10 Winter Restaurants with Outdoor Seating in Philly: Igloos, Heated Patios, and More

Harper's Garden in Center City offers
Harper's Garden in Center City offers "greenhouse" dining. Photo courtesy of Harpers Garden
1/20/23 - By Kristen Sullivan

Outdoor dining in Philly continues in the winter, with lots of unique options for families looking to dine al fresco.

For a couple years now, restaurants in Philadelphia have provided new dining options due to changing habits, with many eateries adapting to make dining outdoors a possibility during even cold winter months. Igloos and greenhouses offer private little forts for just for your party, while heated patios provide fresh air and often allow more space for kids who like to spread out when dining out.

Read on for some of Philly's best outdoor dining experiences for colder months. For more dining destinations that welcome the kiddos, visit our Philadelphia Restaurant Guide for Families, including our favorite warm-weather outdoor restaurants for that other time of year. Bon appétit!

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igloo El Poquito
El Poquito is the destination for tacos in an igloo setting. Photo courtesy of El Poquito

Restaurants with Igloos and Greenhouses

1. El Poquito—Chestnut Hill

Want tacos? El Poquito has a delicious menu filled with favorites from chips and salsa or guac to fajitas, quesadillas, and enchiladas. Patrons can enjoy their meals inside heated igloos. Each igloo accommodates one table and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The restaurant makes every effort to honor requests for igloo dining. In milder weather, you may also consider reserving a table on the patio. Reservations do not guarantee an igloo spot due to high demand. 

2. Harper's Garden—Center City

Personal, heated greenhouses are available at Harper's Garden for outdoor dining for up to eight guests. The nine heated greenhouses are quite popular, so reservations are critical. The space also has a beautiful and covered eated patio, available weather-permitting. The menu includes brunch items, cheese boards, seafood, salads, lamb, chicken, and burgers. 

RELATED: Kid-Friendly Outdoor Restaurants in Philly

La Verona igloo
Enjoy Italian in an igloo at La Verona. Photo courtesy of La Verona

3. Terrain Garden Cafe—Glen Mills

Offering brunch, lunch, and dinner menus, Terrain Garden Cafe welcomes guests to its Winter Village, a cluster of individual outdoor tents set amid the garden nursery. Each tent can accommodate groups of 4-8 people. There is a rental fee of $35 for a two-hour duration. Patrons order from a menu that includes omelets, salads, fish, and desserts. Due to popularity, be prepare to make reservations anywhere from several days to more than a week in advance.

Restaurants with Heated Outdoor Dining for Families in Philly

4. Bridget Foy’s—Queen Village 

Nestled in Queen Village, the corner restaurant brings all the charm with a neighborhood feel. The lunch and dinner menus offer the usuals, burgers and crispy chicken, in addition to some originals, such as melon and prosciutto and mushroom campanelle. Make a reservation for the heated outdoor patio.

5. Fette Sau—Fishtown 

Boasting one of the best happy hours in town, this Brooklyn original has a delicious selection of dry-rub meats and kid-friendly sides, including mac & cheese and corn bread. Eat at outdoor picnic benches year-round, which are heated in wintertime, at this laid-back, serve-yourself destination.

6. Frankford Hall—Fishtown                    

Heated tables fill this space amidst a rustic brick backdrop. There are also several fire pits for warming up. The large enclosed area is a great way to enjoy your Bavarian pretzel, wurst, and many other German-inspired snacks and plates on the menu. 

7. La Verona—Kennett Square

In the mood for Italian? Head to Kennett Square for heated outdoor dining at La Verona. Guests can enjoy lunch and dinner items such as antipasti, salads, pizza, panninis, pasta, and more. Advance reservations are recommended. 

8. Lola's Garden—Ardmore

Head to the Main Line's Suburban Square for the massive, heated, enclosed patio at Lola's Garden. The kid's menu has all the staples--cheeseburgers, grilled cheese, hot dogs, and more. The restaurant is conveniently next to a green space for the kids to run around after your meal. 

9. Standard Tap—Northern Liberties  

This gastropub with a heated second-floor patio features some seriously delicious eats, including breakfast food, such as shrimp and grits and breakfast sandwiches, as well as lunch and dinner items, including small and large plates and sandwiches, not to mention a solid rotating draft list and a wait staff who are friendly and helpful when you have little kids along.

10. Urban Village—Philadelphia  

This brewery on the corner of Schmidt's Commons has pizza, crayons, and colored paper for kids, plus all the outdoor amenities that Schmidt's Commons has to offer. The patio is heated and fully enclosed during the colder months. 

Additional reporting by Alyce Wilson for a 2023 update.

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