15 Gorgeous Hidden Spots For Outdoor Dining In NYC

Well, that’s where these under-the-radar hidden dining spots come in handy! If you want to avoid the crowds and have a secluded dining experience in peace, you’ll want to add these spots to your list. Some aren’t secret-staircase level hidden (though some are!), but rather have backyard patios or gardens you wouldn’t necessarily know about just walking by. Here are 15 gorgeous hidden spots for outdoor dining in NYC you must check out asap:

1. Blume, Upper East Side

Blume NYC is a hidden patio “weingarten” (aka lots of great wine options!) on the Upper East Side. It’s 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 neighborhood since 1937. You’ll have to pass the sidewalk seating at the sausage bar, and instead head down the stairs inside to find the pastel pink garden oasis in total seclusion. Read more here.

Where: 1652 2nd Ave.

When: Monday-Friday 4p.m. – 11p.m., Saturday-Sunday 11:30a.m. – 11p.m.

2. 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. 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. Find out more here.

Where: 70 Grand St.

When: Monday-Thursday 12p.m. – 11p.m., Friday 12p.m. – 11:30p.m., Saturday 11a.m. – 3:30p.m. & 5:30p.m. – 11:30p.m., Sunday 11a.m. – 3:30p.m. & 5p.m. – 10p.m.

3. 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! Just make sure you specify where you’d like to sit when you make a reservation. There’s also an awning in case it rains!

Where: 112 E 11th St.

When: Tuesday-Saturday 5p.m. – 12a.m., Sunday 11:30a.m. – 3:30p.m. (for brunch)

4. Cibar Lounge, Gramercy

If you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate an event, you can actually rent out the Cibar Lounge’s hidden backyard patio! Perfect for an intimate birthday or get-together. Enjoy frozen cocktails plus plenty of small plates to share. If not—though not hidden—their street dining is still really bringing the tropical vibes.

Where: 56 Irving Pl.

When: Monday-Thursday 5p.m. – 12a.m., Friday 5p.m. – 2a.m., Saturday 6p.m. – 2a.m.

5. Temple Court at the Beekman Hotel, Lower Manhattan

When you dine atop this hotel roof, you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to Paris instead of NYC. With charming historic rooftops surrounding you and tons of beautiful blooms, it’s definitely the hidden paradise that will carry you into fall. Enjoy a mouthwatering menu from star chef Tom Colicchio, and wait for the sun to set and string lights to go on for a truly magical experience.

Where: 123 Nassau St.

When: Tuesday-Saturday 5:30p.m. – 10p.m.

6. Savage Sicko, Astoria

This hidden patio at Savage Sicko in Astoria, Queens is named “La Isla Bonita” and serves vegan latin cuisine with fresh-pressed juices. Plus, its eco-conscious mission is devoted to saving endangered sharks! Load up on vegan nachos, arepas, and guac, and on weekends you won’t want to miss out on their tasty new brunch menu.

Where: 37-10 31st Ave, Queens

When: Tuesday-Sunday 12p.m. – 9p.m.

7. 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.

When: Monday 5p.m. – 9p.m., Tuesday-Friday 5p.m. – 9:30p.m., Saturday-Sunday 12p.m. – 2p.m. & 5p.m. – 9:30p.m.

8. sek’ənd sun, Astoria

For a laid-back cocktail bar that also serves some tasty bites to eat, this is the spot to go. sek’ənd sun in Astoria features an array of signature cocktails brimming with originality that pair perfectly with their dishes, like the honey butter hot chicken sandwich, for example. Plus their hidden backyard is a cute, quaint place to hangout in.

Where: 32-11 Broadway

When: Monday-Thursday 5p.m. – 2a.m., Friday 5p.m. – 4a.m., Saturday 11a.m. – 4a.m., Sunday 11a.m. – 2a.m.

9. Maizal, Staten Island

This Mexican restaurant and tequila bar serves some pretty tasty dishes, and their cute backyard patio is the perfect place to enjoy your meal. Choose from some tasty items like Stuffed Plantains, Chicken Flautas, or Spicy Shrimp Tacos, and be sure to pair them with a margarita of course!

Where: 990 Bay St.

When: Monday-Wednesday 4p.m. – 9p.m., Thursday 4p.m. – 10p.m., Friday 4p.m. – 11p.m., Saturday 12p.m. – 11p.m., Sunday 12p.m. – 8:30p.m.

10. Wayla, LES

At Wayla you’ll find delicious homestyle Thai fare inspired by the markets of Bangkok served in a stylish space with one of the most gorgeous backyard patios. According to their site, Wayla translates to “time” in Thai, and their meaning is hoping you take a little time out of your day to come have a drink with them (or take a little more time off and enjoy a leisurely meal!)

Where: 100 Forsyth St.

When: Monday-Friday 5p.m. – 10p.m., Saturday-Sunday 12p.m. – 3:30p.m. & 5p.m. – 10p.m.

11. Milk and Roses, Greenpoint

For intimate dining in a quaint and greenery-filled backyard, head to Milk and Roses. Here you can dine on American dishes with a Southern Italian influence while sipping on delicious classic cocktails. They also serve brunch with dishes like Cured Salmon and and a BEC biscuit (we suggest splurging on the bottomless mimosas!).

Where: 35 Box St.

When: Monday-Thursday 9a.m. – 12a.m., Friday 9a.m. – 1a.m., Saturday 11a.m. – 1a.m., Sunday 11a.m. – 11p.m.

12. Koten’s Caribbean & American Restaurant & Bar, Staten Island

For good people, good vibes, live entertainment, and delicious authentic Caribbean soul food, Koten’s is the place to go. Jerk chicken, goat curry, oxtail, chicken and waffles, and sweet chili shrimp are just some of the tasty authentic dishes you can find on their menu, and their backyard oasis transports you into a Caribbean paradise.

Where: 537 Port Richmond Ave.

When: Tuesday-Friday 12p.m. – 10p.m., Saturday 1p.m. – 10p.m.

13. The Musket Room, Nolita

The Musket Room is a modern take on globally inspired cooking settled into a rustic-chic environment. Plus, their backyard garden is a super cute spot to enjoy your meal. You can choose from a delicious tasting menu or go the usual dinner route.

Where: 265 Elizabeth St.

When: Tuesday-Friday 5p.m. – 11p.m., Saturday 12p.m. – 4p.m. & 5p.m. – 11p.m.

14. Epoxy Bar and Restaurant, The Bronx

Epoxy Bar and Restaurant is a trendy gastropub located in the Throggs Neck Section of the Bronx. Here you can find an American Fusion menu paired with signature drinks and a great selection of craft beers. Their casual outdoor atmosphere is the best place to head to on a warm day.

Where: 3392 E Tremont Ave.

When: Tuesday-Wednesday 5p.m. – 10p.m., Thursday-Saturday 5p.m. – 2a.m., Sunday 1p.m. – 10p.m.

15. French Louie, Boerum Hill

This trendy bistro is the perfect spot to go get some creative French-American meals in a stylish, sleek venue. String lights make their outdoor patio feel like the most magical outdoor oasis, and paired with one of their delicious dishes and a glass of wine, you truly can’t go wrong.

Where: 320 Atlantic Ave.

When: Tuesday-Thursday 11:30a.m. – 10p.m., Friday 11:30a.m. – 11p.m., Saturday 11a.m. – 3p.m. & 5p.m. – 11p.m., Sunday 11a.m. – 10p.m.