Between waterfront dining, lively sidewalk seating areas and spacious outdoor ratios, Alexandria has a range of outdoor dining options to enjoy al fresco dining. Whether you’re grabbing small bites, drinks or a full brunch or dinner, these outdoor dining options are great to enjoy with companions.
With the help of ALXnow readers through a Reader’s Choice Poll, we’ve compiled a list of the best outdoor dining spots in Alexandria, Virginia. After two weeks of voting (May 29-June 12, 2026) and nearly 600 individual votes cast, our readers navigated a field of nominees to crown the city’s best outdoor dining spot.
Last Vote: Poll: The best outdoor dining spot in Alexandria | Poll Held: May 29-June 12, 2026
Top vote getters
1. BARCA Pier & Wine Bar
2 Pioneer Mill Way
It doesn’t get any closer to the waterfront than this outdoor spot converted from old shipping containers. The restaurant serves Mediterranean-inspired tapas and drinks.
2. Ada’s on the River
3 Pioneer Mill Way
Located adjacent from BARCA, this restaurant named for mathematician Ada Lovelace provides steak and seafood fare with a prime waterfront view.
3. Vola’s Dockside Grill & Hi-Tide Lounge
101 N. Union Street
A third Alexandria Restaurant Partners eatery rounds out the top three. Vola’s offers a raw bar and other seafood with a waterfront patio overlooking the City Marina.
Other notable outdoor dining spots
- Jula’s on the Potomac
- The Garden
- Hank’s Oyster Bar
- Port City Brewing Company
- Hi/Fi Tex-Mex BBQ