The DC Area Guide to Cozy Outdoor Dining
Published on January 12, 2021 - Updated on April 19, 2021
While take-out and cooking at home has increased significantly since the pandemic began, sometimes it is good for the soul to get out of the house and dine-in for a needed break from the routine! We have rounded up our favorite kid-friendly picks for COVID-safe outdoor dining, regardless of the temperature.
Lena’s Woodfired Pizza & Tap, Alexandria
401 E Braddock Road,
Alexandria, VA 22301
Lena’s is fresh air dining is heated and is a part of the ALX Promise that demonstrates how they are following the proper and safe guidelines during COVID 19. There are indoor and outdoor options available and all tables are socially distanced.
Millies, Spring Valley
4866 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20016
(202) 733-5789
For safety, Millie’s implemented several guidelines for dining-in. You must wear a face mask at all times unless actively eating or drinking, each party has a time limit of 90 minutes at their table, there are no more than 6 people to a table (including babies) and guests are required to remain at their originally assigned table unless traveling to or from the restroom. You must give a main contact for your reservation for contact tracing. The seating indoor and outdoor is well spaced for social distancing.
There are Millie's blankets available for purchase for extra coziness.
Surfside Tenleytown
4200 Wisconsin Avenue NW,
Washington, DC 20015
Surfside Tenleytown is a great spot to enjoy Mexican food in Tenleytown. Parking is free Monday through Friday in the evenings and all day Saturday and Sunday. Outdoor dining is available everyday starting at 11am to 9pm and to 10pm on the weekends. Bundle up for outdoor dining by the warm heaters and enjoy the ambiance!
Due South, Capitol Riverfront
301 Water Street SE,
Washington, DC 20003
Due South offers great Southern food with a flair. Who doesn’t love the idea of enjoying delicious barbecue outside, even in the coldest months!. They have outdoor seating under a tented, well-ventilated patio. There are multiple types of heaters, ensuring coziness and comfort on even the coldest days. The tables are generously spaced out for social distancing. There is also a large TV on the patio for featured sports games.
The Founding Farmers Restaurants
Potomac
12505 Park Potomac Avenue,
Potomac, MD 20854
Tysons
1800 Tysons Boulevard
Tysons, VA 22102
Downtown
1924 Pennsylvania Avenue NW,
Washington, DC 20006
Georgetown
3000 K Street NW, The Washington,
Washington, DC 20007
The Founding Farmers restaurants have installed heated, ventilated outdoor tents. Some locations have incorporated a gas fire pit and open air tables with large heaters. Still dress warmly if you plan on dining, you never know what the weather will bring! The staff is required to disinfect surfaces between visits and wear masks at all times. You are also required to wear a mask when not sitting at your table. To reserve a table, go online to their website or call a specific location.
William Jeffrey’s Tavern, Arlington
2301 Columbia Pike,
Arlington, VA 22204
William Jeffrey’s Tavern is currently seating indoor and outside on the heated patio. They are open until 10PM and each table has a limit of 90 minutes. Social distancing guidelines have been put into place and all menus are disposable or can be seen through a QR code. Your party cannot exceed 10 people and you are highly encouraged to wear your mask at all times. Half off a hot drink with the purchase of a blanket to keep you cozy!
Ragtime, Courthouse
1345 N Courthouse Road,
Arlington, VA 22201
Ragtime is currently seating inside and on the patio. They have the same rules as William Jeffrey’s Tavern and also have lines and arrows to assist with social distancing throughout the restaurant. Waiting for tables inside the restaurant is not permitted, so plan accordingly. They equipped their outdoor terrace and patio with large heaters and distanced the tables for safety. Blankets are also available for purchase, and come with a discounted hot drink!
Dogwood Tavern, Falls Church
132 W Broad Street,
Falls Church, VA 22046
Blankets are available for purchase at Dogwood and you will receive 50% off of your first hot drink if you buy one, and every time you return with it, as is true for all the Vintage Restaurants. Masks are required anytime you move from your table but you can remove your mask once seated. All tables are six feet apart and there is no waiting inside or on the patios. There are large heaters on the skybar rooftop and indoor seating is available.
Rhodeside Grill, Arlington
1836 Wilson Boulevard,
Arlington, VA 22201
As is common in many of our featured restaurants, because seating is limited each table has a 90 minute time limit, to ease potential wait times. All tables are six feet apart and masks must be worn when not seated. The outdoor patio has fire pits, hand warmers, and heaters to keep you warm. Don’t forget to order the hot chocolate, and if you buy a blanket you'll get half off your hot spiked beverage!
Bear Branch Tavern, Vienna
133 Maple Avenue E,
Vienna, VA 22180
All tables are spaced 6 feet apart and they are open for dine-in or carryout. If you buy a blanket you get 50% off your first hot drink as well as any time you bring your blanket in at a Vintage location. Heaters, hand warmers, and fire pits are available outside to keep you warm. Call on the way to the restaurant to get on the waitlist up to 30 minutes before you arrive, or make a reservation online. They are now accepting reservations for parties of 6 or more.
Matchbox (All locations but Penn Quarter)
Capitol Hill
521 8th Street SE
(202) 548-0369
Silver Spring
919 Ellsworth Drive
(240) 247-8969
Pentagon City
1100 S Hayes Street
(703) 340-3884
Bethesda
7278 Woodmont Avenue
(240) 465-0500
Rockville
1699 Rockville Pike
(301) 816-0369
Merrifield
2911 District Avenue
(571) 395-4869
One Loudon
44720 Thorndike Street
(571) 918-8024
The dining rooms at multiple Matchbox Restaurants are open and ready to welcome guests with safety guidelines in place. Each of these locations also have patios equipped with heaters to keep you comfortable if outdoor seating is your preference.
The Haven Pizzeria, Alexandria
1401 Belle Haven Road,
Alexandria, VA 22307
This cozy eatery has indoor and outdoor dining available. The covered outdoor patio has heaters and generously spaced tables for added safety.
Menomale Pizza, Brookland
2711 12th Street NE,
Washington, DC 20018
This Italian restaurant features a great patio with heat lamps to keep guests warm and happy. All tables are spaced for social distancing so be sure to reserve a spot online as they can quickly fill up.
Rockland’s Farm Winery, Poolesville
14531 Montevideo Road,
Poolesville, MD 20837
Reservations are encouraged for heated seating areas. You can reserve here on their website. All seating is spaced accordingly for social distancing and it is encouraged to bring blankets and warm weather gear for added comfort. There are on-site food vendors and groups larger than 6 aren’t permitted. You can reserve starting Monday the week-of for a heated tent table (can accommodate 4 guests), or outdoor fire pit areas (up to 6 guests).
Everyone deserves a break from planning dinner these days, and if there is one bonus to this lengthy era of social distancing, there are so many restaurants who have taken comfort and safety to the next level. Support your local spots! They are working hard to provide us places to escape and eat delicious food at our comfort level, even if that means serving us outside in the coldest months of the year or simply taking steps to perfect the takeout experience, with cocktails and all.
Restaurant Week in DC, MD, and VA is an exciting time for foodies in the area, and it is still happening in 2021! Starting January 25th and running for two weeks through February 7th (DC), this year's offerings will have plenty of COVID safe options. There will be an emphasis on take-out and delivery promotions and even mobile cocktails. There are also plenty of dine-in options to choose from, whether you choose to eat outdoors or indoors. Check out the website for updates on participating restaurants, changing COVID regulations, and more.
You can find family-friendly adventures, tips, and much more on the happyly app. Download it for free today on iTunes or Google Play. To explore more ideas for Winter Fun in 2021, check out The Best Sledding Spots in the DC Area or DC Area Skating Spots that are still open this winter.
Follow us on Instagram @gethappyly as we continue to seek out the best adventures our area has to offer! Have a favorite park, playground, kid-friendly restaurant or hike? We’d love to hear from you at team@happyly.com or just go to the Contribute page on our app or website and we’ll get an ambassador there ASAP!