Where to Drink (And Eat) Outside
Outdoor dining in the stunning courtyard at Pusadee’s Garden in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood.
Temperatures above 40 degrees and no rain means one thing in Pittsburgh: it’s official patio season.
Last year, pandemic restrictions forced many restaurants to refine AND grow their outdoor dining. Beer gardens, expanded seating, and courtyards-turned-patios allowed local eateries to serve more people while following county regulations.
Even as indoor dining limitations loosen this year, many of these open-air eating spots have returned. And, after a gloomy winter spent – for many of us – mostly inside, it’s time to get out and explore. To help, we’ve outlined a few of our favorite spots to eat outdoors.
thecommonerpgh.com/pittsburgh-biergarten
Get views and booze at Biergarten, on the rooftop of the Hotel Monaco Downtown. Run by the team of The Commoner (located on the bottom floor of the hotel), the Biergarten is known for wacky drinks – a famed concoction from 2019 was their “adult Huggies,” aka vodka added to a Huggie barrel – and great food. Reservations for their re-opening on April 15 are available starting April 10.
eastendbrewing.com
Bring your friends and your dog to East End’s massive, open-air garden in Larimer. Brews – from their ever-growing and changing list of beers – are available along with a pizza-of-the-week and sometimes, dinner service. Watch their social media for food and booze updates.
federalgalley.org
With four restaurants and two patios, Federal Galley has something for everyone. Choose a snack or meal from one of their restaurant concepts – Shaka, progressive Asian and Hawaiian cuisine; Provision, classic American eats; Guapo, New Mexican; and Sultry F&B, bistro eats – and wash it down with a brew or cocktail from their full-service bar.
eatgaucho.com
Now in the Downtown building once occupied by Six Penn, formerly tiny Gaucho has added a massive amount of seating, including a rooftop. Cozy up for their weekday happy hour, featuring discounted snacks, beer, and wine.
overeden.com
Treat yourself to an unbeatable view of the city at Over Eden, a rooftop bar in Lawrenceville topping the TRYP hotel. Grab a few friends and go for their shareable drinks or visit for Thursday night salsa night.
pusadeesgarden.com
After much anticipation from hungry Pittsburghers, Pusadee’s Garden finally opened this winter. In addition to delighting the city with outstanding Thai eats, their garden seating is unmatched. Once open, garden seating will be first-come, first-serve, and weather permitting.
1700penn.com
1700 Penn is where Pennsylvania wine and Helltown beer come together in one, massive building. Grab a pint, a glass, or a cocktail (1700 Penn is the sister of Pennsylvania Libations, a one-stop-shop for state-made spirits) and sit out in their massive beer garden, located in the heart of the Strip District. On the weekends, local musicians take over their outdoor stage.
STORY BY MAGGIE WEAVER /PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANTHONY MUSMANNO
12 Month - 6 issue subscription
Indulge in the taste spring with this delicious Cherry Galette