Summertime is just around the corner, and here in the ‘Burgh, there’s nothing better than getting outside while the weather is nice to enjoy a great meal, fun drinks, and quality time with your crew! To help you get in the warm weather mood, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite places to eat outdoors in Pittsburgh this summer – from casual pop-ups to chic rooftop bars and more!
Biergarten at the Hotel Monaco
You know it’s officially summertime when the popular Biergarten rooftop bar at the Hotel Monaco in downtown Pittsburgh is open! While this charming summer hotspot hasn’t officially announced its opening day yet, it will be coming soon – so keep an eye on their social media! Expect to see an expansive draft beer list along with show-stopping craft cocktails like the Mercury in Retrograde, which is a peach orange blossom Ketel One cocktail with elderflower tonic water, Campari, blueberry earl gray, and lemon.
Word on the street is that this season, Biergarten will feature a bar menu from Executive Chef Dave Racicot with delicious classics like the bar’s iconic giant pretzels served with beer cheese and honey Dijon as well as charcuterie boards that are perfect for sharing with the whole table!
The PA Market
Looking for “a taste of Europe in the Strip?” Look no further! The PA Market combines the best of European-inspired tastes and sips with a focus on local amenities and businesses. Explore two floors filled with different restaurant concepts and cocktail bars and don’t forget to check out their stunning wine library for unique flavors you can’t find in your regular state liquor store! Best of all, you can enjoy whatever epicurean delights you purchase in their beautiful open-air courtyard.
Our tip: check out The Courtyard Bar just outside the first floor, which features a special menu of Courtyard craft cocktails and a wood-fired oven. There you can find seasonal cocktails crafted with fresh ingredients and seasonal house-made syrups, like the “I Wish I Woke Up Like This” with prosecco, dark berries, and a kiss of botanicals; and the “No Worries, It’s Not a Soggy Bar Mocktail,” billed as a “Painkiller with no pain!”
Station
Breaking news: Station, one of Bloomfield’s best dinner spots, is debuting a newly-renovated patio this season where you can enjoy the fresh air and even fresher cocktails! Whether you stop by for lunch, dinner, or even happy hour, you can savor seasonal menu items like the classic carrot bolognese or the famous Station burger on the spacious covered patio.
Just inside, the innovative bartending team at Station will be slinging craft cocktails and mocktails with seasonal flavors like the Bee Well, which features BCN gin, lime, turmeric, and honey. (That’s basically a health tonic, right?)
Shorty’s
Whether on the North Side or the Waterfront, Shorty’s two laid-back activity bars are amazing spots for enjoying some drinks, snacks, and a few rounds of retro games like duckpin bowling, pinball, darts, shuffleboard, or bocce. On the Latin-inspired street food menu, you’ll find tacos, tostadas, and a variety of flavorful dips if you’re in the mood to share – or you can keep your Marg Under Pressure draft margarita all to yourself!
On the North Shore you can soak up riverfront views from the spacious patio, or at the Waterfront you can vibe all night by the warm fire pits! Best of all, there are even more fun things to do when you take it outside – cornhole, giant Connect Four, and giant Jenga just to name a few.
Square Cafe
Happy birthday, Square Cafe! This Yinzer institution is celebrating its 20th birthday in May 2023, which means if you haven’t been to their expansive East Liberty location to enjoy breakfast, lunch, or brunch on their spacious outdoor patio, now you simply must. Mercifully covered from the sun for those extra-hot summer days, Square Cafe’s patio offers 360-degree views of East Liberty and a delicious menu with weekly specials and seasonal picks.
Of course, there will always be classics like Square’s famous biscuit breakfast sandwich and its vegan chive counterpart. Plus whether you prefer to sip on a coffee, mocktail, or cocktail, Square’s baristas and bartenders have you covered! Try their springy special Last Unicorn Latte, which is espresso brewed over white chocolate, lavender, and vanilla, available hot or over ice. Or if you’re looking for something stronger, try a Bloody Mary with a house-made vegan Bloody Mary mix!
We hope that our roundup inspires you to treat yourself to a fun night out soon. Cheers to good times this summer!
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.