There’s nothing like summer in Philly--especially when you're sitting outside, people watching, sipping on cocktails and having some delicious bites.

Philly is packed with outdoor dining spots---actually, the city has over 200 alfresco dining restaurants! So, I wanted to break down the list with a few top picks.

Bar Ferdinand


1030 N. 2nd Street

Bar Ferdinand is a Spanish tapas bar located in the ultra-trendy Northern Liberties.  You can sit outside along Liberties Walk while enjoying tasty sangrias. 

Fork

306 Market Street

The restaurant’s hip, stylish and sophisticated interior complements the contemporary menu and makes it a great spot for a business lunch, dinner with friends or a romantic dessert with cocktails.

Jamaican Jerk Hut

1436 South Street

You will fall in love with the authentic Caribbean food and atmosphere here.

Insider tip: Jamaican Jerk Hut is B.Y.O.B. Try the Hut’s homemade juice drinks as mixers for a rum cocktails.

Lolita

106 S. 13th Street

Lolita serves contemporary Mexican fare.  And, it’s also a B.Y.O.T. ( Bring Your Own Tequilla) hot spot in Midtown Village.

Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant           

4120 Main Street
Philadelphia, PA 19127

Sit along the river and sip a signature cocktail at the Brew Pub (locals' nickname for the restaurant) which offers everything from full entrées to sushi!  The Brew Pub also offers live music, and with such a large venue it easily turns into a pretty happening night spot for dancing after dark.

Mercato

1216 Spruce Street

Located in what used to be a neighborhood corner market, Mercato expands on its namesake theme by emphasizing fresh, local ingredients in its contemporary Italian menu.

Moshulu

401 S. Columbus Boulevard

Enjoy the Philadelphia skyline with your meal. During the warmer weather months, you can enjoy a drink or a meal on the historic ship’s multi-level decks and take in the Philadelphia skyline and the shimmering lights on the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.

Positano Coast

212 Walnut Street

Surrounded by a serene backdrop reminiscent of the Amalfi Coast, Positano Coast in Old City offers small-plate servings of modern Italian cuisine.

Parc

227 S. 18th Street

With Parc, famed restaurateur Stephen Starr brings a certain je ne sais quoi to Rittenhouse Square. Parc offers an authentic French bistro experience, fully equipped with a chic Parisian ambiance and gorgeous sidewalk seating overlooking the Square.

Silk City

435 Spring Garden Street

Part diner, part bar and part dance club, Silk City is a favorite spot for a lot of our Creative Ambassadors in Northern Liberties.

The Continental Midtown

1801 Chestnut Street

A re-creation of the highly-successful original Continental in Old City, this restaurant features cutting-edge chic martini bar off of Rittenhouse Square and a rooftop deck that sizzles in the summer.

The Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar

138 Market Street

The ever-popular Old City institution has creative cocktails and imaginative décor where a diner-made-martini bar creates an atmosphere all its own, making it one of the hottest night spots in Old City.

The Piazza at Schmidt’s

2nd Street & Germantown Avenue

A European-style open space surrounded by shops, restaurants and galleries; this is not your typical outdoor space. With tons of cool eateries, almost-daily outdoor events and other eclectic happenings in and around the Piazza, this is a must-do for the summer–or anytime!

Insider tip: Make sure you stop by P.Y.T. for burgers and adult shakes.

Varga Bar

10th & Spruce Streets

Varga is Washington Square West’s newest late-night hangout. A neighborhood pub in the truest sense, they serve all-American comfort foods, American cheeses and more than 20 hard-to-find, American-made craft beers.

Warmdaddy’s

1400 S. Columbus Boulevard

There’s nothing like getting some good ol’ southern soul food at one of Philly’s best spots for live R&B and soul music. And, you can enjoy the Southern cookin’ at their outside seating. (They also have rooftop dining!)

Insider tip: Make sure you try their Rum Punch.

Zavino Pizzeria and Wine Bar

112 S. 13th Street

Zavino is a delicious new pizzeria and wine bar located at the epicenter of the city’s trendy Midtown Village neighborhood. The restaurant features a seasonal menu, classic cocktails, an approachable selection of wine and beer and the some of the best late-night menu offerings in the area.

Hip Trips With Cheldin:

Brunching In Philly

If there’s anything that I like, it’s getting to sleep in on the weekend, and then going to one of my favorite brunch spots in Philly. There’s nothing like starting your day with a plate full of Southern goodness from Relish or having a tropical Mimosa at Cuba Libre for brunch.

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to surprise your mom to a delish brunch with the family. Or, toss on some Jackie O’s, grab some girlfriends, and get some quality girl time in over slammin’ food and drinks.

There are a lot of brunch spots in the city. Here are some of my top picks.

Insider tip/disclaimer: Bring your appetite.

Brunch Picks:

Cuba Libre

10 S. 2nd Street

Philadelphia, PA

Get ready to go tropical for brunch at this Philly hot spot for its Weekend Tropical Brunch. Everything on the menu has Cuban flare, including the Torta de Cangrejo Benedict and their Mimosa Rojo.

Insider tip: Treat your Madre to a tropical brunch for Mother’s Day. Brunch begins at 10:30 a.m.

El Vez

121 S. 13th Street
Philadelphia, PA

When I’m looking to spice things up, El Vez is one of my first choices. Located on 13th Street, El Vez offers a totally different type of brunch experience by providing guests with an authentic Mexican cuisine in a fun, lively environment. If you want to abandon the traditional Eggs Benedict and surrender to dishes with Latin flare, El Vez is the ideal brunch location for you.

FARMiCiA Restaurant

15 S. 3rd Street
Philadelphia, PA

FARMiCiA is the ultimate brunch destination with its simple décor and cheerful staff.  It is definitely not a struggle to enjoy yourself on any given Saturday or Sunday as you select from their vast menu of brunch offerings.

Insider tip: My favorite item is their Brioche French Toast—simply amazing. Also, try their Barn Burner Bloody Mary.

Honey's Sit-N-Eat

800 N. 4th Street
Philadelphia, PA

Honey’s always offers great menu items fusing Southern and Jewish food. Honey’s is Philadelphia’s answer to the ultimate question: Where should we go for breakfast? At Honey’s you can get a little bit of everything.

Insider tip: Honey’s is a popular breakfast/brunch spot and fills up quickly, so you might want to start your brunch a bit earlier.

Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant

4120 Main Street
Philadelphia, PA

Manayunk is a dining mecca and located in the heart of this trendy neighborhood is the Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant. The Brew Pub (as many people call it) offers a great brunch in a relaxing riverside setting, and its fixed menu offers brunch specific options and budget-friendly morning cocktails. Who doesn’t love a chilled Mimosa during a relaxing Sunday brunch--especially if it is only $3.50! And, make sure you stop by the omelet station. Trust me on this.

Moshulu’s Champagne Brunch

Penn’s Landing

401 S. Columbus Boulevard

Philadelphia, PA

The Moshulu is the must stop brunch spot for the champagne lover. They have unlimited champagne over their three-course Sunday brunch. Who’s ready for some bubbly over eggs?

Nineteen (XIX)

200 S. Broad Street
19th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 

If you’re looking to step it up with an upscale brunch experience, try Nineteen (XIX).  Sitting on the 19th floor of the Bellevue, you’ll be dining with some of the best views of the city. My favorite XIX brunch feature is its “café table” menu options. They offer a café table full of tasty selections, which can be paired with items from their brunch menu.

Insider tip: XIX will be offering a special $65 buffet style brunch menu from 11am-4pm on Mother’s Day.

R2L

50 S. 16th Street
Philadelphia, PA

Be one of the first folks to stop by and enjoy their new brunch menu, as well as one of their spicy Bloody Mary’s. The R2L brunch runs from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. every Sunday. Stop by and feel free to settle in for awhile, as they will be leaving their bar open all day to service guests between brunch and dinner (which starts at 4 p.m.).

Insider tip:  Chef Daniel Stern will have a three course, prix fixe brunch menu for Mother’s Day. 

Relish Restaurant

7152 Ogontz Avenue
Philadelphia, PA

If modern Southern cookin’ is more of your style, Relish Restaurant is the brunch spot for you. Located in Northern Philadelphia, Relish offers the ideal Sunday morning retreat. Their doors open at 11 a.m. so make a trip up North to get your Southern grub on.

Sabrina's Café

910 Christian Street
Philadelphia, PA

and

1804 Callowhill Street

Philadelphia, PA

Creativity is the name of the game at Sabrina’s Café when it comes to their menu items. So creative in fact that reading the menu could be considered one of your Sunday Funday activities. The menu includes brunch specials such as the “DJ and Steve Spanish Study Session Special,” as well as the “Joey’s Cut-It-Out Omelet.” It is never a dull moment at Sabrina’s Café.

Insider tip: If you’re looking for a drink to go with your brunch, Sabrina’s is a B.Y.O.B. (Bring Your Own Bottle).

Warmdaddy's

1400 S. Columbus Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA

From Chicken and Waffles to Mango-Glazed Salmon, Warmdaddy’s will definitely hit the spot.  I warned you in the disclaimer, but you better bring your appetite to this place. Once you try the food, you will go up for seconds, thirds and fourths.

Winnie’s LeBus Bakery

4266 Main Street
Philadelphia, PA

Another Manayunk neighborhood brunch staple is Winnie’s LeBus. Visit LeBus for 6-grain pancakes and their Thai turkey salad or a classic Eggs Benedict. LeBus also offers sidewalk seating so guests can enjoy scenic Main Street and people-watch the day away.

Insider tip: Brunch is really their thing, so they keep it going longer than most places. Brunch happens on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hip Trips with Cheldin:

The Philly Cheesesteak

Philadelphia is home to one legendary sandwich that has visitors, residents and celebrities chiming in on the classic debate – who has the best cheesesteak in town? I decided to do my own taste test at a few famous cheesesteak spots, and I am still undecided!  Each place has its own “it” factor.

Ishkabibble’s  337 South Street (3rd and South Streets)

My first stop was Ishkabibble’s. Don’t let the size of this place fool you. Ishkabibble’s has created a loyal following of those who swear by their flavorful cheesesteaks. Whether you prefer steak, chicken or veggie, Ishkabibble’s has the perfect sandwich for you.

Any of these sandwiches can be paired with Ishkabibble’s one-of-a-kind Gremlin drink.  What’s a Gremlin, you ask?  This insider favorite is a combination of grape juice and lemonade. Check out what hip hop artist, B.o.B. had to say about Ishkabibble’s Gremlin here.

Jim’s Steaks  4th and South Streets

My next stop was Jim’s Steaks, a true Philadelphia landmark. I found Jim’s Steaks to be the most energetic of the bunch with lines of guests wrapping around its front entrance and lively employees catering to their every need. Whether you prefer American or Provolone cheese, fried onions or hot peppers, ketchup or hot sauce with your cheesesteak – there are almost no limits to what the crew at Jim’s Steaks can serve up. 

Geno’s Steaks  9th Street and Passyunk Avenue

A steak shop like no other, Geno’s Steaks has created memories for many Philadelphians and has become a rite of passage for those who visit the city in search of the perfect Philadelphia cheesesteak.

I am a huge fan of the Geno’s Steaks cheese fries. Nothing is better than pairing an authentic Philly cheesesteak with a hot order of cheese fries. I can’t stop by Geno’s Steaks without ordering one (or two) serving(s) of cheese fries.

I grab my steak and fries and make my way under the orange neon lights to begin my feast. With no apologies, I dig in – saving the napkin for last, because taking a break between bites would simply be a waste of time.

Pat’s King of Steaks 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue

Pat’s King of Steaks is where I truly became a Philadelphian, because I ate my very first cheesesteak here.  

My first trip to Pat’s: I had no idea that there was such a science to ordering a steak sandwich, but I quickly caught on and was ready for the challenge.   I reached the front of the line and with no hesitation, I shouted, “Whiz wit!” – meaning Cheese Whiz with fried onions. I had done it.  I correctly ordered an authentic Philadelphia cheesesteak from Pat’s, and I have been hooked ever since.

Tony Luke’s Old Philly Style Sandwiches  39 East Oregon Avenue

I lived in Philadelphia for about 5 years before I ever visited Tony Luke’s. I was banking on a swinging through and grabbing my standard “Whiz wit,” but I was astonished at what I found at Tony Luke’s.

The options were endless. I thought that I mastered the art of cheesesteaks in Philly, but Tony Luke’s exposed me to a new world of flavors and options.

These legendary places have me completely convinced that Philly is the place for an unforgettable cheesesteak.

As a Philly 360° Insider, I have spoken with some pretty big names in the entertainment industry who have visited our city –  and they all mention the Philadelphia cheesesteak as one of their favorite things about Philly.  Watch the videos below to see what the celebs, including B.o.B., Yolanda Adams, and ?uestlove had to say about Philly cheesesteaks in their interviews!

Want to do your own taste test?  Don’t limit yourself to just these five places.  Philly is full of delicious cheesesteak eateries. 

Here are some other top picks:

Dalessandro’s  Steaks and Hoagies - 600 Wendover Street

John’s Roast Pork - 14 Snyder Avenue

Campos Deli - 214 Market Street

There are also some higher-end cheesesteaks available:

Continental - 138 Market Street

Four Seasons’ Swann Lounge - 1 Logan Square

Barclay Prime - 237 South 18th Street