The Lehigh Valley’s Best Outdoor Dining and Hangouts
The Lehigh Valley’s Best Outdoor Dining and Hangouts
August 21, 2025
As the Lehigh Valley’s premier homebuilder since 1961, we love everything this area has to offer. The Lehigh Valley has the best of both worlds: the convenience of virtually every amenity you could want with beautiful natural beauty all year long. As Summer eases and the air becomes refreshingly cool, it’s a great time to enjoy some outdoor drinks and dining. So check out our list of the Lehigh Valley’s best outdoor dining and hangout spots:
The Lehigh Valley Has Amazing Outdoor Dining!
There’s nothing quite like sitting outside on a comfortably cool evening, surrounded by festive lights and maybe a fire pit or two. Fortunately the Lehigh Valley has some outstanding spots for outdoor “Al fresco” dining - all close to our new home communities!
Easton Area
Thyme Rooftop Grille (Easton): Thyme is Easton’s premier rooftop dining destination. It’s the third venture from the ownership group that brought us Grille 3501 and ZEST, so you know the food will be special. The menu offers something for everyone, from classics like filet mignon and pork chops to more exquisite options like seared ostrich steak. While dining you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Delaware River and the Easton skyline. New Jersey is right across the river!
The Wanderlust Beer Garden (Easton): Wanderlust is just a fun, casual outdoor vibe. Enjoy the spacious outdoor area with lots of seating, live music, and outdoor games. Fill up on cheesesteaks, burgers, sandwiches, flatbreads, and more. They offer lots of good craft beer, wine, seltzers, and some creative cocktails.
The View at Morgan Hill (Williams Township): Considered by many to be the best outdoor dining experience in the Lehigh Valley, the large deck overlooks the beautiful golf course. The bar features a wide variety of rotating craft beers and seasonal Tito’s cocktails. The menu offers something for everyone from tasty starters, casual burgers and handhelds to delectable entrees.
Macungie and Emmaus
Buckeye Tavern (Macungie): The Buckeye is THE place to go for casual dining. A cool local hangout since 1735, the Buckeye is a warm and welcoming place. They feature 20 beers on tap, $5 drink specials, lots of delicious food options with generous portions. Their outdoor deck is super popular for outdoor dining on nicer days and evenings.
House and Barn (Emmaus): The upscale House (with popular Burgery Company options) features a patio along the creek. You can sit in adirondack chairs near the fire pit and relax, or dine at larger tables on the paved patio. The more rustic Barn offers some small wood-topped tables in an outdoor setting. The newly added Shed is an outdoor open-air pavilion with cigar bar, drinks, and popular whiskey brands.
Bear Creek Resort (Macungie):Bear Creek’s Trail’s End Cafe features relaxed poolside dining. Their happy hour features $5 craft beers and ½ off appetizers. The food is casual with burgers, handhelds and salads. It’s worth the trip to Bear Creek just to explore the area and see the natural beauty of the forested ski slopes outside of ski season.
Folino Estate Winery (Kutztown): Just a few miles west of Macungie and Alburtis is the Folino Estate Winery. This upscale spot features beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces where you can enjoy handcrafted wine, reinvented Italian fare and authentic wood-fired pizzas while taking in views of a stunning Lehigh Valley vineyard!
Bethlehem
ZEST bar+grille (South Side Bethlehem): ZEST is popular for their creative cocktails (and mocktails), varied menu (from Crispy Chickpeas to Seared Salmon), decadent desserts, and their rooftop dining terraces with stunning views of Southside Bethlehem and the renowned Steel Stacks. The outdoor spaces feature fans and heaters so you’ll always be perfectly comfortable no matter what the weather.
The Wooden Match (Bethlehem): USA Today recently named Bethlehem, Pa. as the best Main Street in America! When you go check it out, stop by The Wooden Match for dinner and enjoy their huge outdoor dining area. Their famous Matchplatz stage features some of the best musical acts in the Lehigh Valley and beyond. This popular spot is perfect for those who enjoy great music, craft beer, mouthwatering comfort food and maybe a cigar while enjoying the outdoor space.
That’s just the start! The Lehigh Valley has so many options for great places to drink, dine and take-in the scenery that makes this area so special in any season! It’s all part of why we at Kay Builders love this area! Ready to build your dream home in the Lehigh Valley? Talk to us—we can build you a CUSTOM-i-ZABLE home to fit your needs and style, all built with the finest quality materials and craftsmanship of Lehigh Valley’s 3rd generation, family-owned builder.
Call us at 484-353-6100 or submit our online form to learn more about our communities. Soon you can call the Lehigh Valley home and check out all these outdoor dining spots for yourself!
*Photo credit: Sunset photo pictured is ZEST's outdoor rooftop terrace, a featured image on Trip Advisor.
