Outdoor Drinks | A Guide to Pittsburgh Patio Season

Starting with a Lawrenceville staple, The Abbey On Butler, commonly known as The Abbey, boasts two outdoor seating areas. The ever-classic water fountain patio draped in greenery is perfect for enjoying a sunny day. Sip on a featured cocktail or fuel up with one of their coffeehouse creations while feeling whisked away to a little oasis.

The second and newly added outdoor space at The Abbey is located on the opposite side of the building and is referred to as The Arcade. This area is more lively and casual as you can bring your pets and grab beverages right from the walk-up outdoor bar! They also have pop-up vendors and events in The Arcade, perfect for checking out other local businesses while enjoying a beverage.

This local brewery has an awesome space in the Strip District perfect for enjoying a cold beverage outdoors. When you walk into Cinderlands Warehouse, you’ll first see the downstairs area filled with games like shuffleboard and cornhole. This area is indoors, but when you head to their second floor you will see a beautiful balcony overlooking the surrounding streets.

There is a portion of the deck that is out in the sun as well as a section that is shaded from the sun for those killer hot days. High tops and low tables for small groups or large can be found at Cinderlands. Obviously, as a brewery, there are awesome beers here, but you can also enjoy cocktails, both classic and signature, wine and Stateside seltzers.

Arguably one of the best views in the city is from the Coughlin’s Law deck. Located on Mt. Washington, it should come as no surprise that Pittsburgh looks stunning during the day or night from this local bar and restaurant.

Coughlin’s is always changing up their cocktail menu features with the seasons and this season their spring gin spritz flight takes the cake. Three floral, but not too sweet beverages make up this super aesthetic and refreshing cocktail flight. If you aren’t into cocktails, Coughlin’s also has a lengthy draft list featuring several local breweries including Hitchhiker, Dancing Gnome and Penn Brewery.

Tucked away behind Butler Street you will find the best hidden gem of a patio at Esquina Cantina (still referred to by locals as the Round Corner Cantina). A lot of folks don’t know Cantina has a patio because, from the main road, you can’t see it. It’s not until you go past the first bar room, through the dining room area, and out the back door that you see this secluded outdoor space.

With high-top tables and bright murals, this patio is great for splitting appetizers and sipping on tasty cocktails. Their spring cocktail menu was recently released and is full of drinks that make you feel like you’re on vacation sipping your troubles away. While they highlight their tequila and mezcal selection, Cantina understands those might not be for everybody. They also have a list of Mexican beers, cocktails with other liquors and a couple of non-alcoholic beverages like their sparkling lavender lemonade. Definitely get here early or make a reservation because those who know about this patio are always coming back for more!

A classic outdoor beer garden, Southern Tier is a well-known and classic spot for outdoor beverages. In the summer, Southern Tier is the perfect place to watch Pirates games right down in the North Shore. Feel free to bring your pup as their beer garden is pet-friendly - they’ll even bring out a water bowl!

Southern Tier is always hosting fun events so keep an eye out for announcements on upcoming activities. With Southern Tier, Victory, Sixpoint and Bold Rock on tap at their outdoor bar, there is no shortage of options here. Not into beer or cider? Southern Tier also has a cocktail list as well as its own canned seltzer line Hi-Currents and canned cocktail line. We love the new Vodka Transfusion!

Only a 20-minute drive from downtown, you will find the beautiful Narcisi Winery. This winery has a STUNNING outdoor patio with a water fountain, event space under their pergola covered in vines, an open field for listening to live music, and an outdoor bar and pizza oven.

The options are endless for outdoor seating styles. Just stopping by for a glass of wine? Feel free to take a seat in one of their outdoor lounge areas. If you’re looking to dine as well, ask the host for a table outside and enjoy the sunshine. As warmer weather gets closer, live music will begin on their outdoor stage. Bring your own chair or sit at one of their picnic tables and enjoy some tunes!

A Vietnamese eatery, Ineffable Cà Phê, is a great neighborhood spot for trying something new. Grab one of their lattes from their full espresso bar, one of their traditional cà phê sữa, or a made-to-order bubble tea and relax outside.

'One thing that is great about Ineffable is they make ordering bubble tea so easy for newcomers with their step-by-step menu. If you need help, the staff is so friendly!

As far as their outdoor space at Ineffable, you will find there is plenty of it. Tables can be found in the fenced-off front lot and alongside the building. In the front, there are several tables underneath their tent strung with twinkle lights as well as some cozier seating on the patio directly attached to the building.

This galley-style eatery is a great place to enjoy the warm weather while catching the game. With a huge outdoor screen, you can watch anything from baseball to basketball at Galley Bakery Square.

Parking is free at the garage for the first 2 hours, so head over for happy hour with your crew and grab a table outside. Galley’s happy hour offers half-off beer, cocktails, and glasses of wine from 4:30-6:30 pm Tuesday through Friday! Their cocktail menu is filled with fun cocktails like their Rhubarb Gimlet, which is so refreshing.