This Catalonian spot is modeled after Spain’s renowned chiringuitos, or beach bars. Sweeping river views and a solid happy hour ($6 sangrias, anyone?) add to its unique charm, as does its striking shipping container facade. BARCA’s generous outdoor dining setup features 200 seats spread across tables, a bar, and a lounge area, all covered by retractable awnings. No matter where you sit, you can’t go wrong with an order of crispy patatas bravas with lemon-garlic aioli.

Watch yachts, kayaks, and paddle boards cruise the Potomac River from the waterfront patio at this lively Georgetown spot. The restaurant is owned by a farmers’ collective, so expect plenty of sustainable ingredients in its salad lineup and mains such as lemon herb baked chicken. The restaurant’s signature five-layer pressed sushi rolls with Old Bay crab taste even better outdoors. Consider an in-house barrel-aged cocktail to sip as you take in the charming river views.

This secluded Penn Quarter landmark is housed in the square courtyard of the Kimpton Hotel Monaco, the district’s first all-marble neoclassical building (and former headquarters of the General Post Office). Fire pits, oversized lamps, and bistro lights add warmth, while cushy sofa lounges urge you to linger. Expect a globally inspired cocktail and small plates menu with hits such as watermelon tartare and karaage-style fried chicken.

Dauphine’s channels the vibrant soul of New Orleans’s French Quarter. The NOLA vibes come from a 4,000 square-foot outdoor dining space (open year round) that includes a lively sidewalk patio and pretty garden oasis, complete with a tiled Spanish fountain and a 30-seat outdoor bar. Executive chef Kristen Essig’s inventive use of seasonal mid-Atlantic ingredients on the Creole-inspired menu earned Dauphine’s several accolades, including MICHELIN Bib Gourmand status and stellar reviews.

Head to this beloved Cuban spot for a tropical vacation without leaving D.C. Casta’s covered and plant-filled patio is a super comfortable place to knock back classic rum drinks such as mojitos and daiquiris. Graze on Cuban classics including the country’s namesake sandwich—a dish the restaurant takes so seriously that the bread is flown in from Miami.

New England vibes abound at this sustainable seafood spot on the Anacostia River. Feast on oysters, lobster rolls, baked pimento crab dip, and stuffies (baked clams topped with smoked sausage and Parmesan). The Salt Line is also adored for its wide beer selection, best paired with river views from its scenic patio. The lively space is now accessible year-round, thanks to clear insulated curtains that don’t sacrifice water vistas during the cooler months.

District Pier views await on the covered balcony at Mi Vida. Mexico City native chef Roberto Santibañez (owner of the Fonda restaurants in New York City) turns out home country-inspired dishes such as braised chicken enchiladas, crab and shrimp empanadas, and churros with chocolate and raspberry sauce in a colorful waterside setting. The outdoor experience is enhanced by six types of margaritas and a sizable mezcal and tequila list.

Le Diplomate (dubbed “Le Dip” by locals) comes from renowned restaurateur Stephen Starr and brings a slice of Paris to northwest D.C. All the brasserie classics are here, including steak frites, steak tartare, and escargot. The expansive patio sits next to the bustling 14th Street corridor, with wicker chairs, flower boxes, and shady umbrellas to ensure comfortable dining even in the thick of D.C.’s humidity.

A regularly revamped patio is one of the main draws at this MICHELIN Bib Gourmand recipient. Pastel pink decor and cherry blossoms adorn the space in the spring. The vibe turns decidedly cozier in the fall, courtesy of overhanging maple leaf vines and sage green blankets to keep things toasty. Residents’ global menu also changes with the seasons but might feature charred octopus with red chermoula and potato croquettes and Turkish eggs with garlic labneh for brunch.

Evening Star Cafe is a neighborhood gem that has remained a Del Ray staple since opening in 1997. Residents come for a seat in the relaxed backyard beer garden or on the buzzier porch, a prime people-watching spot. Both setups make enjoyable backdrops for a wine-themed brunch—Evening Star has nearly 1,500 wines to choose from—or a locally sourced dinner featuring dishes such as roast cauliflower with pumpkin seed pesto and citrus-brined pork chop with braised kale and baked beans.