Sidewalk seating, rooftop decks and waterfront views. Finally, it’s patio season again. Warm weather and sunshine demand alfresco dining and drinking. With unique locations, beautiful decor and creative cuisines, these Harrisburg (and nearby!) spots are offering outdoor dining experiences you have to try this summer.
Note Bistro & Wine Bar
This midtown neighborhood spot is located on a quieter corner of 2nd Street. Outdoor seating is on the wide sidewalk corner at iron cafe tables under rustic Edison bulb string lights. Talk about summer vibes! It’s easy to find free street parking on 2nd Street or a nearby side street. 1530 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg, (717) 412-7415
The Millworks
A 50-seat biergarten rests in the center of this site for food, drinks and the arts. The biergarten continues the contemporary industrial design from the interior with wood and metal accents and a vertical garden.
This summer is bringing more growth for The Millworks. The anticipated opening of the restaurant’s on-site brewery will also come with an expansion of alfresco dining. Plans are in the works to turn the rooftop terrace, which has previously not been open to visitors, into a “relaxed” outdoor dining experience completely separate from the restaurant. The terrace will ideally have its own bar and kitchen, which will pour beer and offer bar snacks. Capacity will be about 100–150 guests. Look for what’s sure to be the next city hot spot to open this summer! 340 Verbeke St., (717) 695-4888
Char’s at Tracy Mansion
Enjoy French-inspired cuisine on the veranda of this historic midtown mansion while watching the sunset over the Susquehanna River. As if that wasn’t already a recipe for romance, visit on a Friday and be serenaded by live jazz or acoustic music from the gazebo on the front lawn. Pure magic! Char’s opens daily at 4 p.m. and has a free parking lot accessible from 2nd Street or Front Street. Live outdoor music plays Fridays 6–9 p.m., weather permitting. 1829 N. Front St., Harrisburg, (717) 213-4002
Cork & Fork
Grab a seat and take in the view of the State Capitol Building and the rest of beautiful State Street. Whether it’s a working lunch or dinner with friends, you’ll enjoy passing around delicious brick oven pizza and maybe a bottle of wine. 200 State St., Harrisburg, (717) 234-8100
Sturges Speakeasy
Summer breeze and a projector screen. There’s no need for compromise on Sturges’ rooftop deck, where you can enjoy the warm weather, catch the game and dig into some creative and delicious pub food. Grab a friend and a drink! 400 Forster St., Harrisburg, (717) 412-0931
Wormleysburg Waterfront Restaurants
While they don’t sit within the city limits, the only thing separating these spots from Harrisburg is the beautiful Susquehanna River. Rock Bass Grill (461 S. Front St., Wormleysburg, 717-731-1160), Dockside Willies (449 S. Front St., Wormleysburg, 717-730-4443) and Dukes Bar and Grille (313 S. Front St., Wormleysburg, 717-737-1313) have become summer staples, giving off major vacay vibes via on-the-water deck seating with views of the city.
Looking for more outdoor spots? Also check out Home 231’s backyard patio, Rubicon’s classic French cafe-styled sidewalk and Manga Qui’s sidewalk seating.
- Photos: Morgan Paese
