We’ve all been there – it’s Happy Hour, you and your friend/co-worker/significant other want to grab a drink. The weather is gorgeous, and because drinks just taste better outside, a bar with a patio is necessary. But you can’t remember whether that new bar around the corner has a patio or not, not to mention whether it overlooks a dumpster or the river.
This frustration led website designer and developer, Chad Williams, owner of the web design company,Creative Visual Design, to develop a web based app to solve this exact problem. Find a Patio answers the age-old question “Where do you want to get a drink?”
And since we are smack dab in the middle of outdoor-drinking season, Chad has compiled a list of his 12 favorites patio spots – one for each week of the summer. Or, one for each of the next 12 days. Your call.
12 Richmond Patios for the 12 Weeks of Summer
The Daily Kitchen & Bar
The Daily is great for people watching, has a large selection of vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and paleo options, and offers craft cocktails including “The Daily Negroni Blanc,” and “The Moonshine Martini”, both Belle Isle based cocktails.- Postbellum
When my friends want to go out in the fan and hang out on a patio Postbellum always gets a vote. - 23rd & Main Taproom at Sette
This is one of the best hidden patios in the city. You’re not there for the view, but it has a cool vibe, despite many people never having been there. - The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing
If you’re looking for a great view of the city and James River The Boathouse should be high on your list. - Conch Republic
Right next to The Boathouse sits Conch Republic. It shares the same view, but with a much more casual island atmosphere. - Baja Bean
This was one of my go-to college hangouts, but I can’t deny it’s still a great patio with cheap beer, a few pool tables and other bar games. - Southern Railway Taphouse
One of the go-to spots downtown. They have a fun atmosphere and a great tap selection, plus a view of the canal. - “The Moon Sider” created by Joe Carter for another favorite of patio dwellers, F.W.Sullivans.Legend Brewing
Richmond’s Oldest Brewery has always had one of the best views of our city and the James River. - Ardent Craft Ales
While they only serve beer, the beer garden is a great place to meet a large group of friends around the picnic tables. - Capital Ale House (Short Pump)
Huge beer selection and a great stop before or after a show at Innsbrook. - Portico
The perfect date night spot with a romantic setting. Enjoy drinks on cozy couches by the fireplace. - The Boathouse at Sunday Park
If you’re willing to make the trip out to Brandermill, you will not be disappointed with the views provided at Sunday Park on the Swift Creek Reservoir.