BEST OUTDOOR DINING SPOTS IN DELAWARE COUNTY
There’s nothing quite like enjoying a chilled glass of wine and a delicious meal while dining alfresco. Throw in a few of your besties, great conversation, and that beautiful end of summer/early fall weather, and you have a dining experience that instantly transports you and feels slightly more elevated than your usual out-to-eat routine.
As summer starts to wind down and that crisp air slowly trickles in, there is no better time to take advantage of all the incredible restaurants in the area that offer outdoor dining. And while the task of experiencing these places first-hand was a daunting one (insert sarcastic tone here), I was certainly up for the challenge! My Stile denim may have bumped up a size after trying nearly all of these places but it was well worth it!
Read on for your guide to every amazing outdoor dining restaurant that Delaware County has to offer.
R O S E M A R Y
One of Delaware County’s newest and (in my opinion) best restaurants in the area is Rosemary. This upscale, modern, american-italian eatery located in Ridley Park offers plates full of unexpected flavors and unique twists on classics you didn’t know you needed in your life.
Their indoor space is refreshing, light, and airy. The dining room provides an ambiance that makes you feel relaxed and at ease, but it’s their outdoor patio, dubbed the Greenhouse, that takes things up a notch. The patio is adorned with floral garlands, hanging plants, and fresh greenery making those sips from their colorful drink menu that much more refreshing.
While their wine list and beers on tap adhere to the masses, it’s their cocktail menu that really sparkles. I recommend the Rosemary paired with a few of their small plates, like the steak skewers or raw oysters and herb focaccia.
And the best part? The Greenhouse accommodates all weather conditions! So whether you choose to take advantage of their menu now, or wait to see what fun things they cook up this fall you’ll be able to enjoy it all with a view.
S T I N G E R S O N T H E W A T E R F R O N T
Talk about a meal with a view! Stinger’s on the Waterfront is the place to be when it comes to outdoor dining. Nestled along the Ridley Township Marina this restaurant and bar offers a delicious lunch and dinner menu with more options than you’ll know what to do with, as well as a killer happy hour. But don’t take it from me, our Stile team loves this place as well!
“The view and atmosphere of Stinger’s is open and airy creating the perfect summer hangout spot, and with it being right on the water it’s the perfect spot for watching the sunset. When it comes to their menu, the appetizers are the way to go and my favorite drink to order is the strawberry margarita!” -Kelly Sarbaugh, Glen Mills Store Manager.
We also highly recommend their cheesesteak egg rolls with a side of Stinger’s fries or the scallops and a glass of wine. Then sit back, relax and watch the boats go by as the day fades into night.
T A V O L A
Looking for a great spot to grab a few cold ones and watch the game? Or maybe cozying up beside a fire after the sun goes down is more your speed. Either way, Tavola Restaurant and Bar is your spot!
Located in Springfield, adjacent to Springfield Country Club, Tavola’s offers the look and feel of country club life without having to opt-in to the country club membership. Their recently updated patio offers incredible views of the golf course with lounge areas, fire pits, and even a misting system for those especially hot nights!
Their menu options pull inspiration from both Italian and Mediterranean cuisine giving diners a plethora of options to choose from. Whether you want to indulge in a few small bites and a fancy cocktail or are in the mood for a three course meal, Tavola’s meets your needs at every turn.
T E C A
A Newtown Square favorite, Teca, offers not one but two outdoor dining options. Grab a table atop the balcony where the breeze is the perfect addition to your night, or walk outside to the patio which gives the feeling of being tucked away in a secret garden behind a tuscan villa. You can’t go wrong either way.
You may find it challenging to narrow down what to order because their menu is that good, but I suggest ordering one of their wood oven pizzas paired with a glass of red from their expansive wine list. For a heartier meal go with the Norwegian salmon with saffron couscous. And don’t you dare leave without ordering their mini cannolis or the ricotta cheesecake - both are chef’s kiss. An added bonus? Teca is BYOB a few nights during the week!
T E R R A I N A T S T Y E R ' S
Perhaps one of the more unique restaurants in the delco area is the Garden Cafe at Terrain in Glen Mills. The design of the restaurant blurs the lines between inside and outside and has you feeling like you’re eating in a lush garden and only being served only the finest ingredients.
With a menu that changes with the seasons you can rest assured that every visit to Terrain will bring with it new and unexpected treats for your taste buds to enjoy. And while their dinner menu is superb (I could live on their bread pot), it’s their brunch menu that has us coming back time and time again!
T H E F A I N T I N G G O A T
For those looking to unwind in a spot that feels relaxed and inviting but not overly pretentious The Fainting Goat is it! Located in Glenolden, this gastropub style bar and restaurant has a casual vibe and an eclectic food and drink menu that is a fan favorite amongst fellow delconians.
This upbeat venue offers brunch, lunch and dinner but our favorite is the late night menu offered from 11pm to 1am, Friday and Saturdays. On those nights you can sit outside in what feels like your best friend’s backyard, listen to live music while sipping on a cold beer, and snack on everything from fried buffalo cauliflower bites to mac and cheese wedges and the Fainting Bavarian pretzel. It’s just the kind of place to unwind and have a little fun with friends!
DINING UNDER THE STARS
No dining blog would be complete if we didn’t mention Media’s Dining Under the Stars event. Taking place every Wednesday evening, May through September, Media shuts down State Street and the restaurants spill out into the road offering diners a unique experience that provides a European feel right here in our little corner of the world.
Some of Stile’s favorites include Spasso’s Beer Garden for the twinkly lights, instagram-worthy aesthetic, and perfectly sized plates for sharing; Azie for their incredible sushi and unbeatable happy hour menu; and Ariano for just about everything but especially their balcony views and gelato which is made in-house.
Another fan favorite amongst the Stile team is La Catrina which offers margarita flights and the best fish tacos around! Insider tip: ask for the pork belly tostadas, they’re not always on the menu but an absolute must have app!
Dining Under the Stars is a great spot for large groups and there’s something for everyone; live music, balloon artists, outdoor pop-up bars and even a vintage car show! Do yourself a favor and make it your regular Wednesday spot for the rest of the summer, you won’t be disappointed!
So before that weather changes, check out some (or all) of the places we recommend and treat yourself to a good meal on a beautiful day! And before you head to that reservation don’t forget to stop into your closest Stile; because what’s a great night out to dinner if you’re not wearing a great outfit? Cheers!
