After being cooped up indoors all winter, we all want the exact same thing: a great meal, a cold drink, and a seat in the sun. Fortunately, the South Jersey outdoor dining scene is in a league of its own. From waterfront dining to romantic sunset dates, to dog-friendly outdoor patios, our list highlights The 10 Best South Jersey Outdoor Dining Restaurants.
No matter the outdoor dining experience you’re looking for, the spots on this list can make it happen. We’re talking sipping locally-crafted wine amidst rolling vineyard greens, cutting into a steak while overlooking a quiet lake, and kicking back in a hammock with a frozen drink in hand. Say goodbye to the standard restaurant walls. It’s time for trickling Tuscan-style waterfalls, sprawling golf course vistas, and literal riverfront decks across from the Philly skyline. These are the best outdoor dining restaurants South Jersey has to offer.
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The 10 Best South Jersey
Outdoor Dining Restaurants
Featured from Burlington County:
Carlucci’s Waterfront
Where: 876 Centerton Rd, Mount Laurel
Details: Carlucci’s is a cornerstone of the Mount Laurel community, offering great food and service for over 30 years. The restaurant offers outdoor dining on their beautiful patio terrace that comes with a lovely view of Rancocas Creek. Their menu specializes in Italian classics, but they also have a number of dishes perfect for outdoor dining. This includes their popular Seafood tower, which comes with oysters, top neck clams, little neck clams, and jumbo U10 shrimp. Other raw bar highlights include the East Coast oysters and Shrimp & Crab Meat Cocktail Deluxe. In addition to a dinner menu available seven days a week, they also serve lunch from Monday through Friday. As for cocktails, Carlucci’s has plenty of warm weather favorites. Options range from the Aperol or Limoncello Spritz and Hershey Kiss Martini to their famous red, white, and rose sangrias. Of course, summer is the perfect time to indulge in desserts like Carlucci’s Cannoli, Cheesecake, and the Peanut Butter Explosion.
| Visit their Website | Reserve a Table | Purchase Gift Card | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 856-235-5737 |
Featured From Camden County:
Water Street Grill
Where: 1 Penn St, Camden
Details: Water Street Grill offers an elevated dining experience, where the stellar views from their patio match the inventive fare. In fact, their unique menu changes constantly based on emerging trends and seasonality. Locals know this spot is the only one in the South Jersey metro area with literal riverfront dining. It’s close proximity to both Camden and Philadelphia attractions also makes it a desirable dinner option. The menu includes options for both breakfast and “Luner” (lunch and dinner). Menu highlights include the Arancini Short Rib, Blackened Salmon, Crab Cakes, Cheesesteak Egg Rolls, and Jersey Salad. The latter blends candied walnuts, raisins, goat cheese, and seasonal fruit with spring mix in a balsamic dressing. Pair any entree with a waterfront view and a specialty cocktail for the ultimate outdoor dining experience. Note: The restaurant has specific hours for breakfast (6am-11am), lunch (11:30am-2pm), and dinner (5pm-10pm) during the week.
| Visit Their Website | Reserve a Table | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 856-756-0070 |
Auburn Road Vineyard & Winery
Where: Pilesgrove
Details: Auburn Road is a unique dining experience in South Jersey. The European-style vineyard boasts a wine bar, patio, and courtyard all surrounded by greenery. Of course, their homegrown wines are the centerpiece of the meal. But they also serve appetizers, soups, salads, house-baked Piadine (Italian street sandwiches), and wood-fired pizza. We recommend starting with their Gourmet Tasting Plate, which includes two artisan cheeses, house-baked bread, imported soppressata, castelvetrano olives, dried apricots, jam, and honey.
Braddock’s Tavern
Where: Medford
Details: This restaurant and pub is popular for it’s casual American cuisine and signature cocktails. The Mac N Cheese here is next-level, so we recommend the original style with a three-cheese blend. Otherwise, their primary dinner entree is a 6oz Filet Mignon. Braddock’s Tavern is a popular spot for the whole family, as they offer both a kids menu and Dog Menu. The latter provides two options: the Upstream Feast with salmon, carrots, peas, and rice, or the Canine Club. (Turkey Burger, Swiss Cheese, Fried Egg, and Lettuce.)
Filomena Lakeview
Where: Deptford
Details: It’s probably not a huge surprise to find a restaurant with “Lakeview” in the name on a Best Outdoor Dining list. But Filomena is particularly popular for it’s authentic Italian cooking and spacious covered patio overlooking Almonesson Lake. The menu is of course brimming with classic Italian favorites like wood-fired pizza, chicken parm, and gourmet sandwiches. For lunch, we recommend the Shaved Ribeye Cheesesteak or Buffalo Style Chicken Cheesesteak. Staying for a sunset dinner? Go for the Tortellini & Scallops.
Giumarello’s Restaurant & G Bar
Where: Haddon Township
Details: This chef-owned Italian steakhouse (from Chef Sam Giumarello) is a local favorite for many reasons. The first is their world-class hospitality that treats guests like family, and another is, of course, the food. Chef Sam’s approach blends his Northern Italian heritage with inventive, modern flavors to create unique dishes. For example, his Sachetti alla Vodka pairs 4-cheese pasta purses with tomatoes, vodka, cream, fresh basil, and chicken. Pair it with one of their seasonal signature cocktails out on the patio for a perfect summer evening.
Highlander Pub and Grill
Where: Williamstown
Details: There can only be one Highlander… Pub and Grill, and it’s located at Scotland Run Golf Club. Open to golfers and the general public alike, this casual restaurant obviously overlooks the golf course. The extensive menu offers stuffed pub sandwiches, steaks, pasta, seafood dishes, and more. Burger fans will love the signature Scotty Smash Burger. it packs two smashed angus patties on a bun with onion bacon jam, and their Scotland’s signature burger sauce. Check out the daily specials menu for other gourmet entree options.
Ten22 Tavern
Where: Pittsgrove
Details: Ten22 Tavern is part of The Grove at Centerton. Their spacious patio provides a charming space to enjoy a selection of lunch, dinner, and signature cocktail options. Besides a selection of salads, sandwiches, and burgers, one standout entree is their BBQ Sampler. This meat-lover’s dream include a half slab of ribs, 5oz brisket, and 5oz pulled pork in any choice of sauce. We recommend ordering it with the house dry rub and a side of corn bread. As for cocktails, their Interstellar martini is an interesting mix of mango vodka and tang concentrate.
Toscana
Where: Cherry Hill
Details: Locals turn to Toscana for traditional Tuscan cuisine. From wood-fired pizza (you have to try the Ortaggi) to pasta dishes like the fiery chicken rigatoni, the menu is full of classic dishes infused with modern twists. Seafood fans have a lot to look forward to, including entrees like Cedar Plank Salmon and Crab Crusted Tilapia. There are nearly a dozen dessert options at Toscana, but we recommend the Apple Tart or Vanilla Bean Créme Brulée. Outdoor dining here feels like being in a Tuscan garden, complete with a working waterfall.
Steakouts Homeplate Sports Bar
Where: Pittsgrove
Details: Steakouts offers a dog-friendly pavilion and backyard island-style place to relax. The authentic tavern offers bottled beers, drafts on tap, and frozen drinks such as Pina Coladas and Daiquiris. Meanwhile, the menu offers salads, sandwiches — including their famous Junior’s Cheesesteak — pizza, seafood, and more. Plus, they offer a rotating dessert menu that always features freshly baked treats made in-house. Their outdoor dining experience doubles as a fun hangout spot with hammocks, pool tables, yard games, and live music stage.
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South Jersey Outdoor Dining FAQs
Water Street Grill (Camden) is the only spot in the South Jersey metro area that offers literal riverfront dining. It boasts incredible views of the water and the Philadelphia skyline. Otherwise, Carlucci’s Waterfront (Mount Laurel) features a beautiful patio terrace overlooking Rancocas Creek.
Braddock’s Tavern (Medford) is a huge hit with families because they offer a dedicated “Dog Menu” for furry friends. Likewise Steakouts Homeplate Sports Bar (Pittsgrove) offers a super relaxed, dog-friendly pavilion and backyard island-style hangout.
Toscana (Cherry Hill) feels like dining in an actual Tuscan garden, complete with a working waterfall and incredible wood-fired pizzas. In nearby Haddon Township, Giumarello’s Restaurant & G Bar serves modern Northern Italian fare on a beautifully-appointed patio.
Auburn Road Vineyard & Winery (Pilesgrove) offers a stunning European-style vineyard experience. You can relax in their courtyard surrounded by greenery while enjoying their homegrown wines, wood-fired pizzas, and house-baked Piadine (Italian street sandwiches).
Steakouts Homeplate Sports Bar is the ultimate backyard hangout, featuring hammocks, pool tables, yard games, and a live music stage. Meanwhile, Highlander Pub and Grill (Williamstown) sits right on the Scotland Run Golf Club. Enjoy their Scotty Smash Burger while overlooking the greens.
Top (Hero) Photo: © Water Street Grill / Website
