We see you, Labor Day. But officially, summer isn’t over until the end of September. We’d even argue that right now is the time to get your al fresco dining fix in Philadelphia – temps aren’t sizzling anymore, the summer rush is over, people, places and restaurants are just a bit more… chill (without being chill-y). Here’s to soaking it all in before the sweater drawer starts calling.
Bok Bar
Perch on Bok Bar’s rooftop lounge for panoramic views and Mediterranean meze.
Located in Philadelphia’s Bok Building (a former vocational high school turned bar), you’ll find Mediterranean mezze, plus beer and wine.
Neighborhood: South Philly
Views: City skyline
Dates Open: Through September 27; after that you can still head to its sister bar, Irwin’s, which has its own deck and city views
Talula’s Garden
Café by day and tasting menu experience by night, savor farm-to-table fare al fresco at Talula’s Garden in Washington Square.
Twinkle, twinkle in the backyard of your dreams. Talula’s is a place to gather with friends in a leafy sanctuary, and it’s known for its cheese program and local spirits.
Neighborhood: Washington Square
Views: Greenery, fairy lights, stars
Dates Open: Well into fall, weather permitting
Stratus Lounge
An enviable cocktail program—including oh-so-hip draft cocktails—makes this Old City rooftop haunt a modern oasis.
Eleven stories up at the Hotel Monaco is a sophisticated social scene replete with a fireplace, maple tree and weekend DJs. Come for the 5-7 happy hour, stay for the after-10 crowd.
Neighborhood: Old City
Views: An in-crowd and the sky – both in sparkly attire
Dates Open: Year-round
Suraya
Enter from the back entrance on Front Street into this stunning 12,000 square foot Lebanese market and courtyard. You could come just to get an education in Lebanese wine, or Arak, a popular Lebanese aperitif.
Neighborhood: Fishtown
Views: Persian ironwood trees, a fountain, fire pit and beautiful tilework
Dates Open: Year-round, weather permitting
American Sardine Bar
This Philly staple, with its 16 beers on draft and in cans, and delightful décor including campy lawn chairs, draws a big happy hour that commences weekdays at 4pm.
Neighborhood: Point Breeze
Views: Sidewalk, people watching
Dates Open: Year-round
Martha
Enjoy a cocktail and a boost to your gut health at the same time: this restaurant and courtyard specializes in lacto-fermentation and local food and wines – especially hoagies.
Neighborhood: Kensington
Views: Fairy lights, firewood, a bocce ball court and the sky
Dates Open: Through Winter, when weather no longer permits
Hotel Palomar’s “Picnic in the Park”
Elevate your usual picnic fare with a gourmet basket from Square 1682’s sustainable kitchen.
Come stay a night at the Hotel Palomar and let Chef Mackenson Horebe of Square 1682 pack a picnic lunch for you and your family. The mobile feast for four is presented in a borrowed basket with a blanket – just add a grassy lawn and some trees.
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square
Views: Choose your own adventure! (But may we suggest Rittenhouse Square, Washington Square or any of Philly’s great parks?)
Dates Open: Promotion ends September 30 (Package is best available rate plus $65.)
Graffiti Bar
Grab some friends and meet up for Asian Fusion in an alley, where they’re known for their fish bowl drinks.
Neighborhood: Center City East
Views: The artwork of Philly spray-paint artists Distort, A Lot and Run
Dates Open: Year-round
Spruce Street Harbor Park
Come for a bite and stay for a game of bocce or shuffleboard—or a swing in a hammock—at Spruce Street’s urban beach along the Delaware.
A great date, group or family spot, this summer pop-up in Philadelphia offers bites by celebrated chefs, frozen drinks – with everything served out of repurposed cargo containers.
Neighborhood: Center City East
Views: Delaware River and Benjamin Franklin Bridge
Dates Open: Through September 29
