Our Favorite Al Fresco Dining Spots
After the winter we’ve had, it’s no wonder we’re all itching to spend as much time outside as possible. And that extends to our meals — because who wants to waste a leisurely hour or two cooped up inside of restaurants, when so many of them happen to boast breezy patios, scenic rooftops, sidewalk seating and pastoral backyards? That’s why we’ve rounded up our favorite spots for dining al fresco — from Blue Ribbon’s Beer Garden on the chic terrace of the LES Thompson Hotel to the recently re-opened River Cafe and even a private stretch of sandy beach at La Marina in Washington Heights!
Esca
There may be more excitement currently surrounding Dave Pasternack’s newest restaurant, Barchetta, but we’re still drawn to the sizable patio at Esca, the shellfish guru’s original seafood spot. Anchored by a trickling fountain and ringed with potted plants and herbs, the enclave offers a wonderful reprieve from the hustle and bustle of Hell’s Kitchen, and Pasternack’s silken Crudos, mollusk-topped pastas and succulent, sea salt-baked fish will transport you straight to the South of Italy.
Read MoreBlue Ribbon Beer Garden
This ultra-casual addition to the Blue Ribbon empire is situated on a second floor terrace, inside of the LES Thompson Hotel. But instead of soft pretzels and sausages, the Bromberg brothers have developed a beer garden menu heavy on barbecue, like Ribs and Cornish Hen accompanied by Coleslaw, Bean Salad and Cornbread, and instead of oversized steins, craft brews are served in bottles and cans, such as Evil Twin Hipster Pale Ale, Sixpoint Sweet Action and Brooklyn IPA.
Read MoreButter Midtown
Alex Guarnaschelli’s Midtown outpost of Butter finally opened its lovely, 60-seat garden last week, located above the capacious, subterranean restaurant. You’ll find a smaller, lighter menu on offer in the space during lunch, featuring Mini Lobster Rolls and Fried Chicken Waldorf Salad. And it’s also a late night destination for cocktails, especially frozen drinks like Dark and Stormy’s, made with dark rum and ginger-flavored Kelvin Slush.
Read MoreThe River Café
After undergoing massive renovations in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, the bubbly is flowing once again at Brooklyn’s seminal, fine-dining restaurant, which gently bobs along the picturesque banks of the East River. And longtime chef, Brad Steelman, is back at his post, turning out special occasion dishes, such as Wagyu Steak Tartare, Wild Shrimp with King Crab and White Asparagus, and Hudson Valley Foie Gras Two Ways. Needless to say, this isn’t a shorts and sandals kind of place!
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Gallow Green
In a city known for its skyline, how can you go wrong with a hot, new restaurant offering rooftop seating? Located high above the McKittrick Hotel in Chelsea (home of the eerie, interactive play, “Sleep No More”), Gallow Green is all about atmosphere. Think slate floors, flowered trellises and miniature trees strung with twinkling lights, British-leaning bites, such as Mini Pork Pies, Potted Shrimp and Crispy Codfish Puffs, as well as potent, sharable punches, like the “Touch of Evil” with gin, mezcal, raspberry oleo and nutmeg, and the “Grande Champagne” with Bache Gabrielsen VSOP Cognac and Christian Etienne Brut to boot.
Read MoreLa Marina
It’s worth traveling all the way up to the far reaches of northern Manhattan to visit this unique restaurant and lounge, which occupies a whopping 75,000 square feet of Hudson River waterfront. Slurp on oysters from “Geppetto,” their raw bar boat, dine on Latin American-inspired dishes, such as Lobster Tartine with pickled papaya and Bone-in Ribeye with chimichurri and yucca fries, and sip fun, frozen cocktails from three different riverside bars, including one located directly on their secluded, sandy beach.
Read MoreGran Electrica
Mexican food is best enjoyed outdoors, and Gran Electrica in DUMBO has an especially appealing and sizable backyard. Kick back with Market Fish Ceviches, Beef Brisket Tacos, Mole-slathered Enchiladas, and ruby red tumblers of the delectable “Margarita Remolacha,” made with beet juice, Pueblo Viejo Blanco tequila, Combier and fresh lime.
Read MoreBungalow Bar
Located on the shimmering waters of Jamaica Bay in the Far Rockaways, the jovial Bungalow Bar was sadly decimated after Hurricane Sandy. But they’re back and better than ever, serving fresh, steamed seafood platters, super satisfying burgers, and specialty drinks by the pint (try the “Rockaway Resistance” with orange vodka, strawberry puree, lime and club soda), on a sprawling back deck dotted with umbrella-topped tables, with panoramic views of the waterfront.
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