High on our list of joys of summer . . . a congenial group at a beautiful terrace or deck, amiable conversation, a cool drink, sunshine and a warm breeze. Or starlight, tinkling piano, aroma of trees in bloom and wonderful food, graciously served. If you share our pleasure in al fresco dining, you’ll want to keep this list of restaurants handy.
Link directly to listings in Delaware or Maryland.
PENNSYLVANIA
Avondale
FARMHOUSE RESTAURANT & GREATHOUSE
514 McCue Rd. 610-268-0824 or 610-268-2235; lngolf.com
Canopied outdoor dining in a beautiful country setting overlooking the Loch Nairn Golf Course. When: spring-summer, daily, weather permitting, 11:30 to 9; also brunch on Sun, at the Greathouse, 10:30 to 2:30; Special outdoor menu. Prices: lunch, $8-20; dinner, $10-40. Daily specials. Recommendations: some of the best crab cakes anywhere and a wonderful selection of wines.
THE GRILLE & PUB AT HARTEFELD
You don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy relaxing under an umbrella with a cocktail or meal on the patio overlooking the their signature 6th hole on the golf course, especially as the sun begins to set. When: daily, weather permitting, for lunch and dinner. Prices: one menu, lunch and dinner, $7.95-$28.95. Daily specials: Family Night on Tues, Pasta Night on Wed, Deck Parties on Thurs. Happy Hour. Entertainment: live music Thurs. Recommendations: something from the cocktails menu.
Berwyn
NECTAR
1091 Lancaster Ave. 610-725-9000; tastenectar.com
Beautiful outdoor deck area overlooking an Asian garden. When: serving lunch Mon-Fri, dinner 7 days, weather permitting (but sheltered) from May-Nov. Prices: lunch, $10-$15; dinner, $30-$40. Daily specials: drink specials change nightly.
Birchrunville
THE BIRCHRUNVILLE STORE CAFE
1403 Hollow Rd. 610-827-9002; birchrunvillestorecafe.com
Fine contemporary French/Italian cuisine is served al fresco at this charming restaurant located in the heart of historic Birchrunville. When: Wed-Sat, 7 pm, from May-Oct. Prices: $35-$40. Daily specials: menu changes daily. BYO. No credit cards.
Concordville
CONCORDVILLE INN
Rt. 322 &USRt. 1. 610-358-9400; concordvilleinn.com
Outdoor dining on a rooftop terrace with tables with umbrellas. When: lunch and dinner, Apr-Sept, weather permitting. Prices: lunch, $8.95-$15.95; dinner, $14.95-$29.95. Daily specials. Happy Hour: Mon-Fri, 5 to 6, hot hors d’oeuvres, 2 bars, big screen TVs. Recommendations: family nights on Wed,Fri. Exceptional martini bar.
Downingtown
PRIMAVERA PIZZA KITCHEN
853 E. Lancaster Ave. 610-873-6333; primaverapk.com
Outdoor dining on the tiled patio with canopied bar and umbrellas. When: daily, seasonally. Prices: lunch and dinner, $5-16. Daily specials. Happy Hour: Mon-Fri, 4:30 to 6:30, “Bar Bites,” $2-$3.50, reduced priced drinks, $3-$5.50. Entertainment: live bands or DJ Thurs-Sat nights. Recommendations: try the summer menu; frozen drinks; Sat-Sun, Lunch Buffet, $12.95.
Exton
BRICKSIDE GRILLE
Eagleview Town Center, 540 Wellington Sq. 610-321-1600; bricksidegrille.com
Dining on the patio overlooking a landscaped courtyard and garden. When: schedule varies. Prices: lunch, $5-$8.95; dinner, $13.75-$22.50. Daily specials. Happy Hour. Entertainment: live music in the park on Tues. Recommendations: beers are seasonal; wines are $10 over cost per bottle.
SHIP INN
Dining in a lovely garden setting. plus indoor dining in beautifully appointed rooms. When: daily, 11:30 to 10, all year, weather permitting. Prices: lunch, $6.95-$15; dinner, $8-$29. Daily Specials. Happy Hour: Mon-Fri, 4 to 6. Entertainment. Recommendations: seasonal menu offerings.
VICKERS RESTAURANT
Enjoy cocktails, lunch, dinner or a light patio menu on a beautiful brick patio in a garden setting. When: Mon-Sat, spring and summer. Prices: lunch, $8-$12; dinner, $25-$35. Daily Specials. Happy Hour: 4:30 to 6:30, bar menu. Recommendations: vintage cocktails, bistro menu, drink specials, chefs tasting dinners. Entertainment: Fri-Sat.
Honey Brook
BISTRO ON 10
4690 Horseshoe Pk., Rts. 10 &322. 610-273-9000; bistroon10.com
Nestled in the heart of the Waynebrook Inn, here’s an inviting contemporary restaurant serving upscale cuisine on the inn’s porch. When: May-Oct, for dinner Tues-Sun, 5 to 9, lunch and dinner Fri-Sat, 11:30 to 10, Sun, 11:30 to 9. Prices: lunch, $5-$15; dinner, $10-$30. Happy Hour: Tues-Sun, courtyard seating, 1/2 off appetizers and pizzas, 4 to 7. Recommendations: all-natural steaks, homemade pasta, specialty cocktails. Entertainment: Horseshoe Pub.
Kennett Square
THE HALF MOON RESTAURANT AND SALOON
Unique roof top setting overlooking the town with spectacular sunset vistas. A 4-season room with large windows that open in warm weather. On the 2009 Travel Channel Food Paradise feature for Wild Game. When: Mon-Sat, lunch and dinner. Prices: lunch, $7-$12; dinner, $15-$26. Happy Hour: draft and cocktail discounts. Daily specials: wild game, seafood, pasta, soups. Entertainment: acoustic guitar on Sat.
KENNETT SQUARE INN
Broad &State Sts. 610-444-5687; kennettinn.com
Enjoy a full dinner or light fare and cocktails in the heart of downtown Kennett Square, with tablecloth dining on their intimate patio under a lighted awning. When: patio is open seasonally, weather permitting, Mon-Sat, 11:30 to 9:30; Sun, 3 to 9. Prices: lunch, $10; dinner, $23. Daily specials. Happy Hour: 5 to 7.
SINCLAIR’S SUNRISE CAFE
125-127 E. State St. 610-444-8141; sunrisecafe-tearoom.com
Four tables outside in a sunny location. When: daily, Mon-Fri, 7 am to 2; Sat-Sun, 8 to 2 weather permitting. Prices: $3.50-$8.75. Daily specials: full breakfast and lunch menu; baking done on premises, from scratch. Entertainment: Artist’s reception with music on First Friday Art Strolls. Recommendations: Eggs Benedict, Cobb Salad.
SOVANA BISTRO
696 Unionville Rd. 610-444-5600; sovanabistro.com
Intimate al fresco dining on the deck off the main dining room, under cover and with heat when needed. When: daily, Apr-Sept, Tues-Sat, lunch, 11 to 3:30, dinner, 5 to 10, Sun, 4:30 to 9:30. Prices: lunch, $8-$15; dinner, $8-$28. Daily specials.
THE STONE BARN
Offering rustic country elegance in a beautiful natural setting, perfect for every occasion. Features 10 acres of park-like grounds to enjoy a garden wedding or a stroll after Sunday Brunch. BYO.
King of Prussia
CREED’S SEAFOOD & STEAKS
499 N. Gulph Rd. 610-265-2550; creedskop.com
A private garden setting with flagstone patio and music. When: Apr-Oct, weather permitting, Mon-Fri, 7 to 11:30 pm; Sat, 5 until closing. Prices: lunch, $15; dinner, $24. Daily specials. Happy Hour: Mon-Fri, 4 to 6 with 1/2 price oysters and appetizers Fri, until 11. Entertainment: evenings, Fri, and Sat.
Lancaster
GIBRALTAR
931 Harrisburg Pk. College Square Complex. 717-397-2790; gibraltargrille.com
Patio seating for up to 50. When: the patio is open seasonally for lunch, Mon-Fri, 11:30 to 2:30; dinner, daily, 5 to 10. Prices: lunch, $7-$15; dinner, $17-$35. Daily specials: menu changes weekly.
OLDE GREENFIELD INN
595 Greenfield Rd. 717-393-0668; theoldegreenfieldinn.com
Fine dining, with linen tablecloths, on a lovely tree-shaded brick patio with trellis, overhead fans and hanging baskets. When: daily Apr-Oct, weather permitting, for lunch and dinner. Prices: lunch, $8-$12; dinner, $19-$32. Daily specials: wild game on Wed. Happy Hour. Entertainment: jazz on Wed. Recommendations: weekly seasonal dinner specials. Great spot for brunch or romantic dinner. Catering is also available.
THE PRESSROOM
26-28 W. King St. 717-399-5400; pressroomrestaurant.com
The setting for outdoor dining is simply stunning, with a view of the water fountain and falls in beautiful Steinman Park. When: Tues-Thurs, 5 to 9:30; Fri-Sat, until 10:30; Sun, 5 to 9, weather permitting, May-Sept. Prices: dinner, $10-$35. Daily specials.
SYMPOSIUM
125 S. Centerville Ave.
717-391-7656; symposiumrestaurant.com
Seasonal outdoor dining in a partially enclosed setting with flowers and umbrellas. When: May-Sept, Mon-Sat, 11 am to midnight, weather permitting. Prices: from $6.95, dinner, from $8.95. Entertainment: inside, open mike, Mon, music Thurs-Sat. Happy hour: Mon-Sat, 5 to 7.
Leola
RESTAURANT MAZZI AT THE INN AT LEOLA VILLAGE
This 4-Diamond restaurant offers romantic patio seating for dinner at the Inn. When: daily, May-Oct, weather permitting, Sun-Thurs, 5 to 9, Fri-Sat, 5 to 10. Recommendations: chefs seasonal five-course tasting menu. The chef’s table in the kitchen lets you watch as the chef prepares a special tasting menu.
Malvern
CATALINA’S
218 E. King St. 610-408-0245
Lovely setting right on King St., with plants and flowers surrounding the tables. When: May-Oct, weather permitting, for lunch Mon-Sat, 11 to 2:30; dinner, Thurs-Sat, 5 to 10. Prices: lunch, $5-$15, dinner, $18-$27. Specials: Early Bird, Thurs, 5 to 6:30, seasonal menu. Happy hour. Entertainment: live music Fri-Sat eve. BYO.
CEDAR HOLLOW INN
2455 Yellow Springs Rd. 610-296-9006; cedarhollowinn.com
An outdoor patio offers five tables with umbrellas for shade. When: daily, Apr-Sept, weather permitting. Prices: lunch, $7.25-$13.50, dinner, $16.95-$30.95. Specials: Mon-Sat, for lunch and dinner. Happy hour: Mon-Thurs, 4 to 6 pm; Fri, 5 to 6 pm. Entertainment: Live music Fri-Sat night.
THE DESMOND HOTEL
One Liberty Blvd. 610-206-9800; desmondgv.com
The Sunset Grille at The Desmond offers some of the best in outdoor dining. When: lunch, Mon-Fri, 11:30 to 2 and dinner, Wed-Sat, 5 to 9, weather permitting, June-Aug. Prices: lunch, from $9.95; dinner, from $14.95. Happy Hour: Mon-Fri, 5 to 7. Recommendations: weekday Happy Hour specials and Lobster Pot, Fri-Sat (see website for events). Entertainment: Wed-Fri.
THE GENERAL WARREN INNE
9 Village Way. 610-296-3637; generalwarren.com
Enjoy American Continental cuisine on the Springhouse Terrace surrounded by the stone ruins of the 18th-century springhouse. When: Lower terrace is available all year round, upper terrace, weather permitting. Perfect for cocktail parties, light fare, lunch or dinner. Mon-Fri, lunch, 11:30 to 2:30 and Mon-Sat, dinner, 5 to 10. Prices: lunch, $9-$15; dinner, $22-$35. Prix Fixe, 3-course, $30; terrace menu $6-$10. Recommendations: new this year, Tiny Tini Tuesdays on the Terrace, live music and petit portions of food and beverages. Tiny Tini menu, $5.
Media
AZIE RESTAURANT
217-219 W. State St. 610-566-4750; azierestaurant.com
Dine under the stars or bask in the sun with a seasonal cocktail on Azie’s rooftop deck. When: May-Oct, weather permitting. Lunch, Mon-Fri, 11:30 to 2:30, dinner Mon-Thurs, 5 to 10, Fri-Sat, 5 to 11, Sun, 5 to 9. Sun, brunch, 11 to 3. Prices: lunch, $4-$20; dinner, $4-$30. Daily specials: fresh, seasonal ingredients. Happy Hour: Mon-Thurs, sushi rolls starting at $3 and drink specials Mon-Thurs. Recommendations: “Dining Under the Stars” on Wed; seasonal sangria selections and sake and shochu selections.
BRODEUR’S ON STATE STREET
State &Jackson Sts. 610-566-5515; brodeursonstatestreet.com
Two options for al fresco dining here: for people watching, choose the front deck facing State St. For a more secluded setting, the side patio is the perfect spot. When: daily, Apr-Oct, weather permitting. 11:30 to 10. Brunch Sun, 11:30 to 3. Prices: lunch, $5.99-$14.99; dinner, $7.99-$26.99. Daily specials: early bird specials Mon-Thurs, 4 to 6 and all night Sun. Happy Hour: Mon-Fri, 4 to 6, free buffet. Late night Happy Hour, Thurs, 9 to 11. Entertainment: Wed, Sat, in summer. Recommendations: martinis, mojitos and frozen drinks, seasonal beers and wines.
RIDDLE ALE HOUSE
1073 W. Baltimore Pk. 610-566-9984; riddlealehouse.com
A covered patio with fresh potted flowers is the setting for al fresco dining. When: lunch and dinner daily, 11 am to 2 am, weather permitting, from Apr-Oct. Prices: lunch, $6-$13; dinner, $12-$20. Daily specials. Happy Hour: 4:30 to 6:30. Entertainment: karaoke on Fri. Recommendations: Daily specials.
Mendenhall
MENDENHALL INN
Fine dining in the peaceful courtyard at tables with umbrellas. Inside, white glove service in an historic 19th-century gristmill with fireplaces and candlelight. When: daily, dinner and lunch on Sat, Apr-Sept. Prices: lunch, $8.95-$15.95, dinner, $14.95-$29.95. Sunday Brunch, $26.99. Daily specials: Sun-Thurs, entreés start at $14.99; Fri-Sat, “Wine and Dine” specials, $19.99; chef’s signature dishes: slow-roasted USDAPrime Rib or baked twin lobster tails. Entertainment: live music, Fri-Sun.
Mohnton
EMILY’S
Any night you don’t feel like being inside, come to Emily’s for casual, fine dining on a large, covered deck with a bar set in a landscaped yard along a creek. Perfect for special functions for up to 100 people. When: lunch, Tues-Fri, 11:30 to 2, dinner Tues-Sat, 5 to 9, daily for private functions from May-Oct. Prices: lunch, $7-$12, dinner, $13-$28. Recommendations: jumbo coconut shrimp and calamari, many entrées, dessert menu paired with French Press coffees. Entertainment: guitar music evenings on Fri.
New Cumberland
DOC HOLLIDAY’S STEAKHOUSE AND SALOON
110 Limekiln Rd. 717-920-3627; dhollidays.com
Seasonal outdoor dining daily, from 11 to 10. Prices: lunch, $6-$10; dinner, $10-$28. Daily specials. Happy hour: daily. Entertainment: Tues-Sat. Recommendations: Voted “Best” in 9 independent surveys; “Beef Backer Award” from National Cattleman’s Beef Assoc. Also in Lancaster and Harrisburg. Phone or check website.
Newtown Square
TEIKOKU RESTAURANT
5492 West Chester Pk. 610-644-8270; teikokurestaurant.com
Outdoor deck overlooking beautiful countryside. When: daily, weather permitting, Apr-Sept, for lunch, Mon-Fri, 11:30 to 3:30 and dinner, Mon-Thurs, 5 to 10, Fri-Sat, 5 to 10:30, Sun, 5 to 9:30. Prices: lunch, $8-$13; dinner, $12-$28. Happy Hour: 5 to 7.
Phoenixville
THE COLUMBIA BAR & GRILLE
Al fresco dining on the porch of this lovely Victorian building, with comfortable seats and music; weather permitting. When: lunch, dinner, bar menu daily, weekend brunch. Prices: lunch, $7-$14, dinner, $18-$26, bar menu, $7-$14. Daily specials: Wed, Ladies Night; Thurs, $1 oysters at the bar. Happy hour: 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Recommendations: $3.95 Happy Hour menu and Sun, BYO night.
Pine Forge
GRACIE’S 21st CENTURY CAFE & CATERING
Fine dining under market umbrellas on the brick patio in a stunning setting of mature floral gardens and potted plants. When: Wed-Sat, 5:30 to 11, from May-Oct, with heaters when necessary. Prices: $26-$41. Daily specials: the menu is seasonal and changes weekly. Gracie’s offers a selection of organics including meat and wild-caught fish. Happy hour: Fri, 5 to 6:30. Recommendations: the fabulous Metro Martini, made with freshly-squeezed ruby red grapefruit.
Radnor
333 BELROSE
Al fresco dining on a lovely flagstone patio under a silver oak tree with flowers, umbrellas and candlelight. The patio is also available for private parties. When: lunch, Mon-Fri, 11:30 to 3, and dinner Mon-Tues, until 9 and Wed-Sat, until 10. Prices: lunch, $11-$18, dinner, $18-$32. Daily specials. Happy hour: Mon-Fri, 5 to 7. Half-price bar menu, Mon-Thurs, after 5. Recommendations: Java Pork; wide range of seafood dishes; menu changes quarterly.
POND RESTAURANT &BISTRO CASSIS
175 King of Prussia Rd. 610-293-9411; pondrestaurant.com
Breathtaking views of the 4-season garden and picturesque pond inhabited by nesting swans make outdoor dining here a delight. When: lunch, Tues-Fri, 11:30 to 2:30, and dinner Mon-Thurs, 5:30 to 10, Fri-Sat, 5:30 to 10:30. Prices: lunch, $7-$16, dinner, $22-$29; 3-course lunch menu, $20; 4-course dinner menu, $55; 6-course dinner menu, $75. Daily specials. Entertainment: live music on Fri. Recommendations: menu is seasonal, sophisticated and fresh.
Strasburg
IRON HORSE INN
135 E. Main St.
Enjoy the tranquility of outdoor dining on their recently restored turn-of-the-century Victorian wrap-around porch. When: Wed-Mon (closed Tues.), Apr-Oct, noon to 9, weather permitting. Prices: lunch, $5-$12, dinner, $9-$30. Daily specials: menu changes weekly, offering a broad selection. Recommendations: a wide selection of international wines and beers, wines from Twin Brook Winery and local craft beers.
Wayne
RESTAURANT TAQUET
139 E. Lancaster Ave. 610-687-5005; taquet.com
A lovely setting on the large, inviting porch of the Wayne Hotel overlooking downtown Wayne. When: weather permitting Apr-Oct, Mon-Sat, lunch, 11:30 to 2:30, light fare, 2:30 to 5 and dinner 5:30 to 10. Prices: lunch, $12-$30; dinner, $20-$30. Daily specials.
WINBERIE RESTAURANT & BAR
1164 Valley Forge Rd. 610-293-9333
Serving the Main Line for over 20 years. Around 30 people can enjoy lunch or dinner on a brick patio attached to the front dining room. When: daily, weather permitting, Apr-Sept, 11:30 to 11. Daily specials. Happy Hour: Mon-Fri, 4 to 7, $2, off appetizers, $2 off all drinks and $1.50 off beer.
West Chester
AVALON RESTAURANT
312 S. High St. 610-436-4100; avalonrestaurant.org
Brick-covered patio with a raised, flower garden section and a lower, covered section where diners can sit at tables with cloths. When: Tues-Sun, weather permitting anytime of year, lunch, Tues-Fri, 11 to 2; dinner, Tues-Sat, 5 to 10; Sun, 4 to 9; brunch on Sun. Prices: lunch, $8-$18; dinner, $21-$28. Daily specials. Entertainment: piped-in jazz, Tues. through Sun. Recommendations: try their seasonal menus.
COURTYARD AT THE LINCOLN ROOM
Enjoy a light lunch in the lovely wrought-iron fenced courtyard. Serving a variety of soups and sandwiches, with tea and coffee service. When: Mon-Sat, May-Oct, from 10 to 2 and for special events. Price: lunch, $5-$10. Recommendations: watch for an announcement on their new outdoor grill coming soon. Check the website for details.
PIETRO’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE
125 W. Market St. 484-760-6100; pietrosprime.com
There are two outdoor dining areas here: a gated patio in front of the restaurant and a more private courtyard in back. When: Mon-Sat, 11 to 11; Sun, 4 to 9, Apr-Oct, weather permitting. Prices: lunch, $9-$15; dinner, $20-$30. Daily specials. Happy Hour: Mon-Fri, 5 to 7, $1 off drinks and 1/2 price selected appetizers. Recommendations: a large menu of martinis, seasonal beers and wonderful wine selections.
West Marlborough
THE WHIP TAVERN
1383 N. Chatham Rd. 610-383-0600; thewhiptavern.com
Welcome spring at their terrace overlooking the Doe Run Creek. When: May-Oct, weather permitting. Closed Tues. Open for lunch, 11 to 4; dinner, Sun-Thurs, 4 to 9; Fri-Sat, 4 to 10. Prices: dinner, $13.95-$28.99. Daily specials: fresh, local ingredients and homemade soup du-jour. Recommendations: a mix of English dishes and American favorites like the locally raised, organic Elkins burgers and beef; over 50 domestic and international beers and ciders, with seasonal offerings, many found nowhere else in the region. Entertainment: Thurs, Quizzo Night, 9 to midnight.
Centreville
BUCKLEY’S TAVERN & RESTAURANT
5812 Kennett Pk. 302-656-9776; buckleystavern.net
Buckley’s offers two outdoor dining areas: front porch seating under the roof, and upper terrace deck featuring tables with umbrellas and bar. When: daily for lunch and dinner, weather permitting, spring, summer and fall. Prices: lunch, $6-$12; dinner, $8-$22. Daily specials. Happy hour: Mon-Fri, 3 to 6. Entertainment: Evenings, Thurs. Recommendations: seasonal menu featuring local purveyors, 14 beers on draft, all wines available by the glass.
Chesapeake City
BAYARD HOUSE RESTAURANT
11 Bohemia Ave. 410-885-5040; bayardhouse.com
Dine along the C&DCanal in this historic building with two enclosed porches that feature spectacular views for lunch or dinner. Dining under a canopy on their patio is available during the summer months. When: daily, for lunch, 11:30 to 3 and dinner, 4:30 to 9 pm, Fri-Sat until 9:30 pm. May-Sept. Prices: lunch, $12-$21; dinner, $22-$35. Daily specials. Recommendations: Bloody Mary’s, Tournedos Baltimore, Crab Cakes, Stuffed Anaheim peppers and Crab Soup; voted best Cecil County restaurant.
North East
WOODY’S CRAB HOUSE
29 S. Main St. 410-287-3541; woodyscrabhouse.com
Delicious crab and seafood specialties offered on the front deck, in an intimate outdoor setting. There’s a Tiki bar at the rear of the restaurant, open Fri-Sun. When: daily during daylight hours, late Apr-Sept, weather permitting. Sun, 3 to 8; Tiki bar on Fri-Sat evenings. Prices: lunch, $8-15; dinner, $15-30. Daily specials. Happy Hour: TGIF Fri, 4:30. Recommendations: premier beers by the bottle and on draft. Entertainment: live music Fri evening. -CL-