7 Stunning Places to Dine Outside in NYC
Brunch in a garden, dinner by the Hudson and drinks under the stars
Remember when you vowed to spend all summer sitting at picturesque sidewalk cafés sipping mimosas? And nibbling charcuterie while watching the sunset? And the lobster rolls--who could forget the lobster rolls? It’s not too late.
Starting right now, you can spend the entire weekend eating outside in the city and actually squeeze in some relaxation time, too.
Here are the seven places we’ll be dining alfresco. See you there?
CLAUDETTE
Get ready to up your Instagram game this weekend: Snap a few photos of your Binouche Bellini and eggs Benedict at Claudette’s charming sidewalk café. Striped tablecloths and wildflowers, oui, oui.
24 Fifth Ave. (at Ninth St.); 212-868-2424 or claudettenyc.com
GRAN ELECTRICA
This DUMBO Mexican joint is known for its luminous outdoor patio--it’s a fantastic place to kick back on a warm night. Tacos under the stars? We thought you’d never ask.
5 Front St. (at Dock St.), Brooklyn; 718-852-2700 or granelectrica.com
ALTA LINEA
Two words: Frozen negroni. Sip one (or three) of these beauties while tucked away in the front garden of the High Line Hotel. The new spot doesn’t take reservations, so get there early.
180 Tenth Ave. (at 21st St.); 212-933-9735 or altalineanyc.com
RIVERPARK
Dinner alfresco doesn’t get more romantic than at Riverpark, Tom Colicchio’s restaurant-slash-urban-farm with delicious food and dazzling views. Charcuterie and burrata while gazing at the sunset? Yes, please.
450 E. 29th St. (at FDR Dr.); 212-729-9790 or riverparknyc.com
LOLO’S SEAFOOD SHACK
Is it us, or is seafood always more delicious when eaten outside? Chow down on a delightfully messy soft-shell-crab sandwich on the back patio of LoLo’s Seafood Shack and you’ll swear you can hear the ocean.
303 W. 116th St. (at Eighth Ave.); 929-256-2509 or lolosseafoodshack.com
HUDSON CLEARWATER
Start your morning (who are we kidding, late afternoon) off with brunch in this cozy West Village hideaway. The unmarked entrance keeps away tourists, so you can munch on your brioche French toast in the company of other chill New Yorkers.
447 Hudson St. (at Morton St.); 212-989-3255 or hudsonclearwater.com
PIER I CAFÉ
Gaze out at the Hudson and enjoy a bottle of rosé on ice at this casual Upper West Side hangout. There’s no waiter service and seating is first-come, first-served, so grab a table and stay all day with your friends.
500 W. 70th St. (at Riverside Blvd.); 212-362-4450 or pieircafe.com