The Phenomenal Picnic Dining Spots of Philly

Southeast Asian Market at FDR Park

One of the best food destinations in the city happens to be at one of South Philly’s most popular parks. With dozens of vendors, The Southeast Asian Market (open on Saturdays and Sundays) offers a variety of options, including savory bowls of stir-fry, Khmer BBQ, chicken and veggie satays, fresh sugarcane juice, and Thai iced coffee.

Spruce Street Harbor Park

Hammocks for lounging, outdoor entertainment, live music, and games of lifesize chess are just a few reasons to spend an afternoon or evening at Spruce Street Harbor Park. The shortlist of food stands here can’t be beaten, featuring ice cream scoops from Splits by the Sea (from Somerset Splits), birria tacos and quesadillas from Philly Taco, and Philly favorite brand French Toast Bites. One of its latest additions, Little Fish, has also made waves for its “Fluke Hoagie” they call the Floagie.

Talula’s Daily

Opposite the charming Washington Square Park is Talula’s Daily, an all-day cafe, and sister restaurant to the famed Talula’s Garden. The menu here is brimming with to-go options from sweet and savory freshly baked pastries (try the chocolate croissant or the ham and cheese frittata) to hearty sandwiches (like the Heavenly Turkey Bacon Wrap) and satisfying salads (the Salmon Miso salad is a favorite).

Rowhome Coffee

Walk the trail, or relax and take in picturesque views of the city at Schuylkill Banks Park and River Trail. Whether you’re planning a trip to relax with friends or hunger hits you while taking a stroll, stop by Rowhome Coffee’s Rittenhouse Square location. Its deli pretzel sandwiches are what Philly food dreams are made of, with Dietz and Watson Deli meats stuffed between two soft pretzels. You can also try its Pretzel Cheesesteak if you need a more substantial meal.

Green Line Cafe

One of the most cherished parks in University City, Clark Park is known for its weekend farmer’s market, a picnic grove with grills, multi-age natured based playgrounds, and basketball courts. Across the street, at 43rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, is Green Line Cafe (one of three locations), which offers an abundance of caffeinated beverages, bagels by the local brand Red House, and a sizable menu of breakfast and lunch sandwiches (try the breakfast burrito or the vegan tofu banh mi).

Di Bruno Bros.

Arguably Center City’s most famous park, Rittenhouse Square is a prime location to grab a bench (or bring your own blanket) and take in the best of Philly’s sights, sounds, and its diversity of people. A trip to Di Bruno Brothers may be in order to picnic in style. Here, options seem endless with cases full of grab-and-go (or made-to-order) sandwiches and salads, imported cheeses and meats to build your own charcuterie boards, and a large selection of local snacks.

Cafe Ole

This bright and whimsical cafe, a few blocks from Franklin Square Park, is known for its vast assortment of Mediterranean fare. Take out something savory, like the shawarma sandwich or shashuka, or something sweet like the Nutella crepe or the baklava cheesecake to enjoy while you peruse the multitude of attractions at the park, such as the Chinese Lantern Festival, the merry-go-round, or a rousing game of mini-golf.

Mias Bistro

The historic Penn Treaty Park park, a stone’s throw from the Delaware River, is great for gathering with friends and family complete with picnic tables, a playground, and ample space to spread out and relax. The nearby Mia’s Bistro (located inside the Penn Treaty Building) has a menu full of fresh salads and wraps, delectable pastries, and scrumptious empanadas.

Baker Street Bread Co

The gorgeous park in Chestnut Hill is a nature oasis in the city, complete with an arboretum, pond, and a varied collection of trees and plants for nature lovers to relish in. If planning a visit, stop by Baker Street Bread Co. first to grab a myriad of steamer sandwiches (made with fluffy steamed eggs and its Baker Street pain au lait), breakfast platters (like the avocado toast or smoked salmon bagel), or lunch salad and sandwiches (including its power grain bowl and ultimate grilled cheese).