With Philadelphia now in the Yellow Phase and plans for the Green Phase on the horizon, many establishments are making the first step to reopening their doors to in-person service with the launch of outdoor dining. This step has been a long-awaited advancement for many Philadelphians in the face of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the effect it’s been having on local restaurants and bars. It’s no secret that the service industry has suffered immensely during this time, and the announcement of outdoor dining is one that we can all celebrate with a drink or two.
With so many choices popping up in all areas of the city, Metro has found some hotspot picks to help make your dining-out decision that much easier.
Independence Beer Garden
The popular seasonal beer garden is back for the summer in the City of Brotherly Love. 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
Sampan/Double Knot
Sampan and Double Knot have always been a hotspot in Philly for those looking to hit Happy Hour or to enjoy an Asian-infused inspired meal in an eclectic atmosphere. Luckily both Sampan and Double Knot have decided to offer outdoor dining with 70 seats available, and recently some parklets have also been added. For the most part, the establishments will be taking reservations through OpenTable and Resy, but there will be some tables on hold for walk-ins as well. Seating will be set up outside of Sampan, Double Knot and Alpen Rose and hours of operation runs from 3-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 3-11 p.m. Friday through Saturday. Both establishments will be offering a hybrid menu with choices including tuna tartare, cheesesteak bao buns, General Tso’s soup dumplings, kung pao chicken wings, an assortment of sushi, cocktails, beer, wine and much more.
124 S. 13th St., sampanphilly.com
Fond
If you’re looking for a special dining experience, East Passyunk hotspot Fond is serving up a delicious three-course prix-fixe meal for $50 per person every Wednesday through Sunday from 5 -9 p.m.—reservations are strongly recommended. The menu was carefully curated by Chef / Owner Lee Styer and the team at Fond, and includes chicken liver mousse with pickled red onion and grilled sourdough; figs and burrata with basil, pomegranate vinaigrette and olive oil; grilled octopus with celery, crispy chickpeas, smoked paprika yogurt and preserved lemon vinaigrette; salmon tartare with soy, sesame, avocado, cucumber and fried shallots; soft shell crab with faro, fennel, feta and spicy tomato sauce; a pork chop with garlic roasted potatoes, snap peas and BBQ pork jus; and salmon with lemon lava bean risotto and saffron sauce. Dessert wise, diners can sink their sweet tooth into Fond’s malted milk chocolate ice cream with chocolate crumble, peanut brittle and peanut butter ganache; Fond’s strawberry rhubarb tart with Grand Marnier vanilla bean ice cream and almond-oat crumble or Fond’s elderflower lemon sorbet with crisp raspberry meringue and verbena blackberry coulis. A full wine list with sparkling, rosés, whites and reds will also be available.
1537 S. 11th St., fondphilly.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 just reopened and will offer seating Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with expanded hours coming soon. Happy House specials will be available on those days from 4-6 p.m. and on top of that, there will also be a variety of snacks and light fare, cocktails, wine and beer to munch and sip on while admiring the views of the city 9 floors up. Reservations are required at this time.
1840 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., assemblyrooftop.com
The Bourse
The popular artisanal food hall in Old City has recently opened up for outdoor dining on top of their current to-go ordering options from a variety of vendors. According to the release, The Bourse is taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of guests and food hall vendors, including new “Stand on this Jawn” floor markers, directional arrows, hand sanitizer stations at both entrances, no-touch bathroom door pulls, and socially distanced outdoor tables. Please note: no more than ten guests can be in line at one time, all food must be taken to-go or enjoyed outside, and everyone must wear masks at all times, except when seated. Philadelphians can choose to chow down on offerings from Abunai Poke, Freebyrd Chicken, Scoop DeVille Ice Cream Parlour, Prescription Chicken, Baby Buns and Grubhouse and Bluebird Distilling with additional vendors possibly opening up in the future. The Bourse’s hours of operation will be Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
111 S. Independence Mall E, theboursephilly.com
