Restaurants are a huge part of my life. The opportunity to catch up, have drinks, share stories and laughs, and reconnect with all the people in my life is something I cherish and am grateful for every day. I hope this list from Eater NY on outdoor dining gives you some more ideas on where to find your next spot!
28 Lovely Outdoor Dining Spots in NYC
It’s warm — eat outside! by Patty Diez and Carla Vianna Updated Jun 23, 2020, 2:27 pm EDT
After a mild but lengthy winter, al fresco season is finally here. Restaurants are dusting off their outdoor furniture and spilling onto the city’s sunny sidewalks. Whether looking for a secluded patio or prime street-side people watching, here are 29 standout places currently open for dining outside. For restaurants offering outdoor dining while the shut down on dining-in remains in effect check out this list of 28 spots offering sidewalk seating and more.
For more outdoor guides check out this map to outdoor drinking, as well as where to drink and eat on a rooftop.
After a mild but lengthy winter, al fresco season is finally here. Restaurants are dusting off their outdoor furniture and spilling onto the city’s sunny sidewalks. Whether looking for a secluded patio or prime street-side people watching, here are 29 standout places currently open for dining outside. For restaurants offering outdoor dining while the shut down on dining-in remains in effect check out this list of 28 spots offering sidewalk seating and more.
For more outdoor guides check out this map to outdoor drinking, as well as where to drink and eat on a rooftop.
1. Lolo’s Seafood Shack
303 W 116th Street
New York, NY 10026(646) 649-3356 Visit Website
Caribbean seafood shack vibes are doubled in the warmer months when this Harlem restaurant opens its petite patio, a bright turquoise deck populated with a handful of stools and picnic tables. The space refreshingly feels like dining at a friend’s backyard, where peel-and-eat shrimp, a pile of conch fritters, and a couple of beers are highly encouraged.
New York, NY 10026(646) 649-3356 Visit Website
Caribbean seafood shack vibes are doubled in the warmer months when this Harlem restaurant opens its petite patio, a bright turquoise deck populated with a handful of stools and picnic tables. The space refreshingly feels like dining at a friend’s backyard, where peel-and-eat shrimp, a pile of conch fritters, and a couple of beers are highly encouraged.
2. Crave Fishbar
428 Amsterdam Ave
New York, NY 10024(646) 494-2750 Visit Website
Sidle up to Crave’s Upper West Side location, which offers a bright sidewalk cafe for enjoying the restaurant’s vast seafood menu. Favorites here include pastas like the squid ink spaghetti with shrimp, leeks, Fresno chili, and clam stock, as well as the grilled octopus with Chinese broccoli. Bonus: Oysters go for a dollar during happy hour, daily from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
New York, NY 10024(646) 494-2750 Visit Website
Sidle up to Crave’s Upper West Side location, which offers a bright sidewalk cafe for enjoying the restaurant’s vast seafood menu. Favorites here include pastas like the squid ink spaghetti with shrimp, leeks, Fresno chili, and clam stock, as well as the grilled octopus with Chinese broccoli. Bonus: Oysters go for a dollar during happy hour, daily from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
3. Pier I Cafe
W. 70th St
New York, NY 10069(212) 362-4450 Visit Website
It’s hard to beat the panoramic views of the Hudson River that Pier I Cafe boasts, not to mention its ideal perch for sunset gazing. The umbrella-topped tables are a welcome stop after a bike ride along the Hudson, and the American food is better than many might expect from a view-dependent restaurant, while not costing an arm and a leg, a burger and fries is just $14.50, with most plates staying under $20.
New York, NY 10069(212) 362-4450 Visit Website
It’s hard to beat the panoramic views of the Hudson River that Pier I Cafe boasts, not to mention its ideal perch for sunset gazing. The umbrella-topped tables are a welcome stop after a bike ride along the Hudson, and the American food is better than many might expect from a view-dependent restaurant, while not costing an arm and a leg, a burger and fries is just $14.50, with most plates staying under $20.
4. The Bonnie
29-12 23rd Ave
Astoria, NY 11105(718) 274-2105 Visit Website
The people behind the Wren in Manhattan bring a similar venue to Astoria in the Bonnie. The gastropub’s Brooklyn-esque exposed brick interior is complemented by an expansive outdoor patio, making it an ideal summer hangout spot. The menu leans on heartier pub fare like everything biscuits at brunch, and a Pat LaFrieda burger with pork belly and fried onions at dinner. Cocktails are a big focus here, with an extensive list that doesn’t rise about $14.
Astoria, NY 11105(718) 274-2105 Visit Website
The people behind the Wren in Manhattan bring a similar venue to Astoria in the Bonnie. The gastropub’s Brooklyn-esque exposed brick interior is complemented by an expansive outdoor patio, making it an ideal summer hangout spot. The menu leans on heartier pub fare like everything biscuits at brunch, and a Pat LaFrieda burger with pork belly and fried onions at dinner. Cocktails are a big focus here, with an extensive list that doesn’t rise about $14.
5. Flora Bar
945 Madison Ave
New York, NY 10021(646) 558-5383 Visit Website
This gem of the Upper East Side has provided the optimal setting for enjoying Ignacio Mattos’ seafood-focused menu. Rows of circular tables tinted green and blue are filled with groups feasting on seafood towers, scallop crudo, and snow crab with watercress mayonnaise. The drink list at Flora Bar is long and mighty, ranging from cocktails to sherry to beer and cider.
New York, NY 10021(646) 558-5383 Visit Website
This gem of the Upper East Side has provided the optimal setting for enjoying Ignacio Mattos’ seafood-focused menu. Rows of circular tables tinted green and blue are filled with groups feasting on seafood towers, scallop crudo, and snow crab with watercress mayonnaise. The drink list at Flora Bar is long and mighty, ranging from cocktails to sherry to beer and cider.
6. Jones Wood Foundry
401 E 76th St
New York, NY 10021(212) 249-2700 Visit Website
An ivy-filled courtyard sits behind the rear dining room of this Upper East Side restaurant. Classic pub fare like Scotch eggs, chicken liver and foie gras parfaits, and burgers are on the menu, to be eaten in the sunshine. A seasonal spring menu has other options, like a sautéed soft shell crab and pesto and goat cheese pasta. Drinks stick mostly to wine and beer, with a varied selection under $15.
New York, NY 10021(212) 249-2700 Visit Website
An ivy-filled courtyard sits behind the rear dining room of this Upper East Side restaurant. Classic pub fare like Scotch eggs, chicken liver and foie gras parfaits, and burgers are on the menu, to be eaten in the sunshine. A seasonal spring menu has other options, like a sautéed soft shell crab and pesto and goat cheese pasta. Drinks stick mostly to wine and beer, with a varied selection under $15.
7. Blockheads Burritos
322 W 50th St
New York, NY 10019(212) 307-7029 Visit Website
The Hell’s Kitchen outpost of this Mexican chain with overstuffed burritos draws in a lively crowd as soon as the expansive patio opens. Come for the outdoor seating, stay for the $8 frozen margaritas. Plus, an $11 brunch menu arrives on the weekends.
New York, NY 10019(212) 307-7029 Visit Website
The Hell’s Kitchen outpost of this Mexican chain with overstuffed burritos draws in a lively crowd as soon as the expansive patio opens. Come for the outdoor seating, stay for the $8 frozen margaritas. Plus, an $11 brunch menu arrives on the weekends.
8. Mothership Meat Company
27-20 40th Ave
Long Island City, NY 11101(347) 808-7078 Visit Website
Owner Josh Bowen is of John Brown Smokehouse fame, though here he’s serving up Austin, Texas-style barbecue in a casual, breezy outdoor setting in Long Island City. The newly opened barbecue joint has a large patio and garden, from which diners can relish in smoked meats like the highly recommended brisket and beef shoulder. There’s an admirable list of small batch beers, too, as well as a full bar.
Long Island City, NY 11101(347) 808-7078 Visit Website
Owner Josh Bowen is of John Brown Smokehouse fame, though here he’s serving up Austin, Texas-style barbecue in a casual, breezy outdoor setting in Long Island City. The newly opened barbecue joint has a large patio and garden, from which diners can relish in smoked meats like the highly recommended brisket and beef shoulder. There’s an admirable list of small batch beers, too, as well as a full bar.
9. Gallow Green
542 W 27th St
New York, NY 10001(212) 564-1662 Visit Website
This Chelsea rooftop is known for its boozy cocktails and large punch bowls, but skipping out on the dinner and weekend brunch menus here would be a shame. At dinner try one of the pizzas or share plates like mixed fried seafood. A $50 buffet (fried chicken, breakfast potatoes, croissants) and omelet station await at brunch.
New York, NY 10001(212) 564-1662 Visit Website
This Chelsea rooftop is known for its boozy cocktails and large punch bowls, but skipping out on the dinner and weekend brunch menus here would be a shame. At dinner try one of the pizzas or share plates like mixed fried seafood. A $50 buffet (fried chicken, breakfast potatoes, croissants) and omelet station await at brunch.
10. Shake Shack
11 Madison Ave
New York, NY 10010(212) 889-6600 Visit Website
The OG Shake Shack inside Madison Square Park remains a perfect place to enjoy a burger, crinkle fries, and frozen custard outside. If the restaurant’s seating is all taken, there are always endless benches that line the park.
New York, NY 10010(212) 889-6600 Visit Website
The OG Shake Shack inside Madison Square Park remains a perfect place to enjoy a burger, crinkle fries, and frozen custard outside. If the restaurant’s seating is all taken, there are always endless benches that line the park.
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11. Anella
222 Franklin St
Brooklyn, NY 11222(718) 389-8100 Visit Website
For an escape to Italy, drop by Anella’s flower-bedecked backyard, a wonderful hideaway near the beginning of Greenpoint. The fare runs to charcuterie served with housemade pickles, burrata with prosciutto and arugula, and pastas such as cacio e pepe.
Brooklyn, NY 11222(718) 389-8100 Visit Website
For an escape to Italy, drop by Anella’s flower-bedecked backyard, a wonderful hideaway near the beginning of Greenpoint. The fare runs to charcuterie served with housemade pickles, burrata with prosciutto and arugula, and pastas such as cacio e pepe.
12. King
18 King St
New York, NY 10014(917) 825-1618 Visit Website
At Soho charmer King, the sidewalk terrace manages to remain quiet while situated on Sixth Avenue, meanwhile begging patrons to drink an Aperol spritz and the like. The Italian-French menus for lunch and dinner vary daily, but each with their respective standouts like the chicken paillard and tagliarini verde. Expect a very extensive list of wine, with bottles starting at $50.
New York, NY 10014(917) 825-1618 Visit Website
At Soho charmer King, the sidewalk terrace manages to remain quiet while situated on Sixth Avenue, meanwhile begging patrons to drink an Aperol spritz and the like. The Italian-French menus for lunch and dinner vary daily, but each with their respective standouts like the chicken paillard and tagliarini verde. Expect a very extensive list of wine, with bottles starting at $50.
13. Bar Primi
READ REVIEW | ★★☆☆325 Bowery
New York, NY 10003(212) 220-9100 Visit Website
Much of the Bowery is a tough sell for outdoor seating, but Bar Primi’s corner nook remains a sought-after respite. All the pastas fall under $22 at lunch, and there are plenty of showstoppers like the deceivingly simple linguine with four cloves of garlic and breadcrumbs, and the bucatini with lamb amatriciana. Finish with gelato.
New York, NY 10003(212) 220-9100 Visit Website
Much of the Bowery is a tough sell for outdoor seating, but Bar Primi’s corner nook remains a sought-after respite. All the pastas fall under $22 at lunch, and there are plenty of showstoppers like the deceivingly simple linguine with four cloves of garlic and breadcrumbs, and the bucatini with lamb amatriciana. Finish with gelato.
14. Rosie’s
29 E 2nd St
New York, NY 10003(212) 335-0114 Visit Website
Marc Meyer and Vicki Freeman’s Mexican restaurant spills tables out from its garage-style doors right onto Second Avenue, so that even if sitting inside at this East Village restaurant, it still manages to feel like dining al fresco. Bring a small group and share fish tacos, margaritas, and carnitas.
New York, NY 10003(212) 335-0114 Visit Website
Marc Meyer and Vicki Freeman’s Mexican restaurant spills tables out from its garage-style doors right onto Second Avenue, so that even if sitting inside at this East Village restaurant, it still manages to feel like dining al fresco. Bring a small group and share fish tacos, margaritas, and carnitas.
15. Dudley’s
85 Orchard St
New York, NY 10002(212) 925-7355 Visit Website
There are few outdoor patios on the Lower East Side, so Dudley’s takes full advantage of its quiet corner on Broome and Orchard with a small but lovely patio. The staff is pretty pro at making sure there isn’t too much food at a time on the small tables, so share a bunch of plates, and make sure to get the fries.
New York, NY 10002(212) 925-7355 Visit Website
There are few outdoor patios on the Lower East Side, so Dudley’s takes full advantage of its quiet corner on Broome and Orchard with a small but lovely patio. The staff is pretty pro at making sure there isn’t too much food at a time on the small tables, so share a bunch of plates, and make sure to get the fries.
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16. Midnights
149 N 6th St
Brooklyn, NY 11249(718) 384-6961 Visit Website
The laid-back vibes inside Midnights translate onto its summery outdoor patio, adorned with ivy-covered walls. Expect new American food with some Asian fusion, like a Caesar salad or Thai red curry mussels, all to be enjoyed in the light-lit patio a fine place to spend summer days. Midnights also serves weekend brunch and closes on weekend nights at 4 a.m. with a live DJ and late-night food.
Brooklyn, NY 11249(718) 384-6961 Visit Website
The laid-back vibes inside Midnights translate onto its summery outdoor patio, adorned with ivy-covered walls. Expect new American food with some Asian fusion, like a Caesar salad or Thai red curry mussels, all to be enjoyed in the light-lit patio a fine place to spend summer days. Midnights also serves weekend brunch and closes on weekend nights at 4 a.m. with a live DJ and late-night food.
17. Seamore’s
250 Vesey St
New York, NY 10281(646) 585-7380 Visit Website
The sprawling Financial District location of seafood mini-chain Seamore’s comes with a breezy outdoor patio at Brookfield Place. Beachy picnic umbrellas and string lights decorate the space, and it has a stand-out happy hour with dollar oysters, too.
New York, NY 10281(646) 585-7380 Visit Website
The sprawling Financial District location of seafood mini-chain Seamore’s comes with a breezy outdoor patio at Brookfield Place. Beachy picnic umbrellas and string lights decorate the space, and it has a stand-out happy hour with dollar oysters, too.
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18. Loosie’s Kitchen
91A S 6th St
Brooklyn, NY 11249(718) 309-0231 Visit Website
This colorful California-inspired patio is as summery as summer gets. Loosie’s Kitchen is decked out in plants both inside and out, making it a lovely place to enjoy comforting American fare like crispy duck salad, roasted cauliflower, and fried chicken.
Brooklyn, NY 11249(718) 309-0231 Visit Website
This colorful California-inspired patio is as summery as summer gets. Loosie’s Kitchen is decked out in plants both inside and out, making it a lovely place to enjoy comforting American fare like crispy duck salad, roasted cauliflower, and fried chicken.
19. Roberta’s
READ REVIEW | ★★★☆261 Moore St
Brooklyn, NY 11206(718) 417-1118 Visit Website
During warmer months Bushwick pizza stalwart Roberta’s doubles in size, thanks to its expansive outdoor area. The patio is filled with picnic tables, ideal for eating a few pies from the takeout section, along with a frozen drink or some orange wine.
Brooklyn, NY 11206(718) 417-1118 Visit Website
During warmer months Bushwick pizza stalwart Roberta’s doubles in size, thanks to its expansive outdoor area. The patio is filled with picnic tables, ideal for eating a few pies from the takeout section, along with a frozen drink or some orange wine.
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20. Celestine
1 John St
Brooklyn, NY 11201(718) 522-5356 Visit Website
The already stunning views one gets from any of the tables inside this Dumbo restaurantare heightened when the outdoor patio opens for the season. The way to go at this Mediterranean spot is to order a bunch of plates for sharing like the grilled octopus and every single one of the mezze.
Brooklyn, NY 11201(718) 522-5356 Visit Website
The already stunning views one gets from any of the tables inside this Dumbo restaurantare heightened when the outdoor patio opens for the season. The way to go at this Mediterranean spot is to order a bunch of plates for sharing like the grilled octopus and every single one of the mezze.
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21. Adrienne’s Pizzabar
54 Stone St
New York, NY 10004(212) 248-3838 Visit Website
This above-average pizzeria in the Financial District gives downtown workers some much-needed respite from the rowdy mess on Stone Street. It serves up two types of pizza: New York-style round pies and Grandma-style squares, of which the latter is the standout. Take refuge from the surrounding finance bros with a pie and a beer.
New York, NY 10004(212) 248-3838 Visit Website
This above-average pizzeria in the Financial District gives downtown workers some much-needed respite from the rowdy mess on Stone Street. It serves up two types of pizza: New York-style round pies and Grandma-style squares, of which the latter is the standout. Take refuge from the surrounding finance bros with a pie and a beer.
22. Gran Electrica
5 Front St
Brooklyn, NY 11201(718) 852-2700 Visit Website
Linger for a while on the greenery-filled outdoor patio of this Mexican restaurant in Dumbo. There’s tortas, chile relleno, very hearty tacos, and great cocktails. At brunch, get the chilaquiles.
Brooklyn, NY 11201(718) 852-2700 Visit Website
Linger for a while on the greenery-filled outdoor patio of this Mexican restaurant in Dumbo. There’s tortas, chile relleno, very hearty tacos, and great cocktails. At brunch, get the chilaquiles.
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23. Morgan’s Barbecue
267 Flatbush Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11217(718) 622-2224 Visit Website
Channeling Austin, Texas, the outdoor seating at Morgan’s opens right onto a corralled area on Flatbush Avenue. Here diners find the usual oak-smoked pork ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and turkey, as well as solid Texas-style chili and a Frito pie. Morgan’s is open until midnight or later, and a weekly happy hour brings $5 cocktails.
Brooklyn, NY 11217(718) 622-2224 Visit Website
Channeling Austin, Texas, the outdoor seating at Morgan’s opens right onto a corralled area on Flatbush Avenue. Here diners find the usual oak-smoked pork ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and turkey, as well as solid Texas-style chili and a Frito pie. Morgan’s is open until midnight or later, and a weekly happy hour brings $5 cocktails.
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24. Faun
606 Vanderbilt Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11238(718) 576-6120 Visit Website
If given the option, opt to sit underneath the bistro lights at this picturesque outdoor patio in Prospect Heights. During dinner, snack on dishes at Faun like chicken liver mousse, morels and fennel lasagna, and the Berkshire pork chop,
Brooklyn, NY 11238(718) 576-6120 Visit Website
If given the option, opt to sit underneath the bistro lights at this picturesque outdoor patio in Prospect Heights. During dinner, snack on dishes at Faun like chicken liver mousse, morels and fennel lasagna, and the Berkshire pork chop,
25. Bricolage
162 5th Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11217(718) 230-1835 Visit Website
This Vietnamese restaurant in Park Slope, from a couple of alums of San Francisco’s acclaimed Slanted Door, boasts a plant-heavy backyard garden. The sun-drenched space comes with a menu of chicken wings, papaya salad, summer rolls, and “unshaking” beef.
Brooklyn, NY 11217(718) 230-1835 Visit Website
This Vietnamese restaurant in Park Slope, from a couple of alums of San Francisco’s acclaimed Slanted Door, boasts a plant-heavy backyard garden. The sun-drenched space comes with a menu of chicken wings, papaya salad, summer rolls, and “unshaking” beef.
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26. Claro
READ REVIEW | ★★★☆284 3rd Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11215(347) 721-3126 Visit Website
Uber-cool Claro turns out non-traditional Oaxacan fare that stuns, like chilaquiles at brunch and memela with chorizo and queso fresco. Blissfully available during both brunch and dinner is the Gowanus restaurant’s lauded yellowfin tostada with blood orange and chicharrón.
Brooklyn, NY 11215(347) 721-3126 Visit Website
Uber-cool Claro turns out non-traditional Oaxacan fare that stuns, like chilaquiles at brunch and memela with chorizo and queso fresco. Blissfully available during both brunch and dinner is the Gowanus restaurant’s lauded yellowfin tostada with blood orange and chicharrón.
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27. Olmsted
READ REVIEW | ★★★☆659 Vanderbilt Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11238(718) 552-2610 Visit Website
The lush garden at this Prospect Heights gem actually grows the food served in dishes like snap pea sushi and shaved beet salad. The space is not ideal for a full meal, but come by for drinks and snacks or dessert — there’s perhaps no dining experience in NY more charming than making s’mores at Olmsted. Across the street is chef Greg Baxtrom’s new French Japanese skewer restaurant Maison Yaki, where there’s pétanque in the backyard and actual tables for dining.
Brooklyn, NY 11238(718) 552-2610 Visit Website
The lush garden at this Prospect Heights gem actually grows the food served in dishes like snap pea sushi and shaved beet salad. The space is not ideal for a full meal, but come by for drinks and snacks or dessert — there’s perhaps no dining experience in NY more charming than making s’mores at Olmsted. Across the street is chef Greg Baxtrom’s new French Japanese skewer restaurant Maison Yaki, where there’s pétanque in the backyard and actual tables for dining.
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28. L&B Spumoni Gardens
2725 86th St
Brooklyn, NY 11223(718) 372-8400 Visit Website
Fewer scenarios scream summer like upside-down Sicilian sheet pizza and a spumoni at this 1939 Gravesend, Brooklyn legend. L&B is really three restaurants in one — a pizzeria, an ice cream parlor, and an informal red-sauce joint — housed in three connected brick buildings and surrounded by outdoor seating at distinctive red picnic tables.
Brooklyn, NY 11223(718) 372-8400 Visit Website
Fewer scenarios scream summer like upside-down Sicilian sheet pizza and a spumoni at this 1939 Gravesend, Brooklyn legend. L&B is really three restaurants in one — a pizzeria, an ice cream parlor, and an informal red-sauce joint — housed in three connected brick buildings and surrounded by outdoor seating at distinctive red picnic tables.
