Situated in the Great Valley Corporate Center, the 7,000 square-foot restaurant features a spacious deck and sports bar to offer diners a casual, fun setting for happy hour or dinner. Live music from local bands accompanies modern American dishes such as Diver Scallops and Prime Rib Eggrolls, ideal for a celebratory summer night out. –Kelly Bergh
16 Great Valley Parkway, Malvern, (610) 251-9229.
The Tibetan design of Nectar’s patio embodies the bold Asian flair represented in its French fusion cuisine. The restaurant uses local, organic ingredients and has a lengthy list of wine, beer and sake for those who wish to imbibe. Finish an outdoor meal (sushi, perhaps?) with Nectar’s pastry chef Julie Waters’ signature Hot Fresh Mini Doughnuts, which come with a trio of dipping sauces.
1091 Lancaster Ave., Berwyn, (610) 725-9000.
The hotel’s large deck is perfect for both a comfortable al-fresco lunch option and a party on weekends. Live music from local cover bands and the Desmond’s famous bread pudding help wrap up the workweek the right way.
1 Liberty Blvd., Malvern, (800) 575-1776.
Mas Mexicali offers a view from the top—of West Chester. This lively rooftop venue is the only one of its kind in the town and is known for its frozen margaritas from the bar and lounge in the summer. Beat the heat with one of its ceviches or opt for a flaming hot Fajita Grande.
102 E. Market St., West Chester, (610) 918-6280.
The Wayne location of Christopher’s offers an outdoor dining area for those wishing to taste the classic American cuisine the restaurant is known for. Its dishes are reminiscent of summer barbeques, including fried avocados and a blackened shrimp salad. Christopher’s supports local farms and is family friendly, even offering nut-, gluten- and soy-free options. And a bonus—they now deliver, so you can have a delicious outdoor eating experience on your own deck or patio.
108 N. Wayne Ave., Wayne, (610) 687-6558.
The restaurant at Longwood Gardens overlooks and is surrounded by the 1,000 acres of one of the world’s most significant centers of horticulture, including the gardens of the du Pont family’s former estate. Executive Chef Will Brown uses organic, locally sourced ingredients, including mushrooms, cheeses and eggs, perfect for daytime fine dining. Garden admission is required for entry to the dining room, which is named after the year in which Pierre S. du Pont acquired the Longwood Gardens property.
1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, (610) 388-5290.
This American brasserie’s menu is as hot as its chef’s featured macaroni and cheese. Enjoy a Carolina pulled pork sandwich, some wild Burgundy snails or a local longhorn ground beef and parmesan flatbread outside. During the warmer months, the patio serves as a stage for live music Thursday through Sunday nights.
1300 West Strasburg Road, West Chester, (610) 692-4367.
This contemporary eatery specializes in flavorful dishes made with produce grown in the immediate area and cooked atop a wood-burning grill. Alba’s deck overlooks the borough of Malvern and affords diners a view of the quaint local train station and murals.
7 West King St., Malvern, (610) 644-4009.
The head chef, owner and Villanova native Carlo DeMarco’s calamari has been lauded by locals for years. Try some on the outdoor patio while surrounded by luscious flower boxes.
333 Belrose Lane, Wayne, (610) 293-1000.
Tavola might be one of the few restaurants in the area that has several large couches surrounding a fire pit on its deck, perfect for lounging with a garden cocktail. Its orange umbrellas are bright and reflect the bold flavors of their southwestern dishes and brick oven pizzas.
400 W Sproul Road, Springfield, (610) 543-2100.
The beer list at StoneRose Restaurant includes some of the best local craft brews. Take a bottle outside and enjoy a casual dining experience highlighting the abundance of in-season southeastern Pennsylvania produce.
822 Fayette St., Conshohocken, (484) 532-7300.
