The Greenbrier Valley enjoys comfortable weather much of the year, extending the days of outdoor dining well into fall and early spring. Many locally-owned restaurants have fully embraced these more casual spaces, promising a breath of fresh air that easily compliments a sit-down bite to eat or an evening cocktail.
While we've highlighted eight notable al fresco dining venues, there are many more, from urban casual to storybook settings. Be sure to check out the full list!
1. The Humble Tomato takes full advantage of its expansive garden setting to serve Italian fare and refreshing, seasonal beverages. Choose between patio seating under a canopy of umbrellas, or find one of the quiet tables dotted about the tree-shaded lawn.
2. The Rooftop “tops” the list in scenic overlooks. Aptly named, it’s located on the roof of The Schoolhouse Hotel, the original White Sulphur Springs high school-turned-boutique-hotel. The bar specializes in small plate delicacies and crafty cocktails coupled with a bird’s eye view of downtown White Sulphur Springs and the surrounding mountains.
3. For old-fashioned car-side service, pull into Jim’s Drive-In. It's been on the cutting edge of outdoor dining since its founding in the 1950s. In addition, Jim’s offers covered picnic tables and benches for motorists who want to stretch their legs.
Jim's Drive-In has garnered many accolades for its made-to-order menu and classic carhop service.
4. If you want to soak in Lewisburg’s downtown vibe, we suggest an evening at Briergarten. It’s a classic beer garden with indoor-outdoor space—and patio heaters for cooler nights. As for the menu, you’ll find a generous selection of West Virginia and European brews, wines and cocktails, as well as pub food favorites such as bratwurst, soft pretzels and the “Brier Dog.”
5. Mi Tequila Mexican Restaurant is located at LWB—the Greenbrier Valley Airport. It is “the” airport restaurant but also a very popular place where locals gather. The menu is classic American/Mexican. A spacious patio with four-tops and picnic tables faces east and commands a view of planes coming and going on the runway. In the late afternoon, the sun sets on the opposite side of the airport, leaving the patio nicely shaded.
6. The Historic General Lewis Inn has taken full advantage of its spacious veranda, which commands a view of Washington Street, and the lovely garden behind the inn. Overnight and day visitors are welcome to dine for breakfast (Sat/Sun) and dinner (Thu-Mon). Also worth noting, the inn’s Thistle Lounge is highly regarded for its creative craft cocktails—the perfect accompaniment to an evening porch side.
7. Although Hill & Holler doesn’t have a dedicated outdoor patio, the full-length front windows accordion open in warm weather to give guests a sense of being outside without being outside. The tables by the window provide a comfortable perch to watch passersby on Washington Street.
8. Late spring and into fall, the Del Sol Cantina & Grille patio is wrapped in a botanical profusion of color, while shade sails keep the heat of the day at bay. You’ll regularly see diners fill the cozy space to partake in the restaurant’s signature margaritas, chips and Latin-style dishes.
Unofficially, outdoor dining season runs from April through November. Although some restaurants “roll up” their outdoor seating during the winter months, most take full advantage of any pleasant day. Think Hill and Holler. The expansive front windows open wide anytime the weather warrants letting the outdoors in. Briergarten employs standing outdoor heaters to keep the chill away, and at Max on Main, the patio is always set to welcome outdoor diners.
All of our local restaurants welcome families, but some are better suited to the energy of little ones. Mi Tequila Mexican Restaurant and Hawk Knob Hard Cider & Mead both earn high marks for their kid-friendly outdoor spaces. Hawk Knob is set on a working farm, with wide-open grass and even a pond for kids to explore. Mi Tequila sits at the Greenbrier Valley Airport, with fenced outdoor seating that faces the runway — a built-in show for any plane-obsessed kid at the table. For classic American fare, Jim's Drive-In delivers with a menu and car-hop experience that kids love. It's also worth noting that Jim's landed on Southern Living's 2025 list of 20 Legendary Burger Joints in the South… so the grown-ups won't be complaining either.
It depends on your definition of scenic, but several of our restaurants hit the mark for their unique surroundings. At The Schoolhouse Hotel in White Sulphur Springs, the rooftop dining area overlooks the town and surrounding ridgelines, which is a stunning backdrop for dinner in the valley. For something cozier, the patios at The Humble Tomato and Del Sol Cantina & Grille are both beautifully lush — each in its own way — overflowing with flowers throughout summer. The Historic General Lewis Inn sits at the east end of Lewisburg's downtown, where, whether you choose the front veranda overlooking Washington Street or the quiet patio tucked behind the inn, greenery and gardens envelop the property.
Take the elevator up to The Schoolhouse rooftop bar and drink in the cityscape and mountain views.
Most live music happens during the summer months, typically once or twice a month at any one restaurant. Briergarten, The Schoolhouse Hotel rooftop deck, Max on Main and Stuart’s Smokehouse all have a social atmosphere that pairs naturally with a live set. The Asylum puts its own spin on the concept with full-moon parties on the rooftop deck. At Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company, live music and jam bands anchor the weekend lineup, while weeknights bring a mix of bingo, karaoke, paint-and-sips and DJ nights.
For the furry family members who never want to be left behind, several outdoor dining spots are happy to roll out the welcome mat. Reliable go-tos include The Humble Tomato (with a large grassy area), Del Sol Cantina & Grille, Briergarten, Max on Main, Amy's Market, Hawk Knob Hard Cider & Mead (farm setting) and Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company. One friendly request: keep your pup leashed so everyone, human and canine alike, can enjoy the experience.
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