3 VA Neighborhoods Named Among Best For Outdoor Dining

When it comes to enjoying a delicious meal al fresco, three Virginia neighborhoods rise above others for outdoor dining, according to a new ranking.

Business financing company Advance Funds Network recently surveyed 3,007 foodies from across the country to uncover the best neighborhoods in the United States for outdoor dining.

The result was a list showcasing the top 150 places where patios, rooftops and sidewalk seating aren't just an option — they’re a lifestyle.

“Outdoor dining isn’t just a trend, it’s woven into the fabric of summer life,” said Irving Betesh of Advance Funds Network. “These neighborhoods didn’t top the list just because of great food — it’s the businesses themselves that create spaces people want to return to."

Here are the Maryland neighborhoods that made the list and where they ranked:

#40. Downtown Charlottesville

What the ranking said: "Charlottesville’s pedestrian mall offers a rare kind of calm — tree-lined and brick-paved, with independent shops and open-air patios tucked between galleries and theaters. Hamilton’s at First & Main is a staple, offering regional cuisine with shaded outdoor seating that blends seamlessly into the flow of downtown. It’s a place where people gather after a wine tour, a hike or just to enjoy a quiet evening with a well-poured drink."

#77. Old Town Alexandria

What the ranking said: "With its cobblestone streets, waterfront views and Federal-era buildings, Old Town Alexandria feels like a place built for lingering. King Street is the heart of it, where sidewalk cafés line the blocks and the Potomac is never far. Virtue Feed & Grain, set in a historic warehouse, has one of the best patios in town — leafy, relaxed and perfect for sipping something local as boats drift by. It’s a little polished, a little worn-in and always welcoming."

#114. Ghent District - Norfolk

What the ranking said: "Ghent has an artsy, slightly bohemian energy — historic homes, indie bookstores and cozy cafés give it plenty of character. Colley Avenue is its main artery, and Torch Bistro offers a vibrant outdoor patio shaded by trees and lit by string lights, where craft cocktails, burgers and neighborly conversation flow freely. The menu is familiar, the service is friendly and the setting as easygoing as a Saturday afternoon should be. In Ghent, dining outside feels like a community happening."

Nationally, these were the top 10 neighborhoods for al fresco dining:

1. Santa Fe Plaza - Santa Fe, New Mexico
2. Downtown Santa Barbara - Santa Barbara, California
3. Savannah Historic District - Savannah, Georgia
4. Park Slope - Brooklyn, New York
5. 12 South - Nashville, Tennessee
6. Downtown Lafayette - Lafayette, Louisiana
7. Waikiki - Honolulu, Hawaii
8. North Beach - San Francisco, California
9. French Quarter - New Orleans, Louisiana
10. The Pearl District - San Antonio, Texas

See the full ranking online.

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