16 Patios, Gardens and Sidewalk Cafés You'll Want to Hang Out on All Summer

For all the time we spend looking forward to leisurely, sun-dappled outdoor meals, there’s a frustratingly small window between “still too chilly” and “good Lord get me some air conditioning.” So when one of those elusive perfect days comes along, you’d better be ready.

The laidback hangout/restaurant/dance-party venue rolled out a charming indoor space this winter, but we have to say we're pretty excited its giant, welcoming backyard is open again for the season. (And if it gets a little chilly, just hop into the on-site sauna.)

50-06 Cooper Ave., Queens; nowadays.nyc

This charm-filled Italian spot already feels transported from somewhere else thanks to its quiet Greenpoint location. And its dreamy backyard doubles down on that notion with tile-inset tables, string lights and plants galore.

1103 Manhattan Ave., Brooklyn; lefanfare.com

Attention: The solar-powered, rainbow-umbrella-outfitted, frozen-marg-slinging summertime spot is opening its gates tomorrow. BYO sunglasses.

757 Fulton St., Brooklyn; habanaoutpost.com

Great news, everyone: Manhattan’s one and only floating lobster shack is open for the season, as of yesterday. And if chowing down on a lobster roll on the Hudson River isn’t a way to kick off the season, we don’t know what is.

Pier 81 at W. 41st St. and 12th Ave.; northriverlobsterco.com

What’s not to like about a sunny backyard that serves smoked-chicken tater "tachos" and a really good burger? And lucky us—that garden is officially reopening tomorrow.

295 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn; rosesbklyn.com

Why settle for a regular brunch when you can have a tapas-style brunch that includes unlimited sangria and a churro sundae—all while soaking up some much-needed vitamin D?

1460 Second Ave.; boquerianyc.com

Brunch is good. Brunch on a charming, spacious patio with an Everything Mary (that would be an everything-bagel-spiced Bloody Mary) is better. 

320 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn; frenchlouienyc.com

This West Village gem has the whole secret-garden vibe down pat. Plus, this garden happens to have duck hash and avocado toast.

447 Hudson St.; hudsonclearwater.com

Our appetite for pasta knows no season. But if we can feast on cacio e pepe with rainbow cauliflower in a lovely garden like this one, all the better. 

387 Myrtle Ave., Brooklyn; larinabk.com

This Astoria gastropub boasts not one but two outdoor areas. Stop by now for rosé sangria on the spacious sidewalk café, then come back in a few weeks when the equally lovely back garden is up and running. 

29-12 23rd Ave., Queens; thebonnie.com

The leafy back garden of this Gowanus mainstay was made for balmy days (and nights). Throw in some crispy Brussels sprouts and a cocktail or two and we might never leave.

383 Carroll St., Brooklyn; lavenderlake.com

As far as we’re concerned, it’s not happy hour unless there are oysters, frosé and Hudson River views. (And maybe a cheese plate or two.) 

Brookfield Place, 225 Liberty St.; ledistrict.com

This moody, neon-lit tiki bar has a secret: a magically tropical back garden that goes perfectly with its umbrella-topped, rum-spiked drinks.

722 Nostrand Ave., Brooklyn; superpowerbrooklyn.com