Rooftop Bars and Restaurants for Outdoor Seating and Drinking in Philly

In a summer where nothing is normal, outdoor dining is our lifeline to the Before Times.

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We need this right now. You need this right now. A list of Philly’s great outdoor restaurant patios, for a little bit of pre-COVID dining normalcy and a lotta bit of good food and drink. This list is not comprehensive — it’s not even trying to be. It’s just a list to get you started on your journey.

New and Noteworthy

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Mission, Center City

This Center City Mexican spot is back with a beach themed pop up. Aptly titled Sansom Street Surf Club, expect happy hours filled with fried mahi mahi tacos, chicarrònes drizzled with avocado dressing, and boozy sno cones. 1516 Sansom Street

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Char Kol, Center City

Brought to you by the Schulson Collective, the brains behind Harp & Crown and Guiseppe & Sons, Char Kol is taking up the sidewalk space in front of both restaurants with socially distanced tables equipped with charcoal grills for Korean BBQ. Reservation only. (Update: The Char Kol pop-up has gotten backlash and ignited a debate about cultural appropriation in restaurants. Read more about it here.) 1525 Sansom Street

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Queen & Rook, Queen Village

Hard to imagine a board game cafe surviving COVID-19, but Queen & Rook is making it work with a small parklet out front on 2nd Street decked out with edible plants and string lights. Plus summertime things, like pineapple mint margaritas, pastel popsicles from Ice Cave, and a mountain of nachos. 607 South 2nd Street

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The Rooftop at Emmy Squared, Queen Village

Ranch pizzas, big ol’ cheeseburgers, and frozen cocktails. On a roof. 632 South 5th Street

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The Wayward, Center City

Yun Fuentes’s French-American brasserie, first announced way back in March, is finally in go-mode with a twinkly lit terrace for summer evenings filled with tomato galettes, nicoise salads and steak frites galore. 1170 Ludlow Street

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Añejo, Northern Liberties

After some coronavirus-related delay, NYC import Añejo just opened at the Piazza with gigantic $33 margaritas and duck enchiladas swimming in a deep chocolate mole. 1001 North Second Street

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Alma del Mar, Bella Vista

The Restaurant that Queer Eye Built opened last month with a small dining patio in the lot next to the space on 9th Street. It’s open all day, so, lobster benedicts in the morning, crazy mango salads for lunch, and full-on seafood boils for dinner. 1007 South 9th Street

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Juno, Spring Garden

FCM Hospitality (Morgan’s Pier, Harper’s Garden, Rosy’s Taco Bar) opened their Spring Garden restaurant with a big neon sign that says “smile like you mean it,” so you know they mean business. But seriously, there’s a big, giant patio, all socially distanced, and there’s a big, giant menu of tacos, margaritas, and orange wine by the bottle. 1033 Spring Garden Street

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Sunset Social, University City

Affectionately dubbed “Sunset Socially Distanced” for the 2020 season (if that’s not reason enough to go, I’m not sure what else is), Sunset Social is hosting a series of pop-up with operations around town that were effected by the shut-downs. And when they’re not, they’re still doing smash burgers, foot long ‘dogs, and cheese tots. Because cheese tots. 129 South 30th Street

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Salty’s Seafood & Ice Cream Shack, Midtown Village

Marcie Turney and Val Safran ditched the Spanish tapas concept at Jamonera and made the outdoor patio into a summertime seafood shack complete with fried oysters, lobster rolls, peel-n-eat shrimp and root beer floats. 105 South 13th Street

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Stina, West Passyunk

For all of you (all of us?) who’ve deeply missed Bobby Saritsoglou’s fire-roasted octopus, fire-roasted pides, spit-roasted chicken shawarma, Stina is back and doing its thing with a small, new patio on West Passyunk Avenue. 1705 Snyder Avenue

Rooftop Bars and Restaurants for Outdoor Seating and Drinking in Philly

Restaurants marked with a (*) are currently open for outdoor dining.

*Parc, Rittenhouse Square

If there was a hot, dense center of Philly’s people-watching, power-brunching universe, it would be the patio at Parc on any day when the temperature is above 68 degrees. Mimosas, steak frites and a shrimp cocktail are the order of the day, but remember to stake out your territory early, because the tables under the big umbrellas are some of the most sought-after seats in town. 227 South 18th Street

*American Sardine Bar, Point Breeze

The little slice of sunshine next to ASB, with its patio furniture and beer in cans, perfectly captures the backyard party feel that’s the holy grail of so many hip Philly restaurateurs. 1800 Federal Street

*Bok Bar, South Philly

Depending on when you read this, Bok Bar — Philly’s most legendary and beautiful rooftop bar — is either about to open, open, or about to close. It’s a limited season, and the waits during summer weekend nights can be extreme. But it’s one of those places that you have to go to at least once, just to see for yourself what all the fuss is about. 800 Mifflin Street

Irwin’s, South Philly

Irwin’s is like Bok Bar’s cool cousin — a half-indoor, half-outdoor craft cocktail bar and restaurant specializing in Mediterranean small plates. As with Bok, it is just one of those places you have to check out for yourself because it truly is just as cool and just as lovely as you’ve heard. 800 Mifflin Street

*Le Virtù, East Passyunk

Also called the Campo, this outdoor space is one of those things that makes Le Virtù stand out in a city crowded to the bulwarks with charming little Italian restaurants. When the weather is nice, the Campo is like one long, unending lawn party for the South Philly neighbors. Sometimes someone will be out there grilling. Sometimes it’ll just be friends drinking out in the grass. But it’s always a good time. 1927 East Passyunk Avenue

*Moshulu, Waterfront

Why? Because you’re on a BOAT, motherf#@&er. 401 South Columbus Boulevard

*Harper’s Garden, Rittenhouse

The open-air veranda at Harper’s Garden is kind of what gives the place it’s name — a lovely, green and manicured space with seating for almost a hundred. The long list of beers on tap doesn’t hurt. And the food is way better than it has to be. 31 South 18th Street

*Continental Midtown, Center City

Say what you will about this place’s unapologetically retro leanings, its borderline fern bar vibe and South Beach diner affectations — I still love the Continental for more reasons than I can count on both hands. There’s the giant olive (which I mean to steal someday), the haystacks of shoestring fries with Chinese mustard, the undeniable frisson of drinking a proper martini at a bar that was made for drinking martinis and, of course, there’s the upstairs roof/deck/patio which is just perfect for relaxing in the sun when you really ought to be working. Also, as repeatedly mentioned here on Foobooz, the Continental Midtown remains one of the most zombie-proof restaurants in the city. So there’s that, too. 1801 Chestnut Street

Longwood Gardens, Kennet Square

Okay, yes. It’s a schlep. But seriously? Longwood Gardens is one of the most beautiful places in the world — a massive, painstakingly tended garden, sculpted for maximum beauty and peace. You can spend a whole day there just wandering around, pretending you’re the prodigal grandson of some forgotten du Pont. And when you get hungry or thirsty? Over the past couple years, Longwood has been pouring resources into both their central cafe (which has grown huge and lovely, with seating under trees and tents and live music some nights) and a whole bunch of satellite locations — like food-and-beer carts that serve a few snacks and a couple drinks and always seem to be right where you need them to be. If you haven’t been, go. Make a day of it. Thank me later.

Eat Outside in Midtown Village

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*Little Nonna’s

Marcie Turney and Val Safran’s version of a neighborhood red gravy joint has a beautiful patio hung with greenery and twinkle lights which, on the best nights, feels more than a little bit magic. 1234 Locust Street

*Attico Rooftop

Another hotel rooftop bar and restaurant, this one with a kind of greenhouse/solarium on one side, and plenty of outdoor seating on the other. Jason Cichonski designed the menu here, so it is understandably full of small plates, snacks and really interesting little diversions like the home-baked soft pretzels with smoked honey mustard miso or the jerk chicken bao. 219 South Broad Street

Graffiti Bar

Graffiti Bar is the 30-seat, kinda-open-air, year-round patio that snakes around behind Sampan. Basically, it’s an alley, but one that’s been covered over with a clear ceiling (to keep the rain out), set with heat lamps (if you want to hang out when it’s cold), decorated with graffiti (hence the name), and serves the same Asian fusion cuisine and cocktails as Sampan. 124 South 13th Street

Eat Outside in Northern Liberties

*Silk City

This combination diner, bar and nightclub has a gorgeous walled garden of a patio in the back. The stucco walls and tile floors make you feel like you’ve stepped away from Philly for just a little while, and the big umbrellas over the tables offer a little shade from whatever sun you imagine you’re lounging beneath. 435 Spring Garden Street

*Standard Tap

Imagine if you had a friend who had just the best rooftop deck in the entire city. And also a fridge full of great beer. And also was a very talented chef. Yeah, that’s what it’s like hanging out upstairs at Standard Tap. 901 North 2nd Street

*Jerry’s Bar

Okay, so everyone already knows how good Jerry’s is, right? But I’m telling you, it’s even better when the sun is out and you can get a seat in the narrow little patio beside the place. Drinking gin and tonics under the umbrellas is a fine way to kill a Saturday afternoon. 129 West Laurel Street

Eat Outside in West Philly and University City

*White Dog Cafe

Last year, the White Dog in UCity expanded into the brownstone next door. And with that expansion came a small, downstairs, patio-ish area called The Solarium, filled with plants and rattan patio furniture. It’s lovely (of course), oddly-shaped and a great place to hide out in the neighborhood. 3420 Sansom Street

*Clarkville

The food is great, the vibe is chill, and the outdoor seating overlooks Clark Park and the neighborhood that rises above it. It’s the perfect addition to an already excellent neighborhood joint. 4301 Baltimore Avenue

*Sunset Social

Burgers and corndogs are always better when eaten 12 stories above the street. That’s just science. 129 South 30th Street

City Tap House

So many of the other outdoor spaces in Philly are tiny, tucked away, half-hidden. But not here. City Tap House has a big outdoor space they use for seating on sunny days and warm nights, and to host events all throughout the summer. 3925 Walnut Street

*Gojjo

I have two words to say to you: Ethiopian. Cheesesteak. Yeah, Gojjo does a lot of really authentic Ethiopian food (plus chicken wings and curly fries). But the Ethiopian cheesesteak (in steak or chicken) is truly a multi-cultural wonder. And getting to eat it outside? That’s even better. 4540 Baltimore Avenue

*Booker’s

Same great fried okra, shrimp and grits, and hot chicken sliders. All-new patio set-up. 5021 Baltimore Avenue

Renata’s Kitchen

Shakshuka. All. Day. 3940 Baltimore Avenue

Eat Outside in Old City

Stratus Lounge

Pork belly toast, booze-spiked truffles, veal meatballs, Serrano ham. There’s no specific cuisine here, just a long list of quick bar snacks and a short list of cocktails — the oddest of which is a combination of Gray Goose vodka, La Colombe cold brew and blackberries called For The Suits. I don’t understand the name and don’t understand how this drink could possibly be good, but it is. 433 Chestnut Street

*Revolution House

Revolution House is a multi-story Old City hangout which has, on the top floor, a kind of covered patio-deck that looks out over the intersection of 2nd and Market. There are potted trees and a good beer list, and the whole thing just feels cool in a way that’s surprising even though it looks like so many other recent rooftop openings. 200 Market Street

*Tuna Bar

Sidewalk seating and a killer happy hour deal make this Japanese raw bar perfect for hitting up on days when that “late meeting” gets you out of the office at 4pm. $4 sushi rolls, $7 daily cocktails and sake at $4 a pour are all the reason you should need. 205 Race Street

*Royal Boucherie

Hey, did you know that Nick Elmi’s Royal Boucherie has a secret upstairs deck? Well, I guess it isn’t so secret anymore… 52 South 2nd Street

Eat Outside in Queen Village, Logan Square and Washington Square

*Southwark

Since its remodel and change of ownership, Southwark’s outdoor seating area has become a kind of hidden garden in Queen Village. And if you can get a seat, hanging out there late to get a plate of marinated olives and some chicken liver mousse after midnight is one of the things that makes living in the neighborhood worthwhile. 701 South 4th Street

*Assembly

If Bok Bar has the best, most comforting view in Philly (out across South Philly), then Assembly has the second, overlooking the heart of the city and its historical landmarks. City Hall, the Art Museum, Center City and everything in between — all there as your backdrop while you relax amid the fire pits and comfy couches. 1840 Ben Franklin Parkway

*Talula’s Garden

Twinkle lights, climbing plants, raw wood — the garden patio at Talula’s Garden may be some of the most beautiful, photogenic square footage in the entire city. So isn’t it nice that the food coming from the kitchen is also some of the best? 210 West Washington Square

*For Pete’s Sake Pub

There aren’t a lot of neighborhood bars around that serve breakfast foods. But Pete’s does, along with a fine selection of craft and imported beer. Take it all outside and make a summer night (or morning) of it. 900 South Front Street

Eat Outside in Kensington and Fishtown

*Martha

Everyone already loves Martha for its hoagie-heavy menu, its locally-focused cocktails, sour beers, and cheese and charcuterie plates. Know what makes all that better? Eating and drinking outside in their fenced-in patio with built-in bocce court. 2113 East York Street

Kensington Quarters

If you’re rolling with a big crew in Kensington, KQ has a surprisingly large outdoor courtyard out back with long tables perfect for parties looking for excellent pastas, drinks and charcuterie. 1310 Frankford Avenue

*Front Street Cafe

Eating brunch at Front Street? Nice if you can get a table. Know what’s even harder? Getting one in their garden patio out back now that the weather is nice. It’s a lovely, industrial space (complete with a fire escape rising in the background) gentled a bit with green and growing things. 1253 North Front Street

Medusa Pizzeria

Medusa was recently taken over by the team behind Green Eggs Cafe. And now that the weather has warmed up, they’ll be opening their outdoor deck for those looking to eat some pizza in the sun. 2327 Gaul Street

*Fette Sau

Barbecue is made for eating outside. And do you know what Fette Sau cooks? Some pretty good barbecue (they pour a lot of bourbon whiskey, too). 1208 Frankford Avenue

*Frankford Hall

I know, we’ve been avoiding beer gardens for most of this list. And I know, Frankford Hall is technically a beer garden. But really, I look at it more as an all-outdoor restaurant, full of beer and pretzels and sausages and burgers and ping pong tables where those of a particularly sunny disposition can sit, get drunk and play outside, all within the safe confines of a single address. It’s kind of like a playground for grownups, and being the childish S.O.B. that I am, I love the place for exactly those reasons. 1210 Frankford Avenue

*Evil Genius Brewery

They call this the “Evil Genius Brew Garden” — which makes sense because it’s in a gravel-covered vacant lot next to the brewery on Front Street. That said, it’s also an excellent (and very Fishtown) place to grab a drink and some grub with a mob of friends when the sun is out. 1727 North Front Street

*Kosta’s

An excellent backyard patio for this Fishtown dive bar: The drinks are cheap, there’s always a place to grab a smoke, and if you like Greek food served in a pool hall… Well, that’s weird. But Kosta’s is probably your dream bar. 15 West Girard Avenue

Eat Outside in Rittenhouse and Fitler Square

*Rouge

Rouge has one of the best burgers in the city, and eating it outside on the patio offers some of the best people-watching to go with it. But the big rush for these outdoor seats comes at brunch, when people will wait half the morning for the chance to see and be seen outside at Rouge, eating egg white omelets and oysters with champagne mignonette. 205 South 18th Street

*Trattoria Carina

Sitting inside Trattoria Carina (formerly Fitler Dining Room) is almost like sitting outside, what with all the bright light and big windows. But actually sitting outside on a warm evening is the perfect way to enjoy the simple, refined plates of pickled vegetables, spaghetti with meatballs or grilled branzino. 2201 Spruce Street

*Pub & Kitchen

Granted, I’ve rarely gotten any further than the bar at P&K. There’s plenty of fun to be had right there, without having to walk a few extra steps. But for those of you who need some vitamin D, there’s a run of tables outside on the sidewalk, under the shade of the trees, that are nice for catching some rays and having an early dinner in the sun. 1946 Lombard Street

*Tequila’s

All outdoor seats in Rittenhouse Square are made for people-watching. But the view from Tequila’s patio comes with vaquero steaks, mole, margaritas and bacon-wrapped, deep-fried shrimp. So that’s even better. 1602 Locust Street

Eat Outside in Fairmount

*La Calaca Feliz

Tacos in the sun. What else do I need to say? Sure, you’re basically eating in an alley. But it’s a nice alley, okay? So I’ll say it again: Tacos in the sun. 2321 Fairmount Avenue

*Fare

Hand-crafted New American cuisine is nothing new in Fairmount. But Fare walks this weird line between comfort food (cheeseburgers and chicken bordelaise) and Mediterranean modernism that’s unusual anywhere. Still, it’s a good menu, and the outdoor courtyard — complete with wall mural and gated fence — is a nice place to sit and relax with a plate of truffle fries and farmhouse flatbreads. 2028 Fairmount Avenue

*Bar Hygge

Brygge (the name of Hygge’s beer garden) is the backyard BBQ of your dreams. Pasta salads, potato salads, cold sandwiches, lavender lemonades, and cold draft beers galore. 2321 Fairmount Avenue

Eat Outside in South Philly and East Passyunk

*Cantina Los Caballitos

Best happy hour patio on the Avenue, hands down. They’ve got umbrellas for when the sun is out, lights strung up for when it goes down, and flights of tequila and wet burritos to smooth the transition between the two. 1651 East Passyunk Avenue

*Pistola’s Del Sur

It is a scientific fact that drinking tequila in the sun makes you a better, happier and more friendly person. And there’s no better place on the Avenue to knock back a couple shots of cactus juice (and chase them with some tacos) than Pistola’s. 1934 East Passyunk Avenue

*Barcelona Wine Bar

Tapas taste better when they’re eaten outside. That’s just science. A cool breeze, a hot day, a glass of wine and a couple plates of albondigas and croquetas, I’m just not sure that things get any better than that. 1709 East Passyunk Avenue

*Laurel

Did you know that Laurel has outdoor seating? It’s okay if you didn’t. It’s basically one table — a chef’s table, for four to eight people. It has to be reserved in advance. But if you can snag it, you get it for the whole night. It’s a cool way to experience one of the best restaurants in Philadelphia, so if you’ve got the crowd and the time, give Laurel a call and see what nights are available. 1617 East Passyunk Avenuea



*River Twice

A recent Best of Philly winner, now locked and loaded with its own cute, little parklette right on East Passyunk Avenue. 1601 East Passyunk Avenue