Story originally appeared on Westgate Resorts.
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The 10 Best Rooftop Restaurants in Williamsburg, Virginia
Williamsburg, Virginia, isn’t just about tricorn hats and colonial reenactments. No, my history-loving friends, it’s also about feasting like royalty with a killer view.
If you want to dine high in the sky while soaking in the breathtaking sights of attractions in Williamsburg, VA, you’re in luck. We’ve scoured the cobblestones (and the internet) to present you with this delectable list of Williamsburg restaurants to elevate your dining experience!
Rooftop Restaurants in Williamsburg
When it comes to finding the best rooftop restaurants in Williamsburg, the top picks will be located in and around neighboring areas like Richmond, Norfolk and Virginia Beach.
A stop by one of these restaurants is the perfect way to end a wonderful day or kick off an exciting evening.
The good news is that making the trip to these locations is really a two-for-one special. Not only do you get to enjoy an amazing restaurant, but you also get to spend some time enjoying the surrounding area.
Read on and see our full list of amazing rooftop restaurants in and nearby Williamsburg, Virginia!
1 | Amber Ox Public House | This brewery-pub hybrid is a fantastic local spot in Williamsburg that features New American cuisine in an industrial-style atmosphere. Think brick walls and black, metal furniture with ducts running along the ceiling and mood lighting.
On the menu, enjoy shareable plates like the Potted Pimento Board or choose from the restaurant’s delicious original recipes, like Tomato & Pine Nut Toast, shrimp and grits and the AO Benedict Burger.
WHERE: 525 Prince George St Suite 102, Williamsburg, VA 23185 | WHO: (757) 790-2299
2 | Kabana Rooftop | This stylish rooftop lounge in Richmond features sweeping views of the city and James River, as well as a fantastic drink menu that pairs perfectly with tasty starters and recipes.
The drink menu includes options like a Tropical Popsicle, fruity Piña Colada and signature cocktails like the Good Vibes Only, with habanero-infused Belle Isle, Patron Citronge Orange Liqueur, ginger beer, lime juice and agave.
WHERE: 700 E Main St 20th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219 | WHO: (804) 685-7127
3 | The Social Terrace | The Social Terrace lies on the breathtaking grounds of the famous Williamsburg Inn. Built in 1937 by James D. Rockefeller Jr., it is the only Forbes Travel Guide five-star resort in the Williamsburg Historic Triangle.
The restaurant offers amazing al fresco dining that’s simply too wonderful to exclude from the list.
On the menu, you can find a refined selection of recipes, such as Brown Sugar and Lemon Glazed Loch Duart Salmon, Smoked Chicken Salad Croissant and artisanal pizzas.
WHERE: 136 Francis St E, Williamsburg, VA 23185 | WHO: (855) 318-3996
4 | The Hof Garden | This German-inspired beer garden dishes up delicious pizza along with specialty cocktails and a nice selection of draft beer. When it comes time to order, you can choose from six types of Neapolitan pizza, including classic pepperoni, the timeless margherita and the Bianca, featuring buffalo mozzarella, garlic, basil, Sicilian sea salt and extra-virgin olive oil in lieu of traditional marinara sauce.
The bar features great views of Scott’s Addition, the famous brewery district in Richmond, prized for its wide array of cideries, distilleries and taprooms decorated by string lights and wall murals.
WHERE: 2818 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23230 | WHO: (804) 342-0012
5 | Sky Bar | Take a drive to Virginia Beach and enjoy drinks and dinner by the ocean at Sky Bar. Access is restricted, except on weekends or during other special events, so be sure to check with the establishment before you go.
The bar serves light fare typical of rooftop bars (think food boards and appetizers). The dress code is resort chic, so make sure you leave the flip-flops at home.
If you come by during the winter, you’ll be able to enjoy the exclusive Igloo Lounge with insulated igloos and live entertainment.
WHERE: 3001 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 | WHO: (757) 213-3000
6 | Orion’s Roof | Orion’s Roof has breathtaking views of the ocean throughout thanks to floor-to-ceiling walls that enclose its dining room. The menu features a variety of seafood and sushi, including specialty rolls you won’t find anywhere else.
Start your meal off with some crunchy duck egg rolls, then move onto an entree from the wok while you wait for your sushi rolls to be hand-prepared by one of the chefs.
You can also choose bar seating before or during your meal and enjoy one of Orion’s specialty cocktails as you wait for your food.
WHERE: 4201 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 | WHO: (757) 937-4222
7 | Juan’s Rooftop & Cantina | What’s not to love about a Mexican cantina? Chips, salsa and cocktails are an iconic combination, and Juan’s gets it right every time. You’ll find all the staple Mexican restaurant menu items, along with some signature dishes like Philly Cheesesteak tacos and Birria Ramen Noodle Soup.
The Big Juan Burrito is enormous, easily enough to feed three people, and it makes for a hilarious photo op.
As for drinks, Juan’s features its own signature margaritas and cocktails, like the Gold Jumbo Margarita with Jose Cuervo, Grand Mariner, agave nectar and lime juice.
WHERE: 11 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220 | WHO: (804) 362-2626
8 | Grain | This beer garden in downtown Norfolk features a free photo booth, great views and ample seating for groups. You can enjoy an atrium-style interior with trees growing indoors and delicious snacks to go with your drink.
Whether you’re looking for something spicy, like Firecracker Shrimp Tacos, crispy wings or a classic pretzel with cheese, the menu at Grain is best described as elevated bar cuisine.
For drinks, there are over 100 beers on tap, wines and cocktails that you can sip on the open-air patio with views of the city and Elizabeth River.
WHERE:100 E Main St, Norfolk, VA 23510 | WHO: (757) 763-6279
9 | Revive Pool Bar & Grill | The laid-back, speakeasy vibe of Revive makes it great enough, but throw in the pool and excellent menu and you have one of the best undiscovered restaurants in Virginia Beach.
You can sip your cocktail poolside as you lie on a lounger overlooking the ocean. Then, a waiter will arrive with your food for you to enjoy right on the spot. Whether that’s loaded fries, cheese curds or a juicy burger, you’re destined to fall in love.
WHERE: 501 Atlantic Ave Virginia Beach, VA 23451 | WHO: (757) 422-3186
10 | Saltine | Saltine has lower-level, upper-level and patio seating, and the dining experience tends to be more lively outside than in. Happy hour is available at the bar or on the patio, and it makes a great start to your meal with $5 drinks.
The menu is heavily seafood-leaning with raw options, a catch of the day and plenty of drink-ready accouterments like Lobster Baby Iceberg Wedges, Charbroiled Bay Oysters and VA Blue Crab Cakes.
It is difficult to find anything on the menu that isn’t fish or shellfish, so this restaurant is not ideal for anyone who doesn’t or can’t eat seafood.
WHERE: 100 E Main St Norfolk, VA 23510 | WHO: (757) 763-6280