Pittsburgh's Outdoor Dining Scene

Enjoy the best dining Pittsburgh has to offer while basking in the outdoor culture of the city

If it's your visit to Pittsburgh, my guess is that the first thing you'll be surprised about is just how green this city is. And throughout our 90 neighborhoods, our restaurants embrace the rolling hills, beautiful lookouts and majestic rivers with plenty of outdoor seating to accompany your new favorite dish.

Here's some of our favorite spots to check out for outdoor meals with a view:

Sixth Street | Downtown

Trust us, when you see a giant mural saying "Welcome to Pittsburgh," you're on the right street for outdoor dining options. The Sixth Street corridor is a restaurant hub with more than a dozen dining options lining both sides of the street and featuring cuisines from around the world.

These restaurants recently expanded their outdoor dining into new, enlarged patio spaces, along with aesthetic improvements to the entire street, making it one of the most picturesque places to dine outdoors in the city. Sally Ann's, Alihan's Coffee and Breakfast, Braddock's Rebellion, Cafe Milano, Christos, täkō, Gaucho Parrilla Argentina, Olive or Twist, Sultan Doner Gyro, gi-jin and Giovanni's Pizza & Pasta are all located in this incredible dining corridor.

Carson Street Deli

Location: 1507 E Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203

Tucked away behind Carson Street Deli is a lovely Craft Beer Garden (with heaters to keep you warm in the winter) just begging for visitors to come and enjoy a beer and a hearty sandwich. If you have trouble deciding on a sandwich from their enormous menu, the staff is usually happy to let you turn any sandwich into a slider so that you can order a few to try out. Be sure to check their schedule as the owner loves to offer free beer tastings throughout the month.

The Porch at Schenley

Location: 221 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

It doesn't get more scenic than Schenley Plaza on a sunny day. The outdoor seating at Porch offers a beautiful view of the park and the opportunity to enjoy some of the great food offered by Porch. On colder days, The Porch keeps warm with heaters for its guests, and if you play your cards right, you may even get the chance to check out the rooftop garden where they keep their own bees and grow produce used by the restaurant.

Biergarten (Spring-Fall)

Location: 620 William Penn Pl, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Biergarten offers a unique city view as their gorgeous rooftop bar is sandwiched between some of the city’s larger buildings. Although they offer a limited German beer hall-style menu on the roof, you can also go right downstairs to the Commoner for a more formal dining experience.

Cafe Du Jour

Location: 1107 E Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203

Cafe Du Jour offers a very intimate dining experience in the historic South Side of Pittsburgh. Once you are tucked away in the garden, it becomes easy to forget that you are in the heart of the city. With a high-end menu that changes seasonally, heaters in the winter, and a great sense of value when you take advantage of the BYOB policy, Cafe Du Jour is the place to dine.

Pusadee's Garden

Location: 5321 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201

Pusadee's Garden is the crown jewel of the Pittsburgh outdoor dining scene, with fantastic Thai food served up in a serene garden setting. When making your reservations, call as soon as possible and include that a note that your party prefers garden seating for the best chance to enjoy the outdoors at Pusadee's for a beautiful evening.

City Kitchen

Location: 145 Bakery Square Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15206

City Kitchen always has plenty of reasons to visit, with four unique restaurants, rotating pop-up concepts and one of the best bars in the city all under one roof in the tech hotspot of Bakery Square.

But the warmer months are even more fun, with City Kitchen's spacious covered patio looking out onto this bustling foodie and shopping epicenter. Be sure to check their events calendar, too, for live music, DJs, family events, yoga and watch parties on the giant outdoor screen.

Gaucho Parrilla Argentina

Location: 146 Sixth St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Gaucho Parilla's lovely rooftop space lets you enjoy the rich, thick smell of burning oak wood used in the Argentinian tradition to cook all of the fantastic dishes served by Guacho. Visiting in winter? Gaucho has heaters to keep you warm while you dine outdoors.

Il Tetto

Location: 942 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

On top of the city’s popular three-tiered restaurant sits the rooftop beer garden, Il Tetto. Offering 36 drafts, wine and cocktails, this bar is complete with various appetizers and a retractable glass roof, allowing people to enjoy the unique Pittsburgh views year-round!

Redfin Blues

Location: 100 Waterfront Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Relax and enjoy the city while dining with the view of the mighty Allegheny River. Located on Washington’s Landing, Redfin Blues is the North Shore’s only waterfront grill. Enjoy the open-air bar complete with a variety of beers and cocktails, including Pittsburgh’s own Wigle Whiskey! With mouthwatering dishes, fantastic drinks and an atmosphere you can’t beat, Redfin Blues is a must-visit.

Esquina Cantina

Location: 3720 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201-1837

New name, same status as the go-to place in Lawrenceville for outdoor dining. Head to the round corner facade of Esquina Cantina for authentic masa and maize-based dishes and a bar program that showcases varietels from the well-known Mezcal and Tequila to soon-to-be-your-new-favorites like Pechuga, Bacanora and Raicilla. You can't tell from the outside, but the small indoor area opens to a tranquil outdoor patio that has been one of my favorite hangouts since I moved to Pittsburgh. Cabana rentals also available for groups and special occasions!

Over the Bar Bicycle Cafe

Location: 10301 Pearce Mill Rd, Allison Park, PA

Situated along the 65-acre lake in North Park, Over the Bar Bicycle Cafe is renowned for their scenic outdoor seating with a view you won't get anywhere else. Pair your lakeside experience with their refreshing cocktails and fun menu full of bicycle themed names for the optimal night out.

Eleven

Location: 1150 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, PA 1522

Sophisticated outdoor seating at this top-rated restaurant right in the heart of the city. What else do you need? Plus, Eleven's vibrant menu changes with the seasons, sourcing ingredients from local farms to present the freshest flavors in this elegant, repurposed warehouse.

DiAnoia's Eatery

Location: 2549 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Indoors or outdoors, there's no wrong way to enjoy some of the best Italian food in the city. DiAnoia's Eatery's covered outdoor patio only has a few tables, giving an almost-private dining experience as you people watch the crowds through the Strip District and nosh on their famous cacio e pepe and fresh bread with whipped ricotta.

Cinderlands Warehouse

Location: 2601 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

If you want a bird's eye view of the Strip District, head to Cinderlands Warehouse for a spacious outdoor patio overlooking this distinctly Pittsburgh neighborhood. This location has way more than fantastic beer, with a large menu for lunch and dinner ranging from a smashed wagyu burger to poutine, spatzle and kielbasa. Plus, enjoy games on the first floor for this all-in-one hangout spot.

The Abbey on Butler Street

Location: 4635 Butler St #2906, Pittsburgh, PA 15201

Inside the city’s unique neighborhood of Lawrenceville sits a renovated funeral home with multiple bars, a coffee shop, a restaurant and one of the city’s largest outdoor patios. Whether you head there for a coffee at 7 a.m. or a cocktail at night, you can enjoy The Abbey’s sizeable outdoor seating space, complete with heaters in the winter, surrounding a stunning swan fountain.

Federal Galley

Location: 200 Children's Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

This unique food hall serves a variety of different cuisines and actually helps chefs start up their own restaurant. Four different chefs work within the Federal Galley, so there are options for everyone. Bring your friends and family and enjoy brunch, dinner or cocktail hour outside on the gorgeous (heated in winter) patio.

Roland’s Seafood Grill

Location: 1904 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Overlooking the bustling Penn Avenue is the patio deck of Roland’s Seafood Grill! A part of the city’s historic Strip District for over 60 years, this Italian restaurant doesn’t stop at pasta. They offer a wide variety of seafood, surf and turf, wood-fired pizzas, and of course, a breathtaking view of the city from their patio. Dining outside in winter? Roland's patio is equipped with outdoor heaters to make your meal enjoyable.

Coughlin’s Law

Location: 10 Virginia Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15211

This kitchen and alehouse is relatively new to the Mount Washington neighborhood and already attracting families and young crowds. With their gorgeous, heated patio overlooking the city, delicious drinks and fun events, Coughlin's Law is a must. Check out their website for menus, events and more!

Bridges & Bourbon

Location: 930 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Located in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh, Bridges & Bourbon provides an experience that is both interactive and social. Focusing on modernistic cocktails that are visually stunning & food that is engages your senses, you are sure to enjoy your unique dining experience in their outdoor domes. Reservations for outdoor seating are required!

täkō

Location: 214 6th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

We've already mentioned it above, but täkō is so good, it's worth mentioning again. Japanese/Mexican fusion meets street food in this one-of-a-kind menu, with unique flavors like their bistec, maitake mushroom and Korean tacos, even one piled high with grilled octopus. Their outdoor swivel stools are my favorite place to sit and eat on all of 6th Street, but they also have outdoor tables available.

Coop De Ville

Location: 2305 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

If you're a gamer, or just love amazing fried chicken, Coop De Ville is the perfect stop to cap off your visit to the Strip District any time of day. Plenty of outdoor seating is available as you sip coffee from their coffee bar, inspired cocktails or enjoy their K-town, Nashville and other signature sandwiches. Stick around for duckpin bowling, a gigantic arcade with classic machines and pinball and billiards tables.

Southern Tier Brewery

Location: 316 N Shore Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

This brewpub isn't just a go-to spot for top-tier craft beer and loaded nachos; with plenty of shaded, outdoor bench seating and string lighting, Southern Tier cultivates laidback vibes for a community gathering of Pittsburgh foodies and beer lovers. Dining out with a group? Order shareable plates like wings, brisket meatballs, and fried pickles with a Nashville hot aioli sauce. As for your own plate, you can't go wrong with the Steel City Burger with smokey onions, garlic aioli, and jalapeno slaw on a sesame seed bun.

Alihan's Mediterranean Cuisine

Location: 124 6th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Craving Mediterranean flavors? Alihan's Mediterranean Cuisine serves Turkish meals in an outdoor, bistro-like space, where you can take in the downtown ambience while enjoying your dish. Vine-covered columns, beds of flowers, and string lights set a cozy scene outside of this upscale spot. There are even vegan and gluten-free options! Sit back and relax with a cup of Turkish tea, freshly baked bread, and grilled perfection on a plate.

Fig & Ash

Location: 514 E Ohio St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

The North Side is brimming with top-tier restaurants, and Fig & Ash is no exception. Ingenious wood-fired creations abound at this cozy restaurant with a quiet patio area. Explore upscale menu options like heirloom carrots with honey-whipped ricotta, kielbasa ravioli, and a short rib and pork belly meatball. Pair it with a drink from the curated wine list or a house-made cocktail.

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