With only a few weeks left before fall officially begins, you’ve still got some warm weather to make the best of all that Philly has to offer. By this, we obviously mean the top–notch selection of outdoor bars. While this list is by no means definitive—as even your most basic pizza shop has outdoor seating these days—we’ve broken it down into simple categories: now you can spend less time searching for what you want and more time having fun.
Feeling Lazy: Club Harvest
While school was out something strange happened. Harvest, the place with the tasty–but–unrealistically–small portions, turned up. The tall bushes prevent it from reaching the SABS level of Copa, but their specials and live music make up for it. Don’t miss the $3 Long Islands on Thursday nights or the Happy Hour $4 seasonal Sangrias.
Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar is at the corner of 40th and Walnut streets.
The Go-To: Marathon @ 19th and Market
Every Wednesday night for happy hour Center City Sips brings Philly to life. The place to be all summer has been Marathon @ 19th and Market (there are three Marathons, don’t mess up). It boasts a spacious outdoor patio and a magical ability to make sure you’ll see random people you never thought you’d see again. This Wednesday (September 2) is the last Sips of the summer so make sure you head over while the cheap drinks abound.
Marathon 19th and Market is at 1818 Market Street
Brooklyn-esque: Le Bok Fin
Missing the trendy, “Oh you haven’t heard of this place?” nightlife you grew accustomed to after your one sumer interning in The City? Alternatively, sick of your friends name–dropping places they went in New York and want to one–up them? Look no further than South Philly’s newest pop–up restaurant and bar, Le Bok Fin. Located on the roof of a closed–down high school, get ready to enjoy panoramic views of the city while sipping on craft beers. Plus, you’ll leave with the inside scoop on a place that would make our City Correspondent Stefon jealous.
Find Le Bok Fin at 1901 S 9th Street.
The Standard: Pagano’s
A huge patio with a TV screen to match, convenient location and a menu exclusively for “drinking snacks,” this place has got it all. Go for happy hour and pretend you’re a blossoming young professional and not just a lowly college student tired of Smokes’.
Pagano’s Market & Bar is at 2001 Market Street.
Waterfront Property: Spruce Street Harbor Park
A quick SEPTA ride away, Spruce Street Harbor Park proves that even a view of New Jersey can be transformed into something wonderful. Multicolored hanging lights will make you feel like you’re in Avatar, if Avatar had beer, cocktails, Franklin Fountain and Federal Donuts fried chicken sandwiches. If you’re one of the lucky ones, go for a date. If not, your freshman hall will do the trick.
Head to Columbus Boulevard and Spruce Street by September 27.
The Beer Garden: Independence Beer Garden
You’ve heard of it, I’ve heard of it. If you haven’t, now you have. Go for games, beer, appetizers and GTs.
Independence Beer Garden is at 100 S. Independence Mall West.
