It’s the height of patio season here in Pittsburgh. As if al fresco dining wasn’t already an enjoyable experience, we’ve fallen even more deeply in love with eating in the open air over these last couple of years.
While many local establishments already offered outdoor dining as an option, the pandemic restrictions forced others to pivot in order to keep themselves in the food and beverage arena. New expanded models came into play and are here to stay. Many operations were granted permission to use sidewalks and curbside spaces to serve their patrons, and they have since chosen to make these options permanent — and Pittsburghers are loving it!
We’ve put together an outdoor dining guide of a few places around the ‘Burgh to experience. Now, go enjoy a meal outside. Not because you have to, but because you want to.
An authentic Pittsburgh Italian restaurant tradition, Girasole is located in the quaint neighborhood of Shadyside. Dine Italian style surrounded by rustic stone walls as if you are in the wine cellar of a villa, or sip and savor delicious offerings on the deck or front walk.
This picturesque cafe is outdoor seating only. Located along the Allegheny River in Aspinwall’s Allegheny Riverfront Park, Farmer X Baker offers a veggie forward menu with several gluten-free options. Owner Jen Urich sources many of the café’s ingredients from her own local farm, Root and Heart, as well as other farms in the area.
Classic pub food with a twist! Known locally for their award winning wings (available in over 30 flavors), Bigham is a neighborhood pub that prides itself on being an extension of home within the community. The staff aim to consistently serve top-notch food and drink, a tradition that has taken place from this same location for over a century. Feel the breeze on the tented patio at this Mt. Washington watering hole.
Hal’s Bar & Grill is a local family-owned and operated bar and restaurant with a comfortable “down home” feel located in the North Hills of Pittsburgh. Whether you’re looking for a casual date night, a meal with the family, or the perfect hang out with friends, Hal’s outdoor patio space is a neighborhood favorite you’re sure to enjoy. They take pride in featuring a wide variety of local beers and breweries as well as a vast menu with everything from fried pickles and nachos to ahi tuna and pork ossa buco.
Welcome to Libations Winery, a festive experience you cannot miss. Libations Winery is a destination winery located one minute from the Grove City Outlet Mall. They offer a complete variety of delicious wines produced and made from their own local vineyard/orchards. Enjoy signature house-made menu items such as wood-fired pizzas. They feature weekly live entertainment and have three venue options available. Stop in and enjoy over 25 varieties of wine, a cold craft beer, or one of their signature specialty drinks. There’s a beverage for everyone. Pets are welcome on both of their patios and expansive grounds!
Luke and Mike’s Frontporch Grille
A charming restaurant located in Aspinwall, Luke and Mike’s Frontporch Grille welcomes its patrons to sit — you guessed it — on the front porch. They offer a dog-friendly side porch, too. The beautiful atmosphere and all-American menu will make you feel right at home. Sip a refreshing summer cocktail and enjoy a satisfying meal at this quaint spot. You’ll settle in so well that you’ll need to remind yourself not to overstay your welcome.
Located on the 9th floor of downtown Pittsburgh’s trendy Kimpton Hotel Monaco, is an open-air space perfect for an evening of cocktails and small plates with friends. Their menu offers German-influenced bar bites like the BG Pretzel, a giant soft pretzel served with beer cheese, as well as a smoked & aged cheddar cheese spread, bar nuts flavored with rosemary, cayenne and brown sugar, and a handful of other tasty bites. In addition to refreshing cocktails they offer an exhaustive list of European beer. Sit and enjoy the breeze or play a supersized game of Jenga with a view.
Casual dining in the heart of the Sewickley village, Vivo Kitchen is nestled among the boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops that line Beaver Street. A seasonal menu of eclectic American cuisine is presented in a modern, airy venue with a contemporary vibe that flows outside into the charming courtyard.
Poulet Bleu is a French inspired, American bistro by chef/owner Richard DeShantz located on Butler Street in Lawrenceville. Menu items like steak frites, French onion soup, and soufflés are among some of the more popular selections with regular visitors. They have recently expanded outdoor dining to include a rooftop space. While the outdoor patio at the restaurant’s entrance is by reservation, the rooftop is seated first-come, first-served.
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STORY BY STAR LALIBERTE /PHOTOGRAPHY LAURA PETRILLA