The best way to greet the cool of the evening is definitely over a tall drink on the patio of the favorite neighborhood restaurant. Whether you’ve finished a busy day of Carytown shopping or a long day of work at the office downtown, there’s a perch at a sidewalk patio or garden terrace with your name on it.
Carytown
Acacia — Take a break from Carytown window-shopping on this lofty perch. Menu created by award winning chef Dale Reitzer. 3325 W. Cary St. 354-6060.
— Northern Italian cuisine tastes even better with deep glass of red and cool, outdoor breeze. 3343 W. Cary St. 353-4700.
Baker’s Crust — Smallish patio overlooking the CVS parking lot. Points for trying and for making a huge, mouthwatering sandwich. 3553 W. Cary St. 213-0800.
Marcello’s Ristorante/Max’s Mexital — Italian meets Mexican with a menu that has something for just about everyone and a patio out back. 2929 West Cary St. 278-6350.
Fan
Baja Bean Co. — Icy margaritas and spicy nachos located in a brightly lit, garden terrace. 1520 W. Main St. 257-5445.
Barracuda’s — The Fan’s only raw bar. 2525 Hanover Ave. 355-7008.
Buddy’s Place — Regulars keep the lights on and the terrace packed. 325 N. Robinson St. 355-3701.
Cary St. Café — Live music, eclectic menu and clientele, and good vibes. 2631 W. Cary St. 353-7445.
The Devil’s Kitchen — This corner porch on Main and Robinson streets offers American cuisine with a twist. 2600 W. Main St. 340-5222.
— Give your social life a jolt with a trip to this hot meeting place. 2401 W. Main St. 355-1198.
Kimbo’s Noodle Bar — Casual dining, Asian-influenced menu and coffee so potent it should be illegal. 1100 W. Cary St. 355-3320.
World Cup — Now serving at two locations. The Robinson Street station has a gravel patio in the back by the parking lot and is only for hardy spirits. 204 N. Robinson St. 359-9282. Much prettier digs at the comparatively posh new VCU-area location. 26 N. Morris St. 342-1021.
West End
Azzurro — Elegant patio is a favorite for hungry West Enders looking for Italian flavor. River Road Shopping Center. 282-1509.
— The staid site for rest after intense “On the Avenues” shopping. 5806 Grove Ave. 285-1301.
Freckles — Practically a neighborhood institution, specializing in diner food and beer. 5724 Patterson Ave. 288-3354.
Greek Circus — Bring the kids to this favorite West End family restaurant, with a medium-sized terrace. 4008 Glenside Drive. 264-1161.
— Uptown visitors can avoid the full sports coverage and still enjoy the buffalo wings and burgers offered by this pub by eating outside. 1323 W. Main St. 353-8686.
Philip’s Continental Lounge — Greasy spoon of rib-sticking diner food. Grab a bite before or after a show at the Westhampton Theater. 5704 Grove Ave. 288-8687.
Downtown and Shockoe Slip/Bottom
— The hip, eclectic seafood pearl of Shockoe Slip, the Hard Shell puts an emphasis on creativity and large patio in the front. 1411 E. Cary St. 644-5341.
— Rooftop dining with 28 real 22-foot palm trees make this hot Cuban restaurant one of the coolest al fresco joints in town. 16 N. 17th St. 649-2822.
Siné Irish Pub and Restaurant — With a scenic and cozy rear patio and an emphasis on Irish grub, this newer Shockoe Slip restaurant offers stiff competition to the establishment. 1327 E. Cary St. 649-7767.
South Side
Forest Restaurant — Go for casual dining on the deck. 5057 Forest Hill Ave. 233-1940.
Fox & Hounds British Pub — Get a hearty beer from the tap and plant yourself on a patio chair overlooking the parking lot. 10455 Midlothian Turnpike. 272-8309.
Italian Café — Rotating specials and open doors seven days a week. Patio is great for the kids. 1002 Sycamore Square. 794-8100.
Legend Brewing Company — This huge deck overlooks Richmond from the south side of the James. 321 W. 7th St. 232-8871.
Church Hill
Poe’s Pub — Patio dining is close enough to the stage that you won’t miss any of the live bands that make this place a music lover’s Mecca. 2706 E. Main St.
