Here’s your neighborhood guide to rooftop and outdoor dining

Spring is here — the perfect time to sip margaritas and munch on fries. It’s prime time for al fresco feasting, whether you’re on the patio at Gojjo diving into Ethiopian cheesesteaks or kicking back beers to benefit Philadelphia Parks at the traveling beer garden, Parks on Tap.

The Philly region has plenty of outdoor dining and drinking destinations, but this year things are looking a bit different. Recent years saw an expansion of restaurant “streeteries” across the city, enhancing dining options, but with new 2023 regulations on such licenses, their numbers have dwindled.

Here’s a continually updated guide to the best restaurants and bars for outdoor dining and drinking in Philadelphia.

Before you even reach the ordering counter at Fette Sau, you’ll pass the rustic outdoor setup ideal for chowing down on barbecue outside. Set back on Frankford Avenue, the larger-than-expected space is open to those looking to dine or drink in a casual, relaxed environment.

📍1208 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19125, 🌐 fettesauphilly.com, 📷 @fettesauphilly

Don’t assume it’ll be easy to land a spot at one of the many communal tables in the Frankford Hall outdoor courtyard. One-liter steins and giant soft pretzels draw crowds that regularly fill the sidewalk. Drop in early to avoid the lines and snag a table before it gets crowded. You’ll find propane heaters and campfire pits set up in the colder months and umbrellas for the warmer months.

📍1210 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19125, 🌐 frankfordhall.com, 📷 @frankfordhall

Tall bamboo and other plants fill this spacious terrace, enclosed by brick, wood, and tin walls. Order a beer and the buffalo cauliflower.

📍1253 N. Front St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19122, 🌐 frontstreetcafe.net, 📷 @frontstreetcafe

Set in Kensington, this courtyard is perfect for enjoying the ultimate pairing of high-quality hoagies and cocktails.

📍2113 E. York St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19125, 🌐 marthakensington.com, 📷 @marthakensington

Laid-back vibes are the theme at this huge beer garden. While it’s operated by Philadelphia Brewing Co., it’s located across Martha Street from the brewery. The space has plenty of picnic tables with umbrellas for kid and dog-friendly seating.

📍2440 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19125, 🌐 philadelphiabrewing.com, 📷 @philadelphiabrewing

With plants all around, find a taste of the tropics at this brick patio, hidden away from Spring Garden Street. The patio is surprisingly spacious — probably the best spot to sit for brunch on the weekends.

📍435 Spring Garden St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19123, 🌐 silkcityphilly.com, 📷 @silkcitydiner

Tucked behind its upstairs bar, this cozy deck overlooks the heart of Northern Liberties. The always-impressive beer list and better-than-pub grub will make the trip worth it.

📍901 N. Second St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19123, 🌐 standardtap.com, 📷 @standardtap

You could sit inside the restaurant but why not dine on tacos and fruity margaritas in the colorful patio? Bright yellow tables and chairs deliver peak spring vibes.

📍1749 N. Front St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19122, 🌐 lmnophilly.com, 📷 @lmnophilly

Stop by this Frankford Avenue BYOB pizza shop for a slice or two. The backyard space fits 40 people, and with a pizza party mural and strung-up lights, dining al fresco is the way to go.

📍2313 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19125, 🌐 pizzabrain.org, 📷 @mypizzabrain

It’s never boring at this popular beer garden, which is home to televisions for game-watching and seasonal fire pits. The menu includes a selection of largely local beers, frozen cocktails, wine and more, in addition to sandwiches, salads, and snacks. Check social media for opening day.

📍 100 S. Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 phlbeergarden.com, 📷 @phlbeergarden

On the edge of the breezy Delaware River, this 500-seat seasonal beer garden sits in the shadow of the Ben Franklin Bridge. Choose from a dozen-plus draft beers, a list of summery cocktails, flatbreads, sandwiches, and raw bar options. The beer garden is currently closed, but will reopen mid-April.

📍221 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 morganspier.com, 📷 @morganspier

This sunny Italian seafood spot has outdoor seating one story above street level with 15 tables. The elevated seating gives lovely views of Independence National Historical Park. Outdoor seating will opens this weekend.

📍214 Walnut St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 positanocoast.net, 📷 @positanocoastphilly

There’s 20,000-square-feet of space to spread out at the Garden at Cherry Street Pier, along with more than 250 seats for outdoor dining and drinking. Located in the back of the art space that is Cherry Street Pier, this outdoor bar and restaurant is set along the Delaware River and has a menu of Mexican-inspired food like birria tacos, chicken tinga tacos, nachos, taco salad, and more. Drinks range from juices and lemonade to draft cocktails, frozen cocktails, and local beer. The outdoor space opens on the first week of April.

📍121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 cherrystreetpier.com, 📷 @cherrystgarden

Because it’s Old City’s largest rooftop restaurant, the roof deck here is popular, so reservations are a good idea. Menu includes salads, burgers, entrées, and wood-fired pizza, plus a full slate of cocktails, beers, and wines.

📍200 Market St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 revolutionhouse.com, 📷 @revhouse200

Planters festoon the brick walls of this seemingly secret upstairs garden. With only a dozen or so tables, it’s wise to book the space in advance. Come hungry for options like steak frites, freshly shucked oysters, and its signature burger.

📍52 S. Second St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 royalboucherie.com, 📷 @royalboucherie

Take in Old City views from 11 stories up at the top of Philly’s Kimpton Hotel Monaco. Sit on a plush couch and order one of their cocktails, or splurge on bottle service. Just be sure to follow the dress code.

📍433 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 stratuslounge.com, 📷 @stratuslounge

This leafy, lantern-lit patio off Washington Square is a Philly restaurant scene standard. Stop by for buttermilk pancakes at brunch, or smoked pork belly and seared scallops in the evening.

📍210 W. Washington Square, Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 talulasgarden.com, 📷 @talulas.garden

This spot is a different kind of outdoor dining experience. The deck, which is the top floor of the massive, floating boat gives you cocktails, wine, beer and a menu of seafood and small plates to pair with views of the Delaware River. Reservations are prioritized but walk-ins are welcome.

📍401 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 moshulu.com, 📷 @moshuluphilly

Head to Philly largest outdoor dining spot at Penn’s Landing. Spanning over 25,000 square feet restaurant, the menu serves up something for everyone: scallop ceviche, shrimp baskets, cheeseburgers, salads and jumbo chicken wings, plus specialty cocktails. Liberty Point opens in early April.

📍 211 S. Columbus Blvd., 🌐 libertypointphilly.com, 📷 @libertypointphilly

Enter this urban beer garden in the middle of Rittenhouse for Caesar salads and smoked cauliflower sandwiches accompanied by cocktails in a family-friendly environment. The 11,500-square feet of space with flowers, greenery, and trees opens April 4.

📍1708 Walnut St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19103, 🌐 walnutphl.com, 📷 @walnutphl

Sample an impressive selection of sake and coal-grilled skewers al fresco at this sushi bar’s brick courtyard.

📍1225 Sansom St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19107, 🌐 instagram.com/1225raw

Even if you can’t snag an outside table at this rooftop hotel restaurant/bar, the wide-open windows mean you can catch a breeze nearly anywhere you sit.

📍219 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19107, 🌐 atticorooftop.com, 📷 @atticorooftop

Head to the top floor of this classic Center City spot to eat and drink at a tucked away, yet in-the-middle-of-it-all rooftop. Two outdoor spaces flank the retro bar and indoor fireplace, where items like Szechuan shoestring fries and lobster mac and cheese are available for purchase.

📍1801 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19103, 🌐 continentalmidtown.com, 📷 @continental_midtown

A wooden trellis strung with lights illuminates this 18th Street restaurant. Enjoy towering skyscraper views while sipping on a summery cocktail or a draft beer. The enclosures on the patio and greenhouses for the winter will come down in the beginning of April for the full outdoor dining experience.

📍31 S. 18th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19103, 🌐 harpersgardenphilly.com, 📷 @harpersgarden215

The bigger-than-expected courtyard next to Jet Wine Bar is decidedly a wine garden with a full menu of white, red, rosé, orange, and sparkling wine varieties. The courtyard reopens March 29.

📍1525 South St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19146, 🌐 jetwinebar.com, 📷 @jetwinebar

There’s plenty of space for outdoor drinks at Juno, a Mexican-inspired restaurant in Callowhill. Have a seat at one of its colorful chairs and choose from a menu of margaritas, wines by the bottle and glass, tacos, nachos, burritos, and more.

📍1033 Spring Garden St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19123, 🌐 junophilly.com, 📷 @junophl

Across the street from its main brewery, Love City Brewing Co. opened Love City Gardens, an outdoor space beneath the former railroad viaduct. Here, find seating for around 80 people, an overhead shipping container and pergola for rain protection, and an outdoor bar where you can order from the brewery’s drink menu. For food, you can visit the on-site food truck which changes by the day. Love City Gardens will open in May 3 for private events.

📍1023 Hamilton St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19123, 🌐 lovecitybrewing.com, 📷 @lovecitybrewing

Stop by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s pop-up garden on South Street for food and drinks in a lush, greenery-filled setting. Enjoy grilled bratwurst and sip on piña coladas, starting March 29.

📍1438 South St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19146, 🌐 phsonline.org, 📷 @phspopupgardens

The Wayward is a self-proclaimed American brasserie with a patio dotted with hanging lights and spread-out seating. On the menu, you’ll find fresh oysters, crisp salads, and a variety of beer, wine, and French-inspired cocktails. When days get warmer, the patio seating will reopen.

📍1170 Ludlow St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19107, 🌐 thewayward.com, 📷 @thewaywardphilly

Share meat, fish or veggie tacos and fruity margaritas while dining al fresco in the Graduate Hospital area.

📍918 S 22nd St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19146, 🌐 loscamaradas.com, 📷 @los.camaradas

Nine stories up, this lounge has prime views of the Parkway. When you’re ready to stop snapping photos, cushy seating awaits, along with frosé and small-bite options.

📍1840 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pa. 19103, 🌐 assemblyrooftop.com, 📷 @assemblyphl

Margaritas, guacamole, and tacos are the orders of choice at this partially shaded garden patio, which is always a little quieter than the boisterous scene inside of the restaurant, formerly known as La Calaca Feliz. Reservations are recommended for a seat in the garden.

📍2321 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19130, 🌐 cantinafeliz.com, 📷 @cantinafeliz

The standby Fairmount restaurant has a spacious patio covered by a retractable roof with tables and couches; come for oysters and truffle fries.

📍2028 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19130, 🌐 farerestaurant.com, 📷 @fareonfairmount

Soak in the warm weather at this South Philly staple’s backyard, complete with lawn chairs, string lights, and a dozen-plus cold draft beers. Try its namesake: a sardine melt.

📍1800 Federal St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19146, 🌐 americansardinebar.com, 📷 @americansardine

Abundant greenery creates a buffer between this buzzy tapas bar’s patio and the traffic on Passyunk. If you’re celebrating, spring for a bottle of wine to pair with items from the tapas menu.

📍1709 East Passyunk Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19148, 🌐 barcelonawinebar.com, 📷 @barcelonawinebar

Bok Bar reopens for the season on April 11. Take in sweeping views from New Jersey to West Philadelphia from the top of the refurbished and repurposed former school. Throughout its season, the bar plays host to dining pop-ups, fitness nights, live performances, and more. Expect a full menu of beer, wine, ciders, and cocktails.

📍800 Mifflin St., 8th floor, Philadelphia, Pa. 19148, 🌐 bok-bar.com, 📷 @bok_bar

A prime corner on East Passyunk Avenue, this breezy patio gets swarmed with patrons sipping margaritas and dipping chips in guac.

📍1651 E. Passyunk Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19148, 🌐 cantinaloscaballitos.com, 📷 @cantinaphilly

The New York-based pizza-and-burger destination’s multi-level roof deck opened last summer atop the Sonder hotel. Zip up from the lobby to see 360-degree views while enjoying Emmy’s full food and drink menu. The opening day is mid-April.

📍632 S. Fifth St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19147, 🌐 emmysquaredpizza.com, 📷 @emmysquaredpizza

Irwin’s is now home to chef Michael Ferreri of shuttered Res Ipsa, who brings his signature dishes (eggplant gnocchi, agrodolce chicken) to the Bok Building space. This southern-facing sibling to Bok Bar promises an eighth-floor deck complete with hanging lights and views of South Philly. Enter at Eighth and Mifflin Street and take the elevator to the top floor. The restaurant’s deck reservations go live in May.

📍800 Mifflin St., 8th floor, Philadelphia, Pa. 19148, 🌐 irwinsupstairs.com, 📷 @irwinsupstairs

A mural of the Italian region of Abruzzo and string lights provides the backdrop in this spacious patio. It’s set back from bustling Passyunk Avenue, making it a quiet space to have a Southern Italian meal and a glass of wine. The patio reopens on mid-April with a canopy and a tent on the lower deck.

📍1927 E. Passyunk Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19148 🌐 levirtu.com, 📷 @levirtuphila

Found in the 9th Street Market, Grace and Proper offers a Portuguese and European bar. Indulge in wine, pork bifanas sandwiches, espressos, and craft cocktails in a comfortable outdoor setup.

📍941 S 8th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19147, 🌐 graceandproper.com, 📷 @graceandproperphilly

When the patio reopens depending on the weather, enjoy rosemary gnocchi and red wine-braised cabbage in the patio off to the side of the dining room adorned with a black iron clad gate and wooden trellis. It seats about 20 to 22 people.

📍701 S 4th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19147, 🌐 southwarkrestaurantphilly.com, 📷 @southwarkphl

In good weather, the back patio at this Eri-Ethiopian joint is the place to be. Order a beer to pair with the flavorful stews and spongy injera bread.

📍4708 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19143, 📷 @dahlak_paradise

This Baltimore Avenue restaurant is known for its Ethiopian food, including the raved-about Ethiopian cheesesteaks made with berbere spice. And its low-key back patio, shaded by a pergola, is a great place to eat and drink.

📍4540 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19143, 🌐 gojjo.us, 📷 @gojjo215

The urban oasis that is the Trolley Portal Gardens at the 40th Street trolley portal has plenty of seats for outdoor meals and drinks from the on-site Renata’s Kitchen and Bar. And while Mediterranean-focused Renata’s was once BYOB, this location has a stocked bar with draft wine and cocktails. Happy hour is 4 to 7 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday and Saturday 5 to 7 p.m.

📍3940 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19104, 🌐 renatas-kitchen.com, 📷 @renatas_kitchen

Reopening this spring, the 1.2-acre lawn covering Cira Green’s parking garage (along 30th Street between Chestnut and Walnut) is one of the city’s outdoor standouts, with sandwiches, salads, drinks and prime skyline views. It’s 12 stories above ground level, so take the elevator to the top of the garage to access the free, no-reservation-required space.

📍129 S. 30th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19104, 🌐 sunsetsocialphl.com, 📷 @sunsetsocialphl

Dine on fried fish sliders and strawberry arugula salad for brunch in West Philly’s go-to for breezy, plant-filled sidewalk seating.

📍5021 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19143, 🌐 bookersrestaurantandbar.com, 📷 @bookers.westphilly

Wine and wine-based cocktails (frosé, mimosas, a cotton candy-topped cocktail, and more) are the theme at The Wine Garden, a cool, umbrella-shaded space on Baltimore Avenue. Check social media for ticketed pop-up brunches and other events. The wine garden opens May 4.

📍5019 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19143, 🌐 winegardenphilly.com, 📷 @winegardenwest

Behind Germantown’s Attic Brewing Co., find a nearly 9,000-square-foot beer garden complete with Attic’s brews flowing from an outdoor bar, lawn games, plenty of seating, and a rotating lineup of food trucks. You can also bring your own food to eat in the hidden-from-the-street beer garden; Deke’s Garage Roadhouse BBQ is conveniently located next door.

📍137 Berkley St., 🌐 atticbrewing.com, 📷 @atticbrewing

Beyond the South Street location, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society also has a lush, relaxed pop-up beer garden in Manayunk at Main Street and Jamestown Avenue. The menu promises frozen drinks, spiked seltzers, draft beers, tacos, fries, and more. The garden reopens March 29.

📍106 Jamestown Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19127, 🌐 phsonline.org, 📷 @phspopupgardens

The roof deck at the Media location of the popular pan-Asian restaurant overlooks the town. Outside, the full menu is available, which includes sushi, lobster mac and cheese, salads, bulgogi spring rolls, and shrimp tempura. Reservations are encouraged, especially on weekends. The deck will reopen at the end of April, weather permitting.

📍217 W. State St., Media, Pa. 19063, 🌐 azie-restaurant.com, 📷 @aziemedia

Seating is on a first come, first serve basis at the Skytop Garden, which sits above the Conshohocken location of the reliable Great American Pub. Note that it operates weather-permitting.

📍123 Fayette St., Conshohocken, Pa. 19428, 🌐 thegreatamericanpub.com, 📷 @greatamericanpub

Top Chef Nick Elmi runs this Bala Cynwyd spot. The spacious patio boasts riverfront views as you enjoy the menu of cafe favorites: coffee, tea, burgers, bagels, grain bowls, and more.

📍617 Righters Ferry Road., Bala Cynwyd, Pa. 19004, 🌐 thelandingkitchen.com, 📷 @the_landing_pa

Ardmore hotspot 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 shaded meal or happy hour drink.

📍51 St. Georges Road, Ardmore., Pa. 19003, 🌐 lolasgardenrestaurant.com, 📷 @Lolasgardenardmore

There’s a dedicated bar on the roof of this downtown West Chester Mexican spot. The popular menu of tacos, enchiladas, burritos, nachos, and margaritas is available on the rooftop, weather-permitting.

📍102 E. Market St., West Chester, Pa. 19382, 🌐 masmexicali.com, 📷 @masmexicalicantina

In Narberth, happy hour is best enjoyed on the comfortable patio. Sip on $5 house martinis and cosmos as you much on fish and chips as you relax of the cushioned chairs.

📍863 Montgomery Ave., Narberth, Pa. 19072, 🌐 pubofpennvalley.com, @pubofpennvalley

» READ MORE: Our best Philly tips: Read our most useful stories

Steven White contributed to this article.