There’s something about outdoor dining – rooftop bars, sun-filled back gardens – that conjures up the sophistication and style of Europe. As we head into warmer weather, we select seven great outdoor dining spots in Loudoun – and what you should order at them.
Buford’s Biscuits, Leesburg
Grab brunch from Buford’s Biscuits in Leesburg - where the focus is on traditionally southern-style biscuits. Last year Buford’s relocated and expanded the building by adding a rooftop. Dine outside on the roof with a bird’s eye view of the historic downtown. The menu consists of cathead biscuits paired with a range of savory and sweet accompaniments and Fried Chicken with Hot Southern Honey that gives you the best of both in one bite.
The Docket at SideBar, Leesburg
SideBar is a trendy hub for craft cocktails and quick bites. Located directly behind is The Docket, a renovation of the Carriage House where there is a spacious outside wooden deck. The upper and lower level can fit up to 70 people at a time and there are various seating options for big groups or intimate spaces – There is even seating around the built-in fire pits. The menu offers an extensive list of wine, beer and spirit options as well as small bites such as General Tso’s Cauliflower, Loaded Sweet Potato Fries and Firecracker Shrimp. Order from the specialty cocktail menu or tell your bartenders what you like and they might just craft something special for you.
Magnolias at the Mill, Purcellville
The 1905-built Purcellville grain mill turned-farm-to-fable restaurant is famous for its showcase interior – soaring ceilings, sturdy timber beams, wood-paneled walls and cozy booths – but come spring and summer the sun-dappled patio out back is the place to be. With a dozen tables set under a canvas tent adjacent to the Washington & Old Dominion Trail, (you can watch the cyclists ride by) it’s perfect to while away a few hours over fried green heirloom tomatoes, almond-crusted trout and a bottle of Willowcroft Farm Winery's 2020 Albariño.
Clyde’s Willow Creek Farm, Ashburn
Who doesn’t love a restaurant with a sun-dappled terrace on a spring afternoon? The centerpiece of venerable east Loudoun institution Clyde’s Willow Creek Farm is its flagstone al fresco courtyard set under a creeper-covered arbor strung with outdoor lighting. There’s a babbling fountain, a bar to the side and it’s all nestled between the two historic barns that make up the main restaurant. Menu-wise we recommend the Jumbo Lump crab cakes with fries, coleslaw, tartar sauce and lemon or the Steak Frites: a New York strip with fries and a watercress and shallot-Dijon cream sauce.
One Loudoun, Ashburn
Can’t decide what kind of open skies dining experience you want? Head to swanky retail and residential complex One Loudoun in Ashburn, which has a slate of al fresco bars and restaurants within walking distance of each other. Our pick? Head to the scenic roof deck of classy farm-to-fork eatery Lost Fox Hideaway. Located above the City Tap Loudoun bar, the menu is divided into small plates, big plates and sweet treats and the cocktails and wine selections are out of this world. Try The Fox & The Mule refresher: Tito’s vodka, Virginia apple hard cider, ginger puree and lime juice. Also located in One Loudoun is the modern backdrop for traditional Thai curries and noodle dishes, Sense of Thai. The outside dining area is enclosed with a black steel gate; order from the menu of traditional Thai foods including Ramen with Beef, Pork or Duck and don’t forget dessert, the Thai Tea Crème brûlée is delicious.
Red Horse Tavern, Middleburg
As the host of the star-studded Middleburg Film Festival, the celebrity-rich Family Reunion culinary event and numerous glam equestrian events there’s no better outdoor location in town to people watch than from the spacious patio of the Red Horse Tavern on the western edge of downtown’s Washington Street. Food-wise the salads, wraps and burgers are all good, but opt for either the Reuben, Grilled Shrimp or Cuban sandwich, the latter made with Swiss, pork tenderloin and pickles on a hot sub roll. Get yourself a street-facing table, wait to be fed and keep your eyes peeled.
West End Wine Bar & Pub, Purcellville
On West Main Street in Purcellville there is another restored property-a circa 1915 structure that was once an inn and now western Loudoun’s gathering place when warm weather hits. The West End Wine Bar & Pub has gorgeous woodwork and exposed brick archways leading into a large greenspace with a spectacular view of the garden. Take a seat on the patio to soak in the sun and enjoy your choice of starters, like the Cajun Crawfish and Crab dip. West End also has an extensive wine list including the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc from nearby Walsh Family Winery - perfect for the warm weather.
