Alfresco dining season in Pittsburgh is a game of meteorological roulette. You can obsessively refresh your weather app, convinced this time the forecast will cooperate, only to be blindsided by a pop-up thunderstorm or soul-sapping humidity. When the perfect outdoor dining day does arrive, you’d better know where to go. Here, Hungry Jess shares her favorite Pittsburgh restaurants for the city’s fleeting outdoor dining season, from laid-back neighborhood favorites to once-a-summer splurges.
While Pittsburgh isn’t a city of many rooftops, there are plenty of noteworthy spots for outdoor dining and drinking. Although it’s been cloudy and a bit chilly, I’m writing this article to manifest an ideal summertime forecast: 70 degrees, sunny, and the ultimate patio lineup.
Plus, if I’m being candid, one of the only things on my mind during a mid-workday daydream is, “I wish I were sipping a cold cocktail outside right now.”
Hungry Jess’ Favorite Pittsburgh Restaurants for Outdoor Dining
Esquina (Round Corner) Cantina
3720 Butler Street, Lawrenceville
This is, by far, my favorite patio in the entire city of Pittsburgh, and you can quote me on it. As they’re in their seventeenth year of business, I’ve been coming here for a solid nine of them. In a full circle moment, they’re also now a client of mine, which only makes me love them more.
Cantina is doing everything exquisitely, from their cocktails to food. And the patio is no exception: it truly gives a sense of hanging out in your bestie’s backyard. You won’t want to leave… especially when a pitcher of their Classic Margaritas is involved.
For special occasions (or just because), you can book their cabana, an outdoor, cushioned space for ultimate chilling.
Café Du Jour
1107 East Carson Street
Café Du Jour is probably one of the best-kept secrets in the city. Every time I step through the doors, it’s a revolutionary experience from start to finish. It’s so treasured that, when I posted about it on Instagram, it made some people mad. While I understand not wanting your tried-and-true spot to blow up, I also want nothing more than for Paul and his team to thrive in the South Side.
Open Thursday through Saturday, the menu balances customer favorites, like the Spinach and Artichoke Dip, with innovative new dishes. The patio is like an urban garden, filled with greenery and a koi pond. They’ve seen proposals, birthdays, and even wedding receptions. I highly recommend calling weeks in advance to book your table!
Pusadee’s Garden
5319 Butler Street, Lawrenceville
While this list leans heavily into the Lawrenceville neighborhood, I can’t write an article about outdoor dining without including Pusedee’s. Much like Café Du Jour, this spot leans into fine dining, creating a setting where you can dress up and enjoy a meal under golden hour light. One of my favorite dishes is the Yellow Curry with Roti.
Reservations are tricky to come by, but if you take casual peeks at their reservation page, you may get lucky. Or, arrive early to line up for walk-in seats. To request seating in their garden, you must note it in your reservation, as Pittsburgh’s weather is unpredictable.
Hyeholde
1516 Coraopolis Heights Rd, Coraopolis
Continuing with the high-end dining theme, Hyeholde is known for its Chef Table experiences and castle-like ambiance. However, one thing they offer that is super unique and outside is their Picnic Series. Guests can book picnics for two on their lawn with a rotating menu and limited availability each month. This month’s menu includes Smoked Carolina Mustard Brisket Sandwiches, Cucumber Salad, Grilled Peaches, Orzo with Grilled Vegetables, and Olive Oil Cake with Sweet Balsamic Strawberries.
It’s the perfect way to experience the charm and character of Hyeholde, outside. Get the group chat together or win the best date award with a booking here! They’ll be announcing July and August dates soon.
Gordo’s Tacos & Tequila
131 Shiloh Street, Mt. Washington
I had to include a spot on Mount Washington in this piece; after all, what’s more Pittsburgh than enjoying nice weather with the views from The Overlook? They also have a front bar area with garage-door-style windows for some people-watching.
While Gordo’s doesn’t offer a view while dining, it’s still a great spot to sip on a margarita (their syrups are all made in-house), enjoy some apps, and take a stroll afterward. Plus, if you’re a big sports fan, they have televisions outside to catch the game with.
Ippa
5241 Butler Street, Lawrenceville
This is a new-to-me spot that caught my attention very quickly. Ippa is a woodfired sandwich truck that’s now permanently parked “on the green” next to Lolev in Lawrenceville, and it’s pretty new. AKA, there’s no better time to check ‘em out than now.
As breweries step into the more “semi-permanent” food space, this will be exciting to watch grow as Pittsburgh summer kicks off. Grab a beer, a sandwich, and chill. It’s really giving the ultimate ‘Sunday funday’ vibes.
Plus, learn about Jess’ opinion on Pittsburgh pizza in her best of the best round-up.
Story and Photos by Jess Iacullo (Hungry Jess)
Featured Photo From mossArchitects, by Anthony Musmanno
Subscribe to TABLE Magazine‘s print edition.
