Outdoor dining was always a trend in Philadelphia, with many more places adding or expanding their outdoor space ever since the pandemic. We’ve also seen a growing number of beer gardens pop up, too (get it- they’re usually “pop ups”!). 

Morgan’s Pier

221 N. Columbus Blvd.

This spring and summertime favorite overlooks the river with views of the Ben Franklin Bridge and the marina below. In 2020, Morgan’s Pier added even more outdoor seating. Reservations are required for guaranteed seating up to 10pm; walk-up reservations are available if space permits. Walk-ins are always welcome for bar service and tables are available in the bar areas for those without reservations. 

Finally, for the furry members of your family, Morgan’s Pier is planning “yappy hours”, where guests can bring their dogs, keep an eye on their site for dates.

The Garden at Cherry Street Pier

121 N. Columbus Blvd.

Hit up this unique open-air riverfront space for spectacular views of the Ben Franklin Bridge. The Garden takes walk-ins only and doesn’t accept reservations. For food, enjoy casual bites including sandwiches, tacos, salads, and snacks. A kids menu is also available. If you’re looking for a drink, you can order beer, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages from the converted shipping container-turned-bar.

While you’re there, check out everything that Cherry Street Pier has to offer. Artists galleries, custom installations, artisan markets, and more events will pop up throughout the season. 

Independence Beer Garden

100 South Independence Mall West

After exploring the city’s historical sites or nearby museums like the National Constitution Center, head across the street for some delicious beer and bites courtesy of Independence Beer Garden. A menu of American favorites including small plates and sandwiches will go well with the 40 taps of regional and domestic craft beers offered. Seating is first-come, first-served. 

This 20,000 square-foot garden features compelling decor, private areas, and games for everyone in the family to enjoy. Please note that while Independence Beer Garden welcomes kids and families, it is not a pet-friendly establishment.

Bok Bar

1901 South Ninth Street (enter on Mifflin St. near Eighth St.)

This spring and summer, Bok will be open seven days a week. Their site says that babies and toddlers are welcome before sunset and must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times – no exceptions. Minors ages 13 – 20, accompanied by a parent or guardian, are welcome on family friendly Sundays. Dogs can also tag along! 

Their food partners change regularly so be sure to check their page for updates on which vendor will be making your mouth water before you visit. Check out Bok Bar’s Instagram page for up-to-date information on upcoming concerts and events.

Frankford Hall

1210 Frankford Avenue

This Fishtown favorite transports you to an open-air, 21st-century German Biergarten with eats like warm Bavarian pretzels and bratwurst along with a variety of German and American beers. The hall’s modern and industrial decor delivers the perfect balance of edge and charm. Seating is spread out between open-air picnic tables and a covered bar area.  Pickup and delivery options are also available. 

Cannstatter Volkfest-Verein Biergarten

9130 Academy Road

Cannstatter, the largest outdoor Biergarten in Northeast Philadelphia, is open every Friday and on select Saturdays from April through October. They always have a wide selection of German & domestic beers on tap, along with bottled beer, mixed drinks, and wine. This picnic grove is in a family-friendly atmosphere and welcomes guests of all ages. The Biergarten regularly hosts events like game nights and concerts, with live entertainment every weekend from 7:30-9:30.

PHS Pop-Up Garden 

1438 South Street and 106 Jamestown Avenue

The Philadelphia Horticultural Society now has two beautiful pop-up beer gardens in the city: one on South Street, and one in Manayunk. The South Street location is a vibrant seasonal hangout set in a pollinator garden that features stunning flowers and foliage. A selection of curated cocktails, a variety of frozen drinks, craft beers, non-alcoholic beverages, wine, and snacks will also be available. 

The newly-designed site in Manayunk allows visitors to experience a unique blend of blooming horticulture and culinary arts. Food options include appetizers & snacks, sandwiches, and a kids menu. Guests of all ages and pets are welcome.

Walk-ins are encouraged at both locations. At the gardens, you can order and pay for your food and drinks all on your mobile phone. QR codes will be available at each table that will lead guests to the online ordering platform.

The Yard at South Bowl

19 East Oregon Avenue

Want to wind down after a round of bowling? The Yard at South Bowl offers the ultimate backyard experience for families and friend groups in Philadelphia. This outdoor destination is home to slow and fast pitch batting cages, two 40-foot bocce courts, shuffleboard, horseshoes, an outdoor arcade with billiards, and an outdoor bar and lounge.

Fuel up at the lounge with appetizers, salads, pizza, burgers, hot dogs, tacos, tater tots, and more. For the 21+ crowd, a selection of cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits are also available. The Yard opens at 5pm on Tuesdays-Fridays and at 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

The Philadelphia Zoo

3400 W Girard Avenue

Spending the day at the zoo? Take a break from discovering nature to enjoy a bite or a drink in The Urban Green. The Urban Green, which is the outdoor dining area at The Philadelphia Zoo, houses several restaurants along with an open-air beer and wine garden called The Watering Hole. While the Watering Hole itself doesn’t have a food menu, its neighbors (Tiger Terrace & World Tacos) serve favorites like burgers, pizza, and tacos. Beverages include frequently-changing craft beers from local breweries and a rotating wine selection. The area features plenty of seating, eclectic artwork, a vertical farm, and several play zones for the kids.

 

Sunset Social

129 S. 30th Street

Located on the 1.2-acre Cira Green rooftop park, this unique setting gives you room to roam around and soak up the beautiful views. Sunset Social’s extensive food menu features everything from burgers to bowls. They even have a special menu, “You Know, For Kids” with family-friendly bites like chicken fingers and hot dogs. Their drink menu includes cocktails (frozen or on the rocks), local beers, wine, and non-alcoholic options.

There’s something special for the whole family to enjoy every night at Sunset Social. They have different activities and events almost every night!

Spruce Street Harbor Park

301 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard

This one-of-a-kind urban oasis along the Delaware River is the perfect place to bring the whole crew and enjoy the view. Spruce Street Harbor Park is a seasonal, family-friendly park that officially opened for the summer on May 6. Guests can lay in one of the space’s 50+ hammocks, play games like shuffleboard or life-sized chess, enjoy food from Philly’s favorite vendors, and lounge on one of the barges at the floating beer garden over the river. 

This floating beer garden, which is open during the same hours as the park (weather permitting) offers unique seating with a view, local beers, frozen cocktails, and more.

Love City Brewing Company

1023 Hamilton Street

Love City Gardens, an outdoor beer garden outside of the Love City Brewing Company taproom, allows guests of all ages (children must remain with their guardians and dogs must be leashed). The menu includes craft beer, booze, cocktails, wine, cider, and plenty of non-alcoholic beverage options. Guests can munch on snacks like chips and pretzels in the beer garden or head into the taproom to order from one of the on-site food trucks.

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We hope that you and your family get the chance to enjoy one of the city’s many amazing beer gardens soon! For updates about upcoming events in the area, be sure to keep checking our Philadelphia Family Calendar every week.

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