PHILADELPHIA - With unpredictable weather, it's essential to make the most of every sunny day. There's no better way to do that than by enjoying a meal or a drink outdoors. The Greater Philadelphia area boasts a spectacular array of restaurants offering comfortable, fun, and elevated alfresco experiences. From enchanting urban gardens and chic sidewalk cafés to stunning rooftop bars, here is a guide to some of the best outdoor dining options in and around Philadelphia.
Urban Oases & Garden Escapes
- Talula's Garden (Washington Square): Nestled next to Washington Square Park, Talula's Garden offers a truly enchanting urban oasis. Guests can savor seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine from acclaimed restaurateur Aimee Olexy while surrounded by lush greenery and twinkling lights. Its thoughtfully designed patio with cozy seating provides a serene and stylish escape in the heart of the city, perfect for brunch or an intimate dinner.
- The Garden Restaurant at the Barnes (Parkway): Tucked inside the world-renowned Barnes Foundation, The Garden Restaurant offers a serene escape for lunch or brunch. Diners can enjoy seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine al fresco in a beautiful private garden, creating a perfect blend of art, nature, and thoughtfully prepared food. For a more casual option, the adjacent Reflections Café offers grab-and-go fare to enjoy in the tranquil courtyard.
- Rodin Garden Bar (Parkway): This vibrant pop-up oasis, set in the sculpture-lined courtyard of the Rodin Museum, is a must-visit. Open on Fridays from late May through August, the garden bar offers craft cocktails, local beers, wine, and chef-curated small plates under the shade, beside iconic bronzes like The Thinker. Admission to the garden is free, and it's dog-friendly, making it an effortlessly chic spot for a relaxed summer evening.
Chic City Patios & Sidewalk Cafés
- Parc (Rittenhouse Square): Offering a quintessential French dining experience, Parc boasts a lively sidewalk terrace that is one of the city's most iconic spots for people-watching. With prime views of Rittenhouse Square, guests can enjoy classic French fare like steak frites and onion soup in an atmosphere that evokes the charm of a Parisian café from brunch until late evening.
- Café Click (Center City): Reopening for the season, this greenery-framed outdoor café at the Comcast Center Plaza serves a French-accented all-day menu of "afternoon-in-Paris" fare. Open Monday through Friday through October, diners can enjoy signature salads, sandwiches, pizzettes, and crêpes, along with low-proof Aperitif-style cocktails in a bustling, yet charming, setting.
Suburban & Main Line Destinations
- Hook & Ladder Sky Bar (Conshohocken): Rising above Conshohocken at the historic Hotel West & Main, the Hook & Ladder Sky Bar offers an unforgettable outdoor dining experience. This elegant porch features an intimate bar space and table service under a glass roof, ensuring comfort rain or shine. Enjoy elevated American cuisine with seasonal ingredients, live music on weekends, and unique happy hour offerings.
- 1874 Social (Conshohocken): Situated below Hook & Ladder in a beautifully restored 1874 firehouse, 1874 Social offers a stylish, all-day indoor-outdoor dining experience. Its spacious terrace opens onto a public plaza, making it a perfect spot for an early evening cocktail or to participate in their popular seasonal "Sunday Sips" happy hour, featuring drink specials and live music.
- Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse (King of Prussia): In the heart of the King of Prussia Town Center, Davio's offers an elevated outdoor dining experience on its spacious patio. With seating for up to 60 guests under chic red sun umbrellas, it provides a refined setting for enjoying their signature Northern Italian cuisine in a relaxed, open-air environment.
Worth the Short Drive
- Rat's Restaurant at Grounds For Sculpture (Hamilton, NJ): Just a short drive from Philly, Rat's Restaurant offers one of the region's most picturesque outdoor dining experiences. Guests are transported into a Monet-inspired landscape of lily ponds and garden sculptures. Recognized as one of America's most beautiful restaurants, Rat's pairs its stunning scenery with seasonal, French-country cuisine, making it the perfect destination for a romantic summer escape.
- The Exchange Rooftop (Lancaster, PA): For a perfect summer getaway, head to Lancaster and take in the panoramic views from The Exchange. As Lancaster's tallest rooftop bar, located atop the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square, it offers handcrafted cocktails and a menu of scrumptious bites curated by Executive Chef Ryan McQuillan, all enjoyed with stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside.
The Greater Philadelphia area is brimming with exceptional outdoor dining options perfect for savoring sunny days and warm evenings. From serene gardens and bustling city sidewalks to stylish suburban patios and scenic destination rooftops, there's an alfresco experience for every taste and occasion.
