The arrival of spring ushers in one of the most anticipated moments in D.C.: when snow is brushed off chairs and tables, and restaurants and bars open their outdoor patios. Here are some of the city\'s best patios for the warmer months ahead.
American Ice Co. Tucked around the corner on V Street NW, close to the 9:30 Club, is American Ice Co., which has a fantastic outdoor patio space. Expect barbecue, nachos and craft beer by the pitcher. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
Chez BillyChez Billy's Petworth patio officially opens Friday, April 4. Monday through Thursday, patio diners can get $3 PBRs and half-price "Royal with Cheese" burgers. The restaurant's French bistro-style menu has everything from salads to Boeuf Bourguignon and Steak Frites. (Courtesy Chez Billy)
Courtesy Chez Billy
Big Bear Cafe It's hard to miss Big Bear Cafe's Bloomingdale patio, which is covered with greenery. Expect locally-sourced menu items, a great beer and wine list and even better coffee. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
Iron Gate At 1734 N Street NW is D.C.'s oldest continuously operating restaurant, Iron Gate. It's been closed for the past two years but recently reopened under Neighborhood Restaurant Group. The back patio is sheltered by grape vines and century-old wisteria. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
DGS The back patio at DGS Delicatessen in Dupont Circle is a great place to people-watch and grab a pastrami sandwich. The patio is scheduled to open in mid-April. (Courtesy DGS Facebook)
Courtesy DGS Facebook
Park View Patio You'll feel more like you're at a friend's house than a bar when you're out on the patio at Park View in Petworth. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
Cafe Saint-Ex The seating is very limited, but the patio at Cafe Saint-Ex is one of the best places to watch the hustle and bustle of 14th Street. (Getty Images)
Getty Images
Shaw's Tavern On the corner of 6th Street and Florida Avenue is Shaw's Tavern. The patio is plenty spacious and another great spot to take in one of the city's growing neighborhoods. Burgers, pizzas and sandwiches grace the menu, and mimosas flow at brunch. (Courtesy Shaw's Tavern Facebook)
Courtesy Shaw's Tavern Facebook
Rustico On a nice day, it's hard to miss the side patio at Rustico on Slaters Lane in Alexandria. Craft beer flows from the taps of this Neighborhood Restaurant Group spot, and the food is just as good as the suds. (WTOP/Google Maps)
WTOP/Google Maps
BourbonBourbon in Glover Park has two options when it comes to patio dining: the front patio and the back patio. Both are great for washing tater tots down with good beer or ... well, bourbon. (Courtesy Bourbon Facebook)
Courtesy Bourbon Facebook
Bardo It's more like a backyard than a patio, but Bardo is one great outdoor watering hole. It's dog-friendly, cornhole-friendly and just all-around friendly. Expect craft beers on tap, projected movies, picnic tables and the occasional fire pit. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
Westover Beer GardenWestover Beer Garden, on Washington Boulevard in Arlington, offers live music, rotating draft beer selections, brunch and a lengthy food menu. (Courtesy Westover Beer Garden Facebook)
Courtesy Westover Beer Garden Facebook
Satellite Room At the Satellite Room, you can drink your boozy milkshakes outside. The covered patio is right behind the 9:30 Club, making it a great spot to grab a pre-show drink. (Courtesy Satellite Room Facebook)
Courtesy Satellite Room Facebook
Garden District Formerly Standard, Garden District is one of 14th Street's largest outdoor spaces for eating and drinking. Expect barbecue, beer and a crowd. It gets busy, so plan ahead. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
El Rey Somewhat new to U Street is El Rey, a Mexican beer garden and taqueria. The covered patio offers strong margaritas, a decent beer list, plenty of tequila and, of course, tacos and tamales. (WTOP File Photo)