There is just something special about alfresco dining on a beautiful summer night! Perhaps it’s the fresh air, the energy, the company, the cocktails, the food, or maybe it’s the feeling of being whisked away to somewhere else; putting us in vacation mode even if just a few miles from home.
In these pages, we have broadened our scope a bit to bring you some outdoor dining options for those times you can’t stray too far from home but are in need of some fun or a relaxing reset!
Jules@Market
111 Market Street Bristol, PA 215-458-7622
With accolades galore including “Best Seafood Restaurant” in Philadelphia as per Philadelphia Magazine and Top Chef in Bucks County, owner Jules and Chef Bobby have been serving up sustainable ocean to table seafood in the charming historic waterfront district of Bristol Borough since November 2017.
Jules at Market’s success begins with fresh seafood purchased from fish mongers, Samuels and Sons; purveyors with the highest quality standards as set by the Marine Stewardship Council and Monterey Bay Aquarium. These two highly regarded, independent seafood ranking companies allow consumers to enjoy dining with confidence. Additionally, Jules personally strives for a 48 hour harvest date from water to table!
Popular menu items include their award winning crab cakes, the seafood tower, jumbo scallops, and their extensive selection of fresh fish, steaks and chops. Hard to find delicacies such as Florida stone crabs, Dover Sole, and soft shells are available seasonally. With regards to cooking preparation, Jules states, “Our cooking preparation is simple. All dishes are sautéed; you will never find anything fried, baked, or stuffed on our menu. We stay out of the way and let the integrity of each carefully sourced ingredient shine through.” Still want more? Try a scrumptious dessert or two created by their wildly innovative sous chef, Sam!
A 20x40 tent elegantly appointed with white table cloths and seasonal florals elevate the experience making Jules at Market the perfect mix of unpretentious sophistication that is well suited for both casual and special occasion dining.
Jules@Market is BYOB. Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 5-10:00. Check out their live music schedule and don’t miss “buck-a-shuck” Wednesday’s - $1 “shucked to order oysters” with the purchase of an entrée. Reservations are accepted on Open Table or by texting 609-954-2372.
The Landing Restaurant
22 North Main Street New Hope, PA 215-862-5711
The Cretella’s and The Landmark Hospitality team have been busy, busy this past year. First they began a major renovation of the Logan Inn and Mansion which is scheduled to open this summer, then amidst the pandemic they acquired The Landing Restaurant in New Hope, PA. The Landing opened its door back in May, and we could not be happier to include this summer favorite in our alfresco dining segment!
First, we should warn you that the beautiful grounds of The Landing Restaurant might take your breath away; a sumptuous garden along with overflowing flower pots lead patrons to their stunning riverside terrace. This oversized patio with bright red umbrellas, new tables, and more flowers provides diners with a spectacular front row river view seat. Landmark Hospitality recognizes that some of our best memories are made over food. That said, they believe that there are three components that make for a positive dining experience 1) an upbeat, cheery, colorful atmosphere, 2) delicious food, and 3) great service. Fun fact: they even refer to their friendly staff as “memory makers”.
General Manager, Maggie noted that the new Landing will be making some small changes over time, but the welcoming, relaxed feeling you’ve always enjoyed is staying put as is their emphasis on fresh farm to table inspired American Continental cuisine. Popular menu items include glazed fig or prosciutto and goat cheese flatbreads, roasted pear and beet salad, shrimp and fish tacos, the Landing burger, a recently added charcuterie board, and our personal favorite, the black bean nachos! Interested in a summer cocktail? Casey and the other bartenders are happy to help you quench your thirst. Try the seasonal sangria, planters punch, a cold beer, mimosa, or a nice glass of wine. Non-alcoholic Mango White Tea, the Pomegranate-Blueberry refresher and other mocktails are also available. Terrace seating is first come and is open for Lunch, Dinner and Sunday Bruch. Hours of operation are Monday-Thursday 11:30-9:00; Friday-Saturday 11:30-11:00; Sunday 10:00-9:00.
Erini Restaurant
1140 River Road Ewing Township, NJ 609-882-0303
Close your eyes and imagine sipping on a Mai Tai in a lush tropical garden surrounded by Tiki torches and palm trees. Add some Mediterranean inspired cuisine…perhaps a Meze Platter with homemade hummus and feta, fresh grilled octopus, lollipop lamb chops, or Ahi tuna and now open your eyes. Did you escape briefly to another land? If so, the Fifis family has accomplished exactly what they set out to do back in 2007. Their vision to create a place where diners come to enjoy, relax, and escape reality for a couple of hours can be found just over the bridge at Erini Restaurant in Ewing, NJ.
We chatted with co-owner, Chef Nick as he was leaving a local tree farm with a truck full of new palms for the patio. Erini, derived from the Greek word “peace”, is known for their Mediterranean inspired cuisine; classic family recipes with a modern day twist. While their food is first and foremost, he went on to passionately explain the concept referred to as “SALT” (Sound, Ambiance, Lighting, and Temperature). The tranquil sound of pond-less waterfalls, the carefully positioned lighting, music that changes seasonally, and an underground greenhouse that keeps the Elephant Ears and Caladiums flourishing all year round are just a few examples of how Erini has incorporated each of these elements to achieve their intentional vibe. Separately, these features are nice but when properly combined, they work harmoniously to elevate the dining experience.
This master chef began picking string beans for $5 a bushel at the age of 5 before graduating to head toast maker at the family’s Cherry Hill Diner, Ponzio’s. Things began to heat up after being hired as sous chef and working for some of Philly’s top restaurants; Continental, Buddakan, World Fusion, and Amada. However, the real fun came with the birth of Erini; a magical space that would become a culmination of Nick and his family’s experiences and Greek heritage.
The Fifis family, along with General Manager and bartender Kyle Hillman, run a tight ship leaving no stone unturned. That said, it is no surprise that when it comes to quality, they only serve the very best; Angus beef, sushi grade and wild caught seafood, innovative craft cocktails, and scratch-made dessert are sure to round out the perfect dining experience and escape! Hours: Monday - Thursday 11:30 -9:00; Fri-Saturday 11:30 AM-10:00; Sunday 3:00-9:00. Reservations are accepted and can be made on RESY.
Holy Que Smokehouse
5788 Lower York Road Lahaska, PA 267-544-5762
It is July, friends, and you know what that means….time for some Barbeque! Holy Que Smokehouse in Lahaska, PA has been on fire since they opened in November 2020! Owner, Tom Peters hung up his real-estate hat after 22 years and began smokin’ everything he could get his hands on; brisket, ribs, sausage links and pork! Good barbeque is serious business; Tom and his posse smoke more than 700 lbs. of meat daily! Holy Que Smokes, that is no joke!
Tom educated us on the different types of barbeque; Kansas City, Memphis and Carolina, but @holyquesmokes keeps it low, slow, and Texas style! A little kosher salt and pepper dry rub is all that’s needed to keep the crowds coming back again and again! What? No BBQ sauce? Don’t worry your pretty little head; if you like your barbeque smothered, they’ve got you covered. Plus, you’ve got decisions to make, important decisions like which sides to pick. Choose from mac-n-cheese, baked beans, cider slaw, creamed corn, greens or honey corn bread. Can’t decide? Give 'em all a try!
Grab some friends and indulge in some delicious barbeque while hanging out back @HolyQuesmokes where it always “feels like home”! Holy Que Smokehouse is BYOB with live music on Saturday’s. Catering is also available. TIP: reservations are not accepted so to avoid disappointment, give a call before you go; when they run out, they run out! Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 11:00-6:00; Sunday 12:00-4:00.
Writer bio: Beth Crawford is the founder and former director of BC Discoveries Dance and Theater Arts Co. After many years of working in dance and theater production, she has shifted gears to serving the local community as a social media manager and freelance writer. She is currently a blogger for Bucks on Trend where she highlights the fabulous local small businesses in Bucks County. IG: @bucksontrend.
