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 20 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 4 pm – 11 pm, Saturday – Sunday 11:30 am – 11 pm
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, Brooklyn
When: Monday – Thursday 12 pm – 11 pm, Friday 12 pm – 11:30 pm, Saturday 11 am – 3:30 pm & 5:30 pm – 11:30 pm, Sunday 11 am – 3:30 pm & 5 pm – 10 pm
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 5 pm – 12 am, Sunday 11:30 am – 3:30 pm (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 5 pm – 12 am, Friday 5 pm – 2 am, Saturday 6 pm – 2 am
5. Bacchus, Boerum Hill
This stunning bistro and wine bar combo is a beautiful place to grab a glass of your favorite, and enjoy the outdoors at the same time. If you want to dine here, we recommend seeking out a spot in the beautiful backyard garden that’s lined with tables and chairs. Bacchus is so pretty that there’s even private events in their backyard space…that’s how you know it’s good!
Where: 409 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn
When: Monday – Thursday 5 pm – 10 pm, Friday 5 pm – 11 pm, Saturday – Sunday 12 pm – 11 pm
6. Saraghina Pizzeria, Bed-Stuy
Specializing in Neapolitan pizza, this cute Italian restaurant/bakery combination is perfect for a slice of deliciousness come spring time. Their interior is quite nice, resembling that of an nifty antique store, but the magic happens when you step into their inviting backyard to grab a table on a nice warm day.
Where: 350 Lewis Ave, Brooklyn
When: Monday – Friday 5 pm – 10 pm, Saturday – Sunday 10 am – 10 pm
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, Brooklyn
When: Wednesday – Friday 5 pm – 10 pm, Saturday – Sunday 12 pm – 2:30 pm & 5 pm – 10 pm, Closed Monday – Tuesday
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, Queens
When: Monday – Thursday 5 pm – 2 am, Friday 5 pm – 4 am, Saturday 11 am – 4 am, Sunday 11 am – 2 am
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, Staten Island
When: Monday & Wednesday 4 pm – 9 pm, Thursday 4 pm – 10 p.m, Friday 4 pm – 11 pm, Saturday 12 pm – 11 pm, Sunday 12 pm – 8:30 pm, Closed Tuesdays
10. Wayla, Lower East Side
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 12 pm – 3 pm & 5 pm – 10 pm, Saturday – Sunday 12 pm – 3:30 pm & 5 pm – 10 pm
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, Brooklyn
When: Monday – Thursday 11 am – 11 pm, Friday 11 am – 12 am, Saturday 9 am – 12 am, Sunday 9 am – 10 pm
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, Staten Island
When: Tuesday – Friday 12 pm – 10 pm, Saturday 1 pm – 10 pm, Closed Sunday & Monday
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 – Saturday 5 pm – 11 pm, Closed Sunday & Monday
14. The Waverly Inn, West Village
A restaurant once founded by a former Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter, The Waverly Inn fits the snugness and warmth of its neighboring West Village neighborhood. Of course the food here divine (including the chicken potpie which is the star of the show), but the atmosphere is even better. Sneak away to the garden for the best experience.
Where: 16 Bank St
When: Open daily 11 am – 10 pm
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, Brooklyn
When: Tuesday – Thursday 11:30 am – 10 pm, Friday 11:30 am – 10: 30 pm, Saturday 11 am – 3 pm & 5 pm – 10:30 pm, Sunday 11 am – 3 pm & 5 pm – 9 pm
16. Gallow Green, Chelsea
While we wait for Gallow Green’s outdoor dining to return on April 22, you can still get a glimpse of outdoors at this bar and restaurant located in The McKittrick Hotel. They are currently hosting their winter edition “The Hideout” which is a French Alpine themed get-up that comes with private yurts and a three-course meal. Be sure to follow them to see when their hidden outdoor spot returns this year.
Where: 542 W 27th St
When: Sunday – Thursday 5 pm – 12 am (Closed Tuesdays), Friday – Saturday 5 pm – 1 am
17. Ume, Williamsburg
If you’re looking for an out of the box dining experience that’s outdoors, try out Ume in Brooklyn. This sushi spot is minimalist and curated, serving omakase meals while you sit on cushions in their garden and reflect. The sushi is good and the quiet, relaxing atmosphere is even better.
Where: 237 Kent Ave, Brooklyn
When: Open daily (except Monday) 1 pm – 4 pm & 5 pm – 10 pm
18. Pinto Garden, West Village
Served up by Chef Teerawong “Yo” Nanthavatsiri himself, Pinto Garden in West Village serves delicious and vibrant Thai cuisine that is sure to fulfill you. The dishes are lovely and are inspired by Thailand’s diverse regions! As you can imagine from the photo above, you absolutely have to sit in their outdoor space that’s adorned by bouquets of luscious flowers and sleek white brick walls.
Where: 117 W 10th St
When: Open daily (except Monday) 1 pm – 4 pm & 5 pm – 10 pm
19. Maison Premiere, Williamsburg
Maison Premiere made our list for some of the best oysters in NYC, and they also make this list too, thanks to their cozy garden. Their space draped in greenery and natural light is the perfect way to dine outdoors, and their food is delicious too. We suggest reserving a table out here during their happy hour (4 pm – 7 pm Monday-Friday and 11 am – 1 pm Saturday-Sunday) when they have $1 oysters.
Where: 298 Bedford Ave, Williamsburg
When: Monday – Thursday 2 pm – 1 am, Friday 2 pm – 2 am, Saturday 12 pm – 2 am, Sunday 12 pm – 1 am
20. Claro, Gowanus
This Mexican spot is where “New York and Oaxaca” meet according to the Claro owners. Their authentic cuisine that spans between chorizos to mole is all made in house, with personal touches here and there to give it the perfect chef’s kiss. When you go, sit in the stunning backyard that’s full of tall trees, string lights, and an open kitchen. You can literally watch your food be prepared right in front of you as you breathe in the spring air!
Where: 284 3rd Ave, Brooklyn
When: Monday – Thursday 2 pm – 4 pm & 5:30 pm – 9 pm, Friday 12 pm – 4 pm & 5:30 pm – 8: 30 pm, Saturday 11:30 am – 3:45 pm & 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm, Sunday 11:30 am – 4 pm & 5:30 pm – 9 pm
Written by Claire Leaden and Corey Fuller