Warm weather is officially around the corner, and it’s time to snag a table under the sunshine! With spring right on the horizon, it’s nearly time to pull up a chair and gather your friends… because outdoor dining in NYC is one of our favorite things to do. And although we’ve written many separate outdoor lists — from the best floral-decorated set-ups to all of NYC’s rockin’ rooftops — we decided to compile all of those into one giant list so you have plenty of options for your next day out!
Without further ado, here’s a guide to some of the best outdoor dining spots we’ve found across NYC!
1. Aurora, Williamsburg
Italian restaurant Aurora in Williamsburg, Brooklyn is open for outdoor dining on their sidewalk, but you’ll want to snag seating in the back garden to really feel like you’ve been whisked away from the city (which is also heated in the winter). With a partially covered awning woven with twinkle lights, it becomes a wonderfully romantic atmosphere. But what really makes the place is all of the incredible greenery, as it’s completely covered in vines in the summer. Learn more here.
Where: 70 Grand St, Brooklyn
2. Gitano Island, Governors Island
Gitano Island is set to reopen back up in May 2024 with their Tulum-inspired tropical paradise of a restaurant. Perfect for when the suns out, they’ll have 30-foot tall palm trees, water features, and pergolas that will have you feeling like you escaped on a gorgeous getaway. Their Mexican fare is great too, like the Watermelon Salad, Tuna Tostada, and signature Mezcal cocktails. Stay tuned to their socials on when this outdoor dining spot is set to return next month!
Where: 125 Carder Rd, Governors Island
3. Tavern on the Green, Central Park
The historic Tavern on the Green dates back to 1870, and once housed the sheep that grazed in Central Park’s Sheep Meadow. It’s one of the most beautiful restaurants in NYC thanks to their large outdoor patio covered in greenery, but they also have floor-to-ceiling glass windows if it’s a chillier night.
Where: 67th St. & Central Park West
4. Aldama, Williamsburg
Aldama is a Mexico City-inspired restaurant that offers delicious dishes such as Vegan Mole and Yellowtail Ceviche. Their outdoor patio is complete with overhead clay lamps, concrete walls, and an authentic Mexico City feel.
Where: 91 S 6th St, Brooklyn
5. Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden, Astoria
The open space at Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden is unlike anything you’ll find in Manhattan…which is why you have to head to the outer boroughs! Grab a pitcher of the grapefruit flavor Schofferhoffer and an order of their grilled country Klobasa to share, and enjoy a perfect day under the sun.
Where: 2919 24th Ave, Queens
6. Oxomoco, Greenpoint
This Mexican restaurant offers modern wood-fired dishes and is even Michelin-starred! Head to their outdoor patio and enjoy a tasty bite like Beet “Chorizo” Tacos made with crispy potatoes, avocado, and salsa a las brazas, or their Lamb Barbacoa Tacos with squash blossom, watercress, and salsa pipicha.
Where: 128 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn
7. Watermark, Seaport
Located in the historic Seaport District, Watermark is a 10,000-square-foot outdoor bar, restaurant, and event space boasting exceptional waterfront and panoramic views of the Brooklyn skyline! They’re currently hosting their “Pink Pier” series in which everything is pink…from the decor to the drinks! And you can snag tickets to it here.
Where: 78 South St (Pier 15)
8. Beebe’s, LIC
At the Boro Hotel in Long Island City you’ll find the perfect spot for casual dining at Beebe’s with absolutely delicious pizza. Choose from classics like a Margherita pie to more creative pies, like their Campfire topped with smoked mozzarella, pecorino, mushroom, rosemary, and olive oil. And, when the weather’s nice, head to their outside patio for a ton of outdoor seating with umbrellas.
Where: 38-28 27th St (in the Boro Hotel)
9. Zona De Cuba, The Bronx
Zona De Cuba serves a tasty menu filled with classic Cuban & Latin fare which you can enjoy outside with their ample rooftop bar & patio seating that offers up the most amazing views.
Where: 558 Grand Concourse, The Bronx
10. Pinto Garden, West Village
Pinto Garden has one of the prettiest covered garden patios in the back, plus pretty seating out front all draped in gorgeous florals such as pink and white roses. Come for the gorgeous scenery and outdoor seating and stay for the absolutely delicious Thai dishes!
Where: 117 W 10th St
11. Little Rascal, Greenpoint
With an original location in NoLita, Little Rascal’s Greenpoint extension is a place we love to hang out. The bar, which is a partnership with world-renowned mixologist Keith Larry, who serves elevated cocktails and Turkish-inspired bites. We suggest grabbing a table outside and trying out something they make in-house, ranging from vermouth and bitters to curaçao and falernum.
Where: 130 Franklin St, Brooklyn
12. Kokomo, Williamsburg
Kokomo transports you from Williamsburg to a Caribbean oasis through their tropical outdoor patio. They even have an amazingly delicious and over-the-top cocktail tower that you must try!
Where: 65 Kent Ave, Brooklyn
13. K’Far, Williamsburg
Pull up a chair at K’Far in Brooklyn, an all-day Israeli restaurant and cafe with cuisine inspired by Tel Aviv! There’s nothing better than lounging amongst their plants and greenery in the year-round patio while feasting on masterful dishes like Kubaneh toast and chicken schnitzel. They even open up their retractable glass-enclosed roof on the warmest of days!
Where: 97 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn
14. Guevara’s, Multiple Locations
With pastel pink arches, colorful seating, checkered flooring, and beautiful greenery, Guevara’s is an absolute outdoor dining oasis. Come for the vibes, and stay for the delicious plant-based Cuban dishes like Coconut Ceviche, a Breakfast Torta, or Chilaquiles. Once you’re done dining be sure to head inside to check out their plant store!
Where:
Clinton Hill – 39 Clifton Pl, Brooklyn
Domino Park – 319 Kent Ave, Brooklyn
15. The Fulton, Seaport
Head to The Fulton, a delicious seafood restaurant, where you can get gorgeous views of the pier. Dine on tasty caviar, fresh oysters, and enjoy the weather on their beautiful outdoor terrace.
Where: 89 South St
16. Tacocina, Williamsburg
Situated in Williamsburg’s Domino Park, this seasonal taqueria takes outdoor patio dining in NYC to the next level. Here you can enjoy tasty tacos and margaritas as well as their outdoor seating overlooking the East River. Although it’s not open for 2024 quite yet, expect this waterfront staple to open for the season very soon!
Where: 25 River St, Brooklyn
17. Maisonetta, The Bronx
You’ve heard of Tex Mex cuisine, but have you heard of French Mex cuisine? This family-owned restaurant is serving up a delicious combination of French and Mexican food, and their outdoor patio is the perfect place to enjoy your meal.
Where: 141 Lincoln Ave, The Bronx
18. Terrace at Cathédrale Restaurant, East Village
Don’t get distracted by the front street seating at this restaurant in the Moxy Hotel in the East Village, their outdoor terrace provides even more atmosphere and serves delicious French-Mediterranean cuisine! Just make sure you specify where when you make a reservation. There’s also an awning in case it rains!
Where: 112 E 11th St
19. The Rogers Garden, Prospect Lefferts Garden
Kick back with a tropical drink in this Brooklyn rum bar’s giant outdoor garden! Colorful paintings line the exterior fences, and you can choose from a wide selection of rum craft cocktails along with rotating pop-up food vendors that range from homemade tacos to fish fry.
Where: 708 Rogers Ave, Brooklyn
20. Industry Kitchen, Seaport
Head to Seaport’s Industry Kitchen to grab a table within an eyeshot of the Brooklyn skyline and a waterfront view! The restaurant has over 3,000 square feet of al fresco seating, and a whole menu of American classics like woodfire pizzas and small plates whipped up by Chef Jonathan Haffmans.
Where: 70 South St
21. Blume/Hütte, Upper East Side
This seasonal patio “weingarten” (aka lots of great wine options!) is hidden underneath Schaller’s Stube Sausage Bar, the sandwich shop of the German meat company Schaller & Weber right next door, which has been a part of the UES neighborhood since 1937.
Where: 1652 2nd Ave
22. Milk & Roses, Greenpoint
This Italian-American restaurant has a lovely backyard garden that you can hide away from the crowds in. Snuggle up with a craft cocktail and comforting pastas with fresh sauces — it’s usually open in the winter too!
Where: 1110 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn
23. Olmsted, Prospect Heights
The neighborhood restaurant from chef and owner Greg Baxtrom opened in 2016, and centers their menu on farm-to-table dining. You can see direct evidence of that in their back patio seating area, which is full of fruit, vegetables and herb gardens. They also host a farmers market of sorts called the “Trading Post” with fresh produce and dairy, baked goods, and pre-made meals and other goodies for sale.
Where: 659 Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn
24. Bricks & Hops, The Bronx
This local beer garden in the South Bronx carries 30 draft beers and over 20 craft beers in cans, plus a full kitchen open for brunch, lunch and dinner. Don’t sleep on their Henny Coladas when the weather is warm!
Where: 65 Bruckner Blvd, The Bronx
25. Santiago’s Beer Garden, Harlem
Beer with a side of homemade Dominican food? Now that sounds incredible. Established in 2018, this Harlem hotspot has both indoor & outdoor spaces where you can enjoy Dominican comfort food with a substantial beer menu, plus wine and cocktails. There’s also a great happy hour Monday – Friday from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. with $6 select beers, $7 wines, $9 cocktails and $6 shots.
Where: 2337 1st Avenue
26. Balthazar, SoHo
Though it’s known for its iconic red booths, favorite SoHo French restaurant and brasserie Balthazar has an elaborate outdoor seating set-up that you can enjoy their delicious French classics from.
Where: 80 Spring St
27. El Vez, Battery Park City
Restaurateur Stephen Starr’s contemporary Mexican restaurant in Battery Park is serving all up all sorts of Mexican-American classics! Their menu features Mexican classics like guacamoles, fundidos, ceviches, tacos, quesadillas and enchiladas. Plus, their drinks list consisting of creative cocktails, signature margaritas over 150 mezcals and tequilas…how could you go wrong?
Where: 259 Vesey St
28. Carroll Place, Greenwich Village
If it’s sunny outside and before 4 pm, brunch at Carroll Place is calling you name. Sit in their outdoor seating area draped in twinkling lights and feast on Buon Giorno Pizza with mozzarella, smoked prosciutto, mushrooms, truffle cream, sunny side up eggs or the Pancakes and Gelato. Not feeling like brunch? No problem! They serve dinner as well alongside some fantastic cocktails.
Where: 157 Bleecker St
29. Mezze on the River, Battery Park City
Located directly on the waterfront along the Hudson River, the Mezze on the River boasts two outdoor terraces and patio seating with direct river views of the nearby North Cove Marina. Diners can expect Greek and seafood dishes, shareable mezze plates, and curated seasonal cocktails. Outdoor dining is set to reopen in the coming weeks, meaning their 43 available tables outside, adorning lights and florals, outdoor swing, and neon pink are almost ready to be visited!
Where: 375 South End Ave
30. Kyma, Flatiron
Enjoy delicious Greek food in a beautiful environment setting surrounding by vines and flowers at this Flatiron staple. Word on the street is that they also make a mean martini!
Where: 15 W 18th St
31. Dante, West Village
Snag a table on the corner of Hudson and Perry, and enjoy Dante’s al fresco dining which is headlined by Mediterranean sips and bits, florals and greenery, and the famous ‘Martini Hour.’
Where: 551 Hudson St
32. Lola Taverna, West Village
LOLA Taverna is a colorful escape from the city’s hustle & bustle tucked away in the West Village, serving delicious Greek cuisine and cocktails. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a whimsical garden as you dine and drink under their rich floral displays that decorate their outdoor seating area.
Where: 210 6th Ave
33. A Pasta Bar, SoHo
The Italian restaurant brings Italy right to Manhattan with inspiration from vivid florals and palms. Their exterior is decked out in floral arrangements, with bright yellow and white roses crown the cottage roofs making a beautiful ambiance alongside your more beautiful bowl of pasta.
Where: 330 W Broadway
34. Scarpetta, NoMad
Always known for their over-the-top decor, you won’t want to miss the floral designs that come to Scarpetta each spring! Feast on Italian dishes and you enjoy the beautiful views.
Where: 88 Madison Ave
35. Boucherie, West Village
Sit down for one of the best brunches in the city while you admire the lovely twisting vines of red roses that line the outdoor seating area at this French brasserie’s original location.
Where: 99 7th Ave S
36. Pasta Louise, Park Slope
This neighborhood gathering spot offers simple but delicious Italian cuisine, especially (of course) pasta, served with made-from-scratch sauces and special additions like burrata, house made ricotta and crispy prosciutto. There’s also homemade ice cream with flavors that change daily!
Where: 803 8th Ave, Brooklyn
37. Loulou, Chelsea
Enjoy French dishes and delicious (and Insta-worthy!) cocktails at this pet-friendly spot in Chelsea. It was named after none-other than the owner’s adorable pup!
Where: 176 8th Ave
38. Grand Banks, Pier 25 in Tribeca
Set to open back up very soon is Grand Banks, a historic wooden schooner docked at Pier 25! The restaurant is modeled after the oyster barges found on the waterfront in the 19th century. Their oysters are gathered sustainably from the East & West coast in partnership with the non-profit Maritime Foundation, who raise money for sustainable fishing, plus yellow and white awnings make for a bright, summery atmosphere! Be sure to follow their Instagram to see when they’re opening this year!
Where: Pier 25 Hudson River Park
39. Baylander Steel Beach, Harlem
The Baylander Steel Beach, which first opened a few years ago, is set to reopen on April 25! Visitors are invited to board a historic air craft carrier ship and enjoy a menu full of yummy seafood and bar grub — like fish & chips, fried clams, and lobster rolls. The eatery comes from the owners of Prohibition Lounge on the Upper West Side, who came into ownership of the decommissioned ship in 2017!
Where: Hudson River West Harlem Piers on 125th St
40. City Vineyard at Pier 26, Tribeca
Enjoy stunning views of the Hudson River while sipping on wine that is made right here in NYC at City Vineyard! You have multiple options for seating here: the patio and the rooftop, which both have gorgeous views of the water and are covered in romantic vines. No matter where you sit, there’s plenty of frosé to be had!
Where: 233 West St
41. The Frying Pan, Pier 66 in Chelsea
This Coast Guard lightship-turned restaurant/bar boasts seafood bites like lobster rolls, fried calamari, fish ‘n chips, and more, along with amazing views of the sunset over the Hudson. You’ll feel like you’re out to sea even though you’re completely docked, of course! They also have loads the refreshing summer drinks on deck, like sangria, vodka lemonade, rum punch, and spicy watermelon margaritas! It opens later this spring!
Where: 207 12th Ave
42. Anable Basin, Long Island City
Anable Basin is a bit off the beaten path in Long Island City, but once you walk there you’ll realize how it’s one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Its spot on the East River offers unencumbered views of the Manhattan skyline you won’t get at the restaurants and bars on the city’s piers, plus it’s not as well-known. Enjoy local beers, craft cocktails, and light bites.
Where: 4-40 44 Drive, Long Island City
43. Nick’s Lobster House, Brooklyn
Lobster, anyone? This historic restaurant has been serving Mill Basin, Brooklyn since 1955! Enjoy views of the boats zooming around while on the outside deck, and indulge in lobster multiple different ways: whole, roll, or surf ‘n turf with steak!
Where: 2777 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn
44. Fornino, Brooklyn Bridge Park
Fornino has a huge space overlooking the iconic bridge with outdoor seating for 100 currently available. Take in the sunshine and chef and owner Michael Ayoub’s wood-fired pizzas, salads and sandwiches and alcoholic beverages. They also have a rooftop happy hour Monday – Friday from 4pm – 7pm with $5 beer, $8 wine and a $10 daily drink special. Reservations cane be made on their website here.
Where: Pier 6 Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn
45. La Barca Cantina, Pier 81
Definitely one of the more creative restaurants on the list, as this outdoor restaurant is actually afloat in the Hudson River. That’s right, hop aboard NYC’s first-ever floating Mexican restaurant! Choose from their extensive list of agave-based spirits while you cruise around the city and take in the incredible skyline views. Order their ranging selection of tacos and toast with friends while the sunsets. This restaurant is scheduled to reopen on March 31!
Where: Pier 81, W 41st St
46. PHD Terrace, Midtown
Open every Tuesday-Sunday, travel through PHD Terrance’s flower wall on your way to grab delicious cocktails and take in rooftop views of Manhattan below at PHD Terrace at Dream Midtown. Their current “Midwinter Night’s Dream” pop-up is currently going on right now featuring special F&B and decor!
Where: 210 W 55th St
47. Eataly, Flatiron
Eataly’s Flatiron Birreria rooftop is a go-to in NYC during any season because of its incredible decor, and its “floral explosion design” look may be its prettiest yet. The space will transport you to the Italian countryside with a bright, fun ambiance “encompassing all the best elements of spring.”
Where: 200 Fifth Avenue
48. Johnny’s Reef, City Island
Johnny’s Reef has been serving City Island—the tiny 1.5-mile long island off the northeastern part of the Bronx—for a whopping 60 years. It’s casual and affordable, with fresh seafood from the market each day that can be eaten off picnic tables right on the water. Enjoy a wide range of fish, shellfish and more either steamed or fried.
Where: 2 City Island Ave, The Bronx
49. Cantina Rooftop, Hell’s Kitchen
Cantina Rooftop on 48th Street has been open for years now and they offer a “modern Mexican menu” as well as specialty tequila and mezcal cocktails. But the main attraction? It boasts a climate-controlled retractable glass rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Manhattan, that can be enjoyed no matter the season—or the weather.
Where: 605 W 48th St
50. Sushi Lab Rooftop, Midtown
Have a fine dining rooftop experience at Sushi Lab Rooftop, atop the gorgeous midtown Sanctuary Hotel. The new rooftop restaurant features Japanese small plates along with creative sushi, plus an incredible omakase experience, utilizing only the freshest ingredients. The space features seats at the chef’s counter and additional outdoor tables practicing safe social distancing.
Where: 132 W 47th St
51. Sandbar Rooftop, Chelsea
The Sandbar Rooftop in Chelsea has a retractable roof and those swing seats we adore, plus fresh cocktails and personal pizzas! Read more here.
Where: 152 W 26th St
52. Ainslie, Williamsburg
Enjoy mouthwatering wood-fired pizzas, pastas, Wood Fired Rosemary Wings and more, along with an extensive beer, wine & cocktail menu at Ainslie in Brooklyn. Plus their bottomless brunch is from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on the weekends. Learn more here.
Where: 76 Ainslie St, Brooklyn
53. Westlight NYC, Williamsburg
On top of The William Vale hotel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, this 22nd floor rooftop restaurant comes from Chef Andrew Carmellini. Enjoy sweeping views of the city while you sip on one of their original or classic cocktails.
Where: 111 N 12th St, Brooklyn
54. Refinery Rooftop, Midtown
Get an up-close view of the Empire State Building at this terrace atop the Refinery Hotel. They have fun handcrafted cocktails, along with light bites like sliders, cacio e pepe tater tots or a chocolate cookie skillet to indulge your sweet tooth!
Where: 63 W 38th St
55. The Ready Rooftop, East Village
Living in New York is obviously everything, but when summer hits, sometimes you just miss a nice backyard, and that’s okay! Introducing (drum roll please) The Ready rooftop in the East Village. It gives off chill backyard vibes but right in Manhattan, and not to mention stunning city views! With murals, a taco stand and funky table-side coolers, it’s the NYC backyard you’ve always wanted.
Where: 112 E 11th St