LaScala’s Birra

If you are looking for an incredible waterfront drinking and dining destination in South Jersey, LaScala’s Birra in Pennsauken is an absolute must visit. Situated perfectly on the banks of the scenic Cooper River along North Park Drive, this expansive venue operates as a lively Italian restaurant and beer garden. The LaScala Restaurant Group brought the Birra brand to this beautiful riverfront location in 2018, transforming the space into a major draw for both locals and visitors. Whether you are enjoying a sunny afternoon watching boats glide by on the river or grabbing dinner with friends on the weekends, the atmosphere is vibrant, welcoming, and built for a good time.

• The Drink Experience: Because you are coming here for the beverages, you will be highly impressed by their massive, 20 tap rotating draft list. The bar strongly supports the New Jersey craft beer scene, regularly pouring exceptional options from nearby breweries like Bonesaw Brewing Co., Tonewood Brewing, King’s Road Brewing Company, Cape May Brewing Co., and Ship Bottom Brewery. If you prefer international flavors, you can always find classic imports like Peroni, Bitburger, and Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier on draft. The bartenders also excel at mixing up creative seasonal cocktails, such as their popular Orange Cranberry Margarita, and they maintain a highly approachable wine list to pair with your dinner.

• Creative Italian & Shareables: The menu is designed around generous portions that are perfect for sharing over a few rounds of drinks. A major highlight is their signature LaScala Fries, an indulgent pile of fries loaded with their special cheese sauce, bacon, jumbo lump crabmeat, and chopped Italian long hots. You also cannot go wrong with the Mussels, which are uniquely prepared in Peroni beer with herb butter, fresh garlic, and zesty red sauce.

• Wood Fired Pizzas: True to the Birra name, their creative wood fired pizzas are a fantastic complement to an ice cold craft beer. Options range from a traditional Margherita to the decadent Truffle Pie topped with wild mushrooms, Taleggio cheese, and white truffle oil.

• The Vibe: The absolute highlight of this location is the sweeping view of the Cooper River. They offer fantastic outdoor seating that puts you right on the water, making it a highly sought after spot during the warmer months and local regatta weekends. It can get extremely busy during peak dining hours and beautiful summer days, so expect a lively, bustling energy when you walk through the doors.