With summer in full effect, the streets of downtown West Chester once again boast the glorious seasonal al fresco dining scene. Once a Gay Street niche, now patio tables line the sidewalks and outdoor seating abounds along all of the major eateries in town.
As much fun as streetside dining can be, there’s a certain thrill to tucking away in a private patio, courtyard or deck. We dug up with a few outdoor spaces where enjoying a meal, pint or slice can be done out in the open and just out of view.
Spence Cafe
Now in its new N. High Street location, Spence Cafe has quickly established itself as a foodie favorite in the borough. Chef Andrew Patten does there what he’s always done best: serving up phenomenal seafood, quality cuts of meat, artful sides and decadent housemade desserts. The hearty, wholesome lunch menu likewise brings in businessmen, fit folk and leisurely lunchers alike with soup, sandwich and salad combinations, as well as free WiFi.
Located one block from the new Uptown! Knauer Performance Arts Center and across from Hotel Warner, Spence has become the BYOB destination for theatergoers and overnighters, who can grab a bottle at the hotel’s Marquee Bar & Lounge.
Spence’s secret patio lays just beyond a set of bright French doors in the main dining area. Large slate slabs run underneath iron tables and chairs shaded by umbrellas, all enclosed by a high, wooden fence. Potted plants, rambling ivy and succulent decor by Twig provide a lush, garden feel, and strung lights take the ambiance to enchanting heights.
The Spence Cafe patio is an elegant escape and a breath of fresh air in this already-irresistible eatery. 131 N. High St., (610) 918-1272
The Couch Tomato
Above the pedestrians of downtown West Chester is the secret (or maybe not-so-secret) patio of The Couch Tomato.
Adored for its artisan pizzas and craft salads, The Couch Tomato boasts a fantastic rooftop patio above its notably gorgeous interior dining area. Lined with picnic tables and umbrellas, it’s a wonderful place to get lost in the clouds.
Head up the stairwell on the eastern wall of the restaurant and find yourself transported. Strung lights, vegetation and beautiful views await. A staff member will let you know via intercom when your meal is ready, and when you’re finished, simply toss your trays and plates on the ready-and-waiting rooftop bussing station.
The Couch Tomato rooftop patio is a spectacular hidden haven for both kids and adults to enjoy lunch or dinner any day of the week. 31 W. Gay St., (484) 887-0241
Kildare’s Irish Pub and Ryan’s Pub
Kildare’s Irish Pub and Ryan’s Pub both bring Gaelic energy to West Chester with Irish-inspired menus, live music in the evenings and plenty of outdoor seating along Gay Street. But what’s lesser known about these festive pubs are their secret patios.
Kildare’s, with its Emerald Isle-inspired interior and architecture, has an obscure patio just beyond its first main bar and to the left. Walk through the door to a tiny oasis where bar service and seating make it a lovely little escape this season.
Ryan’s Pub also has an easily accessible, hidden second floor deck. Dining and cocktails are both available there, and it’s also home to the occasional deck party shenanigans under the stars, starting at 9 p.m. and lasting into the wee hours.
Try your luck at either of these secret patios, or double down with a pint of Guinness at both! Kildare’s: 18 W. Gay St., (610) 431-0770, Ryan’s Pub: 124 W. Gay St., (610) 344-3934
Pietro’s Prime
Known for its unparalleled steak execution and striking the perfect balance between rustic and upscale, Pietro’s Prime on Market Street also maintains a tiny private outdoor patio. While it’s not meant to be part of the dining experience, this little nook provides the perfect outlet for diners and imbibers alike in search of some fresh air.
The Pietro’s Prime layout, quite enormous in scope, ambles along brick floor hallways to reveal multiple dining rooms and levels, all tied together with lively artwork and plenty of gorgeous woodworking. The bar hosts one of the most lively happy hours in town, and patrons buzz in and out of the front door to the breezy streetside seating.
Pietro’s patio is tucked all the way in the back and to the left, through a set of doors that connect it to a room used for private parties. Simple stucco walls topped with flower boxes surround a handful of tables and chairs. For a celebratory stogie or spillover space for your next private event, tuck yourself away in this hidden find. 125 W. Market St., (484) 205-9407
The Social
Since moving to its new home at 117 East Gay Street (in Doc Magrogan’s former space), The Social has wasted no time making the space work for its Southern scratch kitchen and lively nightlife vibes.
Owner Don Moore has taken particular care in transforming what was a well-worn open air nook into a welcoming and hip beer garden oasis. Set near the back and to the right, Social’s beer garden patio is decked out with a full bar, ample seating and widescreen TVs. There’s an industrial chic aesthetic with reclaimed wood and high-and-low, top-metal seating. While the open air setup lends itself to summer breezes, the beer garden is fully shaded for maximum relaxation day and night, rain or shine.
Check out this effortlessly cool, secluded space the next time you’re in town. It’s the perfect place to enjoy one of The Social’s many craft beers, inventive cocktails or scrumptious menu items for a most happy of happy hours. 117 E. Gay St., (610) 738-3948
- Photos, top to bottom: Spence Cafe (first two), Leigh Green (next two photos), Kildare's, Ryan's Pub, Leigh Green, The Social
