"Day or night, the patio space at Virgil’s is always a scene. Think palm trees on the outdoor space, strong cocktails that remind you of being on vacation, and pulsating music—all ingredients that transform this normally uneventful West Midtown strip into a summery hotspot. On those nice days, Virgil’s garage door is up, so you'll get the full open-air dining experience whether you’re seated on the patio or in the main dining room. There’s also a rooftop space, where you can scarf down shrimp and grits and gaze at the city skyline. But whether you come for their Soul Brunch or are just there to socialize over respectable takes on Lowcountry food, as long as you pair things with their dangerously good Geecheerita cocktail (made with Hennessy and Grand Marnier), it’ll be time well spent." - nina reeder, demarco williams, juli horsford, jacinta howard