Updated on December 30, 2024 by Julie McCool
Enjoy cozy heated outdoor dining and drinking in Northern Virginia at these restaurants, wineries, and breweries with fire pits, igloos, and heated patios. Clever heated seating options returning this season include ski gondolas and an outdoor Winter Lounge. Relax outdoors and support local businesses even on a chilly day.
Businesses below are grouped by type—restaurants, wineries, and breweries—then listed alphabetically. Details were correct at time of publication but follow the links for current availability and reservation requirements. Our list includes local businesses in Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, and throughout Northern Virginia.
Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links. We will make a small commission from these links if you order something, at no additional cost to you.
You'll also find tips on things to do nearby so you can plan a day trip or longer getaway. Whether you plan a quick stop or an extended visit, you'll find fun heated outdoor dining and drinking spots below.
Heated Outdoor Dining at Northern Virginia Restaurants
Igloos and fire pits and heaters, oh my. Northern Virginia restaurants are cranking up the options for fun and cozy outdoor dining. Read on for a sampling of pretty spaces that combine an outdoor vibe with a little extra warmth.
Farm Brew Live, Manassas
Farm Brew Live started renting igloos for heated outdoor dining even before 2021. The small domes are gone this year but you can still relax in a large “Winter Wonderland” igloo just outside 2 Silos Brewing. It's a fun spot to enjoy craft brews and a tasty meal.
The large igloos are also available for rent and can handle events for up to 150 people. Work up an appetite with a hike at nearby Manassas National Battlefield or the Conway Robinson Forest.
Hunter's Head Tavern, Upperville
Update: The patio is closed for outdoor dining this winter.
We love the courtyard patio at Hunter’s Head Tavern on a warm afternoon. The menu, featuring local meats and organic vegetables from the owner's Ayshire Farms, makes this one of our favorite pubs in Northern VA.
Reach Hunter's Head Tavern on a Beautiful Hunt Country Scenic Drive.
King & Rye, Alexandria
Enjoy southern favorites and “damn fine whiskey” in a private Winter Wonderland Igloo at King & Rye. Each igloo has its own theme and design. Reserve your 90-minute igloo for up to 8 people online. Each one comes with a heater and Bluetooth speaker so you can customize your temperature and music.
Igloo reservations are $50 plus a $150 food and beverage minimum weekday dinners. Weekend dinners are $100 with a $250 food and beverage minimum. Find more fun things to do in Alexandria VA and other restaurants with outdoor dining here.
Red's Table, Reston
The back patio at Red’s Table is another one of our favorite spots for outdoor dining year-round. The patio has a nice view of Lake Thoreau and heaters warm the space and tables on colder days. You can reserve a table at Red's but the patio is first come, first served (with reservations taking priority). Open daily 11:00 – midnight.
Take a scenic walk on the Lake Thoreau Loop Trail before or after your meal.
The Garden, Alexandria
You'll find cozy 4-person igloos at The Garden Del Ray along with a giant fire pit. And if you've got a group, rent The Shed, a nice heated space to gather at this beer garden with food in Alexandria‘s Del Ray neighborhood. The Garden is generally open Thursday through Sunday but closes during very cold or rainy weather.
Trattoria Villagio, Clifton
Cozy up on a winter day with a meal and a drink at The Winter Lounge at Trattoria Villagio in historic Clifton. The popular Italian restaurant has added heaters, firepits, blankets, and sparkling lights to its pretty courtyard. They even show movies on an outdoor screen. The Winter Lounge is open Thursday to Saturday, 5:00 to close, weather permitting.
Make it a day trip so you have time to explore the quaint town of Clifton. Check out the shops and historic buildings in the walkable downtown, or take a short drive to hike the Bull Run Occoquan Trail and visit Fairfax County's first winery.
Northern VA Breweries + Wineries with Heated Outdoor Spaces
Some of our favorite Northern Virginia wineries and breweries have added cool outdoor spaces for chilly days. Igloos, fire pits, and outdoor heated areas let you sip your drinks outdoors all winter long. In most cases, fire pits and igloos require a paid reservation which is applied to your wine and beer tab.
Barrel Oak Winery, Delaplane
The “Bubbles” did not return to Barrel Oak Winery in Delaplane this year but they have firepits (reservations optional). We love the view from Barrel Oak, and the business combines a winery and brewery so there is something for everyone.
In addition, there are outdoor picnic tables with open seating and a cozy fireplace in the tasting room. Open Monday and Thursday noon – 5:00, Friday – Sunday noon – 7:00.
Combine your visit with a Beautiful Hunt Country Scenic Drive or a hike at nearby Sky Meadows State Park.
Bear Chase Brewing, Bluemont
We're big fans of the excellent craft brews and large indoor tasting room with fireplace at Bear Chase Brewing. The brewery expanded its lineup of unheated igloos, so you can enjoy the views from igloos for 6, 10, or 16 people. Returning this season, the Bear Cave is a heated tent with a 7-tap bar.
Igloos and fire pits are first come first served, as are seats by the tasting room fireplace. The brewery opens daily at 11:00.
Build up your appetite first with a hike to Bear's Den Overlook or a more challenging hike to Raven Rocks. Plan your visit with our guide to 15 Fantastic Fun Things to Do in Bluemont Virginia.
Bluemont Vineyard, Bluemont
Reserve one of the Bluemont Vineyard fire tables and soak up one of the best winery views in Northern Virginia. Your $50 table reservation is two hours long and accommodates 2 to 6 people.
Other outdoor tables are available first come, first served. Open Sunday – Thursday 11:00 – 5:00; Friday + Saturday 11:00 – 7:00.
Hearty beer fans can enjoy the same awesome view (without the fire) at neighboring Dirt Farm Brewing.
Cana Vineyards, Middleburg
There are fire pits on the lawn and table heaters on the deck at Cana Vineyards. Outdoor seating is open so check in when you arrive to see what's available. The winery is kid-friendly and pet-friendly, but the second-floor deck is for adults only. Thursday – Monday noon – 6:00; Saturday opens at 11:00.
Make your visit part of a Hunt Country Scenic Drive. Extend your visit with an overnight stay to explore more area wineries and restaurants. You'll find several beautiful options for your stay in our guide to 17 Fantastic Northern Virginia Wine Country Vacation Rentals.
Doukenie Winery, Hillsboro
Cozy up at one of the outdoor fire pits or reserve a table in Doukenie Winery‘s enclosed heated pavilion. Optionally, add a $15 s'mores kit from The Conche, one of the best chocolate shops in Northern VA.
Reservations are recommended no matter where you sit, so follow the link to choose your spot. The winery is open for on-site visits Thursday -Friday noon – 5:00; Saturday – Sunday 10:00 – 6:00.
Eavesdrop Brewing, Manassas
With 2 igloos and 3 firepits, Eavesdrop Brewery can accomodate several groups. The igloos, which are $50, can hold 6-9 people and have heaters. Fire pits can handle up to 15 people and are first come first served. They also rent a heated tent for large group events.
Work up a thirst with a walk at nearby Blooms Park, a former golf course with paved trails.
Greenhill Winery, Middleburg
With 10 stone fire pits and 16 propane-fueled heaters and fire pits, there are lots of places to stay warm at Greenhill Winery. The adults-only winery is surrounded by beautiful Loudoun County countryside. Reserve your spot in advance or take a chance on walk-up seating. Daily noon – 6:00.
Take a Scenic Drive on the Historic Snickersville Turnpike and check out the shops in downtown Middleburg before your visit.
Lake Anne Brew House, Reston
The cozy deck at Lake Anne Brew House welcomes visitors all winter long with heaters and a fire table. We love the view of Lake Anne Plaza, as the sun sparkles on the water and the lights come on at night. Visit during December and you can see holiday lights and the Christmas tree while you enjoy your tasty craft beer.
Outdoor tables are available first come, first served. Open Thursday – Friday 4:00 – 9:00; Saturday 10:00 – 9:00; Sunday noon – 5:00.
Plan your visit: 15 Fantastic Things to Do at Lake Anne Reston.
Lark Brewing, Aldie
New for the 2024-2025 winter season, Lark Brewing is offering 4 heated igloos decked out with bluetooth speakers, TVs, and cozy blankets. The igloos are $150/$250 for 2.5 hours on weekends/weekdays, which includes some food and beverage, and can hold up to 8 people.
Extend your outdoor time with an easy Gilberts Corner Park Hike, just up the street.
Stone Tower Winery, Leesburg
Returning to the outdoor dining scene, Stone Tower Winery offers seating in intimate (and very Instagrammable) ski gondolas. Stone Tower has one of the best winery views in Northern Virginia, and the 2-seater gondolas add a cozy spot for couples or friends.
Reservations are $45 per person for 2 hours and include a flight of 3 wines and and house-made ciabatta. Open Thursday – Monday, 11:00 – 6:00.
After your visit, explore some of the great things to do in Leesburg including shopping, dining, and historic sites in the walkable downtown.
Wheatland Spring Farm Brewery, Waterford
Wheatland Spring Farm Brewery adds cozy comfort to outdoor seating this winter with fire pits and pellet stoves. There are no igloos this year, but the fire pit can be reserved for 2+ people on weekdays, 4 to 6 people on weekends. Open Thursday – Sunday 11:30 – 8:00 and Monday holidays.
Make it a weekend getaway and book a night or two in the lovely Wheatland Spring Cottage House. You'll have plenty of time to explore historic Waterford, one of the most beautiful small towns in Northern Virginia. You can also visit Waterford on a Leesburg Scenic Drive in Northern Loudoun County.
Explore more craft breweries on Virginia’s LoCo Ale Trail.
We're all spending more time outdoors this winter, and these heated outdoor dining and drinking spots let us have fun even on chilly days. These special experiences add extra fun to winter days.
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