Here are some Pittsburgh-area outdoor dining spots to try as summer winds down - TribLIVE

Summertime restaurant discussions almost always include a spirited debate over the best outdoor dining spots. In a year when half of Americans have canceled summer vacations, however, it seems appropriate to explore restaurant patios that do more than just provide fresh air.

This list gives a nod to Pittsburgh-area restaurants whose outdoor spaces seem to transport the diner somewhere else, even if their travel plans couldn’t.

Redfin Blues, Washington’s Landing

Abby Mackey | Tribune-Review

Redfin Blues offers waterfront, patio diners exceptional views in all directions.

For a city with three rivers, Pittsburgh’s waterfront dining options are relatively few.

Redfin Blues, on the edge of Washington’s Landing and the Allegheny River, is a perfect choice when craving a varied (though seafood-heavy) menu and an up-close view of the water.

Sitting on the oversized deck with its newly installed, tent-like awning, diners have their choice of enticing sights.

An uncommon view of the 31st Street Bridge sits off to the left. Washington’s Landing Marina is immediately adjacent to the patio and is regularly hoisting boats in and out of the water. The backside of the Strip District can be seen across the river. And, the Allegheny River and its mariners stretch to the horizon in both directions.

The bar is permanently positioned outside, which practically dares one to order a blended, fruity drink normally reserved for summer trips.

It’s a vacation in its own way, just a few minutes outside of Downtown.

Nicky’s Thai Kitchen, North Side

Courtesy of Nicky’s Thai Kitchen.

Nicky’s Thai Kitchen’s North Side Pittsburgh location boasts a lush, tropical patio created by foliage and statuary.

Take a walk down Western Avenue, and you might miss Nicky’s Thai Kitchen altogether.

There’s no fanfare or colorful awnings — just a tasteful, subtle sign on the brick rowhouse. But a lush, tropical patio awaits in the restaurant’s backyard.

“You go in through the street, and you’re in a whole different place,” said general manager David Brunner. “You get to escape your regular life while you’re there for a little while.”

Tropical ferns and an eclectic collection of light fixtures dangle from the wooden pergola, which covers much of the outdoor dining space. Ivy crawls on a bamboo-covered wall. Art and statuary from Nicky’s native Thailand cement its otherworldly feel.

Nicky’s Thai Kitchen has earned local titles for best Thai restaurant year after year, but the atmosphere might earn it the most buzz.

Over the Bar Bicycle Cafe, North Park

Courtesy of Kristie Wharrey

Sitting outside at OTB on North Park’s lake gives diners stunning views of the lake, paddlers and the woodsy opposite shore.

The patio at OTB’s North Park location is all relaxation and no pretense.

The restaurant sits at the edge of North Park’s lake, with a front row seat given to its outdoor diners.

Kayaks and canoes paddle by, launched from the adjacent boat house. The dense foliage of the opposite shore gives ample opportunity for wildlife spotting. Patio umbrellas, string lights and tiki torches lend coziness to the space.

Even the menu itself adds to the relaxed vibe, with numerous comfort food and craft beer options, albeit with a hint of the unconventional.

Burgers with peanut butter, adobo pulled pork and black bean cakes with pineapple salsa are just a few of their refreshing options.

The lakeside spot is date-night appropriate, but don’t feel self-conscious in a pair of dirt-caked hiking boots either.

The Commoner @ Biergarten, Kimpton Hotel Monaco, Downtown Pittsburgh

Courtesy of The Commoner @ Biergarten

The Biergarten is perched 9 stories above William Penn Place, but diners are still compelled to look up at several of Pittsburgh’s skyscrapers.

When more cosmopolitan surroundings are the urge, Kimpton Hotel Monaco’s Biergarten is sure to fit the bill.

Perched nine stories above William Penn Place, diners are treated to up-close views of the historic Alcoa building across the street and any number of other Downtown skyscrapers. String lights zigzag above, which adds to the weightless feeling of the rooftop space.

In ordinary times, it’s somewhat of an adult playground with giant versions of Jenga, chess, cornhole and Connect Four.

Though the Biergarten traditionally has a separate menu and space from the hotel’s other buzz-worthy eatery, The Commoner, the menus have become interchangeable to increase seating capacity since covid-19 dining restrictions have been implemented.

It’s a rare chance to enjoy The Commoner’s menu at the Biergarten’s location, and vice versa. From an expansive list of European beers and German-inspired pub fare to fried chicken with creamed corn and lobster, the current dining options are many at the Biergarten while overlooking the city.

Mindful Brewing Company, Castle Shannon

Abby Mackey | Tribune-Review

Mindful Brewing calls on creativity to navigate covid-19 restrictions. The result is an upcycled parking lot now covered with artificial turf and 27 picnic tables.

When covid-19 dining restrictions kicked into gear, so did the creative minds at Castle Shannon’s Mindful Brewing Company.

The front lot, which spans the entire length of the building, has been covered with bright green artificial turf. Atop the turf now sit 27 picnic tables complete with gleaming white patio umbrellas. Each table seats approximately six guests, allowing the upgraded parking lot to rival the brewery’s previous indoor capacity.

And, people seem to like it.

“People really, really enjoy sitting outdoors,” said assistant general manager David Pletcher. “Rain, shine, cold, hot, it doesn’t really matter.”

The combination of turf and umbrellas, green and white, unintentionally hints at some favorite American pastimes. It suggests a football field or maybe miniature golf.

The “mindful” part isn’t only in the name. Aside from the full list of signature brews, the menu is full of sustainably sourced foods with plenty of options for vegetarian and vegan guests, as well as carnivores.

Fuel and Fuddle, Oakland

The feeling of being transported at Fuel and Fuddle’s patio is quite literal: You’re in the middle of the street.

With covid-19 restrictions emphasizing outdoor dining, the City of Pittsburgh became open to the idea of closing select streets as a way to expand restaurant capacity (and promote solvency).

The Oakland Business Improvement District led the charge to close a block of Oakland Avenue. Fuel and Fuddle co-owner Brandon Smith is a board member.

“The city was amazing, and was like, ‘Yes, you can do this, let’s just figure out how to do this and do it right,’ ” said Smith.

With donations from the Richard King Mellon Foundation and Rycon Construction, Smith was able to add a wooden patio in the middle of Oakland Avenue, which holds eight socially distanced tables.

“I don’t think we’d even be open right now if we didn’t have that,” said Smith. “Inside, we have five tables and no bar.”

The irreverence of dining where harried Oakland commuters used to drive has tempted plenty of first-time diners, Smith reports.

“We’re seeing new faces, which is everything you could ask for in the restaurant business,” he said. “It’s been really successful. People really seem to enjoy it.”

Over Eden, TRYP by Wyndham Pittsburgh, Lawrenceville

Abby Mackey | Tribune-Review

Lawrenceville’s Over Eden boasts historic Pittsburgh views from its modern, rooftop setting.

Combine an open-air, rooftop bar with the destination neighborhood that Lawrenceville has become, and even a worldwide pandemic can’t keep it down.

“We were optimistic just because of the space and how it was built out originally. It is very accommodating to the current circumstances,” said Kevin Costa, Over Eden executive chef. “We’ve consistently needed to turn customers away, which isn’t necessarily ideal. But, it’s a good problem to have.”

Over Eden occupies the rooftop of the on-trend TRYP Hotel, at the foot of the 40th Street Bridge. Diners use the hotel’s main entrance to reach the restaurant, which only adds to the experience.

Unexpected industrial accents and bursts of color enliven both the hotel’s lobby and the Over Eden space. The dishes on the menu are similarly spirited, embellished with smoked salt, brown butter and sorrel cream. Local art adorns the walls.

Over Eden offers views of the Allegheny River, Central and Lower Lawrenceville. It’s all you’d expect from a modern Lawrenceville spot, contrasted with stories-high views of some historic Pittsburgh neighborhoods.

Abby Mackey is a Tribune-Review contributing writer. You can contact Abby at abbyrose.mackey@gmail.com or via Twitter.

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