The Best Outdoor Dining Spots in New York
Come spring, summer, and even early fall, there are few experiences more pleasurable than eating and drinking outside. That’s why sun-worshipping New Yorkers flock to bars and restaurants that allow for alfresco dining, and we’ve rounded up a few of our favorites — from the High Line-flanking Santina, to the waterfront-adjacent Pier A Harbor House.
Le District
In addition to the 30,000-square feet of real estate committed to gourmet groceries and Parisian-style cafes, this sprawling French market boasts an additional 7,000-square feet of outdoor space (which seats approximately 250 Steak Frites-nibbling and Champagne-sipping diners), overlooking the Hudson River.
Read MoreSantina
Though it’s literally located under the High Line, the glass-walled Santina is determinedly sunny. Especially if you manage to snag one of the seats on the newly-opened patio, perfect for people watching and snacking on Coastal Italian, seafood and vegetable-driven fare, such as Calabrian Tuna Cecina, Squash Carpaccio, Arugula and Fig Salad, and Lobster Catalan.
Read MoreGrand Banks
Two tops on the sidewalk are one thing, but at the seasonal Tribeca oyster bar, Grand Banks, you actually get to dine aboard a historic wooden schooner. Docked on the edge of Hudson River Park’s Pier 25, a share of earnings from the floating restaurant’s Raw Bar, Lobster Rolls and nautically-inspired cocktails goes towards supporting maritime conservation, education, and preservation.
Read MoreMission Cantina
Mexican food is custom-made for eating outdoors, so a warm weather trip to Mission Cantina is best spent sprawled on one of the street-side picnic tables. Especially if it just so happens to be Dollar Taco Happy Hour; featuring hand-patted tortillas alternately filled with Fried Fish, Lamb Breast or Tongue braised in whey.
Read MorePier A Harbor House
The HPH Hospitality Group sure knows how to create the ultimate open-air restaurants; not only are they behind French behemoth, Le District, but they debuted Pier A Harbor House this November, located in a landmarked building astride the Hudson River. And visitors will finally be able to take real advantage of the 400+ outdoor seats, serving fare from the indoor beer hall, including Raw Bar options, Lobster and Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Spinach Artichoke Dip, Steamers, and Mangalitsa Pork Bratwurst.
Read MoreRoof at Park South
What the city lacks in backyards and gardens, it makes up for with soaring roof spaces. And one of the newest (and loveliest) of these is the Roof at the Park South Hotel; a rooftop cocktail lounge and restaurant with unbeatable views of Murray Hill and the Chrysler Building. Enjoy cocktails like Dry Martinis and Peach Bellinis in vintage glassware from bar director, Ted Kilpatrick, and high-end bites courtesy of James Beard-nominated chef, Tim Cushman, including gold leaf-sprinkled Potato and Cheese Croquettes.
Read MoreNarcissa
Even during the dead of winter, John Fraser’s inventive, farm-sourced fare is well worth the trip to Narcissa. But now that the gorgeous garden patio is open for business as well, there’s no excuse not to hightail it to the East Village’s Standard Hotel, for Grilled Short Rib, Charred Octopus and Rotisserie-Crisped Beets.
Read MoreAnella
Considering this Greenpoint charmer serves its freshly baked bread in flowerpots, you know they’ve made delightful use of their bucolic back garden. And expect the various herbs, fruits and veggies currently sprouting outdoors to eventually find their way into your dishes, such as Burrata with basil salt and tomato jam, Kale with shallots and red pepper, and Pork Chops paired with green beans and mixed baby carrots.
Check out My Book – Try This
