posted Apr 30, 2024

Outdoor Dining in Lancaster, PA

•Soak Up and Savor•

Dining al fresco is one of the many reasons we love Lancaster in the warmer weather. With so many patios and porches to sit on, you can pretty much find somewhere to dine outside for every meal.

Below is a list of some of our favorite spots to soak up the sun while we savor every delicious bite. Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time to secure your table!

Pictured: Family dining at C'est La Vie

Credit: Gabe McMullen

FREE Experiences

551 West
Head to 551 West for delicious food, an extensive cocktail list, and over 20 draft beers. Enjoy inside-outside dining in the Sky Bar or dine outside on the roof-top patio.

Annie Bailey’s Irish Public House
Annie Bailey’s is a great place to drink and dine outdoors! Their deck is one of the best in downtown Lancaster- and so is their traditional Irish fare.

Appalachian Brewing Company
If you are looking for somewhere to enjoy locally brewed beer outdoors- Appalachian Brewing Company is a great place to go. Stop by for a burger and a brew after walking around Lititz.

Altana
If swanky cocktails and sunset views are your preference check out Altana’s rooftop lounge. Known as the luxury nightlife spot in Lancaster County this location serves up beautiful views of the city.

Bistro 2two2
The newly opened Bistro 2two2 located in the Eden Resort & Suites offers lunch and dinner dining outside on their spacious but cozy patio. Seating will be offered seasonally so be sure to soak u the sun while enjoying a delicious meal while you can!

BierHall Brewing
BierHall Brewing is a local and family owned brewery serving up great brews and food. Started by two brothers with a passion for quality beer and a desire to bring people together, BierHall is committed to making exceptional quality beer for everyone. They are even dog friendly!

The Belvedere
A local favorite, the Belvedere has a great rooftop deck and a wonderful grilled Caesar Salads. This is the perfect stop for lunch or dinner alike. Plus, they serve delicious cocktails made with local ingredients.

The Brasserie Restaurant
Serving up American classics, the Brasserie was originally built in 1925 as the home of well-known Lancastrian Issacher Polk Reese of the Reese Padlock Company. Enjoy your meal in this historic property that was known for hosting grand dinner parties.

Bube’s Brewery
The outdoor biergarten at Bube’s Brewery is reminiscent of a drinking garden one may have found in Mr. Bube’s Bavarian home. In the middle of the garden you will find the original boiler and smokestack used to create the steam power necessary to run the brewery.

Bulls Head Public House and Lititz Springs Inn & Spa Restaurant
A traditional British Pub and PA’s best beer bar, the Bulls Head Public House is located on Lititz’s Main Street. You will find a wide selection of beers to choose from here as well as many sites to take in around the town. If the seating area outside the pub is full you can also visit the Lititz Springs Inn & Spa. Here you can enjoy the outdoor bar, water fountain and twinkling outdoor lights.

C'est La Vie
Tucked along historic Market Street just steps from Central Market, C’est La Vie offers French-inspired cuisine with a relaxed, bistro feel. Dine on their charming outdoor patio and soak in the energy of downtown Lancaster while you enjoy fresh dishes and drinks.

Chellas Arepa Kitchen
A little oasis outside of downtown Lancaster, Chellas offers a delicious menu of South American-inspired cuisine that is entirely gluten-free. Chellas exclusively offers outdoor seating where you can dine and smell the delicious food from their kitchen. You can even enjoy your food outdoors in the cooler months around the fire pit.

Citronnelle
Enjoy Modern-French cuisine while dining under twinkling lights on a gorgeous patio downtown. Citronnelle offers locally sourced and sustainable foods without compromising flavor. If you plan on heading to Citronnelle, call ahead for a reservation.

Lancaster County Experience Passes

Discover Lancaster County, PA your way! Our experience passes offer exciting opportunities, deals, and discounts that are sure to elevate your visit to Lancaster.

1. Download one or all of our mobile passports:
2. Check in to various local businesses.
3. Redeem coupons
4. Earn points towards exclusive prizes. When you've earned enough points, head over to the Discover Lancaster Visitors Center to pick up special prizes!

Join Our Trails

Cork & Cap Restaurant
Set in a repurposed cork factory established in 1865, this urban restaurant has both great indoor and outdoor spaces to eat dinner or enjoy appetizers and a cocktail!

Conestoga Restaurant
Located along the banks of the Conestoga, this is a lovely spot to dine al fresco. Perfect for grabbing drinks with friends, over pizza and Stromboli while you unwind with relaxing views of the river beside you.

Decades
Decades is a fun and unique restaurant in Lancaster City. Enjoy delicious cocktails and draft beers alongside your dinner outdoors, and then head in for arcade games and bowling!

El Serrano
El Serrano offers Latin-American favorites such as fajitas and tacos, as well as Peruvian specialties in their Peruvian hacienda-esque restaurant. Enjoy delicious food and drinks in the outdoor courtyard.

The Exchange
Rooftop dining is a fan favorite in Downtown Lancaster. This bustling cocktail bar overlooks the city and provides sky views of a thousand colors. The seasonal menu offers unique twists on classic cocktails and local flavors. Hop on the elevator and be transported to a whole new perspective of Lancaster City.

Fiorentino’s Restaurant
If you have any aviation fanatics in your group, this is the restaurant to choose. Located right next to the Lancaster Airport’s runway, you can watch planes take off and land while you eat. We highly recommend the eggplant fries as an appetizer- they are delicious.

Fireside Tavern
Fireside Tavern is open for outdoor and indoor dining as well as carry-out. The Tavern is a great place to meet friends for a cold one after work or to bring your family for a delicious, affordable dinner.

Funck’s Restaurant & Bar
Funck’s is the perfect date night spot- whether just the two of you or with a group. The restaurant features a great outdoor patio with firepits and a broad beer and cocktails menu.

Greenfield Restaurant
Offering an al fresco patio, a trellis lounge, and a balcony, the Greenfield Restaurant has many options for outdoor eating. Enjoy beautiful flowers, airy curtains and soft flowing ferns as you dine. They also offer live music on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

John J. Jeffries
Located at the Lancaster Arts Hotel, John J. Jeffries is the perfect place for a special occasion. With a seasonally changing menu, you may never eat the same thing twice. Cocktails also change seasonally, allowing them to serve up refreshing flavors for you to sip in the shade of the patio.

John Wright Restaurant
Right across the Susquehanna River, this historical building offers indoor and outdoor dining, as well as a seasonally operated pizza patio. Stunning river views offer an amazing back drop to enjoy local foods, cocktails, and more.

Lancaster Brewing Company & Lancaster Brewing Company Taproom
With two locations and locally brewed beer, you can’t go wrong visiting Lancaster Brewing Company. The Kolsch is a local favorite summer brew, pair it with the Pittsburgh salad in the sunshine on the patio and you are in for a treat!

The Log Cabin
The Log Cabin was built in 1929 and during the prohibition it operated as a Speakeasy. The Log Cabin was turned into a restaurant in 1933 and now has 12 rooms to dine in. The Speakeasy gives a non to the olden days and The Patio is surrounded by trees giving your outdoor dining experience and intimate feeling. Reservations are strongly recommended

Lombardo's
Established in 1946, this Italian restaurant is deep rooted in Lancaster history and a local favorite. Dine in their outdoor garden and enjoy delicious family recipes. Reservations are highly recommended.

Loxley’s
To call the structure of this restaurant a deck or a patio just doesn’t cut it, it feels more like you are dining in a tree house. You can order a drink at the bar with a tree growing right through the center! Loxley’s is perfect for families or big groups.

LUCA
Luca is known for their wood fire pizza perfection as well as rustic Italian cuisine and delicious cocktails. Their patio is equally as charming as the delectable dishes that they create. Be sure to order Alton Brown’s favorite salad as a starter. If you intend to eat here (which we recommend you do) be sure to make a reservation ahead of time.

Mad Chef Craft Brewing
Mad Chef is serving up their own local beers including pilsners, IPAs, and more for everyone to love alongside fries, salads, sandwiches and more. Not big on beer? Mad Chef also has teas, sodas, and lots of seasonal cocktails.

McCleary’s Public House
Enjoy Irish fare at McCleary's Public House! From Irish Cab Potato Skins to the Dublin Lawyer (a traditional Irish seafood entree) - whether you dine indoors or on their outdoor patio - you're sure to love the atmosphere, food, and drinks!

On Orange
Head to On Orange for a delicious breakfast surrounded by local art. Just a block away from Gallery Row, and from Central Market, this is a great stop on your way to explore Lancaster City.

Osteria Avanti
Experience a taste of Italy at Osteria Avanti, our rustic Italian inspired restaurant. Enjoy a delicious dinner, lite snack or a refreshing beverage, with farm fresh, and locally sourced ingredients. Outdoor dining, Italian cuisine, and house specialties which include infused cocktails, craft beers and an award-winning wine list, featuring over 450 selections. Whether you dine outside on our garden patio or indoors, you will find our farm fresh and locally sourced menu perfect for any occasion.

Passerine
Passerine is a seasonal neighborhood restaurant in Downtown Lancaster that showcases fresh ingredients from regional producers. Their French-inspired New American cuisine features small bites and shareable dishes in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Pizzeria LUCA
The beloved LUCA has just opened up Pizzeria LUCA an casual pizzeria focuses on the fresh ingredients that go into their pies and small plates. They also serve beer, wine, and cocktails to enhance you pizza eating experience.

Rachel’s Creperie
Would you like to be transported to France without having to find your passport? We recommend eating at Rachel’s! Serving up delicious sweet and savory crepes with a side of cute décor, Rachel’s is a great spot for a girls night or a unique lunch.

Railroad House Inn Restaurant
Located in the hidden gem of a town, Marietta, The Railroad House Inn has been in operation for over 200 years. Stay in one of their historic rooms, enjoy a meal in their own restaurant and make special memories in one of their event spaces.

September Farm Cheese
Enjoy delicious soups & sandwiches and great views from the wrap around porch at September Farm Cheese all year long! Their menu features their own cheeses and you can end your meal with a sweet treat from their Ice Cream counter!

South County Brewing Co.
Founded in 2011, this local brewery from Fawn Grove, PA offers a wide array of small batch craft beers, like hazy IPAs, sours and pale ales. Their Lancaster City location offers typically brewery menu items, smoked BBQ, as well as outdoor seating next to the historic Steinman building.

Tobias Frogg
Kick back and relax at this beach-themed patio with an extensive food menu, plenty of cocktails, slushes, and beers for a great night!

Tomato Pie Café
Named for their signature dish, tomato pie, The Tomato Pie Café serves up a little food, a little coffee and a lot of charm in the heart of Lititz. Eat outside in the “tomato patch” and enjoy the ambiance of this small town. Specials change monthly, featuring seasonal ingredients.

Yorgos Restaurant and Lounge
Visit Lancaster City's elevated dining experience with a bite & drink at Yorgos Restaurant and Lounge. Enjoy casual pub fare while watching the game or indulge your palate with Greek-inspired dishes and classic American cuisine.

Zoetropolis
Enjoy delicious food, drinks, and maybe even catch a movie at Zoetropolis! Acting as a restaurant and a cinema stillhouse this is a local favorite.

The Whisk Cafe
A favorite amount Elizabethtown residents! Try their made to order breakfast and lunch offerings and be sure to try a coffee from their specialty drink menu. They have a rotating menu to offer seasonally delicious meals.

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Author

Leah•

Digital Analyst

A true Lancaster native, Leah has spent her entire life immersed in the beauty and charm of the county. For Leah, Lancaster's appeal lies in its delightful blend of serene countryside and a vibrant city brimming with history and unique experiences. She hopes visitors will venture beyond the well-known tourist attractions to discover the hidden treasures tucked away in Lancaster's quaint, rural towns. When she's not analyzing digital trends, you can find Leah enjoying a good book, engaging in a lively game of pickleball, or taking leisurely walks. As a flutist, she also appreciates the musical side of Lancaster's culture.

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