Soak up the sun with outdoor dining to finish off the summer in Philly

The summer may be wrapping up, but that doesn’t mean you can’t soak in one of the last weekends to the fullest. Here is where you should dine outdoors to really end the sunny season on a tasty note.

Independence Beer Garden

The 20,000 square-foot venue has plenty of options for outdoor seating (180 seats to be exact) and will be operating on a first-come, first-serve basis Monday through Thursday from 3-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to midnight and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m. IBG is also implementing safety precautions to help keep everyone healthy, including new table technology where guests can pull up a menu, order and pay on their phones. IBG’s offerings include an assortment of sandwiches (think spicy fried chicken, cheesesteaks, smoked turkey BLTs and more), al pastor tacos, pretzel bites, pickle chips, a watermelon and tomato salad and much more. On the libation side, guests can choose from a huge variety of drafts, cocktails, wine and beer/can options with Happy Hour options also available on select days. 

100 S. Independence Mall W., phlbeergarden.com

Fudena at Sunset Social

This weekend, Philadelphians will be able to check out a pop-up featuring fare from the popular West African fast-casual concept started by a recent UPenn graduate Ruth Nakaar. Fudena will be calling Philly’s own urban park food hub, Sunset Social, home this Friday and Saturday (August 28th-29th.) The menu includes a variety of unique dishes including the Jollof Complex ($10, Jollof rice, pan-seared chicken thigh, kale and tomato stew on the side), Waakye is Bae ($10, Rice and black-eyed peas, curried goat, caramelized onions and tomato stew on the side), In Love w/ the Coco(nut) ($10 Coconut rice with pan-seared tilapia, roasted sweet potatoes and tomato stew on the side) and plantain donuts for $5. With 1.2 acres of green space, this event also has plenty of space for social distancing. 

129 S. 30th St., eatfudena.com

Assembly Rooftop Lounge 

If you’re looking for a memorable outdoor dining experience, Logan Square hotspot Assembly Rooftop Lounge has the offerings and the views that you’re looking for. The establishment will offer seating Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Happy Hour specials will be available from 4-6 p.m. and on top of that, there will also be a variety of snacks and light fare, allowing you to munch and sip while admiring views of the city from 9 floors up. Reservations are required at this time. 

1840 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., assemblyrooftop.com

Salty’s Seafood and Ice Cream Shack 

Salty’s Seafood & Ice Cream Shack opened earlier this summer and is calling the Spanish tapas hotspot Jamonera home until this fall. Salty’s is operating for pick-up and delivery on top of having outdoor seating available by reservation (available through their website or on OpenTable). Food-wise Philadelphians can find a slew of different enticing options that boast flavors of the season, chocolate ice cream parfaits, root beer floats and more. Salty’s beverages include an array of summer-time cocktails, beer and cider.

105 S 13th St., saltysphilly.com