guides

NRV Outdoor Dining Options

By Shannon O'Donnell April 25, 2021

For some families, it has been over a year since they have eaten inside of a restaurant. Takeout is a great option and many of our local businesses have come up with creative solutions to offer safer dining options, but the warmer weather brings increased options for outdoor dining. Here are some of our favorite options for outdoor dining in the New River Valley.  Be sure to tell them Macaroni Kid sent you! 


Al’s on First- Located in downtown Pulaski at the Jackson Park Inn, Al's serves lunch and dinner plus Sunday brunch.  Enjoy burgers, salads, sandwiches, and steaks including ribeyes with herb butter & fresh Atlantic salmon in a pretty patio setting.

WEBSITE    68 First Street, Pulaski    (540) 509-5133

The Blacksburg Tavern- This isn’t your momma’s kitchen but you may think it is!  Some say Blacksburg Tavern serves the best fried chicken they have ever tasted, besides their mom’s of course. Southern home-cooking restaurant on the porch and patio of Main Street Blacksburg's oldest house. 

WEBSITE    103 South Main Street, Blacksburg (540) 552-8876

Cabo Fish Taco- Something for everyone in your family. Appetizers, salad, tacos, burritos and quesadillas with shrimp, tuna, beef, and vegetarian options. Cabo offers an extensive margarita menu, or try Aunt Teresa’s Sangria while you are there. 

WEBSITE    117 South Main Street, Blacksburg (540) 552-0950

Dogtown Roadhouse- Located in downtown, the deck of Downtown overlooks a park the kids can run in after you enjoy a handcrafted wood-fired pizza. Dogtown has a full bar with 14 rotating taps featuring local and regional brews, plus live music on weekends (check schedule ). 

WEBSITE    302 South Locust Street, Floyd  (540) 745-6836

El Gran Rodeo- Located next to Lowes in Christiansburg.  They serve great authentic Mexican food and chips with salsa & white sauce to die for.  Enjoy a margarita from the extensive margarita menu. 

200 Laurel Street, Christiansburg (540) 394-4005

The Farmhouse- A favorite for Southwest Virginia banquets, The Farmhouse offers casual fine dining, steak and seafood making it a good choice for date night or celebrations. Reservations are suggested, and walk-ins are seated upon availability. 

WEBSITE    285 Ridinger Street, Christiansburg (540) 251-7600

Hethwood Market- You've probably enjoyed catering by Hethwood Market, but they offer individually packaged homestyle dinners to go weeknights, plus breakfast sandwiches made to order on Saturday mornings at their weekly market. Grab some kettle corn while you shop regional jams, jellies, meats, beer, floral baskets and more.  Hethwood Duck Pond sits right next to the Market, so bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic dinner!   

WEBSITE    820 Heather Drive, Blacksburg  (540) 951-0990

Lefty’s- This local favorite offers 2 patios for outdoor seating and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Menus include specialty salads, burgers, steak and shrimp. They offer a wide selection of craft beers from all over the United States and offer their own in-house brewery, Right Mind Brewing Company. 

WEBSITE    1410 South Main Street, Blacksburg (540) 552-7000

Mellow Mushroom-  Offers creative pizzas, hoagies, salads, calzones and appetizers with vegetarian and vegan options including vegan cheese. Gluten-free crust and a kids menu available. MM serves over 60 brews on tap including great root beer and has outdoor patio seating for lunch and dinner. 

WEBSITE    207 S. Main Street, Blacksburg (540) 605-7074

Mickey G’s Bistro- Offering authentic Italian pasta, seafood, steak, salads, pizza, sandwiches and a children's menu.  Try the eggplant parm! Open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Sunday. 

WEBSITE    113 Parkview Rd, Floyd (540) 745-2208

Pazar Open 8 A.M. to 2 P.M. Wednesday through Sunday serving breakfast, and lunches including soups, salads, burgers, and gluten free/vegan items. Pazar offers outdoor patio dining and discounts for Seniors (5% off) Military, Fire, Rescue, & Police (10% off).

703 W. Main Street, Radford (540) 838-2414 

Palisades- With elegant but casual dining or enjoy the patio outside. Palisades locally sources pork, beef, trout and produce and features them in an always changing menu.  You'll also find stone oven pizza, local brews and live music on weekends.  Located in the former Pine’s General Store building right in Eggleston, VA.  Open Wednesday-Sunday ( hours vary).

WEBSITE    168 Village Street, Eggleston (540) 626-2828

Radford Coffee Company- This non-profit business practices direct trade and supports the education of roughly 1600 students in Nicaragua.   Along with excellent coffee, tea and smoothies you'll find breakfast items, paninis, wraps, salads, soups, sweets and more. Outdoor dining is available on the sidewalk and across the street.  Open Weekdays at 7 and Saturdays at 8 A.M through lunch. Closed on Sundays. 

WEBSITE    333 West Main Street, Radford (540) 838-2399 

Riviera Mexican Grill- Riviera Mexican is a cornerstone in the Pembroke community and has been recognized for its outstanding Mexican cuisine, excellent service and friendly staff. Their restaurant is known for its modern interpretation of classic dishes and its insistence on high-quality fresh ingredients.

WEBSITE    5870 Virginia Ave, Pembroke (540) 626-5441

Sharkey’s Blackburg and Sharkey’s Radford- Located in Blacksburg and Radford Sharkey’s with a menu that includes burgers, ribs, salads, and wings. Open 11 A.M. to 2 A.M. every day with an outdoor space to eat. 

WEBSITE    220 N. Main Street, Blacksburg (540) 552-2030 

1202 E. Main Street, Radford (540) 267-3434 

Starlite Drive In- Located off Roanoke Street in Christiansburg, the Starlite is one of only about 325 Drive Ins left in the nation.  It's open weekends and is an affordable family outing. Go early and enjoy one of Mrs. B's famous chili hot dogs and fries. Gates open at 6 pm and the first show starts around 8 pm. Sit in your vehicle or lay a blanket on the ground and enjoy the show. 

WEBSITE    275 Starlight Drive, Christiansburg  (540) 382-2202


These are just a few of our local favorites with outdoor dining options. Warm weather days are also a great time to pack a picnic and visit a park and  there are dozens of parks and playgrounds in our area. 

If you have a local favorite restaurant with outdoor dining send us a message and we can add them to this list.