Where to Eat and Drink Outside in Philly Right Now

From waterfront beer bars to lush secret gardens, there’s an alfresco spot for every occasion.

The days of bundling up in your parka for outdoor dining are quickly fading as warmer weather rolls into Philly. With the new season comes the return of our favorite garden pop-ups serving local brews and shareable snacks, as well as some of the best restaurants in the city unveiling outdoor dining spaces with romantic string lights and lush greenery.

With sidewalk seating for prime people-watching, waterfront beer gardens where you can kick back for the afternoon, and hidden patios decked out with fire pits and twinkly lights, there are plenty of outdoor seating options in Philadelphia for every occasion. So take a look at our picks for the best places to eat and drink outdoors in Philly right now, and get out there.

Jet Wine Garden
Jet Wine Bar | Jet Wine Bar

Jet Wine Garden

Graduate Hospital
$$$$

This welcoming garden on South Street is back for warmer weather. The outdoor space is adorned with twinkling lights overhead and murals by local artists on the walls, including a new work by muralist Carlos 'Calo' Rosa. Throughout the spring and summer, the bar will host food truck pop-ups to fill out a menu of light bites and sandwiches like Roasted Garlic Hummus, a Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich, and a Farmer’s Platter of artisan cheeses, charcuterie, red onion jam, and more. You’ll, of course, find plenty of great wine (there are even a few orange sips on the list), along with cocktails, beer, cider, and spirit-free drinks.

Irwin’s

Wharton
$$$$

One of Philly’s best Italian restaurants also comes with one of its prettiest views. Irwin’s, perched up on the eighth floor of the Bok building, features a gorgeous rooftop terrace ideal for taking in the city—and a bunch of Sicilian food. Expect mezze, classic pasta dishes like Spaghetti Alle Vongole, and a closely curated wine and cocktail list for one of Philly’s most unforgettable dining experiences.

Available for Reservations

PHS Pop-Up Beer Garden

Multiple locations
$$$$

One of Philly’s best-known summer beer gardens has made its return, welcoming you for festive frozen cocktails in a plant-filled and dog-friendly outdoor garden oasis. For food you can expect standard snacks like chips and guacamole, plus some wraps and burgers to fill you up. The bar side stocks classic cocktails like an Aperol Spritz and an Old Fashioned, along with drinks inspired by Philly like the refreshing Woodermelon (vodka, watermelon, ginger beer, lime) and a frozen Adult Water Ice—all perfect for sipping this summer.

La Chinesca
La Chinesca PHL | La Chinesca PHL

La Chinesca

Spring Arts
$$$$

The Mexicali restaurant that lives in a transformed former Jiffy Lube store offers multiple outdoor dining options. Whether you opt to settle under the green patio umbrellas or in a lawn chair in the outdoor lounge, just be sure not to skip the Quesabirria Tacos served with a side of consommé along with a jalapeno-infused cocktail.

Available for Reservations

El Techo

Rittenhouse
$$$$

Located just above the modern Mexican restaurant, Condesa, the taqueria reaches full bloom when warm weather hits. A retractable rooftop means you can dine up there in any temperature, but it’s especially nice when the space is open and airy among the bistro lights and potted plants. Come early and feast on Queso Fundido, a slew of tacos, and cocktails like a classic Margarita or Ranch Water as you watch the sun set over the city.

Available for Reservations

Morgan's Pier

Penn's Landing
$$$$

One of Philly’s busiest summertime destinations will be back in full swing come April 21, so mark your calendar for waterfront “yappy hours,” live music, and incredible view of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and the Delaware River. With a different chef popping up in the space every season, stay tuned for what to expect on the food front—just know that plenty of summery drinks and good times await.

Available for Reservations
Front Street Cafe

Front Street Cafe

Fishtown
$$$$

The all-day cafe and restaurant has one of the most serene garden patios in the game, featuring plenty of dining tables for bigger groups, all surrounded by fresh greens and plants that make the space feel private yet beautifully airy. The casual cafe focuses on highlighting local ingredients and offers a number of plant-based dishes like “Parmesan”-Crusted Eggplant alongside Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwiches, so there really is something for everyone.
How to book: Via Tock

Laurel

East Passyunk
$$$$

This summer we can expect the return of the Chef’s Table at Laurel, an intimate outdoor dining experience in Laurel’s hideaway South Philly back patio. Over a table in the garden, guests can enjoy a six-course meal of Nicholas Elmi’s modern French-American cuisine with dishes like roasted and braised lamb with baby radishes, pickled ramps, and mizuna that rotate with the seasons.

Available for Reservations
Silk City Diner Bar & Lounge
Silk City Diner Bar & Lounge | Silk City Diner Bar & Lounge

Silk City Diner Bar & Lounge

Northern Liberties
$$$$

The Silk City diner has an outdoor garden that blends urban art and sculptures with natural greens. Come for a laidback weekend brunch of Huevos Rancheros and Brown Sugar Pancakes, or stop by for a casual dinner before catching a show in the space or at one of the many venues nearby.

Available for Reservations
Booker's Restaurant & Bar
Booker's Restaurant and Bar | Booker's Restaurant and Bar

Booker’s all-seasons patio has made outdoor dining a staple at the favorite brunch and dinner destination. Enjoy the greenery and lanterns hanging overhead when you start digging into dishes with Southern influences like Jerk Oxtail, Vegan Jambalaya, and Fried Okra.

Available for Reservations

El Poquito

Chestnut Hill
$$$$

The expansive side yard for dining at El Poquito has shed its wintertime igloos and is now the perfect scene for margaritas and warm weather. Inspired by the beachside cantinas and taquerías of Baja, Mexico, this restaurant is the ideal place to post up with a group for a spread of tacos, fajita, and margaritas, or snag happy hour deals on weekdays from 4 to 6 pm.

Available for Reservations

Fiorella

Bella Vista
$$$$

At Marc Vetri’s iconic pasta bar, most of the interior space has stayed intact since the days when the space housed one of Philly’s most popular sausage makers. But the outdoor patio at this South Philly landmark restaurant has been revamped to offer an airy, shaded space to dig into all the fresh pasta and antipasti you can handle. With temperatures rising, it’s also a perfect time to indulge in some after-dinner ice cream, like Fiorella’s rich espresso flavor with whipped mascarpone.
LINK: Tock

Available for Delivery/Takeout
Harper’s Garden
Harper's Garden | Harper's Garden

Harper’s Garden

Penn Center
$$$$

Dine outside under the canopy of mood lighting and earthy chandeliers at Harper’s Garden. The veranda space feels removed enough from the street to feel like a hideaway while still putting you in the thick of it all, and the lush greenery makes for a lovely backdrop to enjoy seasonal fare like fresh salads, oysters, and entrees that show off local produce.

Available for Reservations

Juno Mexican Grill

Spring Arts
$$$$

The Mexican-American favorite, Juno, is home to a big, leafy garden with colorful chairs and decor designed for enjoying bottomless taco brunches and flavorful, ever-changing cocktails. Take a seat under the colorful lights and raise a glass of sangria or one of the restaurant’s draft cocktails in celebration of warmer weather.

Available for Reservations

Rouge

Rittenhouse
$$$$

On the sweet corner of Chancellor and 18th Streets feeding out onto Rittenhouse Square Park,
Maggie and Rob Wasserman’s popular bistro is a bustling spot for outdoor dining, from midday calamari to decadent lobster fettuccine for dinner. Rogue has an outdoor tent that is seasonally refreshed, now offering dripping greenery and twinkly lights.

Available for Reservations

Talula's Garden

Washington Square
$$$$

Aimee Olexy’s farm-to-table restaurant and titular garden is a welcoming oasis in the middle of the city, as are the restaurant’s stylish streetery dining pods that give you a view of Washington Square Park. Expect rotating menu items like a Seasonal Vegan Curry and one killer artisanal cheese board with six selections, candied nuts, honey, housemade jam, and a little lesson plan.

Available for Reservations
Marielle Mondon is a writer from Philadelphia. Follow her @MarielleMondon on Twitter and Instagram.