During Summers in New York, you can eat almost every meal outside, whether on a rooftop, a patio, backyard, or boat. Here are 24 fantastic places to eat and drink out of doors in New York City.
- Celestine
New York has abundant waterfront eateries, but not all of them deliver the goods, food-wise. That’s not the case at Celestine, a Middle Eastern restaurant in Dumbo, Brooklyn, with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline across the East River. Have some better-than-it-needs-to-be babaghanouj and branzino, and live your best life. 1 John St., 718-522-5356, celestinebk.com
- The William Vale
Located in Williamsburg, The William Vale hotel does outdoor fun 3 ways: TurfClub, The Westlight, and Mister Dips. TurfClub is the rooftop bar and game space for cornhole and beer. The Westlight serves Andrew Carmellini’s menu of food and drink on three outdoor decks where you can see the whole city. On the second floor of the hotel is an elevated garden with picnic tables and an AirStream trailer called Mister Dips that serves gourmet fast food. If this hotel sounds like an amusement park for adults, you’re not wrong. 111 N 12th St., 718-307-7100, thewilliamvale.com
- Narcissa
We can’t praise Narcissa enough for its funky outdoor space full of hanging plants and lanterns and bric-a-brac aesthetics. Brunch holds wonders like cinnamon buns and a mushroom frittata, while at dinner, expect beets roasted in coffee grounds and koji-rubbed steak. This all-around treasure is located at the base of The Standard, East Village. 25 Cooper Sq., 212-228-3344, standardhotels.com
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- Hudson Clearwater
In a neighborhood full of charm, the West Village’s Hudson Clearwater stands out for a menu that matches its exceptional, ivy-and-twinkle-light-filled backyard. Come here any time of day or night for a cocktail, cornflake-crusted French toast, or angus short ribs. 447 Hudson St., 212-989-3255, hudsonclearwater.com
- Flora Bar
Flora Bar is one of the best museum restaurants around, and it also has an outdoor patio. A win-win! Come to the Met Breuer on the Upper East Side for some contemporary art, then have a seat at Flora and enjoy a Spice Trader cocktail with some seafood small plates. 945 Madison Ave., 646-558-5383, florabarnyc.com
- Lafayette
Take a break from Soho shopping, and eat at Lafayette in the sunshine. This is an enormous French restaurant with an enormous French menu, lots of style, and luxe streetside dining. Go for a sleeper hit with the brisket burger and fries. 380 Lafayette St., 212-533-3000, lafayetteny.com
- Bocce USQ
Bocce is open seasonally in the Union Square Pavilion. It offers not only Italian food but—you guessed it—bocce for the competitive. Soak in the sun and observe a true crossroads of New York City while you eat pizza and sip frozen negroni. 20 Union Sq W., 212-677-7818, bocceusq.com
- Blue Ribbon Kanpai Garden
At Blue Ribbon’s rooftop Kanpai Garden, come enjoy frozen beer or a rosé push-pop and cheery lanterns decorating the thatched ceiling. There are also games on offer at this Lower East Side gem, including Jenga, beer pong, and ping pong. 190 Allen St, 212-466-0404, blueribbonrestaurants.com
- Shake Shack
The first ever Shake Shack might have the edge on all other Shake Shacks (there might be a million at this point, who knows?) for the idyllic outdoor setting in Madison Square Park. Grab a Shack Burger and/or a milkshake at the counter, and take a load off at one of the tables out front. Southeast corner of Madison Sq. Park, 212-889-6600, shakeshack.com
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Pilot
If you want to feel fancy, have oysters on a schooner at The Pilot, docked on the coast of Brooklyn Heights. This 1924 ship has circumnavigated the world twice and now provides diners stunning views of New York Harbor in the warm months. Pier 6, Brooklyn Bridge Park, 917-810-8550, pilotbrooklyn.com
- Beaubourg
Come drink frosé at Beaubourg near Battery Park. How many places can give you comfy seating, a sea breeze, the Statue of Liberty, and frozen rosé all at once? We rest our case. 225 Liberty St., 212-981-8588, beaubourgny.com
- Roberta’s
Some of the best pizza in the city is located at the rave-worthy Roberta’s. Come to Bushwick, Brooklyn, for this popular pie, and avoid the wait by snagging an outdoor picnic table during the less-crowded afternoon. 261 Moore St., 718-417-1118, robertaspizza.com
- Threes Brewing
Beers and burgers in a garden? Check, check, and check. Threes Brewing is not only a working brewery but also serves a too-good-to-be-true burger provided by The Meat Hook, the restaurant working from the pop-up kitchen inside this massive space in Gowanus, Brooklyn. You’ll find a lively crowd and straight-from-the-source craft beer, plus a welcoming backyard space, at Threes. 333 Douglass St., 718-522-2110, threesbrewing.com
- Vinegar Hill House
If for any reason you don’t go to Celestine (or you want another outdoor dining experience near Brooklyn Bridge), head to Vinegar Hill House. While you won’t get the same waterfront views, you will get to sit in an enchanted backyard garden for brunch, lunch, or dinner, and eat inventive dishes like pear pancakes and roast chicken served in a cast-iron skillet. 72 Hudson Ave., 718-522-1018, vinegarhillhouse.com
- Aurora
Why do ivy and pasta go so well together? We’re not exactly sure, but Aurora does both with aplomb in its beautifully kept outdoor garden. Come to this Williamsburg waterfront restaurant for vino, squid-ink spaghetti, and some Brooklyn bliss. 70 Grand St., 718-388-5100, aurorabk.com
- Saraghina
If you’re visiting your college friend who lives in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, ask to meet at Saraghina. This Italian charmer is best enjoyed in the homey backyard with oven-fresh Neapolitan pizza—yum! 435 Halsey St., 718-574-0010, saraghina.com
- Llama Inn
As we discussed in our Williamsburg dining list, Llama Inn is a must if you come to Brooklyn’s most popular neighborhood. The ground-level, indoor area serves Peruvian food with panache, and while the upstairs garden serves a limited version of the menu, it’s a colorful and comfortable space for a date or a group hang. The skyline views and Llama Del Rey cocktails are worth the skimpier food selection anyway. 50 Withers St., 718-387-3434, llamainnnyc.com
- East Pole
If you’re looking for a relaxing al fresco brunch near Bloomingdales, check out The East Pole. This adorable, vine-decked sidewalk patio is located on the garden level of a brownstone. 133 E 65th St., 212-249-2222, theeastpolenyc.com
- Beebe’s
If you like the sound of the pizzas listed here but you’re staying in Queens for WorldPride, go to Beebe’s. This pizza place inside Long Island City’s Boro Hotel serves a very good margherita and provides a relaxing patio space. Get the Nutella bread pudding for dessert! 38-28 27th St., 718-208-2895, beebesnyc.com
- Dante
Located in Greenwich Village, Dante specializes in the negroni cocktail, a red and slightly bitter Italian concoction that the bar makes in about 10 different ways (seriously). Drink your favorite flavor of negroni at one of the quaint sidewalk tables, and get ready to people-watch. 79-81 MacDougal St., 212-982-5275, dante-nyc.com
- Ophelia
Like The William Vale, Ophelia also made our list of rooftop bars for its all-around excellence. Visit this rooftop near the United Nations for 1920s-inspired touches like a taxidermied albino peacock above the bar, plus very good craft cocktails and small bites. Plus, recent renovations gave this 360-degree space a small outdoor deck as well! 3 Mitchell Pl., 212-980-4796, opheliany.com
- Maman Soho
For a fresh croissant and IG-worthy back patio, come to Maman Soho. This little cafe is a perfect venue for midday relaxation with an iced coffee, a French pastry, and twinkle lights overhead. 239 Centre St., 212-226-0700, mamannyc.com
- Gallow Green
Another rooftop we’ve mentioned elsewhere, Gallow Green is a perennial favorite for food and drink inside the very theatrical McKittrick Hotel. Come to this wild garden with a great view, and make sure you make a reservation no matter the time of day. It’s a crowded Scotsman’s paradise up there. 542 W 27th St., 212-904-1883, mckittrickhotel.com
- Pier i Cafe
If you find yourself on the Upper West Side looking for a good waterfront breeze, head to Pier i Cafe. This is a beer/burger situation where the food is pretty good, but the broad waterfront setting and relaxed atmosphere are what keep the crowds coming back every summer. 500 W 70th St., 212-362-4450, piericafe.com
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Last modified: August 13, 2019
