Published by Jeremy. Last Updated on July 18, 2024.
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We love a beautiful day in Pittsburgh, and when the weather decides to cooperate, our first thought is to all of the great spots we can eat and drink outside.
So in this one, we thought we’d share some great places for outdoor drinking and dining in Pittsburgh that we cannot get enough of. Some make this one for their epic views, others because the food or drinks are incredible. Some have proper patios with permanent infrastructure, whereas others may simply be picnic tables and chairs outside.
As such, it is worth re-iterating that we’re taking a broad look at all things outdoor drinking and dining in this one and, as always, keep in mind that outdoor seating at many of these locations may only be available seasonally or during periods of good weather. So please reconfirm any outdoor options prior to visiting.
Looking for more great places to eat and drink outdoors? We discuss this topic with our friends at City Cast Pittsburgh on a podcast recording at the previous link!
Federal Galley
We love galley-style dining, as the numerous restaurant concepts make it the kind of place that has something for everyone. When it comes to dining outside, Federal Galley in the North Side is hard to beat for its large seating area on not one but two sides of the restaurant.
Throw on a killer happy hour (typically half off beer, wine, and cocktails on weeknights from 4:30 to 6:30), new restaurants that come in throughout the years, and that the location is a short walk to the stadiums in the North Side, and you have the makings for an outdoor spot that can be enjoyed for many reasons again and again.
Federal Galley is located at 200 Children’s Way in the North Side.
Pusadee’s Garden
For those who want to be outside and have a fine dining experience, the modern Thai restaurant Pusadee’s Garden in Lawrenceville is truly hard to beat.
True to its name, Pusadee’s Garden offers a beautiful outdoor oasis in its courtyard. Dining at this restaurant will transport you to a tropical resort on a Thai island (sadly, no beach is included) while you enjoy some of the best Thai cuisine in the city.
One point of note with the outdoor seating at Pusadee’s Garden is that it typically is only open on nights with good weather. So for those who snag a reservation in advance, be sure to note you want to sit outside if the weather cooperates.
For everyone else, Pusadee’s also offers walk-in seating, particularly on nice nights, as dining capacity expands significantly when the garden is open. You may not be seated outside here, but we’ve had good luck getting on the waitlist showing up shortly after open and still scoring a coveted outdoor spot all the same.
Pusadee’s Garden is located at 5319 Butler Street in Lawrenceville.
Walter’s BBQ
Most restaurants in Lawrenceville are not known for having robust outdoor dining, particularly because space is indeed at quite a premium. But at Walter’s BBQ, you get just that with one of the largest and most popular patios not only in the neighborhood but arguably the entire city.
Once you try the barbecue here, you’ll see why the crowds flock to it for happy hour, dinner, and brunch again and again. Just don’t be surprised if there is a bit of wait for a table on a nice night- this one is popular for a reason!
So go in with a group of friends, snag an outdoor table, order a feast to share (throw on some candied bacon if available) and let a beautiful night go by with some delicious meats!
Walter’s BBQ is located at 4501 Butler Street in Lawrenceville.
Farmer x Baker
For those who want to enjoy outdoor dining in a bit more of a low-key environment outside, Farmer x Baker in Aspinwall’s Riverfront Park is for you.
This restaurant is found, quite literally, in a sea container located right next to the Allegheny River in the heart of the park. During the warmer months, this one has a wonderful (albeit often limited) farm-to-table menu for dinners and brunches, with the likes of sandwiches, vegetable-forward bowls, pizza, and flatbreads gracing the seasonal menu.
As a bonus, Trace Brewing has been known to do beer pop-ups on select nights, too!
But as Farmer x Baker is heavily seasonal, and sometimes even weather dependent, be sure to check their social media to make sure they’re open as this one can have a bit more variable hours than other restaurants on this list.
Farmer x Baker is located inside Aspinwall’s Riverfront Park.
Sly Fox Brewing at The Highline
As far as breweries are concerned, there are many great places to drink outside. But one tops our list as being the very best- Sly Fox Brewing’s location at The Highline in South Side.
There are many reasons to love this one, but the view looking out at Pittsburgh’s skyline is by far the best. Throw on ample events in the summer months, the view from the second floor walkway at the end of the “pier”, and the fact that it is located right on the Great Allegheny Passage and you have numerous reasons to make this one a staple in your outdoor rotation!
We probably could have an entire article dedicated to breweries with great outdoor spaces beyond Sly Fox. Others we love include Grist House (Millvale location), Strange Roots (Millvale), Trace, Dancing Gnome, East End’s Popup on the North Shore River Trail, Hazelwood Brew House, Hitchhiker (Sharpsburg), Voodoo (North Shore), and many, many more.
Sly Fox Brewing is located at 46 S 4th Street in South Side.
Over Eden
Pittsburgh is home to several rooftop bars and restaurants that offer fun outdoor experiences. But Over Eden at the Tryp Hotel in Lawrenceville offers one of the best.
Not only does this one have a mix of food, a full bar menu, a stellar view of the city, and, for those who want to get out of the elements also a beautiful indoor area (with the same great view), too!
Over Eden is located at the top of the Tryp Hotel at 177 40th Street in Lawrenceville.
OTB Bicycle Cafe North Park
Of course, if we’re talking about outdoor dining, we’d be remiss if we didn’t share a few great spots in the greater Pittsburgh area, too.
North Park is home to a gem right on the shores of North Park Lake, OTB Bicycle Cafe. This popular gastropub serves a modern American menu in three locations around the region, and their North Park location features a large patio with serene views looking out over the water.
One of our favorite ways to enjoy this one is to park in the large parking lot nearby and either go for a long walk, bike ride, or kayak around the lake and finish with some food and beverages at the cafe to close out the day!
OTB Bicycle Cafe North Park is located at 10301 Pearce Mill Rd in Allison Park, PA.
Cobblehaus at the Falls
While we previously touched on a number of breweries near the city that have great patios, we would be remiss if we did not call out Cobblehaus at the Falls in Mercer, PA.
For those who are willing to make the roughly one-hour drive north of the city, a gorgeous view will be your reward as this one is, quite literally, located next door to a beautiful waterfall. Guests can head inside Cobblehaus’ taproom (which is gorgeous in its own right), grab a pint, and head out to view Springfield Falls from seating areas both above the falls and at the base- the latter being a short walk down a trail next to the brewery.
This one always makes for a great stop after a long day of hiking at Moraine State Park or McConnells Mill State Park, too!
Cobblehaus at the Falls is located at 1015 Leesburg Station Rd in Mercer, PA.
TreeTops at Polymath Park
The Laurel Highlands is often called Pittsburgh’s backyard thanks to its wealth of parks and other outdoor activities to enjoy.
TreeTops, located at Polymath Park, has a beautiful outdoor dining experience with Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired decor in the, you guessed it, treetops! Throw on an acclaimed fine dining menu and a stellar house tour of the Wright properties on the grounds (plus those of one of his students), and you can truly have a great day out here.
Just be sure to get a reservation for both the restaurant and the house tours in advance as this one is quite popular and fills up fast!
TreeTops is located on-site at Polymath Park at 187 Evergreen Ln in Acme, PA.
Harmony Inn
We head back north of the city for our final favorite patio. Nestled in the historic center of Harmony, PA, is the aptly named Harmony Inn found in an 1800s home with a beautiful ambiance with views of the gorgeous buildings the town is known for.
Throw on the restaurant’s acclaimed menu of modern German fare, robust beer list (from both North Country Brewing, who owns the restaurant, and other local producers), and more, and you have reason to enjoy this one again and again.
Harmony Inn is located at 230 Mercer St in Harmony, PA.
Do you have a favorite spot to eat or drink outdoors in Pittsburgh Comment below to share!
