We only receive a few short months of warm weather in Pennsylvania so we might as well find every opportunity to soak it up, right? Well if you’re any bit like me, I’d much rather enjoy a meal or beverage outside when offered the chance.
To help debunk a myth – city living doesn’t mean giving up your options for dining outside.
Harrisburg hosts plenty of outdoor seating options, you just might have to look a little harder for them. Use the following list to help springboard your search – here are ten top outdoor dining options in Harrisburg.
A no brainer for most Harrisburg residents, but a worthy add to the list nonetheless. The Millworks, located in Midtown, boasts both a rooftop Biergarten plus a lower-level outdoor patio. With ample flower boxes and woodsy vibes, both areas call for summer drinks and snacks shared outside.
Grab friends to play table-top games on the rooftop Biergarten and take in the view of Midtown before and after the sun sets.
Located off Forester Street, Sturges Speakeasy has a covered rooftop seating area, perfect for summer days when you need a little coverage from the heat of the sun or a passing summer shower.
3. Cork & Fork
With its prime downtown location at the corner of State and Second Street, Cork & Fork provides the perfect outdoor atmosphere to take in the Capital or Susquehanna River in the distance.
4. Duke’s Riverside Bar & Grille
Just across the river and into Wormleysburg, Duke’s on the River boasts a view of the Susquehana River while eating from it’s outdoor deck or bar. This is a great laid-back spot for friends to enjoy drinks after work, or families to gather for a meal on the weekend.
Not technically in Harrisburg, but close enough that I’m including it on the list, Evergrain brewery in Camp Hill has a comfortable set-up during the summer months with its Adirondack seating. You can order food and drinks inside, then pull some chairs together to enjoy with a group outside.
With its quaint Midtown setting, Note Bistro & Wine Bar, located on the corner of 2ndand Harris Street, has outdoor sidewalk seating away from the hustle and bustle, but still in its rightful city setting. At night, the restaurants overhead string lights help light the outdoor seating area in the most romantic way.
7. Home 231
At Home 231, located in a quiet part of the Downtown area, you can find an outdoor courtyard perfect for a morning brunch or a more intimate atmosphere after dark. Whether it’s just two of you, or a group, there’s room for everyone.
8. Bricco
Located in the SoMa district, Bricco offers an upscale menu and outdoor dining experience to match. It’s street-side seating offers a romantic backdrop during the dinner hours as South 3rdStreet lights up with it’s street-covered string lights.
Found on the East Shore of Harrisburg, Spring Gate Vineyard offers food truck dining options, but an unrivaled outdoor option. With tons of long picnic tables, covered seating areas, and Adirondack seating, you’re sure to find the experience you’re hoping for.
10. Rubicon or Mangia Qui
You can find Rubicon or Mangia Qui on the same part of North Street in the Downtown area. Both restaurants feature an upscale sidewalk dining area with snips of the Capital in the background.
A bit further of a distance from Central Harrisburg, you can find Greystone Public House situated between Linglestown and Colonial Road. Their newly finished patio seating area is perfect for outdoor dining from brunch through dinner.
12. The Dock at City Island or Negley Park
Not restaurants, but these are my two favorite spots to bring carry-out or a pre-packed picnic. The Dock at City Island offers beautiful views of Harrisburg in the distance, and provides picnic tables for easy dining. Negley Parks sits just above Harrisburg on the other side of the Susquehanna – with spectacular views day or night. Pack a picnic blanket or use one of the park’s pavilions.
Whether you grab pizzas to-go from Bacco’s downtown or pick-up Burgers to-go from Burger Yum, you can easily create the outdoor experience you’re craving.
Time to Dine Outside
With warm weather days ahead, plan to dine outside for your next happy hour, brunch, date night, outing with friends – really any excuse works. Have a favorite restaurant with outdoor seating I didn’t add to the list? Leave a comment below!
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