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.
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. If you’re in need of extra warmth, it's first come, first serve at their firepit and you can get cozy for one of the many live music performances and other table-side events throughout the season.
Two45 Waterfront Grille
Erie
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Experience one of PA’s most unique and extreme outdoor dining adventures when you reserve an igloo at Two45 Waterfront Grille. Starting each year in November, groups of up to six 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.
Spring Creek Picnics
Bellefonte
Enjoy a magical meal in a winter wonderland with Spring Creek Picnics, a boutique planning service in the PA Wilds and Central PA. Bring your own snacks to their setup located in your choice of Tallyrand Park or Fisherman's Paradise, 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.
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.
El Diablo Brewing Company
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 in the Laurel Highlands this winter. The restaurant’s outdoor patio even offers live music each Saturday afternoon from 2-5 p.m.
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.
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.
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, cozy up under their heated tent as you sip on a seasonally inspired craft cocktail or locally made beer with your weekend crew. Pro tip: Got a larger group? Bring additional chairs.
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.
Bridges & Bourbon
Pittsburgh
Dine in domes when visiting Bridges & Bourbon, a cocktail bar in Pittsburgh. Enjoy a unique night out this holiday season with up to four people in a private setting. Experiment with ordering from the list of elevated and modernistic cocktails, such as the Pittsburgh Fog or Pom Pom, and make sure to get the charcuterie board for two to pair well with your beverages.
