May 1, 2023- With temperatures in the Philadelphia region reaching a high of 82 degrees this week, it officially feels like spring has sprung and more importantly: that patio season has arrived. Numerous locales in Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs have recently re-launched al fresco dining and imbibing with noted hotspots including The Dutch, Bluebird Distilling, Stella of New Hope, Assembly Rooftop Lounge, Royal Boucherie, Stratus Rooftop Lounge, and many more.
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The Dutch, the popular breakfast-through-dinner eatery with a focus on reinventing the Pennsylvania Dutch classics along with a few fine dining “Fond” favorites at dinner, offers diners ample sidewalk seating at their corner space on 11th and Tasker Street, with stunning views overlooking the Singing Fountain on East Passyunk Avenue. Folks can dine al fresco and indulge in signature brunch dishes and hyper-seasonal dinner items featured in The Dutch After Dark tasting menu format, all while sipping on carefully curated cocktails, beer, and wine. Kicking off on Thursday, April 6 and running through the summer months, Oysters & Rosé allows guests to enjoy a half dozen oysters and glass of sparkling rosé for $19 per person, available every Thursday from 5 – 9pm on the patio and at the bar.
Hours of operation: Monday – Tuesday, 8am – 3pm, Wednesday – Friday, 8am – 3pm; 5pm – 9pm, Saturday and Sunday, 8am – 2pm; 5pm – 9pm
1537 S 11th St. | 215.551.5000 | https://thedutchphilly.com/
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East Passyunk Avenue, home to more than 160 independently owned businesses, is a cultural hub for dining and drinking in South Philadelphia with an impressive selection of top-tier restaurants and bars offering outdoor patios including Barcelona Wine Bar, Flannel, Le Virtù, River Twice, Cantina Los Caballitos, Pub on Passyunk East, La Scala’s Birra, Separatist Beer Project, and Bing Bing Dim Sum.
Check out the respective businesses’ websites for hours of operation.
1904 E. Passyunk Avenue | http://www.visiteastpassyunk.com/
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Bluebird Distilling, Phoenixville’s award-winning grain-to-glass craft distillery, holds an expansive, open-air (dog-friendly!) patio ideal for sipping on a selection of expertly curated craft cocktails courtesy of Beverage Director Matt Giarratano. Guests can snag a seat al fresco and enjoy a myriad of refreshing tipples includingPseudosophistication ($12) crafted using Bluebird Distilling Vodka, grapefruit cordial, turmeric shrub, lemon juice, and cardamom, theMad Corny ($12), built with Bluebird Distilling Dark Rum, Bluebird Distilling Four Grain Bourbon, falernum, lime juice, angostura bitters, and absinthe, and Were They Psychos? ($13), made with Bluebird Distilling Agave Blanco Salvaje, pineapple syrup, and Matteo’s blend bitters.
Hours of operation are as follows:
Cocktail Service: Monday & Tuesday 4 pm — 11 pm, Wednesday & Thursday 4 pm – 12 am, Friday& Saturday 1 pm –12 am, Sunday 1 pm – 11 pm
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Assembly Rooftop Lounge, Center City’s upscale year-round rooftop lounge with panoramic views of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, City Hall and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, is gearing up for its über-popular warm weather season and the return of its seasonal island-inspired pop-up — details coming soon.Those looking to enjoy the blissfully warm temps can do so whilst taking in sweeping views of the parkway at one of Philadelphia’s premier rooftop bars.
Hours of operation: Tuesday through Saturday 4 pm – 10:30 pm Bar is open until 12 am, Friday through Saturday 4 pm – 10:30 pm Bar is open until 2 am
Bottle Sales: 1 pm to close, 7 days a week
100 Bridge Street | 610.933.7827 | https://bluebirddistilling.com/
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Stella of New Hope, located in the heart of bustling Main Street overlooking the Delaware River, is the ultimate outdoor imbibing location with a sweeping deck boasting stellar views of the river, the Bucks County Playhouse, and adjacent quaint small town Lambertville, NJ. Diners can enjoy an array of seasonal, refreshing cocktails, wine, and local brews, and a deluxe selection of fare from Executive Chef Michael O’Halloran, recent winner of “Beat Bobbly Flay”, including Beef Tartare, Pan Seared NY Strip Steak, and Pan Roasted Day Boat Sea Scallops on the expansive deck while taking in the crisp, cool air and unparalleled views of New Hope, PA. Diners can walk along the promenade parallel to the river for an after dinner stroll.
Hours of operation: Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 4 – 9pm, Friday and Saturday from 4 – 10pm, and weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11am – 2pm
50 S Main Street | 267.740.2691 |www.stellanewhope.com
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Urban Farmer, Logan Square’s modern American steakhouse, has a picturesque outdoor patio with stunning views of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the historic Logan Circle and Swann Memorial Fountain. Diners and imbibers can reserve an outdoor table during breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch service and enjoy seasonal starters such as Pan Roasted Pork Belly, locally-sourcedCheese Plate, house-made Charcuterie Board.
Hours of operation: Monday through Sunday 8am– 2 pm for brunch, Monday through Sunday 2pm– 11:30pm for Dinner
1850 Benjamin Franklin Parkway | 215.963.2788 | www.urbanfarmersteakhouse.com
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Xfinity Live!, the dynamic sports-anchored super-venue located in the heart of South Philadelphia, boasts a must-see outdoor space for anyone looking to enjoy the beautiful weather while grabbing a bite or drink with friends. The expansive patio area features comfortable seating and plenty of space to move around, making it perfect for larger groups. The Victory Beer Hall patio has a 2,000 square foot patio complete with a fire pit and a panoramic view of the Philadelphia skyline, while 1100 Social’s outdoor space boasts multiple flat screen TVs, bars, fire pits, lounge-perfect Adirondack chairs, and a partially shaded area for particularly sunny days.
Fully equipped with multiple bars and numerous screens, Xfinity Live!’s patios are ideal for watching any game or sporting event. With a summer concert series in the works, Xfinity Live! is the perfect place to unwind and soak up some sun.
1100 Pattison Ave | 267.534.4264 | www.xfinitylive.com
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CO-OP Restaurant & Bar, a contemporary, bright, and airy restaurant in The Study Hotel, is a University City gem with an enchanting outdoor patio, complete with elegant garage doors that add a touch of sophistication to the space. Conveniently located on 33rd and Chestnut Streets Between Penn and Drexel, the patio offers a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The stylish garage doors not only add a unique and luxurious touch to the ambiance but also provide an open-air feel that blends indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly, making it a perfect spot for intimate gatherings, romantic dates, or even a casual evening with friends.
CO-OP is open daily from 7am to 10pm, CO-OP offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, brunch, with the bar serving 4pm – 10pm.
20 S 33rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19104 | 215.398.1874 | www.coopphilly.com
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At The Table, Wayne’s venerable and award-winning fine-dining BYOB, may have just announced a move later this year to larger digs on Lancaster Ave, but that doesn’t mean that the spring and summer al fresco season can’t be enjoyed on Chefs Alex and Tara’s current atmospheric and bucolic Louella Court location, just off the main drag. At The Table’s patio area boasts a large tent that keeps guests warm and dry even if April showers are falling.
Hours of operation: Thursday though Saturday, 5pm – 10pm
11 Louella Court, Wayne, PA | 610.964.9700 | www.atthetablebyob.com
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MilkBoy Philly, the landmark locale of the iconic Philadelphia-born brand located in Center City, offers plenty of sidewalk seating and happy hour on Monday through Friday from 4 – 6 pm which includes $2 off draft beer, glasses of wine, and cocktails. This hot spot for outdoor hangs boasts robust menus featuring mixed drinks, canned beers, and a unique selection of house-made seltzers for imbibers to enjoy al fresco.
Hours of operation: daily from 7am – 2am
1100 Chestnut Street | 215.925.6455 | https://www.milkboy.tv/
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Royal Boucherie, Old City’s lively and atmospheric neighborhood restaurant and bar, has officially re-launched its lush, picturesque second-floor rooftop patio, boasting a well-curated craft cocktail and French-forward wine selection in addition to a robust dinner and weekend brunch menu. Guests can indulge in contemporary takes on classic French dishes such as Steak Frites prepared with hanger steak, tomato provençal, green peppercorn sauce, and frites, and the famed Grass-Fed Boucherie Burger crafted with watercress and gruyère, all while dining outdoors at the covered sidewalk streetery, and flourishing, intimate second-floor garden – one of Philadelphia’s most hidden gems.
Imbibers are welcome to sip on a tasty tipple such as the Rue des Fraises composed of Arette Tequila, Pamplemousse, Montenegro, and strawberry, at one of the many outdoor tables.
Hours of operation: Monday – Thursday, 4pm – 10pm, Friday and Saturday, 4pm – 11pm, and Sunday, 4pm – 9pm with weekend brunch available Saturday – Sunday, 10am – 3pm
52 S. 2nd Street | 267.606.6313 | https://www.royalboucherie.com/
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Stratus Rooftop Lounge, the swanky rooftop venue on the 11th floor of the Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Old City, is getting prepped and ready for the spring and summer season, boasting an all-new cocktail menu courtesy of Lead Bartender Patrick Banko and light fare from the talented in-house culinary team. The indoor/outdoor lounge features two private pavilions (Mist and Vapor) freshly fitted with posh booth-style seating, an illuminating, expansive bar with a garage-style entrance to the outdoor space, contemporary light fixtures, and a lush “green wall” encompassing the lounge, adding to a thoroughly modern, sexy scene.
Hours of operation: Wednesday, 5pm – 10pm, Thursday, 8pm – 12am, and Friday – Saturday, 8pm – 2am
433 Chestnut Street | 215.925.2889 | https://stratuslounge.com/
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-Eleni Sterious