A Pint and a (Socially Distant) Party in Arlington Beer Gardens

Summertime means everything moves outside giving way to picnics, barbecues and, a local favorite, summer beer gardens.

Even though this summer is far from normal, Arlington's restaurants and beer gardens have adjusted to meet state and local distancing guidelines as well as implemented additional cleaning protocols.

So go sit outside and enjoy the breeze, company, and perhaps some live music while sipping on your favorite summer brew.

1. Continental Beer Garden

Grab a pint and bask in the fun atmosphere at the Continental Beer Garden in Rosslyn. Attached to the Continental Modern Pool Lounge, the beer garden serves German brews like Weihenstephaner, Virginia craft beer, slushies and cocktails, as well as sausages, sandwiches, salads and other bites.

2. Spider Kelly

A Clarendon neighborhood favorite, Spider Kelly’s expanded its offerings to include a backyard beer garden, and it’s getting fantastic reviews. The beer garden features an extensive list of beer, homemade sangria and ciders with seating for small and large groups, including two fire pits and TVs. The venue’s full menu is also offered outside in the beer garden.

3. The Lot

A few blocks away, you will find Arlington's newest beer garden: The Lot. Once a car dealership, this sprawling outdoor space features food trucks, container bars, picnic tables, couches, and games. In addition to the expansive beer list, The Lot serves Frose, Lot Lemonade and Orange Crushes.

4. Courthaus Social

In the heart of the Courthouse neighborhood, Courthaus Social has a sprawling patio beer garden that faces the plaza. It offers an open and inviting social environment to enjoy local craft beers, food and specially crafted cocktails. The menu is a mixture of locally sourced classic American cuisine, and traditional beer garden classics, and a unique draft and bottled beer selection features select craft beers from top local breweries.

Local Arlingtonians know the place to be on summer evenings.

5. Westover Beer Garden & Haus

Locals the place to be on summer evenings is Westover Beer Garden & Haus in the quaint residential neighborhood of Westover. The watering hole started as a tiny neighborhood market and has quickly blossomed to a gathering space for locals and visitors alike. On weekends, live music takes the stage at the garden while guests sip on any of the several hundred beers available, as well as pub fare – much of it made in the onsite butcher shop.

So on a warm day, sit outside and enjoy a pint (or two) in a relaxing atmosphere. Cheers to Summer!