Outdoor Dining in Delco

The season of al fresco dining and drinking is upon us! If you’re looking for great outdoor dining spots to catch some rays, enjoy the breeze, and to people watch — we’re talking lush patios, rooftops, waterfront decks, beer gardens, hidden courtyards — Delco has a lot to offer.

 

There are so many bars and restaurants with outdoor seating (perhaps one good thing to come from the pandemic?) that we’ve organized them into various categories so you can dial in the exact vibe you’re looking for. Whether you’re going out for a romantic evening, rolling deep with a crew of friends, or bringing the kids along, we can guarantee that there’s an outdoor patio with “I could sit here for hours” energy waiting for you!

 

 

Romantic Patios

Fire pits, lounge seating, elegant landscaping and ambient lighting make Tavola Restaurant + Bar more like a mini resort than a suburban restaurant patio. For a sweet date night, grab a table on the outdoor deck during happy hour (can’t beat $6 margs!) and enjoy the exceptionally good sunset views. Jazz up the experience by going on a night when Tavola offers live music, usually Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

400 W. Sproul Rd., Springfield; (610) 543-2100.

 

The patio at the Broad Table Tavern in Swarthmore is special without feeling stuffy. On a cooler evening, a seat by the outdoor fireplace is the perfect place to sip on a cocktail (the Manhattan is tops) or a glass of bubbly while enjoying the company of your date. The farm-to-table menu leans heavily on shareables, also great for an intimate dining experience. Try the Indian-spiced lamb samosas, yellow curry mussels and roasted beet and apricot salad.

12 South Chester Rd., Swarthmore; (610) 543-7500.

 

The Veranda at Teca Newtown Square is one of the prettiest upscale outdoor dining setups in the area. This elevated terrace features warm lighting, intimate ambiance and adjustable glass windows, in case the weather turns. The international wine list, fabulous cocktails and sumptuous Italian-American fare make it just as well-suited for an anniversary dinner as a round of espresso martinis and a plate of cheesy arancini.

191 S. Newtown Street Rd., Newtown Square; (484) 420-4010.

 

 

 

Outdoor Dining with Unexpected Views 

Stinger’s Waterfront is the best waterfront vibe in the area! Located right in the Ridley Township Marina, this sleek spot offers picturesque views of Darby Creek, ample outdoor deck seating and a laid-back summer atmosphere. Grab a cold beer and a crab cake sandwich or an order of cheesesteak egg rolls and watch the boats float by for a one-of-a-kind Delco experience. 

401 S. Swarthmore Ave, Ridley Park; (484) 540-7868.

 

If the idea of sipping on a local craft brew on a farm sounds like your idea of a good time, head to Ship Bottom Beer Garden at Linvilla Orchards, one of the most uniquely Delco outdoor drinking spots. Unwind in this large, shady space after a day of picking your own fruit or exploring the garden center and farm market for plants, produce and treats. There are lawn games, like corn hole and giant connect-four, plus TVs showing Philly sports games, and wood-fired pizza and other savory snacks from Harvest Grille. The beer garden is open Friday through Sunday during the summer season. 

137 W. Knowlton Rd., Media; (610) 876-7116.

 

 

Barking Dog Garden Patio is practically the definition of a hidden gem; you might walk right by without even clocking that it’s there. Nestled behind a run-of-the-mill office building is a verdant outdoor restaurant bursting with flowers and vegetable and herb garden beds. The brainchild of local chef Dan McKenna and COO of Media Real Estate, Bill Strine, Jr., dining in this green corner of Media is a transportive experience. The scratch-made menu changes with the seasons, with an eye toward reimagined classics, like wedge salad and chicken cordon bleu. Note: Barking Dog Patio opens for the 2026 season on May 27 and is by-reservation only.

 203 E. Baltimore Ave., Media; (484) 724-4389.

 

 

Rooftops & Elevated Outdoor Spaces

IdleWild is the upper-level outdoor courtyard space Towne House perched over downtown Media. There’s always a buzzy, festive energy up there, and it is one of the best people-watching spots in Delco, especially on summer weekends. Small touches, like umbrellas to provide shade on sunny days, and heaters for cooler nights, keep guests comfy, and the quirky, creative cocktails keep the good vibes flowing! It’s also open late—until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

117 Veterans Sq., Media; (484) 445-2041. 

 

Just a few blocks from IdleWild, find Azie, right on Media’s bustling State Street. The rooftop patio is a lively place to tuck into this well-regarded restaurant’s unique sushi rolls and craft cocktails, or its epic Sunday brunch buffet. For a posh-but-budget-friendly outing, pop in for happy hour for a $7 sake-tini and yummy small plates, like shrimp tempura sushi rolls and umami fries.

217 W. State St, Media; (610) 566-4750.

 

While the dining room in Brick & Brew’s Havertown location is beautiful, the best seat in the house is on its rooftop deck. Comfy seating, twinkly lights and a windsail shade are nice touches, and the entire menu is available, so you can enjoy all this local gem’s favorites, like Old Fashioneds, fruity mocktails, fried pickles and burgers, under the blue sky. The summer season also brings live music on the rooftop; keep an eye on its social media for more info. 

31 E. Eagle Rd. Havertown; (484) 455-7250. 

 

Casual Beer Gardens

The patio at BierHaul FarmHouse is nestled behind the old stone house after which the restaurant is named. It’s a large outdoor space with big communal tables, fire pits and rotating drafts, for a super-chill outdoor hang that’s great for groups. To make the most of your visit, check out the daily specials, like $5 hoppy beers and $12 pizzas on Wednesdays and $10 wings all day on Sundays.

341 Thornton Rd., Thornton; (610) 550-3440.

 

 

Pinocchio’s Restaurant & Beer Garden has been a community staple for over 70 years. What started as a pizza and taco shop in the 1950s is now a family-friendly destination for pizza and craft beer. During the pandemic, Pinocchio’s expanded its seating capacity with a large outdoor tent that was such a fan-favorite, it’s still up to this day! Plenty of tables, friendly service and a big menu make this a fun day or night out in Media.

 131 E. Baltimore Ave., Media; (610) 566-7767.

 

Fainting Goat Bar & Restaurant’s beer garden has become a major warm-weather draw, with a  lively atmosphere that still maintains a neighborhood feeling. There’s tons of seating, including a lounge area, casual high-tops and four-top tables. The beer garden has its own special menu with tasty bites, like loaded tots, savory apps, perogies and pizza. The draft list is expertly balanced between domestic drafts and crafts.

105 S. MacDade Blvd., Glenolden; (484) 497-8609.

 

 

Best Brunch Patios

Bittersweet Kitchen’s outdoor seating area is a charming spot to soak up downtown Media’s energy while tucking into the cafe’s creative seasonal specials, excellent coffee drinks and comforting brunch staples. The menu changes often, but favorites like its must-try pancakes, breakfast enchiladas and scratch-made biscuits and fritters keep locals coming back week after week. Get there early on weekends—the secret’s definitely out.

18 S. Orange St., Media; (484) 444-2370.

 

Tank & Libby’s brings big portions, a stellar kids menu and one of the most reliably fun brunch patios in Delco. On sunny weekends, the outdoor seating fills up fast with families digging into fluffy french toast, loaded breakfast tacos and hearty omelets. The newest menu star is the enormous lemon honey soufflé pancakes, somewhat of a local viral sensation! 

1011 Pontiac Rd., Drexel Hill; (484) 455-7527.

 

 

Terrain Glen Mills Garden Cafe might just be one of the loveliest daytime dining experiences in the western suburbs. Located next to the rustic-chic garden center the outdoor patio feels tucked away from the world, especially during spring and summer when everything is in bloom. The brunch menu leans fresh and seasonal, with dishes like avocado toast, shakshouka and brioche French toast, alongside bakery treats and iced lattes. You’ll want to linger long after the check arrives. Brunch is served seven days a week!

914 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills; (610) 459-6030.

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Want to know more about everything Delco? We’re more than just your source for good eats — we’re your source for where to stay, what to do and more in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. We’re Visit Delco, PA. They say we’re A LOT…and they’re right! Contact us at (610) 565-3679, by email or online.

– Emily Kovach

 

Featured photo courtesy of Terrain