There’s no better way to enjoy the beautiful weather around the Main Line than with an al fresco meal at one of the region’s top-tier eateries. Whether for a casual lunch or a celebratory dinner, these local restaurants welcome diners for a gourmet meal in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Chester County
East Branch Brewing
The rooftop view is downright breathtaking at this former firehouse. Though East Branch is known for its award-winning beer, the food is a step above typical pub fare. No-brainers include the house-made pickles, brisket noodles and the three-cheese brisket mac.
202 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, (484) 593-0815, eastbranchbrewing.com
Four Dogs Tavern
Tucked away in the quaint historic village of Marshallton, this popular pub-style eatery’s extensive patio is about as dog-friendly as they come. The menu features fondue, shareable plates, rich mushroom and French onion soups and creative craft cocktails.
1300 W. Strasburg Rd., West Chester, (610) 692-4367, thefourdogstavern.com
The General Warren
This historic inn (with charming overnight accommodations) is home of the Spring House Terrace, which is perfect for casual cocktail parties and after-work happy hours. There’s also the more intimate Table 1745, a 275-year-old springhouse with seating for up to six guests. Beef Wellington and snapper soup are among the menu highlights.
9 Old Lancaster Rd., Malvern, (610) 296-3637, generalwarren.com
Bistro on Bridge
A vintage Volkswagen bus serves as the centerpiece for the bistro’s second-floor Analog Room and Outdoor Beer Garden, with its funky wall art, retro accents, open roof and oversized windows offering bird’s-eye views of downtown Phoenixville. The menu features handhelds, pizza and wings. Live music is the norm on weekends.
212 Bridge St., Phoenixville, (610) 935-7141, bistroonbridge.com
The Whip Tavern
Built right next to a babbling branch of the Brandywine River, the deck of this authentic British-themed pub offers unspoiled rural tranquility that makes it ideal for outdoor dining. Classics include bangers and mash, Scotch eggs, Welsh rarebit and sticky toffee pudding. The beer list features both local and hard-to-get international options.
1383 N. Chatham Rd., Coatesville, (610) 383-0600, thewhiptavern.com
Delaware County
Autograph Brasserie
Surrounded by lush plants and flowers, the outdoor patio isn’t the only area at Autograph Brasserie that feels like it’s outdoors. The indoor-outdoor Sycamore Room has a tree growing up through the floor and sets of doors that open to the fresh air. Old favorites include the 12oz rib-eye and dry-aged burger.
503 W Lancaster Ave., Wayne, (610) 964-2588, autographbrasserie.com
LaScala’s Fire
Lunch, brunch and dinner are served on LaScala’s state-of-the-art covered patio area, which is a delight for outdoor dining. The white brick walls, 25-seat bar and high-top tables create a welcoming atmosphere. Menu highlights include stuffed long hots, calamari fritti and wood-fired pizza.
3739 West Chester Pke., Newtown Square, (484) 900-2828, lascalasfire.com
Idlewild
A large, open-to-the-sky ceiling caps a festively lit courtyard with myriad textures and colors at Idlewild, one of five dining spaces at the dramatically revamped Towne House. Notable menu items include rabbit poutine, hushpuppies and pan-seared lump crabcakes.
117 Veterans Sq., Media, (484) 445-2041, townehousepa.com
Streetlight Kitchen & Bar
The beautiful outdoor patio at Streetlight serves New American and wood-fired cuisine in a delightful setting. In addition to local, craft ingredients and flavor, the eatery has a happy hour Monday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Tuesday-Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
5400 Ferne Blvd., Drexel Hill, (484) 461-9823, streetlightdrexelhill.com
Tavola Restaurant + Bar
Sink into soft pillows and enjoy sweeping views of the Springfield Country Club golf course at Tavola. Cozy fire pits, palm trees and shaded hideaways also await. The kitchen specializes in eclectic American cuisine and brick-oven specialties, with live acoustic music Thursday through Sunday.
400 W. Sproul Rd., Springfield, (610) 543-2100, tavolas.com
White Dog Cafe (Glen Mills)
White Dog Cafe’s expansive patio offering conversation-friendly groupings recently expanded to include more tables and space for an improved outdoor dining experience. Standout shareables include Maryland crab dip and roasted red pepper and walnut dip.
981 Baltimore Pke., Glen Mills, (610) 822-2100, whitedog.com
Montgomery County
The Landing Kitchen
Amid the industrial surroundings of the former Pencoyd Iron Works site overlooking the banks of the Schuylkill River, this café patio is a great place to unwind or gear up. Garage doors provide a nice cross-breeze, and the menu offers enticing upscale-casual fare. Walk or bike off your meal on the nearby Pencoyd Trail to Manayunk.
617 Righters Ferry Rd., Bala Cynwyd, (484) 434-8765, thelandingkitchen.com
Not Your Average Joe’s
Inside a converted movie theater, Not Your Average Joe’s serves casual American cuisine and specialty cocktails. Located in Ardmore’s Suburban Square, Not Your Average Joe’s is a must for burgers, pizzas, massive salads and cocktails.
49 St. James Pl., Ardmore, (484) 708-1500, notyouraveragejoes.com
Villa Artigiano Ristorante BYOB
A family-owned and -operated business, Villa Artigiano offers classic dishes from across Italy, prepared by a former La Viola chef. Even if you forget to bring your own drinks, Villa Artigiano has wine bottles available for purchase.
53 W Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, (484) 414-4997, villaartigiano.com
Ripplewood Whiskey & Craft
Chiefly, Ripplewood is known for its burger, but the pack patio, lined with plants and windows to the indoor dining area, is a comfortable way to enjoy an exquisite meal outdoors. If you’re with a group, lauded shareables include the pretzeled Parker House rolls and wings.
29 E Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, (610) 486-7477, ripplewoodbar.com
Jasper’s Backyard
Draped in white lights and anchored by a converted garage, this unique outdoor space is secluded and intimate. Locally sourced ingredients define a menu that includes signature wings and Conshy crab fries.
101 E. 7th Ave., Conshohocken, (610) 897-8212, jaspersbackyard.com
Coyote Crossing
On hot summer days, the patio at this Conshy mainstay beckons those looking for outdoor dining with wrought-iron seating and tables, a trickling fountain and plenty of shade. Wash down your quesadillas, enchiladas or tacos with a pitcher of margaritas.
800 Spring Mill Ave., Conshohocken, (610) 825-3000, coyotecrossing.com
More Great Options for Outdoor Dining
333 Belrose
333 Belrose Ln., Wayne, (610) 293-1000, 333belrose.com
Al Pastor
560 Wellington Sq., Exton, (484) 341-8886, eatalpastor.com
Aneu Kitchen & Juicery
1556 Lancaster Ave., Paoli, (610) 251-9600, aneucatering.com
At the Table BYOB
118 W Lancaster Ave., Wayne, (610) 964-9700, atthetablebyob.com
Bar Lucca
729 E. Hector St., Conshohocken, (610) 825-2700, barluccarestaurant.com
The Black Cat Cafe
42 Berkley Rd., Devon, (610) 688-1930, theblackcatcafe.org
Brick & Brew
31 E. Eagle Rd., Havertown, (484) 455-7250; 26 W. State St., Media, (484) 443-8441; 400 E. King St., Malvern, (484) 320-8688; bricknbrewpub.com
Brickside Grille
540 Wellington Sq., Exton, (610) 321-1600, bricksidegrille.com
Christopher’s a Neighborhood Place
108 N. Wayne Ave., Wayne, (610) 687-6558, christophersaneighborhoodplace.com
Cornerstone Bistro & Artisanal Market
1 West Ave., Wayne, (610) 688-1888, cornerstonewayne.com
Dolce Zola
134 E. Gay St., West Chester, (484) 887-0760, dolcezola.com
Epicurean Garage
570 Simpson Dr., Chester Springs, (610) 615-5189, epicureangarage.com
Flying Pig
121 E. King St., Malvern, (610) 578-9208
Founding Farmers
255 Main St., Ste 180, King of Prussia, (474) 808-4008, wearefoundingfarmers.com
The Goat’s Beard
103 N. Wayne Ave., Wayne, (484) 584-4979, thegoatsbeardwayne.com
Gulliftys
1149 Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, (610) 525-1851, gulliftys.com
Gypsy Saloon
128 Ford St., Conshohocken, (610) 828-8494, gypsysaloon.com
La Collina
37 Ashland Ave., Bala Cynwyd, (610) 668-1780 lacollina.us
La Verona
114 E State St., Kennett Square, (610) 444-2244, laveronapa.com
Limoncello Ristorante
9 N. Walnut St., West Chester, (610) 436-6230; 499 E. Uwchlan Ave., Chester Springs, (610) 524-3112; limoncellorestaurant.com
Mercato Ristorante and Bar
33 Market St., West Chester, (610) 701-6326, mercatowc.com
Opa Taverna
40 E. Gay St., West Chester, (610) 696-4100, opataverna.com
Restaurant Alba
7 W. King St., Malvern, (610) 644-4009, restaurantalba.com
Ryan Christopher’s BYOB
245 Woodbine Ave., Narberth, (610) 664-9282, ryanchristophersbyob.com
Sedona Taphouse
44 W. Gay St., Suite 1, West Chester, (610) 738-5104; 131 Bridge St., Suite 5, Phoenixville, (484) 302-5714; sedonataphouse.com
Slow Hand
30 N. Church St., West Chester, (484) 999-8638, slowhand-wc.com
The Social Lounge
117 E. Gay St., West Chester, (610) 738-3948, thesocialwc.com
Somo Manayunk
4311 Main St., Philadelphia, (267) 297-6668, somohospitality.com
Stolen Sun Brewing & Roasting
342 Pottstown Pke., Suite B, Exton, (484) 879-4161, stolensun.com
Stove & Tap
329 W. Main St., Lansdale, (215) 393-8277; 158 W. Gay St., West Chester, (484) 999-0922; stoveandtap.com
Suburban Restaurant and Beer Garden
570 Wellington Sq., Exton, (610) 458-2337, suburbanbg.com
Terrain Cafe
138 Lancaster Ave., Devon, (610) 590-4671; 2100 Lower State Rd., Doylestown, (267) 680-8104; 914 Baltimore Pke., Glen Mills, (610) 459-2400 shopterrain.com
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