Do you feel that slight breeze? Are you driving around with your windows down? Have you pulled out your favorite sunglasses? Because Spring has officially arrived in Pittsburgh!
…but please don’t look at us if it randomly snows again.
Where is the best place to celebrate this change in season? On a patio with a drink in hand!
Below are a few of our favorite patios in and around Pittsburgh. While they vary in style (rooftop, sidewalk, balcony, ect.), each is equally great for soaking up that al fresco experience.
Did we forget your favorite patio? Don’t fret! Just share it in the comments below. Be sure to follow @goodfoodpgh and #goodfoodpgh on Instagram and tag us in all of your patio pictures this summer – we want to see them!
Updated 4/13/19:
The Cafe at the Frick
One of Pittsburgh’s most elegant patios reopens this April. The cafe specializes in lunch and afternoon tea service. They also serve dinner on Friday evenings.
The Cafe at the Frick (7227 Reynolds St)
Walter’s BBQ Southern Kitchen
Walter’s serves up delicious food and fun times at their Lawrenceville BBQ yard. In addition to frosty drinks and freshly smoked entrees, expect cornhole, jenga, ping pong and more! This is a great place to stop by with out of town guests.
Walter’s BBQ Southern Kitchen (4501 Butler St)
Duncan St Sandwich Shop
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvzOejKhsZa/
Although this Millvale sandwich shop has very limited seating on the inside, the restaurant does offer a large outdoor patio that is both shaded and dog friendly. The patio is officially open for the season, so be sure to head over soon to enjoy their sandwiches and homemade sodas. Don’t forget a homemade rice krispie treat for dessert!
Duncan St Sandwich Shop (543 North Ave)
The Pines Tavern
One of Pittsburgh’s most serene patios is located in Gibsonia at The Pines Tavern. The tavern is a local hotspot, and frequently hosts events and specials, so be sure to keep an eye on their website. The restaurant has a wonderful watergarden.
The Pines Tavern (5018 Bakerstown Road, Gibsonia)
The Pennsylvania Market
The PA Market offers one of the largest patio spaces in Pittsburgh! Head over to enjoy this open air market with an outdoor bar (!) and food vendors. They also offer an upstairs dining space with a balcony overlooking The Strip.
The Pennsylvania Market (108 19th St)
Spork Pit
Enjoy BBQ with a view of Penn Avenue at Spork Pit, the newest venture from the folks behind Spork. This fast-casual spot offers fresh cuts of meat, sides, and a carefully curated selection of drinks (did someone say frosé?) Enjoy their two levels of patio dining, or eat inside.
Spork Pit (5349 Penn Ave)
Luke and Mike’s Front Porch
https://www.instagram.com/p/BJyYXdzB68d/
The name says at all at this Aspinwall favorite! Luke and Mike’s has a wraparound porch for diners, as well as a “sidebar” space with a bar and television. This is a great spot for hanging on the weekends, or watching the game!
Luke and Mike’s Front Porch (235 Commercial Ave)
The Lot at Edgewater
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhetMCagee2/
Head to Oakmont to enjoy all-day breakfast outside. This new restaurant has already made a name for themselves with their paper-thin pancakes and boozy coffee menu (yep, you read that correctly). Weekday brunch can be hard to find in Pittsburgh, so The Lot is your solution!
The Lot at Edgewater (145 Allegheny Ave)
Hitchhiker Brewing (Sharpsburg)
Enjoy beers in the sun at Hitchhiker’s Sharpsburg location, which has a sprawling beer garden. The brewery frequently hosts food trucks and has can releases. Cheers! PS: Good Food Pittsburgh hosts a brunch festival at Hitchhiker every summer. Be sure to follow @BrunchburghFest on instagram to be notified when tickets go on sale!
Hitchhiker Brewing (1500 S Canal St)
Café Du Jour
One of Pittsburgh’s most believed patios is at Café Du Jour on East Carson Street. This tucked away patio is an oasis, and perfect for enjoy the restaurant’s fresh and delicious cafe menu.
Café Du Jour (1107 E Carson St)
Penn Brewery
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv6_b0kg3r3/
One of Pittsburgh’s most historic patios is located on the Northside of the city. Beer has been brewed at Penn Brewery for over 100 years, so stop by to enjoy a cold one while soaking up the sun and learning about the building.
Penn Brewery (800 Vinial St)
Il Pizzaiolo
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlBrns7gbVJ/
Pizza in the breeze? Yes please! Enjoy fresh ‘za (and cocktails) al fresco style at the wonderful outdoor at Il Pizzaiolo in Mt. Lebo.
Il Pizzaiolo (703 Washington Rd)
Cornerstone Restaurant & Bar
Head to Aspinwall for a meal at Cornerstone, a great neighborhood restaurant with one of the best brunches in the ‘burgh. Be sure the house made corned beef -it’s delicious!
Cornerstone Restaurant & Bar (301 Freeport Rd)
Coughlin’s Law Kitchen and Ale House
Check aht that view! This Mt. Washington hotspot has great pub food and drinks that you can enjoy on their deck, which offers views of our lovely city.
Coughlin’s Law (10 Virginia Avenue)
Molinaro Ristorante & Bar
https://www.instagram.com/p/BujYqWYBh8I/
Located in the space formerly occupied by Poros is Molinaro, a new Italian restaurant in Market Square. Soak up the trattoria lifestyle with Italian dishes and drinks on their adjacent patio.
Molinaro Ristorante & Bar (PPG Place, 2)
Bae Bae’s Kitchen
Bae Bae’s converted a parking spot in front of their restaurant into a tiny patio with a roof. This tiny hotspot is one of the best places in Downtown to enjoy outdoor dining.
Bae Bae’s Kitchen (951 Liberty Ave)
Harris Grill
Both Harris Grill locations Downtown and on Ellsworth in Shadyside have outdoor patios. The Downtown location has an awning and is perfect for a sunny day. Be sure to visit on bacon night (Tuesdays) when the restaurant give out free baskets of bacon at the bar, $1 baskets at tables.
Harris Grill (Multiple Locations)
Nicky’s Thai Kitchen
The patio behind Nicky’s Thai Kitchen on the Northside is a secret oasis. Shaded by a colored awning and draped in foliage, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy Nicky’s delicious and authentic Thai food. A few of our favorites include the fresh spring rolls and Beef Pad Phet. Nicky’s also has locations Downtown and in the North Hills, but the Northside location is BYOB.
Nicky’s Thai Kitchen (856 Western Ave.)
Round Corner Cantina
On a hot summer day there is no better place to be than the patio at Round Corner Cantina. No matter the time of day, this spot is always a party. Stop by for delicious margaritas and one of the best chip & dip deals in town. Additionally, the restaurant just had a major patio renovation and has opened a beautiful outdoor bar and lounge area.
Round Corner Cantina (3720 Butler St)
Kelly’s Bar and Lounge
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZCjD9dDIwf/?taken-at=3802
One of the worst-kept secrets in Pittsburgh is the patio behind Kelly’s Bar and Lounge in East Liberty. Everyone’s favorite dive bar serves their full menu of food from the patio, as well as their daily drink special. If you’re with a large party get here early to stake out a table, as the patio gets very busy in the evenings on a nice night.
Kelly’s Bar and Lounge (6012 Centre Ave)
Kaya
Observe the hustle and bustle of The Strip District with a delicious cocktail from Kaya. This popular spot on Smallman Street has several sidewalk tables. Be sure to stop by during happy hour when most of their beverage menu is half off. If it’s Thursday, don’t forget to order their famous fried chicken.
Kaya (2000 Smallman St)
The Abbey on Butler
The Abbey has one of the largest, and most beautiful patios in Pittsburgh. Located in the heart of Lawrenceville, The Abbey is the perfect spot to enjoy any meal – from coffee to dinner – al fresco style.
The Abbey on Butler Street (4635 Butler Street)
Hofbräuhaus Pittsburgh
Looking for a patio and a party? Head to Hofbrauhaus on the South Side! This popular chain has a glorious patio and enough fresh beer, pretzels, and schnitzel that you feel like you’re at Oktoberfest.
Hofbräuhaus Pittsburgh (2705 S Water St)
Southern Tier Brewing
Another popular spot to hang out before any Pittsburgh sporting event is Southern Tier Brewing on the the Northshore. Ever since the Pittsburgh outpost of this New York brewery opened, it’s been a fast hit in the city. Their expansive patio is officially open so be sure to check it out!
Southern Tier Brewing (316 N Shore Dr)
Redfin Blues
Redfin Blues is the spot for riverfront dining on the Allegheny River. Located on a Herr’s Island next to the 31st Street bridge, you absolutely cannot beat this view.
Redfin Blues (100 Waterfront Dr)
Federal Galley
Federal Galley, the sister-restaurant to the popular Strip District food hall The Smallman Galley, has announced that the restaurant is opening a dog-friendly beer garden. Grab your pooch and get ready for Detroit-style pizzas, juicy burgers, and potent cocktails from one Pittsburgh’s best new restaurants.
Federal Galley (200 Children’s Way)
Piazza Talarico
Piazza Talarico and Papa Joe’s Wine Cellar
This new spot in Lawrenceville has a beautiful patio where you can order wine on tap (yep), and devour hearty, homemade Italian food. When the bells from nearby churches start ringing, you’ll truly feel like you’re at an Italian trattoria. Be sure to order the special Talarico family recipe, “Baked macaroni.”
Piazza Talarico (3832 Penn Ave)
The Church Brew Works
Sitting inside of this church-turned brewery is essential to the Church Brew Works experience, but on a sunny day, it’s also fun to sit on the restaurant’s patio. Stop by to soak up the rays, sip on a fresh craft beer, and eat some homemade pierogies.
The Church Brew Works (3525 Liberty Ave)
Meat & Potatoes
This classic Downtown restaurant (and the first in the Richard DeShantz empire) is another great spot to dine outside. While Meat & Potatoes is always a good idea, it’s fun to get brunch before seeing a Sunday matinee show in the Cultural District. Be sure to make reservations weeks in advance, and don’t forget about their fully-stocked Bloody Mary bar.
Meat & Potatoes (649 Penn Ave)
Eleven
This Strip District classic has an upstairs balcony that overlooks Smallman Street and Downtown Pittsburgh. Eleven is a great spot to celebrate a special occasion and see what new creations the kitchen is preparing.
Eleven (1150 Smallman St)
City Works
A hundred types of beer on a patio? Yes please! There is a brew for every type of drinker at City Works, a popular eatery on Market Square. Head here for happy hour or to watch any sporting event – it’s always a lively crowd!
City Works (PPG Place, 2)
The Porch at Schenley
https://www.instagram.com/p/BtzSqtAnC8H/
While The Porch has a few locations around the Pittsburgh area, their Oakland outpost with a patio overlooking Schenley Plaza is our favorite. From college students to out-of-towners, everyone can enjoy the atmosphere at The Porch.
The Porch at Schenley (Multiple Locations)
Double Wide Grill
https://www.instagram.com/p/BtH1Udwh8gs/
This South Side classic is fun for the whole family – dogs included! Located on East Carson Street in the South Side, this gas station-turned-restaurant is a great place to grab a bite when the sun is shining.
Double Wide Grill (2339 E Carson St)
Il Tetto at Sienna Mercato
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwImVSthAtw/
There is nothing like eating at a rooftop restaurant in Downtown Pittsburgh, and that is exactly what Il Tetto at Sienna Mercato offers. Enjoy frosty beers, soft pretzels, and jaw-dropping views of the city at the Downtown hotspot.
Sienna Mercato (942 Penn Ave)
Roland’s Seafood Grill
Roland’s is an institution in The Strip district, and there is nothing better than getting some of their famous clam chowder on the balcony overlooking Penn Avenue. Shopping in The Strip district? Head to Roland’s for a delicious bite!
Roland’s Seafood Grill (1904 Penn Ave)
Coming soon:
Pusadee’s Garden
Pittsburgh was sad to hear that Pusadee’s Garden would be closing for the 2018 season for renovations, but the restaurant promises to be back and better than ever (with a liquor license) soon. You can get your Pusadee’s favorites in Verona at Burgh Thai.
You missed cafe du jour on the south side and il pizzaiola in Mt. Lebanon. Both have nicer patios then many you mentioned.
My favorite outdoor eating spot in Pittsburgh is Café Du Jour. It is a lovely green and quiet oasis complete with a pond..
Address: 1107 E Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Missed mallorca restaurant in the Southside
One more to add to the list, Penn Brewery. Their Biergarten patio is one of my favorites with stone from the historic building and a view over downtown Pittsburgh! A classic I love to visit with friends!
The Foundry Table & Tap on the north shore has a beautiful outdoor patio that overlooks the river.