Indoor Dining is OUT: Outdoor Dining Spots Downtown and in the Strip
Written by Elisabeth Kay
With the weather getting warmer and the days getting longer, getting in your Vitamin D is a must– but with the hustle and bustle of city life, sometimes it feels like there just aren’t enough hours of sunshine in the day! Thankfully, restaurants around the Burgh have you covered, allowing you to indulge in a filling meal while soaking up the sun. We’ve got a list of fan favorites and maybe some spots you haven’t found yet with outdoor seating.
Start off a relaxing day with a comforting brunch on Sally Ann’s decorated patio. You’ve already heard about Sally Ann’s to-die-for brunch from us, but the outdoor patio adds a brand new layer to the brunch experience. The patio is curated to give Sally Ann’s a lasting impression, and it does so seamlessly.
If you’re looking for a meal in a staple building downtown, City Works’ outdoor patio seats you in the heart of Market Square at PPG Place! The hubbub of downtown will surround you as you indulge in American Cuisine. But if Italian is more of your taste, Sienna Mercato is waiting for you on Penn Avenue! Enjoy classic meals, experimental dishes, or build your own to your liking while seated in a rooftop beer garden. If you fall in love with it, don’t fret! The beer garden is open year round with a glass covering shielding you from the frigid winter air, making this place a soon-to-be year round essential.
A few blocks down and crosswalk over on Penn Avenue resides Con Alma, nuzzled in the heart of the Cultural District. This is a step up from your casual dining experience, as it hosts local Jazz Bands, diverse cocktails, and an expansive menu. Reservations are necessary, as Con Alma hosts more than just a dinner but an experience, and outdoor seating is offered weather permitting. Bringing someone to Con Alma is a certain way to make an unforgettable first impression.
Do you find yourself more in the Strip District? Don’t worry, there’s a plentiful array of restaurants available and ready for the summer.
For a quintessential dining experience, Kelly O’s Diner invites you inside or out on the patio for classic breakfast and lunch options. Whether your taste is savory, sweet, or a little bit of both, Kelly O’s has got you covered with an expansive yet familiar menu. Being featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives was just the beginning for this woman-owned diner, as it’s now become a fan favorite in not just the Strip District but many other locations around Pittsburgh.
A more upscale brunch search could bring you to Cafe Raymond, serving mouth watering American style breakfast options. A balcony patio overlooks Penn Avenue, creating a wonderful spot for a side of people watching while indulging in a decadent meal to tie you over until dinner.
Luke Wholey’s Wild Alaskan Grille will give you a fresh dinner with an ambiance that will make you feel like you’ve stepped foot in the ocean. Whether inside or outside, the atmosphere of Luke Wholey’s will leave you feeling full yet wanting more, and refreshed on a warm summer day. For an elevated dinner, Eleven will give you class and a luxurious meal. Their covered outdoor balcony assures outdoor seating, rain or shine, and will leave you talking about the dinner for days to come.
A change of scenery can be the one thing needed to spice up your day, even if it’s just for a quick bite in between plans. Thankfully, Pittsburgh’s got you covered– the restaurants above aren’t nearly all of the outdoor dining options around downtown.
