It’s that time of year when the days get shorter and the layers begin to multiply, but you can still enjoy a lovely meal outdoors here in PA even in sweater weather! As the cold begins creeping in, make sure to check out these epic outdoor dining gems throughout the state.
1. Geronimo Brewing Inc.
Doylestown
Located in the heart of the downtown, Geronimo Brewing is a small local brewery offering an everchanging list of beer, including lagers, pale ales, and IPAs from all over the world. They have teamed up with Lilly's Gourmet to offer exquisite gourmet foods, the perfect accompaniment to their hand crafted beers brewed right on site. In the colder months, warm up in Geronimo’s cozy rustic hangout that features open firepits as well as greenhouse seating for those who’d like to enjoy their meal in a milder version of the outdoors.
2. Greenhouse New Hope
New Hope
Voted a “Diners’ Choice” by OpenTable, New Hope’s award-winning American-inspired restaurant, Greenhouse, is taking its one-of-a-kind menu fireside for Pennsylvania’s winter months. Grab a cocktail along with one of their signature burgers then relax at one of the picnic tables located within their large, open, and ventilated tent. If you’re in need of extra warmth, take a seat next to the roaring firepits and get comfortable for one of the many live music performances and other table-side events throughout the season.
3. Rocco's at The Brick
Newtown
Enjoy a chilly night at Rocco's where you can snuggle up to your date at a romantic outdoor table for two. Enjoy elegant bites, including appetizers from the raw bar plus prime steaks and chops. If the many heaters aren’t enough to keep you toasty, order some of their rich hot chocolate for an extra source of warmth.
4. The Yardley Inn
Yardley
A Zagat-rated restaurant in Bucks County, Yardley Inn specializes in serving contemporary American cuisine with a twist. The perfect place to spend a cool fall or winter evening, the Revolutionary era building has served as an inn since it was built in 1832. If you’re up for braving the outdoors, enjoy your meal in their large, outdoor heated tent.
5. The Bayfront Grille Igloos at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel
Erie
Experience one of PA’s most unique and extreme outdoor dining adventures when you reserve an igloo at The Bayfront Grille at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel. Starting each year in November, groups of up to eight can step inside one of the five faux, clear glass ice structures, each kept at a comfortable 70 degrees with heat-insulated floors. Complete with twinkling lights and breathtaking views of Presque Isle Bay, this is a can’t-miss winter dining destination.
6. Log Cabin Inn
Harmony
Harmony’s Log Cabin Inn welcomes guests into their intimate space featuring colonial décor and cozy fireplaces. Snag a seat on the great outdoor deck overlooking the woods before ordering a seasonal favorite or one of their tried-and-true dishes such as their aged Black Angus beef, chops, steak, or seafood. Make sure to ask for the dessert tray featuring homemade sweets created daily by their pastry chef.
7. Spring Creek Picnics
Bellefonte
Enjoy a magical meal in a winter wonderland with Spring Creek Picnics. Bring your own snacks to their setup located in Tallyrand Park, where you’ll be greeted by your table set with silverware, romantic candles, comfy pillows, and warm blankets. For extreme weather circumstances, Spring Creek Picnics will also supply outdoor heaters so you can enjoy in the sun or the snow!
8. Bella Terra Vineyards
Hunker
Admire the beauty of a Laurel Highlands winter from the comfort of a heated igloo at Bella Terra Vineyards in Hunker. Dine on homemade meatballs and warm pretzel sticks while you sip their award-winning wines, ciders, wine cocktails, and PA-made beer and spirits. The elegant igloos are surrounded by thousands of twinkling lights strung throughout the property, and each is complete with a fireplace and heater to keep you warm and toasty.
9. El Diablo Brewing Co. & Wood-fired Kitchen
Greensburg
El Diablo‘s fiery food served up in one of their igloos will keep you plenty warm even on the coldest of days! Feast comfortably upon fire-roasted lamb chops with a house-made microbrew. The restaurant’s outdoor patio even offers live music each Saturday afternoon from 2-5 p.m.
10. Bank and Vine
Wilkes-Barre
Nestled within a historic former bank building in the heart of the downtown, Bank+Vine boasts 30-foot vaulted ceilings, exposed brick walls, and copper-plated tiles. After admiring the interior, check out the back and “The Garden” where guests can sit beneath wooden pergolas strung with lights and dripping with vines. Once settled in under the stars, order a specialty cocktail or two and enjoy fare from the seasonal farm-to-table menu curated by Executive Chef Chad Gelso, a previous contestant on Hell’s Kitchen.
11. Frankford Hall
Philadelphia
Located in Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood, Frankford Hall is a massive German-style beer garden with fabulous food options. It’s set in an industrial structure complete with garage doors, open-air picnic bench seating, and twinkling lights. A phenomenal place to meet up with friends warmed by the outdoor heaters, grab a brew and a warm Bavarian pretzel as you gear up to watch the big game on one of their many TVs.
12. Rouge
Philadelphia
Set on the corner of Philadelphia’s iconic Rittenhouse Square, Rouge has served as an urban oasis for diners since 1998. Known for its year-round, park-side outdoor seating, Rouge is a local favorite thanks to their unbeatable ambiance and, of course, their famous burger topped with caramelized onions and homemade dill pickles and other tasty dining offerings.
13. Eight Oaks Farm Distillery
New Tripoli
Snuggled among the rolling hills of the Lehigh Valley, Eight Oaks Farm and Distillery is open Thursdays through Saturdays serving up incredible food, drinks, and Pennsylvania farm views! The veteran-owned and family run property grows their own grains, which they use to craft their award-winning spirits including bourbon, rye whiskey, vodka, and gin. During the chillier winter months, sip on a seasonally inspired craft cocktail or locally made beer as you cozy up near the property’s firepits with your weekend crew. Pro tip: Got a larger group? Bring additional chairs.
14. Three OAK Steakhouse
Easton
Located in Easton’s vibrant Historic District between the Bank Street alley and Easton Public Market, Three OAK Steakhouse is a multistory, old fashioned New York-style steakhouse that ages all beef in-house using a Himalayan salt, brick lined, dry aging room. The restaurant is also known for its modern yet rustic ambience; each component of the space was constructed using repurposed materials. Beyond their indoor dining options, Three OAK Steakhouse has a rooftop lounge, complete with comfy couches and firepits for crisp nights under the open sky.
15. Yorgos
Lancaster
A local staple for three decades, Yorgos is the perfect spot for an outdoor dining experience in Pennsylvania. Climb up to their rooftop winter wonderland that overlooks the city of Lancaster, offering heated cabanas to visitors for 90 minutes at a time. Enjoy a warm bowl of French onion soup or homemade chili and pass around some gyro fries for the whole family.
16. The Shelby
Allentown
For large groups or parties looking for a fabulous brunch, Allentown’s The Shelby is a fantastic open-air dining spot. Their spacious tent features decorative dangling lights and ceiling planters, creating a fresh, greenhouse-like atmosphere. While sitting next to toasty warm heaters, get your fill of favorites from the Shelby Benedict to a brunch pizza topped with potatoes, bacon, and even breakfast sausage.
17. Bridges & Bourbon
Pittsburgh
Dine in domes when visiting Bridges & Bourbon, a cocktail bar in Pittsburgh. Enjoy a unique night out with up to four people in the private setting between October and April. Experiment with ordering from the list of elevated and modernistic cocktails, such as the Scent of the Season or the Autumn Mist, and make sure to get the warm baked brie served with apple butter for the table.
18. Terrain Garden Café
Glenn Mills
Glenn Mill’s very own greenhouse café, Terrain, is designed to emphasize the natural environment and blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. For a private outdoor experience, book a reservation in their Woodland Village, a collection of small, cozy tents located out in the nursery. The tent rental fee is $35 for up to two hours and holds space for parties of up to eight guests.
Looking for more dining options to test your palate? Read more about our five-star dining experiences on the visitPA website. Follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Pinterest, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state. Don’t forget to never miss an update and sign up for our monthly Happy Thoughts e-newsletter.