TYPE IN YOUR SEARCH AND PRESS ENTER
The weather's finally warm and that means you can catch us eating outdoors across the city! From floral oases to waterfront paradises, here are all the best outdoor dining options in NYC.
Claire Leaden - Editor
Outdoor dining in NYC was always a warm weather staple, but throughout the pandemic it took over the city like never before.
For a while it was the only way we could dine at all (and restaurants could keep their businesses afloat), as owners expanded onto the sidewalks and streets thanks to the annual Open Streets program. Now, almost every restaurant in the city offers outdoor seating in some way, providing ample opportunity to take in the sun and fresh air in the busy city.
Though we’ve written many separate outdoor dining guides — from the best floral-decorated set-ups to all of NYC’s rockin’ rooftops — we decided to compile allll 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, organized by category.
Table Of Contents
Where: 70 Grand St.
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. Find out more here.
Where: 76 Varick St., New York
Enter the tropical paradise of this Tulum-inspired restaurant that’s perfect when the sun’s out! With nearly 30-foot tall palm trees, water features, and pergolas you’ll feel like you’ve escaped on a gorgeous getaway. Serving up Mexican fare, try their Watermelon Salad, Tuna Tostada, and definitely one of their signature Mezcal cocktails. This is NYC outdoor dining at its finest! *Usually opens for the season in late May
Where: 67th St. & Central Park Westst
The historic Tavern on the Green dates back to 1870, and once housed the sheep that grazed in Central Park’s Sheep Meadow. Though it’s a beautiful Park dining spot in the warm weather, with a large outdoor patio covered in greenery, they also have floor-to-ceiling glass windows if it’s a chillier night.
Aldama is a Mexico City-inspired restaurant that offers delicious dishes such as Vegan Mole and Yellowtail Ceviche. Their outdoor patio opens on May 1st complete with overhead clay lamps, concrete walls, and an authentic Mexico City feel.
Where: 91 S 6th St.
This Mexican restaurant offers modern wood-fired dishes. 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.
Head to Bayou’s outdoor alley space and feel like you’ve been transported straight to New Orleans. Head to this festive spot for bourbon ribs, jambalaya, and even alligator bites, and wash it all down with one of their tasty cocktails like the Hot Honey Manhattan, made with bourbon, sweet vermouth, hot honey and local bitters.
Where: 1072 Bay St.
Where: 38-28 27th St. (in the Boro Hotel)
At the Boro Hotel in LIC 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: 558 Grand Concourse
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: 117 W 10th St.
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: 20 Cornelia St.
For tasty American Chinese food you need to check out Silver Apricot. Choose from a-la-carte or family style dishes like spicy orange shrimp, peking grilled cheese, grilled black bass, and blistered roots and shoots. There’s outdoor seating up front, as well as a semi-secret back patio.
Where: 65 Kent Ave.
Kokomo transports you from Williamsburg to a Caribbean oasis through their tropical outdoor patio. They recently started up their summertime happy hour series, offering a Tuesday-Thursday night happy hour from 4p.m. – 7p.m. During happy hour enjoy items like coconut curry mussels, seafood fritters, frozen rum punch, and more for only $10 each!
Where: 28 Cornelia St.
Palma is taking outdoor patio dining in NYC to new heights with its gorgeous secluded garden. Step in (well, technically, step out) and feel like you’ve been transported straight out of NYC. Here you’ll find yourself surrounded by string lights and gorgeous floral accents where you can dine on delicious Italian dishes.
Where: Clinton Hill – 39 Clifton Pl. / Domino Park – 319 Kent Ave.
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: 89 South St.
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: 25 River St.
Situated in Williamsburg’s Domino Park, this taqueria takes outdoor patio dining in NYC to the next level and has the ultimate outdoor summer vibes. Here you can enjoy tasty tacos and margaritas as well as their outdoor seating overlooking the East River.
Where: 141 Lincoln Ave.
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: 112 E 11th St.
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: 708 Rogers Ave, Brooklyn
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: 10 Hope St.
Twinkle lights and hanging greenery in the Brooklyn restaurant’s massive backyard garden are the perfect addition to Executive Chef Travis McGinty’s seasonal Mediterranean menu with options like Squid Ink Gnocchi, Arroser Scallops and juicy 8oz Ten Hope Burgers and Kofta Burgers. Yum! Personal igloos even dot the yard during the winter.
Where: 1652 2nd Ave
This season 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. In the winter it has a cozy chalet-theme, while in the spring it becomes a pretty pink paradise.
Where: 1110 Manhattan Avenue (Brooklyn)
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: 659 Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn
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.
And don’t forget to order their giant cocktail in your own person watermelon during the summer!
Where: 65 Bruckner Blvd, 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 warms up!
Where: 2919 24th Ave.
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: 2337 1st Avenue
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: 80 Spring St.
Though it’s known for its iconic red booths, favorite SoHo brasserie Balthazar opened an elaborate outdoor seating set-up for the first time ever last spring to enjoy their delicious French classics from.
Where: 75 9th Avenue
This Asian-fusion restaurant is taking outdoor dining to a whole new level. Buddakan’s outdoor seating is decked out with vibrant lanterns creating an enchanting spectacle for nighttime dining. This lantern-lit dinner is located right in Chelsea serving as an escape into another world.
Where: 157 Bleecker St, New York
If it’s sunny outside and before 4 p.m. brunch at Carroll Place is calling you name. Sit in their outdoor seating area draped in twinkling lights and feast on Buon Giorno Pizzae 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: 32nd St., between
Though this isn’t one restaurant but instead a whole neighborhood, during warmer months Koreatown shuts down to traffic to create an amazing outdoor dining scene along with entire block of 32nd St.. Enjoy Korea BBQ & mouthwatering bites in the open air.
Where: 15 W 18th St.
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: 449 Court St, Brooklyn
This beautiful bistro, located in one of the oldest bars in Brooklyn, is the perfect spot to cozy up with a menu that focuses on a range of classic American snacks and starters.
Where: 210 6th Ave, New York
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: 330 W Broadway, New York
The Italian restaurant launched their “Soho Cottages” to bring Italy right to Manhattan. Each cottage 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. There’s even a 24K gold leaf pasta!
Where: 88 Madison Ave, New York
Always known for their over-the-top decor, you won’t want to miss this spring’s floral designs coming to Scarpetta! Feast on Italian dishes and you enjoy the beautiful views.
Where: 99 7th Ave S.
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: 803 8th Ave, Brooklyn
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! The floral design was inspired by the owner’s hometown of Oakland, CA.
Where: 176 8th Ave
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: Pier 25 Hudson River Park
Located on Sherman Zwicker, a historic wooden schooner docked at Pier 25, Grand Banks 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!
Where: Hudson River West Harlem Piers on 125th St.
The Baylander Steel Beach, which first opened last summer, is a brand new restaurant and bar at the West Harlem Piers that is aboard a historic air craft carrier ship. The eatery comes from the owners of Prohibition Lounge on the Upper West Side, who came into ownership of the decommissioned ship in 2017. The menu, of course, boasts yummy seafood and bar grub — like fish & chips, fried clams, and lobster rolls. And of course, there are plenty of nautical themed cocktails like the Dark ‘n Stormy, and a “Port Side Paloma.”
Where: 233 West St.
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 socially-distanced 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: 207 12th Ave
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!
Where: 4-40 44 Drive, 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: 2 City Island Ave, The Bronx
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: 2777 Flatbush Ave, 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: 146 Carder Rd., Governors Island
When you’re sitting at the Island Oyster bar on Governors Island on a sunny day, feeling the sea breeze flow from the Hudson River, you will surely forget you are even in the city (except for that gorgeous view of the skyline, of course). You’ll feel like you’re on vacation on a tropical island—and you only had to take a $2 ferry from downtown Manhattan. Munch on oysters (of course), fresh salads, fish tacos, and vacation-ready cocktails.
Where: Pier 6 Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn, NY
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: Park Drive North, E 72nd St.
New Yorkers were devastated when Central Park’s iconic Loeb Boathouse closed in October due to the pandemic, but unlike many other NYC restaurants, it luckily wasn’t permanent. The 1950s-era restaurant opened on March 29, so New Yorkers can enjoy a delicious meal while watching the rowboats once again!
Where: Pier 81, W 41st St, New York
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.
Where: 23 Lexington Ave.
Located in the Freehand Hotel, Broken Shaker has an absolutely gorgeous rooftop patio for the most perfect warm weather vibes. The best part, Tuesday-Saturday from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. is their Happy Hour where you can get select cocktails for only $10!
Where: 210 W 55th St, New York
Open every Wednesday-Sunday until 12 p.m (Thursday until 1 a.m. & Friday & Saturday until 2 a.m.)., 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.
Where: 200 Fifth Avenue
Eataly’s Flatiron Birreria rooftop is a go-to in NYC during any season because of its incredible decor, and its brand new “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.” Read all about it here!
Where: 100 Broad Street
Ampia Rooftop, which comes from the owners of the popular Gnoccheria located directly below it, made socially-distanced dining even more charming (and safe) with these plastic mini greenhouses adorning their terrace. Located in FiDi, the rooftop has greenhouses for tables of two that diners can cuddle up in for light bites and drinks. Oh and another positive–a little rain won’t bother you! There are also contactless menus, which diners only have to scan a QR code on the their phones to peruse.
And, they’ve been totally decked-out with florals for spring!
Where: 605 W 48th St.
Cantina Rooftop on 48th Street has been open for four years and offers 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. Right now it’s decked out with brightly colored umbrellas, making a gorgeous photo op.
And while you’re there, don’t forget about their gigantic 12-pound taco!
Where: 132 w 47th St.
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: 152 W 26th St.
If you want to channel summer vibes, and didn’t get out to the Hamptons as much as you wanted to last year, the Sandbar Rooftop in Chelsea back open this spring. They have a retractable roof and those swing seats we adore, plus fresh cocktails and personal pizzas! Read more here.
Where: 76 Ainslie St., Brooklyn
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: 111 N 12th St., Brooklyn
On top of The William Vale hotel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, this 22nd floor rooftop bar comes from Chef Andrew Carmellini. Enjoy sweeping views of the city while you sip on one of their original or classic cocktails.
Where: 63 W 38th St.
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: 21 9th Ave, New York
Ready for an enchanting oasis right above the streets of Manhattan? Catch roof located in Meatpacking has just updated their decor with a total floral makeover, given by none other than the fabulous Floratorium. The floral color palette is inspired by the ocean and sunsets as you’ll be dazzled by beautiful purple clematis, pink Bougainvillea and Lavender Wisteria’s. Get the Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail and a Sunset Spritz and you’re good to go!
Where: 112 East 11th Street, New York
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.