By Emma Schmalz By Emma Schmalz | May 8, 2024 | Food & Drink, Feature, Guide, Guides,
From chic rooftop bars to exquisite hidden gardens, these Philly restaurants elevate dining alfresco.
Sip the Philly Vice cocktail at Assembly Rooftop Lounge
ASSEMBLY ROOFTOP LOUNGE
Enjoy your favorite cocktail with a side of sweeping views at Assembly Rooftop Lounge. Assembly’s lounge is complete with fire pits, small bites and—of course—happy hour specials. Share a charcuterie board with friends or unwind with a signature Rose Gold margarita. 1840 Benjamin Franklin Parkway,assemblyrooftop.com
BOK BAR
Dinner and drinks with a view are taken to a new level at Bok Bar’s scenic rooftop. Watch the sunset while enjoying a Golden Hour cocktail with Bluecoat Gin, watermelon, lemon, mint simple and a splash of club soda, or dine on their rotating, street food-focused menu from monthly chef residencies. 800 Mifflin St.,bok-bar.com
FORK
Seasonal American cuisine, like fresh oysters and grilled quail, pair perfectly with a warm spring evening at Fork’s sidewalk tables. Be sure to check out their extensive drink menu and pick a sip—Fork’s Date Night cocktail or a bottle from their aromatized wine list. 306 Market St.,forkrestaurant.com
The private garden at Le Virtu
LE VIRTU
Surrounded by greenery, spend an evening indulging in classic Italian bites in Le Virtu’s private garden. Foodies can treat their taste buds to bites like coniglio and braised rabbit with Mycopolitan mushrooms, pancetta and spinach. Pair each plate with a glass from their carefully curated wine list. 1927 E Passyunk Ave.,levirtu.com
LITTLE NONNA’S
Little Nonna’s is anything but what its name suggests, with spacious outdoor garden seating. Peek inside their open kitchen to see where all the magic happens before dining on classic dishes like Nonni’s spaghetti and meatballs. Specialty sips, like an Italian lemonade, complete the experience. 1234 Locust St.,littlenonnas.com
OSTERIA
Take a seat on Osteria’s elegant glass-enclosed patio, where one can dine alfresco rain or shine. James Beard Awardwinning chef Jeff Michaud’s signature Italian dishes like the lombarda pizze with baked egg and the tomahawk pork chop for two are sure to please your palate. 640 N. Broad St.,osteriaphilly.com
PARC
With an espresso and fresh croissant in hand, guests of Parc can experience the bustle of a Paris bistro without the seven-hour flight. People watch from their sidewalk seating day and night—those who return for dinner must try the steak frites and escargots for the full Parisian experience. 227 S. 18th St.,parc-restaurant.com
REVOLUTION HOUSE
Take in charming views of Market Street from Revolution House’s rooftop garden seating. Woodfire pizzas, short rib grilled cheese and garlic chili shrimp are sure to delight, paired with their decadent hazelnut martini. 200 Market St.,revolutionhouse.com
ROUGE
The outdoor seating at Rouge is the ideal spot to take in all the scenic views of Rittenhouse Square. This spot is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, serving a large selection of American dishes from avocado and burrata toast to tuna tartare tacos. 205 S. 18th St.,rouge98.com
TALULA’S GARDEN
At Talula’s Garden, an upscale farmhouse design flows into the perfect spring garden spot for brunch, dinner and everything in between. Nothing beats the combination of fresh ingredients and fresh spring air, and Talula’s stand-out dishes feature locally sourced ingredients, like their handmade ricotta raviolo or lamb bolognese. 210 W. Washington Square,talulasgarden.com
The Wayward’s lush outdoor patio
THE WAYWARD
Twinkle lights illuminate The Wayward’s private outdoor dining space, adorned with lush greenery and the aroma of French-inspired American bites. Pair their oyster and gin selections with the rich steak frites, or stop by for brunch to indulge in stuffed French toast. 1170 Ludlow St.,thewayward.com
Wm. Mulherin’s Sons’ garden is an oasis.
WM. MULHERIN’S SONS
Wm. Mulherin’s sidewalk dining tables and garden are the perfect place to enjoy their signature wood-fired pizza and other Italian fare. Those who love a little heat must try the Spicy Jawn pie with pepperoni, hot coppa, caciocavallo, sharp provolone, long hots and tomato. 1355 N. Front St.,wmmulherinssons.com
Photography by: HARRY PARIS; COURTESY OF BRANDS; MATTHEW WILLIAMS