The Resy Guide to Cozy Outdoor Dining in Philadelphia

Suraya’s outdoor space transports you from Frankford Avenue to a chic urban garden in Beirut. The gorgeous tiled patio, the water feature, the artwork and the copious greenery has always made its garden one of Fishtown’s most popular outdoor dining spaces. With winter here, there are now stylish outdoor heating lamps every few feet, as well as a sleek fire pit. So you won’t get cold when scooping hummus with pita served fresh from the wood-fired oven. 

Kensington Quarters has put as much attention to detail in their new menu as they have with creating an outdoor space that’s gearing up to be a pleasant winter spot. They’ve constructed a wooden terrace, brought the Edison bulb trend outdoors with string lights, filled the space with shrubbery, and brought in those heat lamps with the dancing flames that are so relaxing to watch.  It’s the perfect atmosphere to enjoy premium oysters on the half shell with a couple of spice-infused cocktails.

The Moroccan poufs, ornate rugs, and handcrafted tables that once filled the rooms of Marrakesh now take up the sidewalks outside.  The iconic furniture, greenery, and lights strung above the narrow alley have transformed Leithgow Street into a charming outdoor dining room. They’re still offering their classic prix fixe meal for $25 per person, so don’t fill up on their legendary b’stella, that sweet and savory chicken-and-egg pastry.  There are still three main dishes and a dessert to enjoy. More info here.

All summer, Booker’s added more accommodations to their outdoor seating. What started as a few metal bistro tables and umbrellas has turned into newly constructed wooden trellis with fabric awnings and clear dividers between tables, creating semi-private dining areas that also help maintain distance.  So kick back with a mimosa and enjoy the hum of brunch on Baltimore Avenue from the comfort of your own dining cubby. Bonus: Live jazz music on Sundays! Call 215-883-0960 for reservations.

Just like the main restaurant, the garden setup at Mulherin’s is a rustic space with prefab elements that have a modern flair, while pulling from  Fishtown’s industrial history. A special menu includes Italian inspired dishes — pizza, pasta, and wood-fired meats. Warm things up with a ricotta leek tortelloni made with toasted hazelnuts and creamy brown butter, or dial up the heat with a Spicy Jawn pizza made with hot coppa, mouth-tingling long hots, and pepperoni balanced with sharp provolone and caciocavallo cheese.

American brasserie meets French bistro in both menu and outdoor patio.  The Art Deco architecture of Center City complements the Wayward’s modern furniture and sleek embellishments, creating a stylish atmosphere. Dishes like hickory-smoked Maine mussels, and duck Lyonnaise with duck scrapple and a poached egg, take French techniques and apply them to American dishes.  Duck scrapple is only a thing that can happen in Philly!

After the shipping industry took a tumble in Philadelphia, many of the city’s piers shut down, and remained abandoned for decades. But Cherry Street Pier is one of the great successes of the recent revitalization, — and puts some of the best that Philadelphia has to offer under one open, steel-frame roof. Every weekend, you can grab local bites, including bread and pastries from Philly’s own Lost Bread Company, start a conversation over a piece of local art on display, and enjoy a drink among floor-to-ceiling trees while taking in the views of the Delaware River and Ben Franklin Bridge. 

Margaritas don’t have to be just a summer drink. And Spring Garden Street’s new Mexican-American spot was made with outdoor dining in mind. The large outdoor space has entertained diners for most of the summer, and Juno is ready to carry those chill vibes into the chilly weather.  They’ve added vibrant tents and seasonal décor to the space and are changing up their menu with new bites and festive cocktails, like the champurrado, a Mexican hot chocolate with spiced rum.  

One of the best things about rowhomes in Center City are the enchanting little courtyards tucked away from the street — like Little Nonna’s.  Their secret garden is enclosed by brick walls and covered by a wooden canopy.  It’s the kind of homey environment that makes the burrata with figs and prosciutto, and the rigatoni alla vodka with garlic sausage, even more comforting. So cozy and tranquil, in fact, you’ll forget you’re in the bustling heart of the Gayborhood, just a couple blocks from busy Broad Street.