The Best Places to Drink Outdoors in Philly and Down the Shore
Forget baseball. Downing a cold one in the sun is the ultimate summer pastime. Here, the ideal watering holes for every sitch.
Skygarten | Photograph by Jauhien Sasnou
| City | Burbs/Shore | |
|---|---|---|
| Rooftop | Fifty-one stories in the air, SkyGarten (1717 Arch Street, 215-557-7887) is officially Philly’s highest beer garden. In UCity, the couches surrounding the fire pits at City Tap House (3925 Walnut Street, 215-662-0105) rarely turn over, so if you grab one, plan on hunkering down for the night. | Nab a seat at Más Mexicali Cantina (102 East Market Street, West Chester, 610-918-6280), which overlooks W.C.’s downtown, and order a signature margarita before the crowds set in. Imbibing on Level 2 of Windrift (105 80th Street, Avalon, 609-368-5175) is lovely, but Level 3 has breathtaking Shore views and an amazing sea breeze. |
| Beer Garden | Opa’s light-strung Drury Beer Garden (1311 Sansom Street, 215-545-0170) is just the size of a backyard, but it’s worth the squeeze for the beers on draft. Drinking at La Peg (140 North Columbus Boulevard, 215-375-7744) comes with the especially-striking-at-night Ben Franklin Bridge as a backdrop. | The Creamery (401 Birch Street, Kennett Square, 484-732-7040) is a seasonal spot outside an old dairy distributor — bring the dog and the kids and play cornhole or Jenga at picnic tables. Don’t forget your appetite: There are food trucks that rotate throughout the season. |
| Highbrow | Hard to argue with sipping bubbly or a brandy (or sharing a French cheese plate) with your person in Le Chéri’s (251 South 18th Street, 215-546-7700) quiet, tucked-away secret garden in the midst of bustling Rittenhouse Square. | The back patio at Zoubi (7 West Mechanic Street, New Hope, 215-862-5851) is a dreamy spot complete with scattered candles and an excellent cocktail menu. Half the week, Longwood Gardens (1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000) slings Victory brews (try the signature, Longwood Seasons: Oro Blanco) at its seasonal beer garden. |
| On the Water | If the main deck of Morgan’s Pier (221 North Columbus Boulevard, 215-279-7134) is packed, check out the quieter upstairs one. By now, Spruce Street Harbor Park (301 South Columbus Boulevard, 215-922-2386) is almost old news — but it’s still the best summertime spot. New this year: cocktails on draft. | You’ll get distracted by the views of the Delaware at Martine’s RiverHouse Restaurant (14 East Ferry Street, New Hope, 215-862-2966), but try to pay attention to the RiverHouse cocktail list, too. End your beach day at Laguna Grill & Rum Bar (1400 Ocean Avenue, Brigantine, 609-266-7731), where you still get to see the ocean and keep your toes in the sand. |
| Patio | You should go to 1225 Raw Sushi & Sake Lounge (1225 Sansom Street, 215-238-1903) for the happy hour alone, but really, this sexy patio is an awesome destination anytime. At American Sardine Bar (1800 Federal Street, 215-334-2337), you’ll sit on lawn chairs under strung-up lights and feel like your country cousin. | The Whip Tavern (1383 North Chatham Road, Coatesville, 610-383-0600) serves beer only, but don’t worry—there are more than 50 to choose from, rotated seasonally. A giant (and lively) Cape May indoor/outdoor bar, Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille (1025 Beach Avenue, Cape May, 609-884-2779) offers panoramic seaside views. |
First published as “Drink” in the June 2017 issue of Philadelphia magazine.
