In the midst of summer, you may feel as though you’ve been to every outdoor bar or restaurant in Philly. With so many options, there’s endless types of views to see. Whether you prefer a place by the water, beer garden, rooftop bar, or simply a busy sidewalk to people watch, we have you covered. Check out our exhaustive list of restaurants and bars in every Philadelphia neighborhood throughout the city. We challenge you to visit one new spot before the warm months come to an end!
Bars Along the Water
Bourbon Blue: 2 Rector St.
Located in the heart of Manayunk, along the Manayunk Canal, enjoy American cuisine– New Orleans style and flavor. Stop in for $6 Margarita Mondays and a three course prixe fixe menu for $25 from 5:30- 7:30 p.m., with live music on the weekends.
Cavanaugh’s River Deck: 417 N Christopher Columbus Blvd.
Summertime is the perfect time to check out this seasonal bar over the Delaware River. Daily specials include Craft Beer Night on Mondays, Burger and Beer Night on Wednesdays, and AYCE Wings on Thursdays. There’s always something going on at Cavanaugh’s. This Saturday night is Xmas in July; free cover if you’re in Christmas attire!
In Riva: 4116 Ridge Ave.
In Riva, meaning “along the banks” in Italian, is a Southern Italian inspired restaurant in East Falls. With an industrial space and riverside patio overlooking the Schuylkill River, enjoy an array of wines, Italian craft beers, and speciality cocktails.
Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant: 4120 Main St.
As the only brewery in Manayunk, this brewpub also boasts one of the largest outdoor dining areas in Philadelphia. Manayunk Brewery serves award-winning beers including Crunch and Monk from the ‘Yunk. Also check out free brewery tours every Saturday from 12 – 2 p.m.
Morgan’s Pier: 221 N Columbus Blvd.
Overlooking the Delaware River, Morgan’s Pier is able to accommodate up to 500 people seasonally. This season, their chefs are Kevin D’Egidio and Michael Griffiths of helm and south helm restaurants. Check out their monthly calendar of events, filled with game nights, band nights and guest DJs.
Spruce Street Harbor Park: 401 S Columbus Blvd.
Spruce Street has created its own beach- Philly style- with a boardwalk at Penn’s Landing open during the summer season. Enjoy craft beer, popular Philly boardwalk-style foods, colorful lights, and rainbow hammocks.
People-Watching Sidewalk Bars
Alla Spina: 1410 Mt. Vernon St.
Italian for “from the tap,” Vetri’s Alla Spina is an Italian gastropub. They feature 20 beers on tap, wine, cocktails, spirits and a number of hard to find Italian brews. Did we mention one of their signature offerings: beer milkshakes? Guests can enjoy seating outside the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling garage doors.
Bridget Foy’s: 200 South St.
The cornerstone of an iconic bustling street, this eclectic American restaurant features a new weekend brunch menu and redesigned party spaces for your next party or event.
El Camino Real: 1040 N 2nd St.
Enjoy half priced margaritas and pitchers during happy hours throughout the week. Weekdays are from 5 – 7 p.m., Sunday – Thursday late nights are from 10 p.m. – 12 a.m., and weekend brunch is from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Flying Fish Crafthouse: 1363 N. 31st St.
This Bewerytown newcomer offers small-batch beers from Flying Fish Brewery and an urban-American menu by Celebrity Chef Brian Duffy. Enjoy outside seating indulging in locally-sourced handcrafted sandwiches in a laid-back atmosphere.
Johnny Brenda’s: 1201 Frankford Ave.
Located in the heart of Fishtown, JB’s is a restaurant, bar, and music venue under one roof. With covered sidewalk seating, as well as a balcony on the upper level, drink from local brewers from all-draft beer list and a cocktail menu created with local purveyors.
Kite & Key: 1836 Callowhill St.
Located in Fairmount, this saloon features 17 draft lines, more than 50 bottled beer, and wine. Happy hour includes $1 off drafts on weekdays from 5-7 p.m. Pair your brew with an item from its American pub menu; we recommend the veggie burger and shoestring fries.
Parc Restaurant: 227 S. 18th St.
Although this Starr Restaurant is located on Rittenhouse Square, Parc’s ambiance transports guests straight to Paris. With its classic French cuisine, diverse wine selection and bustling sidewalks, it’s ideal for Sunday brunch.
Rouge: 205 S. 18th St.
With a focus on seasonal cuisine, Rouge remains a fan favorite for its ambiance and Rittenhouse Park sidewalk seating. With an emphasis on fine dining and commitment to great service, Rouge has been consistently voted a place to “see and be seen.”
Tria Cafe: 123 S. 18th St.
This is the perfect destination for wine, cheese and beer lovers. Indulge in a European-style cafe menu and hearty dinners at Fitler Square without any distraction (besides people watching, of course).
Overlooking Patio Bars
City Tap House University City: 3925 Walnut St.
Located steps from University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University, City Tap boasts a large outdoor terrace with five fire pits overlooking Walnut Street. Enjoy over 60 craft beers with daily happy hour specials and American pub fare in a comfortable, eco-friendly environment.
Continental Midtown Restaurant: 1801 Chestnut St.
As a member of Starr Restaurants, sip refreshing half priced cocktails during happy hour on this Rittenhouse rooftop patio. The apps are perfect for sharing, and the Astronaut cocktail is definitely a must-try!
Maison 208: 208 S. 13th St.
New to Midtown Village since June 2017, this upstairs space is a must-see. With its outdoor seating and out-of-the-ordinary retractable roof, the roof deck is known as “The Social.” Don’t miss the beautiful mural by the Mural Arts Program.
Positano Coast: 212 Walnut St.
Enjoy a coastal Italian-focused menu in three outdoor atmospheres throughout the restaurant and wine bar. In the summer months, escape the city with two outdoor patios upstairs open. Year-round, Sopra Lounge is open for guests. Happy hour is every weekday from 5 – 7 p.m., and guests are welcome to BYO wine every Sunday.
Revolution House: 200 Market St.
As Old City’s only rooftop deck, this New American restaurant and bar has outdoor rustic seating. Enjoy half priced draft beers and $6 margarita pizzas for happy hour while overlooking the historic neighborhood.
Standard Tap: 901 N 2nd St.
Enjoy half priced select drafts, featured cocktails and bar snacks on weekdays from 4-6 p.m. at this popular NoLibs restored tavern. Expect cozy wood decor, candlelit lighting and chalkboards menus in the perfect ambiance whether you’re inside or outside.
Tiki: 102 S. 13th St.
With two floors covered in colorful artwork, this laid-back bar is where Polynesian tiki meets California surf rock. Happy hour is weekdays from 6 – 8 p.m. and Sunday 2 – 4 p.m. where you can enjoy beer and cocktail specials, plus delicious half priced dumplings.
Best Restaurant Courtyards
Front Street Cafe: 1253 N. Front St.
Step through Front Street Cafe’s back door to enjoy the friendly environment, lush with greenery. Try one of the 16 rotating drafts, wines, or cocktails on their drink menu. They serves locally sourced and organic cuisine with a java and juice bar.
Graffiti Bar: 124 S. 13th St.
Located behind Sampan, head through an alley filled with graffiti and you’ll find Graffiti Bart. This rain-or-shine outdoor bar seats up to 30 people in an open-air patio with heat lamps and TVs. Specials are from 4 – 7 p.m. every weekday on cocktails and scorpion bowls.
Interstate Drafthouse: 1235 E. Palmer St.
A Southwestern bar/restaurant in Fishtown neighborhood, Interstate’s happy hour is from weekdays fom 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. with $4 draft beers and $2 PBR cans. All can be enjoyed in their seasonal outdoor seating area.
La Peg: 140 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
Voted “Best American Restaurant” in 2016 by Philadelphia Magazine, Le Peg is located in a converted historic pump house, which is now home to FringeArts. Find a wide variety of craft beers and a French-focused wine list. All can be enjoyed on the large patio with a clear view of the Ben Franklin Bridge.
Le Virtu: 1927 Passyunk Ave.
Step into this East Passyunk garden and be transported to an authentic Italian experience. Le Virtu, meaning “The Virtues,” specializes in Abruzzese cooking, delicious cocktails and beautiful atmosphere with a mural backdrop in the courtyard.
Little Nonna’s: 1234 Locust St.
With a quaint garden in the back, this homey Italian restaurant offers traditional family-style Italian dishes. Don’t miss the fontina-stuffed meatballs as you dine al fresco under strings of twinkling lights.
Llama Tooth: 1033 Spring Garden St.
Enjoy international comfort food at Llama Tooth with their outdoor patio. Surrounded by large, beautiful murals, this restaurant has a wide selection of vegetarian options, sangria, and bottled beer selection.
M Restaurant: 231 S. 8th St.
Located outside of the historic Morris House Hotel, M Restaurant is the ideal location for an intimate date or cute GNO. Guests are surrounded by Washington Square’s flowering trees and plants, accompanied by a live jazz band.
Martha: 2113 E. York St.
Try the delicious sandwiches and vegetable dishes paired with cocktails, draft beers and wines in their spacious outdoor patio and garden. Every Monday, enjoy drink specials and tastings in collaboration with fellow local businesses.
Silk City: 435 Spring Garden St.
Relax in the colorful, outdoor garden outside Silk City’s renovated diner. Classic menu items include fried chicken, meatloaf and biscuit & gravy. Try their popular brunch menu served everyday from 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Talula’s Garden: 210 W Washington Square
Feel the whimsical ambiance of Talula’s as you’re surrounded by colorful flower blooms, crawling vines, and an ever-rotating farm-to-table menu. This Stephen Starr and Aimee Olexy restaurant provides guests with an elevated farmhouse setting.
The Cambridge: 1508 South St.
Enjoy an eclectic vibe in their back patio with an extensive beer list, rotating craft beers and comfort foods. The Bloody Mary is definitely a must-try, along with their house grind burger.
Outdoor Beer Gardens
Cira Green Beer Garden: 129 S. 30th St.
New to the city this year, Cira Green is a one-of-a-kind elevated beer garden sitting on the 11th floor overlooking University City. The pop-up beer garden, 95-feet above street level, is open on Friday nights from April to July from 5 – 9 p.m.
Drury Beer Garden at Opa: 1311 Sansom St.
Walk through Opa and find a lively beer garden beyond the restaurant. Come with friends to enjoy craft beers, Mediterranean snacks, and games a break from the Center City hustle and bustle.
Evil Genius Beer Garden: 1727 N. Front St.
New to Fishtown, this beer garden features the local Evil Genius Brewery beers and light bites in a 6,000-sq. ft. industrial space. Check out their bar events and festivals, plus beer tastings available five days a week.
Fette Sau: 1208 Frankford Ave.
Originated in Brooklyn, this BBQ restaurant features an open-air concept year-round. Co-owned by STARR restaurants, expect quality house-smoked meats, beers and whiskeys in its modern picnic space.
Frankford Hall: 1210 Frankford Ave.
This German-style beer hall has become a staple in Fishtown. With ping pong, Jenga, and foosball, there’s no lack of entertainment at Frankford Hall. You can even roast your own s’mores over the fire pits in the wintertime.
Independence Beer Garden: 100 S. Independence Mall
This beautifully landscaped 20,000 square-foot beer garden is right in the heart of Old City. Enjoy 40 regional and domestic craft beers on tap, games, snacks and projection TVs while overlooking Independence National Historic Park.
Memphis Taproom: 2331 E. Cumberland St.
Find a delicious menu exclusive to the beer garden from the outdoor food truck. We suggest the Jackfruit Crab Cakes as a must-try. Enjoy brews under sparkling lights at picnic tables at this East Kensington taproom.
Parks on Tap Traveling Beer Garden: Throughout Philadelphia
In partnership with Fairmount Park Conservancy and FCM Hospitality, Philadelphia Parks and Rec brings a beer garden to 20 different parks in 20 different weeks. This traveling pop-up provides beer on tap, wine and snacks with comfortable chairs and hammocks.
Uptown Beer Garden: 1735 JFK Blvd.
In the courtyard of the BNY Mellon Building, UBG has $4 draft beers and food specials on weekdays from 4 – 6 p.m. Dance under the bright lights of the 9,000 square-foot beer garden with a DJ every Wednesday for Center City Sips.
High Above the Rest Rooftop Bars
Assembly: 1840 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Travel nine floors up inside the sophisticated Logan Hotel and you’ll arrive at Assembly Lounge to enjoy the best views of Logan Square and the Parkway. The posh open-air space is open all year round with fire pits, serving classy cocktails, even featuring some on draft..
Bok Bar: 800 Mifflin St.
In a formerly abandoned school, South Philly’s Bok Building is now a co-op working space for creative professionals. On the rooftop, the bar features unparalleled views of the skyline, two bars and large seating area. Don’t miss special events like yoga with a beautiful atmosphere.
Skygarten: 1717 Arch St.
Step onto the terrace on the 51st floor at Three Logan Square to feel like you’re in the clouds above Center City. Voted “Best New Beer Garden” by Philadelphia Magazine in 2016, enjoy imported beers, German bar bites, and unbeatable views of the city.
Stratus Lounge: 433 Chestnut St.
Eleven stories above the city, the swanky Stratus Lounge sits atop Old City’s Hotel Monaco. High above the cobblestone streets, enjoy $5 wines and domestic beers during weekday happy hours from 5 – 8 p.m. and live DJ entertainment on the weekends.
Where is your go-to outdoor Philadelphia bar? If we missed one, share with us and we’ll update our list!
