The Top 10 Places for Outdoor Dining in Erie, PA
Thursday Aug 4th, 2022
Finding a restaurant with outside dining in Erie is easy. Deciding on which one to actually go to may be hard. Throughout Erie County there are a wide variety of outside dining options. From scenic waterfront restaurants with colorful umbrellas and rooftop views to charming countryside settings with decorative lighting and live music, there is an outside table waiting to be filled.
Find a complete list of Erie County outdoor dining options here; just look for the patio umbrella icon.
Pier 6 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant
Perched on top of the Courtyard Erie Bayfront Hotel parking ramp, Pier 6 invites guests to dine, sip and take in the stunning views of Presque Isle Bay from their two outdoor patios. Pier 6 seating options include outdoor fireplaces, patio tables with umbrellas and with large group seating on the west deck and comfortable lounge seating with open gathering space for games available on the east deck. (pictured)
Mixing big city vibes with community warmth, Calamari’s has been a longtime staple of downtown Erie since 1996. Their tastefully decorated outdoor patio is the perfect spot to enjoy Sunday brunch, live music or dinner under the stars.
Since 1988, Rum Runners has been a fixture of Erie’s Bayfront district and has consistently been a popular summer hangout for those arriving by land or by water! With spectacular views of Presque Isle Bay, a large outdoor seating area, space to tie up your boat, live music and fantastic food and cocktails, Rum Runners is the quintessential spot for summer fun!
Located at the entrance to Presque State Park, the bright red outdoor picnic area and funky 50’s style décor at Sara's set the scene for an enjoyable date night or family outing. Chow down on a Smith’s foot-long hot dog or an orange and vanilla twist cone before or after your visit to Presque Isle for that complete Erie summertime experience! It’s so much fun at Sara’s, why not stop twice? Photo credit: @msrachburgh via Instagram
Spend a leisurely, lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch among family or friends at The Cork 1794. Their modern outdoor patio is equipped with a large screen TV and heaters which allows the Cork to keep the patio open until early fall. Bring it all together with a delicious locally-sourced menu and friendly staff equals a seamless environment of style, comfort and service.
The Bayfront Grille
Regional cuisine meets breathtaking views at the Bayfront Grille waterfront restaurant located inside the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel. Experience a fresh take on casual dining with creative, seasonally changing menu items served in a scenic setting with a patio and gorgeous views of Presque Isle Bay. During the winter months, the restaurant sets up heated igloos for a unique wintry dining experience. (pictured)
Woody’s Backwater BARge & Grill
Experience food, drinks and live music from Erie’s only floating restaurant! Bar and table service is available on water or land at the Woody’s, a Key-West style restaurant with a unique menu, creative cocktails plus live acoustic music on weekends.
Edinboro Lake Resort Sunset Grill
The Sunset Grill is the only place on picturesque Edinboro Lake to enjoy casual lakefront dining. In addition to its wide selection of salads, sandwiches, burgers and craft beer, the Sunset Grill features live music every weekend with performances from local talents in a variety of styles.
Enjoy a great meal while soaking in the fresh country air at Madeline’s sizeable outdoor patio. There is ample room for small and large groups to gather around their beautifully landscaped pond, rolling greens and flowers. Live musical entertainment can be found at Madeline’s inside and outside on weekends.
JR’s on the Bay Sloppy Duck Saloon
The Sloppy Duck has been a popular waterfront restaurant and bar since 2003. Their outside seating area is an ideal location to get a great meal while watching one of Erie’s world-class sunsets on Presque Isle Bay. Local residents and visitors flock to the Duck every weekend to dine and dance the night away under their large outdoor tent complete with full bar, stage and dance floor.
