Philadelphia, PA - As fall kicks in and sweater weather takes over the Philadelphia region, local restaurants and bars now face the challenge of moving their outdoor seating areas inside amid continual COVID-19 restrictions limiting the number of patrons allowed to dine in.
Restaurants Prepare for Fall/Winter Outdoor Dining
Some restaurants have turned to the concept of ghost kitchens, such as Drifters, feel-good food: the popular take out late-night Slider and fresh fry snack shack in downtown sea Isle city. When considering moving their operations to Philadelphia, the team decided on a delivery model with no brick and mortar for their second location.
The Wall Street Journal recently reported how many chain restaurants had increased their bottom lines during the pandemic because they have already been set up For delivery and take out models and extensive seating areas. Smaller restaurants in bars I've had to adapt.
Listed below are just a few examples of how local restaurants and bars in our region have adapted to the pandemic and the change to colder weather.
Talula's Garden & The Love
Both of Aimee Olexy & Stephen Starr's popular farm-to-table eateries have additional heaters for the colder months. Plus, a menu is full of "liquid desserts" and nightcaps to keep you extra cozy.
At Talula's Garden, sip on warm, hot buttered rum made with local cider, rum, and cardamom underneath the twinkly lights of Talula's Garden's lush outdoor garden. #BYOB (bring your blanket) to this heated outdoor patio.
At The Love, enjoy a proper hot Irish coffee, topped with Aimee Olexy's homemade fresh vanilla-cinnamon whipped cream!
King of Prussia Town Center
At the heart of the King of Prussia Town Center, it's welcoming green space and performance pavilion is framed by decorative water features and a custom 60-foot firewall with surrounding benches helping guests stay warm all winter long while safely enjoying the vigorous activity of King of Prussia's upscale outdoor retail center. Date night? Take out dinner or lunch from any one of The Town Center's fast-casual spots – from B.Good to Honeygrow to Mission BBQ and more - and enjoy your dinner against the fireside backdrop.
The Wayward
The American Brasserie opened in August 2020 welcomes diners to continue to enjoy its vibrant outdoor patio oasis during the winter months. With numerous large heaters spaces across the patio, The Wayward's enclosed spaces create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for year-round outdoor dining.
Its menu built around American classics with inspirations from the beloved cuisine of French bistros, The Wayward's winter menu offers unmatched seasonally driven plates alongside staple items such as its extensive oyster and gin selections.
Rat's Restaurant
Located in Hamilton, NJ, Rat's Restaurant is one of the region's leading culinary destinations, designed to make guests feel like they have stepped back in time to Claude Monet's beloved town of Giverny. The Restaurant overlooks Grounds for Sculpture, which houses over 400+ contemporary works of art and features continually evolving landscapes, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon for a sensory experience full of art, culture, and world-class cuisine.
Rat's Restaurant's menu focuses on country French cuisine, offering comforting classics to keep cozy such as French Onion Soup, Coq Au Vin, Braised Short Ribs, and Crab Cakes alongside several lighter fish and vegetarian options utilizing the best flavors of the seasons.
In preparation for the colder months to come, Grounds for Sculpture now features heaters on their terrace, providing the perfect warm, toasty environment to keep cozy during the fall and winter months.
The Exchange
Sitting atop the highest rooftop in Lancaster City at the historic Penn Square, The Exchange brings a vibrant year-round social experience to the Lancaster sky. The rooftop features a floating bar that is partially enclosed during the colder months to create warmth, tables with glass-enclosed fireplaces in the center, and several larger heaters to create a one-of-a-kind outdoor dining experience.
The extensive beverage-driven menu spotlights creative and quirky cocktails alongside thoughtful local and seasonal wine and beer selections. Acclaimed Chef Ryan McQuillan helms The Exchange, creating locally sourced menus that offer upscale twists on bar favorites.
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