Philadelphia Weekly

In what has become a bit of a Field Guide tradition, come summer we take a long look at ourselves in the mirror and realize a winter spent huddling indoors has taken a toll on our once healthy complexion. We need ultraviolet light and vitamin D. Lucky for us, restaurants now litter the sidewalk with outdoor dining. Throw on your flip-flops and whichever gaudy sunglasses are in style this season and soak in the rays at these al fresco hot spots. 


If You’re Gaulish 


Boasting one of the top 300 French chefs in the world and a “carefully crafted” wine list, Zinc Bistro (246 S. 11th St. 215.351.9901) has a menu that emphasizes the chef’s classic style with dishes like the raie charcutiere, pan-seared skate with potato puree and vegetable meuniere. They also have a new sidewalk cafe complete with genuine wine-barrel tables from Chaddsford Winery. Dining here will make you feel like a real Parisian sans the inflated ego and lack of deodorant. C $ W 


If You’re Not Quite a Web Slinger


For the first time since the 1950s, all the balconies are open for al fresco dining at XIX (200 S. Broad St. 215.790.1919) high above the city on the 19th floor of the Park Hyatt at the Bellevue. You can sip seasonal cocktails and slurp oysters on their veranda as you survey the city and all its beauty. It’s like being Spiderman, only tastier and with looser clothing. C $ V W 


If You’re From the Dirty South 


Nestled into the tomato “gravy” and South Philly attytood belt of East Passyunk Avenue is Izumi (1601 E. Passyunk Ave. 215.271.1222). The sidewalk seating at this Japanese restaurant is across the street from and next to the “singing fountain” so you can listen to songs from the Rat Packers and chill out to the smooth sounds of running water as you dine on some of the freshest sushi in the city. Old Blue Eyes would definitely approve of this unusual addition to the neighborhood. B V 


If You Own a Very Small Dog 


Rouge (205 S. 18th St. 215.732.6622) is the original sidewalk cafe on Rittenhouse Square so it definitely deserves a place on this list. The menu includes innovative dishes like tempura escargot with oven-roasted cherry tomatoes, peppercress and garlic-olive oil aioli, and the famed eponymous burger on a challah roll with caramelized onions and Gruyere cheese. If you can navigate the overcoddled infants and bike messengers in the park, the food makes a perfect accompaniment to a sun-drenched day on the Square. C $ V W
 


If You Burn Easily 


So you want to enjoy some outdoor eating but your dining companion suffers from a serious sun allergy? Well, look no further than Noble American Cookery (2025 Sansom St. 215.568.7000) because along with a menu that focuses on local and sustainable products, a rooftop herb garden and a chef that’s been hailed as a “rare talent,” they have the city’s first indoor/outdoor seating. Guests sit outside facing in to the restaurant while their companions can sit indoors facing out. No need to pack your parasol—Noble has you covered. C $ W 


If You Still Need a Staycation 


At the Jamaican Jerk Hut (1436 South St. 215.545.8644), you can feast on their namesake specialty jerk-seasoned chicken cooked in a charcoal pit at their “60 seat semi-secluded outdoor seating area” 
located in the lot next door. It’s not the Caribbean vacation you were planning pre-economic apocalypse, but the colorful picnic tables, blooming flowers, bamboo and reggae music are a suitable substitute. B 

Key


C Summer season cocktails


$ Expensive


B BYOB


V Great view


W Wine list