In the summer, the Philadelphia region offers out-of-doors dining spots for all types of diners:
Bump Lounge
1234 Locust Street
(215) 732-1800
Bump, one of the city's hottest gay bars has a surprisingly low-key al fresco dining room that serves funky cocktails (flirtini, green dragon, sky) and a new global fusion menu with entrees ranging from $14-22. Half priced entrees are offered on Saturdays from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
La Bussola Trattoria and Lounge
3rd Street & Girard Avenue
(215) 922-2376
In Northern Liberties, the recently-opened Bussola Trattoria and Lounge offers lovely rooftop dining. Chef Harlan Russell offers Tuscan cuisine with dinner entrees $19 and under. Don't miss those gelato martinis. The restaurant is open Tuesdays through Saturdays for lunch and dinner and Sunday brunch. Their wine list offers 85 percent Italian wines. The Stogie Haven Cigar Lounge is a new lounge located atop the restaurant.
Continental Mid-town
1801 Chestnut Street
(215) 567-1800
Stephen Starr's Continental Mid-town offers the city's first penthouse rooftop patio with an indoor-outdoor bar, a fireplace and fully-grown maple and birch trees. Continental Mid-town is open seven days a week for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Guests will recognize many of Continental's classics such as the Continental Salad, Teriyaki Filet Mignon with wasabi mashed potatoes, Beer Battered Shrimp + Calamari with saffron aioli and Black Sesame Crab Cakes.
Ernesto's 1521 Cafe
1521 Spruce Street
(215) 546-1521
Conveniently located in an historic townhouse just one block west of the Kimmel Center, Ernesto's 1521 Cafe offers casual dining in their outdoor garden with a menu suited for each season of the year. Their signature dishes are Osso Buco and Seafood Cioppino. All selections are freshly prepared daily by Chef Lewis Rice, Jr. Dinner entrees range from $16-29. They offer wines by the glass at reasonable prices. Ernesto's is one of Philly's hidden gems. Closed Mondays.
Jamaican Jerk Hut
1436 South Street
(215) 545-8644
The covered and elevated patio beyond the Jamaican Jerk Hut is a Caribbean party waiting to happen. You need, however, to to BYO rum or other preferred drink. They offer what has been described as "home-style helpings of Caribbean comfort food with a side of backyard barbecue atmosphere." Their island selections prominently feature the rich island spice called "jerk". Try the conch salad, oxtail stew, barbecue chicken or garlic shrimp with sides such as okra and fried plantains.
Le Jardin
251 S. 18th Street
(215) 545-0821
The French Mediterranean Bistro Le Jardin is nestled within the Historic Wetherill mansion located on Rittenhouse Square. It features a outdoor garden furnished with granite tables, heat lamps and black flower boxes. The menu is distinctly French with a great $30 Prefix Dinner Menu that includes French onion soup or escargot, salmon or Chicken Tagine followed by your choice of crème brulee or Apple Tarte Tatin. Closed on Mondays.
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