Spring is here, which means it’s time for al fresco dining. While Philadelphia offers many restaurant options, don’t overlook the picturesque views and comfortable seating available in the suburbs. From Bala Cynwyd to West Chester, there’s no shortage of possibilities.
Here’s a look at some great best places for outdoor dining and drinking in the Philadelphia suburbs.
The roof deck at the Media location of the popular pan-Asian restaurant Azie offers a view of the town. The full menu is available outside, featuring sushi, lobster mac and cheese, salads, bulgogi spring rolls, and shrimp tempura. Reservations are encouraged, especially on weekends.
📍217 W. State St., Media, Pa., 19063, 🌐 azie-restaurant.com, 📷 @aziemedia
Seating is first-come, first-served at the Skytop Garden, which sits above the Conshohocken location of the reliable Great American Pub. Order burgers, including the Cajun spice-rubbed charbroiled beef burger and a turkey burger topped with basil-spinach pesto, or brick-oven pizzas, including the Philly cheesesteak and buffalo chicken, to share. Note that it operates weather-permitting.
📍123 Fayette St., Conshohocken, Pa., 19428, 🌐 thegreatamericanpub.com, 📷 @greatamericanpub
There’s a dedicated bar on the roof of this Mexican spot in downtown West Chester. Mas Mexicali Cantina is first-come, first-served and offers tacos, enchiladas, burritos, nachos, margaritas, and more.
📍102 E. Market St., West Chester, Pa. 19382, 🌐 masmexicali.com, 📷 @masmexicalicantina
From Top Chef Nick Elmi, the Landing Kitchen in Bala Cynwyd has a spacious patio with riverfront views of the Schuylkill. Enjoy cafe favorites, such as coffee, tea, burgers, bagels, grain bowls, and more.
📍617 Righters Ferry Road., Bala Cynwyd, Pa., 19004, 🌐 thelandingkitchen.com, 📷 @the_landing_pa
Ardmore hot spot Lola’s Garden from FCM Hospitality (who run Morgan’s Pier, Harpers Garden, and more) is an indoor-outdoor restaurant with a beer-and-wine-garden vibe. The spacious patio is the place to sit for a spread of buttermilk fried chicken sandwiches and duck fat fries, pesto cavatelli, lamb burgers, , and more. Consider the gin, vodka, and tequila cocktails and botanical spirit N/A sippers to accompany your meal.
📍51 St. Georges Road, Ardmore., Pa., 19003, 🌐 lolasgardenrestaurant.com, 📷 @Lolasgardenardmore
In Narberth, happy hour is best enjoyed on the patio. Sip on $6 house martinis and cosmos and munch on $6 appetizer specials as you relax on the cushioned chairs at the Pub of Penn Valley.
📍863 Montgomery Ave., Narberth, Pa., 19072, 🌐 pubofpennvalley.com, 📷 @pubofpennvalley
In Lansdale, consider Stove & Tap’s outdoor patio for brunch with huevos rancheros and brisket omelet on the menu.
📍329 W. Main St., Lansdale, Pa., 19446, 🌐 stoveandtap-lansdale.com, 📷 @stoveandtap
Sip on diverse lagers, IPAs, sangrias, martinis, and more with views of Downingtown at East Branch Brewing Company’s rooftop patio. There are tables with umbrellas, a bar, and a lounge area with a fireplace.
📍202 E. Lancaster Ave., Second Floor, Downingtown, Pa., 19335, 🌐 eastbranchbrewing.com, 📷 @eastbranchbrewing
With umbrellas for shaded seating, dining on the patio at Black Powder Tavern is a no-brainer. Enjoy live music on Friday nights and share plates of chicken wings and crispy calamari at this Chester County restaurant.
📍1164 Valley Forge Road, Wayne, Pa., 19807, 🌐 blackpowdertavern.com, 📷 @blackpowdertavern
In Conshohocken, score backyard seating with a patio deck and lower-level tables at Jasper’s Backyard. Dig into $9-$11 lunch specials, such as cheesesteak sliders and Caesar salad wraps, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and watch the game on a big screen.
📍101 E. Seventh Ave., Conshohocken, Pa., 19428, 🌐 jaspersbackyard.com, 📷 @jaspersbackyard
Right by the marina on Darby Creek, Stinger’s offers picturesque waterfront views for lunch, dinner, or drinks. Dig into steak salads and crab cake sandwiches, and watch boats and wildlife from John Heinz Refuge nearby.
📍401 S. Swarthmore Ave., Ridley Park, Pa., 19078, 🌐 stingerssecane.com, 📷 @stingerswaterfront