Philly is a city with many pastimes: from baseball to yoga on the Parkway and the Kinetic Sculpture Derby, there are always a wealth of things activities to choose from. Sometimes, though, the best way to spend an afternoon or evening is lazily imbibing in the beverage of your choice at an outdoor venue. Luckily, Philly has no shortage of those, either! Check out our top picks for beer gardens and rooftop bars open in the area.
Revolution House (200 Market St.) – If you’re looking for a relaxed hangout after work, this American bar and restaurant is the best (and really only) option as far as casual rooftop decks in Old City go. The service is friendly, although you may have to grab the attention of a waiter before grabbing your spot amongst the shrubbery of the venue’s second story. Grab a sandwich or pizza, a few beers, and enjoy the awesome views of the waterfront with friends. They also have a tasty-looking brunch menu for those looking to soak up some sun on the weekends!
Memphis Taproom (2331 E. Cumberland St.) – This favored neighborhood spot in Kensington is home to a hip little outdoor beer garden populated by picnic tables and a permanent food truck, which serves only ambitiously-crafted gourmet hot dogs. This cool hideaway offers craft cans exclusively, but their beer list is solid, as expected. Hang out on Thursday evenings for Quizzo with Host JB Farley, and follow along on social for updates as to what cult-favorite movies they’ll be playing on the big screen projector!
Continental Mid-town (1801 Chestnut St.) – Stephen Starr knows a thing or two about ambiance, and he utilized Philadelphia’s skyline to the best of his ability when designing the rooftop bar atop Continental’s Rittenhouse location. This is the perfect lounge for sipping on cocktails or enjoying a late dinner and last round beneath the stars. The upstairs hosts an open-air space filled with tables and chairs for outdoor seating, and also boasts a glass-encased indoor patio that offers guests a respite from less desirable weather. The patio also hosts a trendy bar and fireplace encircled by a large couch that’s great for use by large groups or multiple parties.
Llama Tooth (1033 Spring Garden St.) – This festive outdoor beer garden is sandwiched between two beautiful, summery murals. Depicting lush, green gardens bursting with flowers, this backdrop makes for a bright and cheery venue tucked away at the edge of Callowhill. If you’re looking for a feel-good bar, colorful umbrellas and strands of white lights make Llama Tooth an ideal choice for day drinking or pre-gaming before attending a show across the street at Union Transfer. Their dinner and brunch menus may be brief, but the beer list is surprisingly extensive.
coZara (3200 Chestnut St.) – Since its expansion, Drexel University’s campus has become the recipient of numerous top-notch eateries in University City, home to outposts of Zavino, Shake Shack, Sabrina’s Cafe, and more. Right in the center of the all the action, Chef Hiroyuki “Zama” Tanaka of Zama opened his new restaurant, coZara, serving Japanese style small plates to students, faculty, and professionals. Their second-level patio is spacious, with seating for 40 on authentic tables and chairs ordered straight from Japan. With a view of bustling Chestnut Street and the Schuylkill River, this izakaya offers a welcoming retreat from Center City.
Independence Beer Garden (100 S. Independence Mall W) – Finally, the birthplace of American freedom has an outdoor beer garden right on the Mall. Chef and restaurateur Michael Schulson (Sampan, Izakaya) has seen to it that locals and tourists can come together to partake in one of our nation’s greatest traditions at his 20,000 square foot venue. Their menu features an array of tasty snacks, including cheeses, salads, sandwiches, and bucket specials. Choose from over 40 taps of regional and domestic craft beers to enjoy while taking on your friends in a game of Jenga or shuffleboard. Just steps from the Liberty Bell and National Constitution Center, this watering hole has quickly become a staple in Philadelphia’s landscape.
Uptown Beer Garden (1735 JFK Blvd.) – At long last, the 9,000 square-feet of unused space outside the PNY Mellon Building has a purpose! This month, BRÜ Craft & Wurst opened their own tree-lined, satellite beer garden complete with picnic tables, tree slab communal tables, and a 35-foot bar. There will be the usual snack food fare (guac, sliders, sandwiches, etc.) available to accompany a selection of wines, craft cans, drafts, and signature cocktails, including frozen margaritas and sangria. Best of all, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) to support their Kitty At The Office program!
What is your favorite rooftop bar and outdoor beer garden located around Philly? Share your recommendations in the comments below!
