With the heat of summer fading and the cooler months of autumn approaching, now is the time to dine and drink al fresco in Philadelphia’s vibrant outdoor spaces.
This autumn, Philadelphia’s al fresco spots for enjoying traditional American food and drink include City Tap House and the recently redeveloped Cherry Street Pier. Travellers can also watch the world go by at Stephen Starr’s Parc restaurant in the upmarket neighbourhood of Rittenhouse Square, or sip on chic cocktails made with local gin at Assembly Rooftop Lounge, which offers guests stunning views of the city skyline and cosy fire pits to relax by.
Sip on Chic Cocktails and Enjoy Views of the City Skyline at Assembly Rooftop Lounge
An ultra-chic spot on the ninth floor of the five-star Logan hotel on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Assembly Rooftop Lounge affords ‘Insta-worthy’ views of Logan Square and the city skyline. The open-air lounge area is available to visit during all weathers and guests can unwind around the cosy fire pits on the terrace and enjoy modern small plates of food and tempting cocktails, including drinks mixed with Bluecoat Gin, which is made at the nearby Philadelphia Distilling.
Sample Local Craft Beers at City Tap House
Gastro pub City Tap House offers visitors craft beer favourites from around the world and also from local breweries, including Victory Brewing Company and Yards Brewing Company. City Tap House has two locations in Philadelphia: University City and Logan Square, with the former including terraces covered with umbrellas and stone fire pits. For foodies, City Tap House serves authentic, brick oven pizza from its open kitchen, plus elevated American pub fare meals, including Korean short rib tacos and catfish po’boys sandwiches.
Enjoy Industrial Vibes and Art Performances on Cherry Street Pier
A warehouse on Philadelphia’s centuries-old Municipal Pier 9, which is located on the scenic Delaware River waterfront, has been redeveloped into a sprawling mixed-use public space and open-air garden. Much of the original structure has been preserved, including the original stone headhouses and exposed ceiling beams, creating a cool, industrial vibe to enjoy bites and drinks from food vendor trucks and pop-up shops located on the pier. Cherry Street Pier is also a collaborative creative space for artists and regularly hosts events, markets and art performances.
Pass the Time with A Parisian Sour Cocktail at Parc’s Outdoor Seating Area
Located in Philadelphia’s upmarket neighbourhood of Rittenhouse Square, Parc is a restaurant owned by award-winning American restaurateur Stephen Starr that plays tribute to French café culture. The all-day restaurant’s outdoor Parisian-style seating is ideal for a quick bite or a leisurely meal and the menu is filled with French classics, including onion soup, escargots, steak frites and towering plateaus de fruits de mer. Guests at Parc can sip a Parisian Sour cocktail at the zinc bar or head outside to enjoy a freshly-baked croissant while basking in the autumn sun.
