13 great outdoor places to eat and drink in Pittsburgh

In honor of NEXTpittsburgh’s 10-year anniversary, we’re looking back on our top stories of the last decade and sharing them again to show how much has changed (and stayed the same) over the years. This post was originally published on July 8, 2019.

July 8, 2019 — Pittsburgh averages 160 sunny days a year. Make the most of them by dining outdoors. Many restaurants and breweries offer patio or rooftop seating so bring your shades and your appetite. Here are some great new spots and some that need to be on your radar.

TRYP Hotel offers breathtaking views that stretch all the way to Downtown from its cool rooftop restaurant and bar, Over Eden. Perched high above Eden Way (get it?), you can enjoy eats prepared by executive chef Brandon Blumenfeld, including family-style portions of pastrami-smoked beef ribs with coriander, black pepper and lime, and boozy refreshments that’ll make you feel like you’re on a tropical vacation. Order a pitcher of Punch Drunk, a mix of moscato, strawberry vodka, pressed apples, lemon, raspberries and blueberries, and send your worries a postcard.

Lawrenceville-based Cinderlands Beer Co. opened its two-story, 300-seat facility in May and folks have been packing the place ever since. Outdoor enthusiasts will go wild for Jeremy Raymer’s mural and Cinderlands’ terrace overlooking the Strip. The scratch-kitchen serves up snacks, sandwiches, small plates and sweets and there’s a brew to suit every taste.

Make the hike up Mount Washington to Coughlin’s Law for beautiful views, delicious cocktails and mouth-watering grub. In addition to 43 rotating drafts and pub fare such as wings, sliders and burgers, the hotspot boasts a walk-up taco and tequila bar on its patio. And T and T Cantina stocks more than 60 types of the Mexican elixir. Come thirsty, amigos.

This one isn’t new, but the charming cobblestone courtyard is too picturesque not to include. The granddaddy of Pittsburgh craft breweries is a great place for summertime imbibing and dining. You’ll feel like you’re in a real German Biergarten as you sip Penn Pilsner and chow down on authentic Bavarian fare.

Once you’ve biked or hiked through North Park, or kayaked on the peaceful lake, treat yourself to lunch at this lakeside establishment. The back patio is a scenic place to unwind after a workout. There are decadent burgers and a to-die-for BLT, but lighter options are also available. If there’s a wait at the door, take another lap and they’ll text you when your table is ready.

Open Thursday through Sunday, this tiny Western Avenue brewery is a great place to grab a beer and snack before heading to the Pirates game. You’ll find one of Pittsburgh’s popular food trucks outside, along with cornhole and Jenga. The pup-friendly patio hosts Buzz Worthy Pub Trivia every Thursday starting at 7 p.m.

While 412 Brewing is no longer in operation, Late Addition Brewing & Blending opened in the same location in January 2024. Although the beers are new, some of the 412 faces are familiar; partner Malcolm Frazier spent time working at the old brewery.

Head to Bae Bae’s Kitchen for Korean-inspired cuisine that’s healthy, local, organic and delicious. A seasonal pop-up parklet sits in front of the Liberty Avenue eatery. The 24-by-11-foot space features tables, chairs and a greenhouse-like structure filled with plants. It’s a tranquil escape from the concrete jungle.

You can get Texas-style barbecue and Southern comfort food at this laidback joint in the heart of Lawrenceville, open for lunch, dinner or weekend brunch. The AstroTurf lawn has plenty of seating — picnic tables, couches, beanbag chairs — and it offers smoky smells almost as intoxicating as the beverages.

Experience a little slice of heaven in the Hopgarden at The Church Brew Works. The European-style courtyard offers the same dining service as the divine interior space. Enjoy your food and drink surrounded by hop flowers, which brewers harvest each September to put in their cask-conditioned ales.

There are multiple Steel Cacti in the ‘burgh with outdoor seating areas, but the new rooftop bar in Shadyside gives patrons a bird’s eye view of Walnut Street. Celebrate with margaritas at the site’s extended weekday Happy Hour 4:30 to 7 p.m. and go loco on Mondays for all-you-can-eat tacos for $15.

Hungry for a good meal and a beautiful view? You’ll get both at Cafe Raymond. Watch the hustle and bustle of Penn Avenue from the second floor as you devour one of chef Raymond Mikesell’s creations. Whether it’s breakfast — served all day — or a signature burger, your plate will look just as good as the scenery.

Strange Roots, the local authority on wild brews, has two locations with outdoor beer gardens. The Millvale kitchen specializes in smoked meat sandwiches, tacos and vegetarian-approved items while Gibsonia features a rotating line-up of food trucks. Both destinations are kid- and dog-friendly so bring the whole family.

Strange Roots opened a New Kensington location in 2023.

The Strip has historically been a bustling place to eat and socialize. The PA Market is a microcosm of the neighborhood. The two-story, upscale food hall offers indoor and outdoor seating with an array of dining options, from pizza and po’ boys to tacos and charcuterie.

Hungry for more? We’ve got you covered: Here are even more great outdoor dining spots in and around Pittsburgh.