Best Bars for Outdoor Drinking in Philadelphia, 2018
by
Drink Philly on Apr 12, 2018 in
Roundups
Photo by Drink Philly
Whether it’s to enjoy the first warm breezes of spring or the unexpected sunshine of a crisp day in fall, Philadelphia is full of great places to drink in the great outdoors. We’ve rounded up our top picks for outdoor bars, sidewalk seating, beer gardens and restaurant patios in the city. Click through to check them out, and bookmark this page so you can be ready whenever the great weather hits.
The huge, open-air courtyard at Stephen Starr’s Fishtown beer hall feels exactly like a traditional German biergarten, from strings of lights to gravel floors to picnic tables and Linden trees. Enjoy ping pong and fire pits as you sip on huge liter mugs of brew from Bavaria and beyond.
Photo by Drink Philly
Photo by Drink Philly
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Open starting on April 19, this deck on the Delaware offers an unprecedented way to enjoy craft beer and killer cocktails by the water. Two bars and half a dozen seating areas are built right out over the river, and the view of the Ben Franklin Bridge towering overhead can’t be matched.
Photo via Morgan's Pier
Photo via Morgan's Pier
Sip in sophistication under awning-covered tables that wrap around this Rittenhouse Parisian bistro.
Photo by Parc
Photo by Parc
This rooftop bar, which is open now for the season, is nestled nine stories above the city and offers some of the greatest views of Logan Square and the Parkway. Sip on creative cocktails and enjoy shareable snacks while admiring how beautiful Philly can be.
Photo by Drink Philly
Photo by Drink Philly
The incredibly ambitious Spruce Street Harbor Park will once again bring life to Penn’s Landing. The block-and-a-half riverfront park features a bar, food, lily pad water gardens and nets that suspend visitors over the water built on a series of floating barges. SSHP is set to open May 11.
Photo by Spruce Street Harbor Park and Matt Stanley
You’ll think you’ve landed in a fairy tale when you take a seat at a table or the granite bar in the garden patio outside Aimee Olexy and Stephen Starr’s Washington Square restaurant. Water drips daintily from vintage faucet fountains, vines wind up the walls, colorful flowers bloom, and the food and drink are good enough to keep pace with it all.
Photo by Drink Philly
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The PHS Pop Up beer gardens will be back for 2018, and with the first one debuting on Thursday, April 26, you can spend the season trying to visit every single one.
Photo via Visit Philadelphia
This Michael Schulson beer garden will be back for its fourth year across from the Liberty Bell and Independence Park. The garden features plenty of local, regional and national taps along with snacks, sandwiches and more to munch on while you sip. This prime outdoor spot is set to open April 20.
Photo by Neal Santos
Visit the courtyard at BNY Mellon for a Center City getaway. This popular hangout, which will open for the season the second week of May, offers a great selection of brews and 9,000 square feet of space which is usually full to the brim.
Photo via Uptown Beer Garden
Photo via Uptown Beer Garden
Philadelphia Distilling
Drink outdoors at the first distillery in Pennsylvania to open after Prohibition, where you can order everything from fresh seasonal cocktails to classic gin drinks where Bluecoat Gin itself is made. Currently, the patio is standing room only, but outdoor seating is coming soon.
Drink outdoors at the first distillery in Pennsylvania to open after Prohibition, where you can order everything from fresh seasonal cocktails to classic gin drinks where Bluecoat Gin itself is made. Currently, the patio is standing room only, but outdoor seating is coming soon.
Photo via Drink Philly
The roof of this former elementary school is now one of the city's hottest bars, and for the 2018 season, which kicks off on May 24, the beer and wine garden will be joined by a coffee shop, a full cocktail bar, and more.
Photo via Stephen Lyford Photography
This Victory Brewing Co. sponsored beer garden is the Philadelphia Zoo's very own open wine and beer garden. Enjoy environmentally-friendly LED lighting and mosaics as you sip a beer amongst the wildlife.
Photo by Drink Philly
Photo by Drink Philly
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Four Corners is opening its own wine garden in the heart of Center City this summer. Situated on the ground floor of United Plaza at 31 S. 18th St., it will operate year round and will open the weekend of May 11.
Photo via Drink Philly
Photo via Drink Philly
Grand fire pits line one side of the concrete deck at this 60-tap University City tavern, spread out over the second floor of the Radian Building on Walnut. Join the college and beer geek crowd and enjoy a pint and a burger in the fresh air.
Photo via City Tap House
Photo via City Tap House
The La Peg Beer Garden offers a more grown up alternative to some of the other Delaware Waterfront options. The outdoor bar and food truck officially opens for the summer season, but anyone who wants to sit outside before then is free to do so if they order from the indoor bar.
Photo by Drink Philly
Photo by Drink Philly
Whether you are seeking a romantic Center City restaurant for date night, a pre-theater dinner, a wedding rehearsal or reception location, or you simply want a local restaurant experience, the M Restaurant is your ideal, unique venue.
Photo by Drink Philly
Photo by Drink Philly
One of the city's largest selections of craft canned beers, Milkboy also offers a well curated cocktail menu. Even when it rains, towering glass garage doors swing open for indoor/outdoor sipping.
Photo via Milkboy
Photo via Milkboy
This Tria location boasts plenty of sidewalk seating and choice people watching at the corner of 12th and Spruce. Sit under one of the bright yellow umbrellas while sipping a great beer or wine paired with some of the best cheeses in the city. If the 12th Street location is too packed, try their Rittenhouse location.
Photo by Drink Philly
Photo by Drink Philly
Evil Genuis’ beer garden is officially confirmed for the 2018 season. It will be open this spring on April 13 for those who visit their insanely popular Fishtown brewery and tasting room.
Photo via Spirit News
Photo via Spirit News
Tucked behind a narrow alley in Midtown Village is Michael Schulson’s outdoor hangout, decorated on all sides by crazily colorful graffiti. Great deals are found on bites and sips during happy hour, which takes place seven days a week.
Photo by Drink Philly
Photo by Drink Philly
SkyGarten, the 51 stories-high German beer garden, will return for its final season on April 18.
Photo via Punch Media
Photo via Punch Media
The rooftop bar on the 11th floor of Kimpton’s Hotel Monaco Philadelphia offers modern cocktails crafted by Status' talented bar team, craft beer and champagne. Bottle service is also available.
Photo by Laura Kicey
Photo by Laura Kicey
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This Chicago-baaed brewery opened its first brewpub in Philadelphia in 2018, and their patio is open now, so go ahead and enjoy one of their signature beers on a sunny day.
Photo via Goose Island
Fairmount’s Fare has offers up fresh cocktails made with local ingredients, and its sidewalk seating is perfect for a family brunch or people-watching.
Photo via Fare
Photo via Fare
Imbibe with a selection of 16 rotating drafts and curated wine and cocktail lists. The cafe offers ample outdoor dining space and fresh farm-to-table fare to boot.
Photo via Front Street Cafe
Photo via Front Street Cafe
Square 1682
Relax at street-side seating surrounded fragrant planters of herbs while enjoying cocktails under burgundy umbrellas.
Photo: Mark Henninger, ImagicDigital.com
Relax at street-side seating surrounded fragrant planters of herbs while enjoying cocktails under burgundy umbrellas.
Photo: Mark Henninger, ImagicDigital.com
The prettiest patio in Old City is found on the second floor of this Americana-themed bar, and the large corner square holds nearly a dozen tables. Set with heat lamps, this terrace with a view is the perfect place to gather with a group from early spring to late fall.
Photo via Revolution House
Photo via Revolution House
Compared to the street-side drinking options of Center City, Manayunk Brewery’s Schuylkill-facing river deck is positively pastoral. Opt for a sweet-tart pint of raspberry and cherry-scented Schuylkill Punch for maximum springtime drinking enjoyment.
Photo via Manayunk Brewing
Photo via Manayunk Brewing
Knock a few back at one of Northern Liberties' roof decks, and be sure to pair that beer with some house made charcuterie.
Photo by Drink Philly
Photo by Drink Philly
This spot has 25 taps in constant rotation and is always getting some rare and exciting beers. It's a great spot to sit with your dog and escape the bustle of South Street.
Photo by Drink Philly
Photo by Drink Philly
There’s plenty of room for the huge portions of Tex-Mex fare and pitchers of margaritas to go with at this Northern Liberties pub. Picnic tables line Second Street and give you a chance to mingle and catch the vibe of everyone hanging in the Piazza and on Liberties Walk.
Photo via El Camino Real
Photo via El Camino Real
Settle into one of East Falls’ most scenic patio tables and spend an afternoon at In Riva, where a menu of excellent cocktails will keep you there well after the sun sets on the Schuylkill.
Photo via In Riva
Photo via In Riva
Whether your goal is dancing, drinking or feasting, Silk City’s beer garden offers an exciting and vibrant backdrop to a perfect night out. Should you crave a cure for a hangover the next day, Silk City offers one of the most popular brunch menus in the city.
Photo by Drink Philly
Photo by Drink Philly
On Drury Street, there's a backyard-sized beer garden (behind Opa) boasting a warm, friendly atmosphere for the center city drinker. The Drury Street Beer Garden has gifted the crowd spilling out of the packed CC bars with a refreshing atmosphere out in the open.
Photo by Drink Philly
Photo by Drink Philly
With 20 beers on tap and two casks, the 10th Street seats at Varga Bar are hard to come by. Head over early to grab a spot and enjoy pours of your favorite local and national craft beers.
Photo via Drink Philly
Photo via Drink Philly
Hidden behind the restaurant’s Locust Street storefront, Little Nonna’s backyard is meant to look like an Italian grandma’s backyard, hanging laundry and all. Cozy up with a Negroni or even better, a sgroppino made with sparkling wine and blood orange sorbet.
Photo by E. Mencher for Visit Philadelphia
Photo by E. Mencher for Visit Philadelphia
Find picnic tables tucked between exposed brick walls, nine craft beers on tap, cider, and an extensive list of bourbon and whiskey.
Photo by Jason Varney
Photo by Jason Varney
Memphis Taproom's beer garden is open now right in the heart of Kensington. Relax at one of their large, comfortable picnic tables and order a local brew.
Photo by Philly Love Notes
Photo by Philly Love Notes
Transport yourself to the islands at this beachy getaway right in the center of Midtown Village. Libations include Mai Tais and other tropical punches. Be sure to stop by for their after hours happy hour as well from 6-8 PM Monday-Friday.
Photo by Drink Philly
Photo by Drink Philly
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This spot along Frankford Avenue at Girard offers al fresco dining along with delicious European-inspired bites. Grab something refreshing, like one of their four versions of the gin and tonic, and relax.
Photo via Drink Philly
Photo via Drink Philly
This Fishtown spot offers outdoor dining at their tucked-away patio space. Sip on a cocktail crafted with a local spirit, order some cheese and charcuterie, and kick back.
Photo via Martha on Facebook
Photo via Martha on Facebook
The recently renovated lot adjacent to the restaurant is the largest outdoor space in South Philly and perfect for margaritas.
Photo via Drink Philly
Photo via Drink Philly
Whether you’re stopping in for a pre-cinema cocktail or for an evening of second floor patio drinking, Positano Coast’s Mediterranean-inspired cocktail menu is best enjoyed outside on a warm evening.
Photo via Positano Coast
Photo via Positano Coast
This Point Breeze gastropub offers up a ton of craft beer selections alongside pub food, including, yes, sardines, on its sunny outdoor patio.
Across from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, it has a great view from its outdoor seating.
Photo via Red Owl Tavern
Photo via Red Owl Tavern
While Passyunk Avenue is hardly interchangeable with the sunny hills of Abruzzo, the patio at Le Virtu does have distinct ‘summertime in Italy’ vibes. A section of amaro-based cocktails and Italian wines on draft make for an ideal aperitivo hour.
Photo via Le Virtu
Photo via Le Virtu
Head to this South Street staple to enjoy two levels of decks and raise a glass over South Street.
Photo via Jon’s Bar and Grille
Photo via Jon’s Bar and Grille
Sip on a local craft beer and dine on the farm fresh meats at this Fishtown spot with an outdoor patio. Lucky for you, they also do happy hour outdoors.
Photo via Kensington Quarters
Photo via Kensington Quarters
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