The Best Restaurants To Eat Al Fresco Around New York City
With warm weather around the corner, outdoor dining is about to hit its peak! & no one appreciates a great outdoor setup more than New Yorkers. So, with the temperatures cooling down, it’s time to let your hair down and finally enjoy the fresh air at some of the best spots to dine and drink al fresco in NYC.
Loulou
Loulou (176 8th Avenue) is a stunning French Bistro and Speakeasy in Chelsea with one of the most stunning outdoor seating options in town. Signature menu items from Executive Chef Jarett Brodie include a Loulou Burger made with grass-fed beef, cheddar and caramelized onions, Duck Leg Confit with apple rosemary puree and gala chutney and Steak Frites. That's in addition to a large selection of gorgeously crafted cocktails.
Somewhere Nowhere
Not only a nightclub with some of the hottest DJs spinning in town, Somewhere Nowhere (112 W 25th St.) will also boast a rooftop pool all summer long. Located on the top of the Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel, Somewhere Nowhere takes the NYC social scene to new heights - literally. Experience breathtaking 360 degree views of Manhattan's skyline while you sip on Alice in Wonderland inspired cocktails and explore the cascading greenery of this multi-floor lounge, restaurant and nightclub. Somewhere Nowhere accepts Cryptocurrency via Coinbase as a form of payment and will have NFT drops throughout the year that will come with exclusive access to special events and other unbelievable perks.
The Greens
The ultimate al fresco experience, lower Manhattan’s iconic rooftop venue features three different spaces to enjoy breathtaking views: The Lawns, The Restaurant, and The Patrón Patio. Whether you want to reserve a private mini lawn and enjoy the new menu of large format cocktails or lounge on the expansive patios amidst the iconic New York City skyline and Brooklyn Bridge, The Greens is an al fresco oasis. The rooftop venue’s three concepts offer an exciting calendar of live music, special programming, and seasonal celebrations all summer long. The Greens reservations are now available through May and June via Tock.
Life Rooftop
Life Rooftop (120 W 57th St.) is a must-visit NYC spot. Located at the top of Le Meridien New York, Life is an alluring lounge and outdoor terrace that offers guests a perch to take in the city's energy and soaring views of Central Park. With an elegant menu of indulgent dishes like the Glitz and Glamour Deviled Eggs and a cocktail menu programming crafted by renowned mixologist Brian Miller, head of mixology programming at sbe and former Head Bartender for Death & Company, Life is NYC’s 'it' iconic spring/summer location.
Clinton Hall
Clinton Hall offers an expansive outdoor dining setup in FiDi (90 Washington St.) and an open air courtyard in Williamsburg (247 Metropolitan Ave.) at The POD Hotel. With communal tables, an amazing menu of shareable bites, beer on tap and signature games, there’s no shortage of fun in sight.
Sunday In Brooklyn
A taste of Brooklyn comes to the Seaport. Williamsburg's favorite Sunday in Brooklyn has arrived in the neighborhood for a mouth-watering pop-up. Enjoy brunch, happy hour, and now dinner in a casual, sun-drenched setting on historic Fulton Street. Feel good knowing your chefs care about sustainability. Savor inventive flavors like the Signature Sunday Pancakes. Sip on creative cocktails like the Honeybear on Holiday, served in a honeybear on ice. And now dinner is available, from fan favorites like Ofira’s Pita and Hummus to the Sunday Burger with Special Sauce.
Haven Rooftop
Haven Rooftop, located atop The Sanctuary Hotel (132 W. 47th Street) in Midtown is the perfect location for your Manhattan escape. Enjoy Haven’s signature Cloudtini (Grey Goose Pear, Lychee Purée, St. Germain) paired with a flatbread pizza, lobster roll or filet mignon.
Sushi Lab Rooftop
Elevate your experience further at Sushi Lab Rooftop, also at The Sanctuary Hotel. Sushi Lab offers creative spin on traditional sushi in the gorgeous canopied rooftop setting and features Japanese small plates, Nigiri, Sashimi and Maki sushi. With elegant, fresh, omakase dinner specials served daily, this outdoor gem is not one you will want to miss.
Benjamin Steakhouse and Benjamin Prime
Benjamin Steakhouse and Benjamin Prime offer exceptional dishes, wine, cocktails and services in the heart of New York. Highlights at both the restaurants include Porterhouse for Two, Shrimp Bisque and Surf and Turf Owners Benjamin Prelvukaj and Benjamin Sinanaj make it their mission to treat each guest like a member of their family.
Slate Rooftop
The soon to be opened Slate Rooftop will open in Williamsburg atop The POD Hotel later this Spring, taking fun and games to a whole new level.
Ten Hope
Ten Hope (10 Hope Street) in Williamsburg is the outdoor dining destination you don’t want to miss. The restaurant offers a vine-laced open-air patio with ample seating and serves up Mediterranean inspired New American dishes daily. Ten Hope also offers Bottomless Brunch on Saturday and Sunday making it the perfect destination to enjoy your day after a long night out.
Momofuku Ssäm Bar
With views of the East River, the bar and patio at David Chang’s classic dining establishment Ssäm Bar is the perfect spot to grab drinks or small bites after work with friends or before jamming out to a concert on The Rooftop at Pier 17. The Korean-inspired restaurant recently launched a new Spring cocktail menu, featuring the Bad Bunny and large format GZB cocktail, perfect for sipping with friends. The patio also features large format Bo Ssäm and Duck Ssäm for groups of four to eight diners.
Fornino
A quintessential NYC activity is grabbing a slice or in some cases a pie and doing that while being outdoors is even better Fornino, which has been an institution in Brooklyn for almost two decades will open their seasonal summer spot at Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park on Saturday, March 26th (weather permitting). You can also grab one of their wood-fired Neapolitan pies at chef and owner Michael Ayoub's flagship location in Greenpoint or on the rooftop of Time Out Market in DUMBO.
Malibu Farm
Like all the best things in life, Malibu Farm started small and grew organically. Founder and Chef Helene Henderson began by hosting cooking classes and farm dinners out of her home and in her backyard in Malibu, CA, where free range, fancy, feather-footed chickens roam alongside a pig named Arnold and pet goats who love to walk on the beach. Here in New York, Chef Henderson brings a taste of Malibu to the Big Apple. Helmed by Executive Chef Amy Sur-Trevino, the menu at Malibu Farm New York features seasonal and sustainable ingredients from vegetables and fruits to meat, whole grains, and more. The drink list is no exception and features ingredients such as organic agaves, freshly squeezed juices, and local produce. Serving lunch during the weekdays, brunch on the weekends, and dinner daily, Malibu Farm is the perfect setting for a breezy, fresh, and delightful dining experience either indoors or al fresco.
Ainslie
This Williamsburg spot has something for everyone. Ainslie’s (76 Ainslie St.) wine bar, beer garden and Italian restaurant offer multiple levels of tables. Explore their rustic rooftop and expansive sidewalk area to enjoy delicious wood-fired pizzas, craft beers, and much more. From staying late (4am on Fridays and Saturdays) and to starting early (11am-4pm All You Can Drink Brunch on Saturday and Sunday), Ainsle has the good times covered.
Bar Marseille
Enjoy the salty breeze and seaside views at Bar Marseille (190 Beach 69th St) in the Rockaways. The restaurant and lounge celebrates the eclectic collection of flavors found along the French Riviera with cultural influences of North Africa, Italy, Greece, and Spain. Elegant furniture and greenery adorn the restaurant's patio and rooftop deck while the cuisine and robust wine list concentrates on the Provence appellation. The fare has strong French coastal influences that focus on seafood and the beverage program offers a variety of French aperitifs and digestifs. Bar Marseille also offers a one-dollar Oyster Happy Hour every day at the bar from open to close! Making this dream setting one you should not miss.
Hidden Lane
For the perfect after work hangout spot, or late night cocktail head over to Hidden Lane (129 E 15th St). Steps away from Gramercy Park, the lounge boasts a bi-level bar and a picturesque garden, illuminated by beautifully lit trees. Intimate and sophisticated, Hidden Lane exudes an old New York Charm, making it a true hidden gem.
Daintree
Daintree (25 W 38th St), one of the most gorgeous penthouse lounges, sits atop the Hotel Hendricks in Chelsea, and is about to debut its very own Treetop Bar in mid-April. The new al-fresco wine bar in the sky, which overlooks the Empire State Building, will feature a rotating list of natural wines from around the globe. Paired with cocktails and food, what better way to say cheers to the springtime, than with a wine glass in one hand and an oyster in another!
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