Black Bass Hotel (Photo via Facebook.)

Sweater weather is here, and in response, Bucks County restaurants are preparing for colder weather like never before. Due to restrictions put in place in response to the pandemic, outdoor dining plays a vital role this year in a business’s survival. Though ordering takeout or delivery still remain popular right now, the holiday season is typically one full of gatherings with family and friends – often with food and drink. While indoor dining is permitted, the current occupancy caps along with the comfort level of the public, will make outdoor dining much more needed than we’d typically see in the fall and winter seasons. In order to comfortably accommodate guests, many local restaurants will be offering retractable walls, tents, heat lamps, fire pits, cozy blankets, and of course – warm food and drinks.

Here’s a sampling of Bucks County restaurants to head to for a cozy outdoor experience during the chilly days ahead:

The Black Bass Hotel

3774 Ricer Road, Lumberville

Enjoy dinner riverside at The Black Bass hotel on its open, outdoor River Deck with firepits and standing heat lamps. There are also blankets available. In addition, their indoor/outdoor Canal Room has collapsible doors opening up from the deck allowing for under-cover dining.

Golden Pheasant Inn

763 River Road, Erwinna

The Golden Pheasant Inn, nestled between the Delaware River and the Canal, was our 2019 Happening List Winner for Outdoor Dining. The historic inn closed in the summer of 2019 but was bought and reopened in 2020! In an effort to utilize their outdoor space as late into the season as possible, they have installed strong overhead lamps on their front covered porch and standing heat lamps on the back terrace.

GreenHouse New Hope

90 S. Main Street, New Hope

Sit fireside or under the tent with a fall-themed cocktail (and food) at this Main Street, New Hope spot.

Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm

5281 York Road, Holicong

The Inn at Barley Sheaf was named a Finalist for Most Romantic in our 2020 Happening List. Enjoy a meal outside with your special someone outside on their heated patio.

J.B. Dawson's Restaurant and Bar

92 N. Flowers Mill Road, Langhorne

J.B. Dawson's offers plenty of outdoor seating under lit tents. During warmer days, the side are pulled up. But as the temperatures drop, they have the option to lower some of the sides to cut down on wind. Their goal every day is to have as much air circulation as possible. They also have a heater that can be used when it gets very cold.

Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn

11 Bridge Street, Lambertville, NJ

Lambertville Station is just over the New Hope/Lambertville Bridge, offering beautiful views of the river and canal.

“We will continue to serve outside as long as our guests are up to dealing with the elements,” said Rose DiMaro Carbonaro, owner of the Lambertville Station, Hunterdon Happening List Winner for Best Outdoor Dining. “We will be adding a few more heaters to try and keep it as comfortable as possible. We are also ordering blankets the guests can purchase at costs.”

Liberty Bell Beer Garden at Parx Casino

2999 Street Road, Bensalem

Liberty Bell Beer Garden at Parx Casino (Photo provided by Parx.)

Parx Casino opened its Liberty Bell Beer Garden in 2019, complete with a retractable roof and glassed in accordion-style doors that fold neatly together. Who would have thought that they'd be AS useful as they are in 2020?! Because of these features, the Beer Garden can transform from a closed indoor structure to an outdoor beer garden with plenty of fresh air. The roomy 7,600-square-foot space features socially distanced tables – and is adjacent to two patios featuring greenery, modern furniture and 10-foot long fire pits.

Note: With a giant TV, this is a great spot for outdoor Eagles game viewing!

Logan Inn

9 S. Main Street, New Hope (though currently occupying their sister space, The Mansion Inn just 2 doors down!)

The Logan Inn is currently undergoing a major renovation (reveal coming soon!), so in the mean time, they're using their sister space just two doors down at The Mansion Inn. They've set up a beautiful space with strung lights and decor along the fence, heat lamps and fire pits.

Lumberville General Store

3741 River Road, Lumberville

Lumberville General Store is a great stop on the tow path while you're out viewing the beautiful fall leaves. Grab a meal, sit back and relax. With seating on the front covered porch, lawn and back patios with standing heat lamps and firepits, there are plenty of options.

Note: They're also dog friendly! (Snag a free dog biscuit when you bring your furry friend.)

Steam Pub 

606 2nd Street Pike, Southampton

Steam Pub is hoping to offer outdoor dining as long as customers are willing! They're adding heaters to their outdoor area and have plans in mind to cut down on wind. And of course, their fall menu is fill of warming dishes such as spicy crab chowder, French onion soup, and short rib mac-n-cheese. Plus, the fall drink menu features selections like Spiked Apple Cider and a Maple Cinnamon Latte.

Stella New Hope

50 S. Main Street, New Hope

This Jose Garces restaurant located at The Ghost Light Inn features a second-floor outside space that overlooks the Delaware River. To keep things cozy, it's equipped with a wood-burning stove as well as several heaters.

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