| Outdoors Bars: Bethesda By Fritz Hahn washingtonpost.com Staff Writer Updated April 2003 | ||
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 Bryan Szabo, Suzy Rushbrook, Jason Orfanon and Robert Szabo relax on the rooftop deck at Black's Bar and Kitchen. (Photo by Mark Finkenstaedt for washingtonpost.com) |
Ahh, drinking outdoors in Bethesda. While it doesn't have as many true rooftop bars as Adams Morgan, Bethesda is chockablock with outdoor drinking spots. Street after street is crowded with restaurants and bars, many of which sprout sidewalk tables as soon as spring arrives. Here's a guide to our favorites.
Montgomery's Grille
This is the best sidewalk patio in Bethesda, bar none, even if it requires a trip away from the concentrated restaurant row area. Two dozen tables are surrounded by ivy-covered columns and trellises, terraced water fountains and shrubs and flowers arranged in rows between the seating areas. Terraced water features also serve as benches. The overall effect is that while the patio is open to Wisconsin Avenue, it feels like an enclosed space.
Montgomery's Grille also gets high marks for its quick service, even for those who have no interest in eating. Plus, diners (and drinkers) get two hours of free validated parking at the garage underneath the restaurant (enter on Bethesda Avenue).
Tia Queta
Our favorite actual rooftop in Bethesda, Tia Queta is small, but unlike Black's, it has its own bar and table service. When we say this place is tiny, we mean it -- be prepared to get cozy with your neighbors. The whitewashed walls are decorated with potted plants, Southwestern artifacts and plastic Corona banners. You don't get a great view, but honestly, you probably won't mind as you sip a cold drink in soaring temperatures. Happy hour prices are good; the margaritas are somewhat strong; and you get a large bowl of nachos and salsa delivered to your table when you sit down. Perfecto.
South Beach Cafe
Upstairs at this happy hour hotspot, a row of doors swings open to reveal a long, narrow balcony overlooking Norfolk Avenue. There's not a lot of room -- it's probably only deep enough for one person -- but it can be a welcome break from the crowded bar.
Uncle Jed's Roadhouse
The patio at Uncle Jed's is as unpretentious as its interior -- a few wooden tables and chairs for four and two tables for two. Uncle Jed's has a number of things going for it: table service, happy hour prices and laid-back attitude (don't worry if you're only getting drinks and no food).
Rock Bottom Brewery
The "patio" at the Rock Bottom Brewery is actually an L-shaped area that wraps around the corner of Norfolk and St. Elmo avenues. If you sit on the Norfolk side, you're in the shade. If you sit on the St. Elmo side, you get more sun and bigger tables. Either way, you get good beer and decent service, even for those who'd rather just sip an ale than indulge in the ribs or burgers.
Caddies
You may not have a great view of the televisions from this sports bar's patio, but it's a large, pleasant space that offers plenty of room to gather with friends.
Starbucks
It may sound strange to include a chain coffee shop in this list. But given this shop's strategic position at the Woodmont Triangle, you have the opportunity to sit and watch the world walk by or listen to the live bands playing in the little park nearby.
There are plenty of other patios and outdoor places in Bethesda. For example, Austin Grill, Houston's and Il Forno are all pretty good, especially the tented all-weather area at Il Forno. As the majority of these bars are attached to restaurants, check with your server first if you're just in the mood for drinks and snacks.
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