The prospect of eating something delicious on a restaurant’s patio is a ritual that formally welcomes warmer weather, especially after a long Pittsburgh winter. That was always true. But COVID-19 restrictions that favored outdoor seating were a call to action for restaurant owners and diners, emphasizing patio availability and atmosphere like never before.
Soak up the sun with these 10 local eateries with outdoor spaces that create summertime experiences.
The Abbey on Butler Street
The Abbey on Butler Street is unique for its three dining experiences at one venue — The Coffeehouse, The Parlour Bar and The Vesper Room — but it makes this list for its two outdoor dining options (and a third is on the way). Enjoy a house-blend coffee or a Blueberry Vanilla Chai at cafe tables on the sidewalk along Butler Street or cocktails and dinner on the side patio made intimate by elegant iron fencing and a healthy dose of greenery. On the opposite side of the building, facing northwest, is a third experience-in-the-works. Cement pillars and high ceilings and arches give the open-air space its name — The Abbey’s Arcade Bar and Grill — which will open by late summer.
4635 Butler St., Lawrenceville; theabbeyonbutlerstreet.com
Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream
Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream is a modern yinzer favorite found at the brand’s multiple local storefronts and in grocery store aisles, but the Shadyside location separates itself, especially in late summer. After grabbing your scoops, walk out the back door. Arched over the picnic table-dotted patio is a large peach tree. Though it adds character to the space all year round, by August, it will be full with ripe peaches, which patrons are invited to pick and enjoy.
232 S. Highland Ave., Shadyside; millieshomemade.com
Shiloh Gastro
The glitz and awe of Mount Washington’s Grandview Avenue gets most of the neighborhood’s buzz, but the quaintness and character of side street Shiloh Avenue shouldn’t be overlooked. Just feet away from the grand view is Shiloh Gastro, with an expansive “front porch” and inviting menu for plant-based eaters and meat-lovers alike. Creative options include kimchi fries, a potato pancake and peanut butter burger, and a cluster of mac and cheese permutations. And to keep it yinzer, save space for the strawberry cheesecake pierogi dessert.
123 Shiloh St., Mount Washington; shilohgastro.com
Redfin Blues
Whether arriving by wheels, oars or propellers, Redfin Blues gives beach-y vibes inside city limits. Its deck and outdoor bar sit on the Allegheny River. Views of boats being hoisted out of the water at the marina next door and trusses of the 31st Street Bridge add to the nautical feel, as does the seafood-heavy menu. Add an umbrella drink, and it’s practically vacation.
100 Waterfront Dr., Washington’s Landing; redfinblues.com
Pizzeria Davide
Lingering over a pie or grabbing a quick slice at Pizzeria Davide’s patio in the Strip just got a splash of summertime fun. On Fridays and Saturdays, weather permitting, the “pizza patio” will include an outdoor bar where bartender Bryce Wilson and others will sling Italian classics like Negroni, Campari and soda and Aperol Spritz, along with beer, wine and seltzer. Salute!
2551 Penn Ave., Strip District; pizzeriadavide.com
Voodoo Brewing Co. – Homestead Pub
If your best friend’s porch happened to include a three-story mural of famed Negro League baseball player Josh Gibson, you’d already know what Voodoo Brewing Co.’s casual and cultural patio in Homestead feels like. The rotating draft list and a limited-but-satisfying food menu can be enjoyed outside on picnic tables and Adirondack chairs with Edison bulbs strung above to revive the weary with zero pretense.
205 E. 9th St., Homestead; voodoobrewery.com
Mad Mex Canonsburg
Fresh ingredients and bright flavors define Mad Mex’s style of Mexican fare. Floor-to-ceiling graffiti-style murals, live plants and found-object sculptures hone the atmosphere inside. Take all of that and plop it next to Canonsburg Lake. With open-air seating, a deck and a giant game of Jenga, visits to Max Mex Canonsburg are warm-weather experiences, not just meals. And don’t forget to take a walk on the shore to burn off your burrito.
200 Lakeside Drive North, Canonsburg; madmex.com
Pusadee’s Garden
Natural beauty and urban excitement define many of the outdoor spaces on this list, but Thai restaurant Pusadee’s Garden is different. It closed in 2017 for a multi-year revamp with Pittsburgh firm mossArchitects. The result, in part, is an outdoor space that’s as much architectural marvel as it is botanical wonder. And with uncommon menu items like grilled Humboldt giant squid, novelty at Pusadee’s is a multi-sensory experience.
5319 Butler St., Lawrenceville; pusadeesgarden.com
Fuel & Fuddle
Longtime Pitt campus standby Fuel & Fuddle makes the list to honor the innovation displayed by so many restaurants during pandemic restrictions. For the past two summers, owner Brandon Smith supported the Oakland Business Improvement District’s move to close Oakland Avenue in favor of outdoor tables, a miniature golf course and outdoor concerts. Now that pre-pandemic life has largely returned, the one-way street has re-opened. But Fuel & Fuddle has found a new niche with here-to-stay tables scattered on the sidewalk and a parking lane that allow diners to soak up college town vibes and vitamin D.
212 Oakland Ave., Oakland; fuelandfuddle.com
Over the Bar at the North Park Boathouse
With meat-heavy, vegan, vegetarian and novelty food options, Over the Bar has something for every diner at all three of its locations. But there’s something about a lakeside view that makes noshing on a peanut butter-slathered burger (The Dirt Rag Delight) or black bean cakes (Disc Brake Bean Cakes) taste better. And if you feel like working up an appetite first, Venture Outdoors rents canoes, kayaks, paddle boards and pedal boats right next door.
10301 Pearce Mill Road, Allison Park; otbbicyclecafe.com
Abby Mackey: amackey@post-gazette.com, Twitter @AnthroAbbyRN and IG @abbymackeywrites.
First Published: May 19, 2022, 1:45 p.m.