Pittsburgh’s 9 coolest restaurants with heated outdoor seating

Pittsburgh winter might be in full swing, but our dining scene is on fire. 

We last dove into the heated outdoor dining trend three years ago during the wild, chaotic times of the pandemic. Well, good news – most of those hotspots (pun intended!) are still kicking it and there are some more fun places to add to the list. So we’re back for round two, revisiting Pittsburgh’s heated outdoor dining scene.

Here’s the scoop on where to cozy up and chow down under the winter stars …

Apteka is known for its artisanal, plant-powered experience. This winter, it also is offering a cozy backyard escape. A heated canvas tarp tent, crafted by the team themselves, offers a relaxed hangout spot as you chow down on delicious pierogies and vegan schnitzels. Don’t miss the piernik, a rich gingerbread cake for a winter treat.

Heated patios, killer burgers and shakes. All Burgatory locations have covered patio areas with heaters. Enjoy locally sourced burgers washed down with milkshakes so thick you’ll need a spoon. 

Bella Terra takes outdoor dining to the next level with igloos at its Hunker, Bedford and Hampton locations. The main location in Hunker also has a party dome. Two-hour reservations and a reservation fee bring you an Instagram-worthy dining experience with blankets, heaters and seasonal decor. Sipping local wine with twinkling bistro lights under the night sky? Sign us up! 

Pizzeria Davide’s patio is a welcoming, toasty spot –  with freshly baked pies and heaters keeping the chill at bay. Enjoy some New York-style pizza outdoors, because winter nights deserve top-notch slices. 

At La Palapa, discover an enclosed heated patio offering authentic Mexican cuisine all winter long. There are plenty of winter highlights on offer. Dive into rotating soup specials, sip on Tinto de Invierno (mulled wine), and catch the happiest of happy hours (half-price Mexican beer and select appetizers) from Tuesday through Friday.

Brave the winter chill at Stick City Brewing, where craft beer meets the great outdoors. The outdoor seating, complete with fire pits and a wood pellet patio heater, creates a magical setting. Regulars insist that they enjoy it most when there are some snow flurries. The best part? Food trucks show up in every season too – rain, shine or snowfall. 

Sip award-winning ciders and meads at Arsenal Cider, where outdoor space heaters at both the Lawrenceville and Dormont locations provide a cozy atmosphere. While they may not compete with extreme cold, they offer the perfect solution for enjoying crisp hard ciders on milder winter days. 

A full late-night menu? Check. Handcrafted drinks? Double check. Head to The Warren’s heated, enclosed patio for a year-round escape. Pro tip: Ask for seasonal specials!

Bavarian Bliss, anyone? Hop over to Hofbrauhaus for a German feast on the terrace, which is heated and enclosed for winter comfort. Enjoy a new bier every month, plenty of winter warmth, and traditional Bavarian favorites from bratwurst to Reuben balls to Bavarian cream puffs.