lamplighter features creative coffee confections (like grapefruit rosemary espresso soda) with beans roasted by Afterglow Coffee Cooperative, as well as teas, pastries and a breakfast and lunch menu including vegan options.
15 E Brookland Park Blvd.
Open Monday, 7-11 a.m., Tuesday-Friday 7 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
For occasions calling not only for coffee but also stellar craft barbecue—plus tacos, nachos and cocktails—head to The Smoky Mug on the North Side. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available.
700 Bainbridge St.
Open Tuesday-Friday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
This Manchester café features local culinary companies including Ironclad Coffee, Carytown Teas, Cupertino’s bagels and (soon) Nightingale ice cream sandwiches.
2901 W Cary St.
Open Sunday and Monday, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Wednesday 3:30 -9:30 p.m. and Thursday-Saturday 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Here you’ll find Vietnamese and French cuisine made in-house from organic ingredients, beautifully prepared and presented. Take the tastes home with a visit to Sen Organic Farmers Market across the street.
Near trees
1606 Park Ave.
Open Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Tucked into a cozy corner of The Fan, Kuba Kuba has been serving Cuban lunches, dinners, and all-day breakfasts for nearly three decades. It’s impossible to go wrong with their menu, except by not ordering the coconut risotto cakes (with pineapple, black beans and corn salsa) as an appetizer.
1012 Lafayette St.
Open for lunch Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and for dinner Monday-Saturday, 4-10 p.m.
If you can manage to get a reservation, enjoy Greek cuisine in the sylvan streets of Malvern Gardens. The menu highlights abound, but always expect fresh, seasonal veggies and as much pasta as you could possibly want.
5811 Grove Ave.
Open Tuesday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday 11:30 a.m.-midnight, Saturday 10 a.m.-midnight and Sunday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Head to the scenic (and walkable) Libbie Grove neighborhood for patios aplenty, including Bar West, which boasts weekly specials, seasonal cocktails and an uber dog friendly environment.
3410 Semmes Ave.
Open for dinner Sunday-Thursday, 5-9:30 p.m. and Friday & Saturday 5-10 p.m. and for brunch Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Laura Lee’s patio is downright lush when it’s in full bloom (cough, cough: now). In addition to having a pretty face, the restaurant also offers meatless Mondays, a killer Wednesday date night wine and pasta deal and a hefty spirit-free beverage menu.
2300 E Broad St.
Open daily, 4 p.m.-2 a.m.
Give us liberty, but first give us a heaping plate of bacon cheese fries on the back patio of this historic Church Hill pub. With ivy-covered brick walls and overhanging trees the patio beckons for at least a couple of cold ones.
Near trains
3331 W Moore St.
Open Tuesday-Thursday, 3-10 p.m., Friday 2-10 p.m., Saturday noon-10 p.m. and Sunday, noon-8 p.m.
Scott’s Addition is (more or less) one run-on craft brewery. Väsen distinguishes itself by its game nights, weekly running and climbing clubs and occasional live music—plus a spacious outdoor sipping option, always teeming with adorable pups. They plan to add a second location to their brand with a projected open this summer in Forest Hill.
21 N 17th St.
Open Tuesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sup on Southern comfort brunch in Shockoe Bottom with a side of coffee, cocktails, beer and cider.
On a roof
201 W Broad St.
Open Sunday-Thursday, 5-9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 5-10 p.m.
The rooftop bar at Quirk Hotel opens for the season in April. Enjoy snacks, beer and wine while surveying the goings on of downtown from your perch.
Starr Hill Beer Hall and Rooftop
3406 West Leigh St.
Open Monday-Wednesday, 4-9 p.m., Thursday 4-10 p.m., Friday & Saturday noon-11 p.m. and Sunday noon-7 p.m.
More craft beer in SA! Also offering non-alcoholic options, Starr Hill hosts running clubs, trivia, drag brunch, drag bingo, open mic nights and live music.
2920 W Cary St.
Open Monday-Wednesday 11 a.m.-midnight, Thursday & Friday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-2 a.m. and Sunday 9 a.m.-midnight
New York Deli is the oldest continually operating restaurant in Richmond (open since 1929, in its current location since 1934). The rooftop bar is a 2022 addition, available for event rentals and open every day for visits from anyone wanting a new perspective on the roofs of Carytown.
20 West Rooftop Lounge at Hotel Petersburg
20 W Tabb St. (Petersburg)
Open Thursday-Saturday, 4-9 p.m.
The newly opened Hotel Petersburg is replete with dining options, including a swanky rooftop bar opening Thursday May 1. Don’t let the address dissuade you—it’s only 30 minutes away, and the views from 20 West are outstanding.
With musical elan
217 W Clay St.
Open daily 4p.m.-2 a.m.
Sit under the stars while paying homage to the metal/punk 1984 musical phenomenon Gwar. GWARbar’s menu (and decor) is inspired by fake blood, satanic panics and big-sword fantasy. The surprisingly elaborate and vegan-friendly menu includes a meatless burger called We Don’t Kill Everything.
901 W Marshall St.
Open Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m. and Sunday, noon-2 a.m.
For punk rock vibes and a mammoth burger, head to Cobra Cabana’s intimate back patio. They’re open late, so you can pair your eats with some stargazing, too.
1104 W Main St.
Open daily, 11 a.m.- 2 a.m.
Get Tight is a popular music venue that also happens to serve tasty fare and fun cocktails. Baltimore hons will feel right at home with Pit Beef and Berger cookies (keep an eye out for the occasional Chesapeake crab feast). Or don your best cowgirl boots and order up Get Tight’s frozen Oaxacan coffee, spicy marg or bottled ranch water.
With wine (and nice things)
3015 Norfolk St.
Open Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m. – 10 pm
Enjoy brunch, lunch and dinner on the garden patio of this coastal/ Mediterranean restaurant in Scott’s Addition. They boast truly gluten-free options, including a 100% gluten-free fryer, from a chef sensitive to allergies.
1520 W Main St.
Open Tuesday-Thursday, noon-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday noon-11 p.m. and Sunday noon-8 p.m.
Jardin is the place for oenophiles. People watch on the corner of Lombardy and Main or ignore everyone in favor of a new read (or listen) from Small Friends Records and Books next door. A seasonal menu complements the wine experience.
1000 Carlisle Ave. Suite 200
Market open Wednesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.- 9 p.m.; breakfast and lunch Wednesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; dinner Wednesday-Saturday 5-9 p.m. and Sunday, 5-8 p.m.
This restaurant and market in a renovated, historic school house has a globally inspired, seasonally changing menu, including pastries baked daily.
Served sunny-side up
2603 E Main St.
Open Wednesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Go all in on your egg consumption at Millie’s. Might we recommend the “mess,” a three-egg frittata with white cheddar and a variety of veggie and meat combinations? Also available are sandwiches, egg-heavy entrees, beer and cocktails.
On the road
2614 W Cary St.
Open Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
TBT means tacos, burritos, tortas and also—totally badass taqueria. Grab a marg and some tacos as you overlook Carytown in the spring.
2097 New Market Road
Open Friday-Sunday, noon-7 p.m. or until sold out
Enjoy the Logan family’s much-praised barbecue on the weekends at roadside picnic tables, and get ready for summer.
In a strip mall
3420 Lauderdale Drive
Open daily, 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
As of Thursday March 13, you can now get John Vest’s authentic Virginia barbecue seven days a week. Snag a platter of the minced and sauced pork, grab a seat on the humble patio and read more about the history of Virginia ‘cue here.
