Best NYC Outdoor Dining: An Opinionated Guide

Posted by bellastraniera - 16/06/09 at 02:06 pm

Someday, someday, New Yorkers can hope to dine outdoors, right? When summer weather finally sticks around, arm yourself with this neighborhood-by-neighborhood guide to over 30 of the best places to eat outdoors in the city. Not all of these places are new and cool, and food is not always the main draw. But from sidewalk to garden to rooftop dining, they all offer great atmosphere and spur-of-the-moment accessibility, so you can catch the nice weather while it lasts.

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West Village

10 Downing – sidewalk. 10 Downing recently opened up their sidewalk seating, and the result is a still-uncrowded spot with great people-watching. The host will tell you that you can sit outside “for dinner,” but you can get away with a model-sized dinner of wine and a few shared appetizers. Recommended dishes: cold pea soup (special), baked sheep cheese with red pepper relish and toasted bread, jamon serrano. 10 Downing Street at Sixth Avenue, West Village, 212-255-0300.

Bar Pitti – sidewalk. Cheap, cheap, cheap! One of the best things to love about Bar Pitti is that it’s hard to run up a big bill here, and you get good food and wine in the bargain. Loyal following of downtown neighbors. Recommended dishes: pappardelle alla Fiesolana ($11), ravioli bella vista spinach ($11), chicken liver crostini ($5.50). 268 Sixth Avenue, between Bleecker and Houston Streets, West Village, 212-982-3300.

Bobo - courtyard. This West Village fave just opened a pretty back garden – for meals including brunch – so you’re best off going now before the crowds catch on. 181 West 10th Street at Seventh Avenue South, 212-488-2626.

Morandi – sidewalk. This place may not have made a huge impression on the New York food world, but it’s still a fun scene with the occasional celeb sighting (recently spotted: Martha Stewart). Plus, they have McNally’s signature carafes of wine, perfect for whiling away a late sunny afternoon. Recommended dishes: fried artichokes ($12), fried green olives stuffed with sausage ($12), hand rolled spaghetti with lemon ($16), orata ($26), polpettine ($17). 211 Waverly Place at Seventh Avenue, 212-627-7575.

Sant’Ambroeus – sidewalk. The prices for the Italian food here are definitely on the crazy side, but the sidewalk seating on one of the prettiest corners of the West Village makes it all seem worthwhile. Dogs are welcome outside. Celeb hangout. Recommended dishes: panini ($11-16), risotto ($22-26), wine. 259 West 4th Street at Perry Street, 212-604-9254.

Meatpacking District

5 Ninth – courtyard. The pretty, exclusive courtyard at 5 Ninth has always been one of its greatest assets, something that keeps it going despite the revolving door of chefs. Celeb spotted here: Beck! 5 9th Avenue, between Gansevoort and Little W. 12th Streets, 212-929-9460.

Barbuto – sidewalk. Critics rave about Jonathan Waxman’s roast chicken at Barbuto, so why not enjoy it al fresco? Greenwich Street is relatively quiet, so in this part of town, you actually can get the feeling of sidewalk dining in Europe. Recommended dishes: seasonal pastas (about $15-$19), pollo al forno ($19). 775 Washington Street at W. 12th Street, Meatpacking District, 212-924-9700.

Frederick’s Downtown – sidewalk. Frederick’s is far enough away from the MePa fray that you can avoid a mob scene, but not so far that you aren’t dining with the rich and fabulous. An ideal place to while away a late afternoon with some prosecco. Recommended dishes: olives ($7), crispy artichoke with parmesan ($14), grilled branzino ($30), steak au poivre ($36). 637 Hudson Street at Horatio Street, 212-488-4200.

Paradou – courtyard. The garden at Paradou has changed since it first opened – the garden that used to be overrun with vines in a charming Grey Gardens kind of way is now spare and neatly manicured, with an awning overhead, but the outdoor space is still pretty enchanting. Go here for the wine, cheese and extras – or the $29 unlimited champagne brunch. Recommended dishes: scallop and artichoke “Napoleon” ($13), assiete Paradou ($28), selection of artisanal cheeses (3 for $19), wine. 8 Little W. 12th Street, between Ninth Avenue and Washington Street, 212-463-8345.

Pastis – sidewalk. Say what you will about the trendiness of this McNally joint – by now it’s been around so long, its very trendiness is a MePa institution. Plus, they have excellent oysters, croque madame, carafes of wine and interesting people watching, especially at lunchtime. Recommended dishes: oysters, croque madame ($14), carafes of wine ($20-$27). 9 Ninth Avenue at Little West 12th Street, 212-929-4844.

East Village

Cafe Orlin – sidewalk. This standby may be one of the best places for lunch or a light dinner in the East Village. Install yourself at a table outside and soak in the sunshine – or the shade – with a leisurely French lunch with Middle-Eastern flair. Recommended dishes: pan-roasted goat cheese salad ($10.50), hummus plate ($6.50).

Esperanto – sidewalk. Alas, whatever talented chef was in the kitchen when this place first opened has long since left the building, but Esperanta is still a great place for an outdoor drink and snack on cool but quiet Avenue C. Recommended dishes: empanadas ($7), ceviche ($6.50-9), camarones de la feria ($15), caipirinhas. 145 Avenue C at 9th Street, 212-505-6559.

NoHo

Gemma – sidewalk. And…scene! That’s what you’ll get at Gemma, particularly on nights when celebs may be staying at the Bowery Hotel above. There are a lot of crowd-pleasers on the menu, and the sidewalk scene is quite nice, until that 18 wheeler goes by, and you suddenly remember you’re on the Bowery. Recommended dishes: pizza ($12-$15), burrata caprese ($12), fava bean salad ($9), olive tapenade and goat cheese crostini ($5). The Bowery Hotel, 355 Bowery at East 3rd Street, 212-505-9100.

NoLita

Le Jardin Bistro – courtyard. The main dining room of this plain-looking bistro conceals a beautiful trellised garden in back, overlaid with vines to keep the heat at bay. The traditional French food is exactly what you’d expect, but the outdoor space sets it apart. 25 Cleveland Place, between Kenmare and Spring Streets, Soho, 212-343-9599.

Lower East Side

Le Pere Pinard – courtyard. On a rowdy night on the LES, don’t give up on finding a charming but cool place to eat – just head to the back garden of Le Pere Pinard, an idyll in the middle of all the chaos. Recommended dishes: moules marinieres ($9), steak tartare ($15). 175 Ludlow Street, between Houston and Stanton Streets, 212-777-4917.

SoHo

Barolo – courtyard. OK, so the Eurotrash element is definitely a factor here, but if you don’t mind dining with Gianni and Franz, Barolo’s is one of the prettiest, most spacious courtyards in Soho. Recommended dishes: wine. 398 W. Broadway, between Spring and Broome Streets, Soho, 212-226-1102.

Mekong – sidewalk. We’re not sure why Mekong is such a model magnet, but considering it also attracts male models, we’re not complaining. Head here for drinks or a quick bite to eat on a warm weeknight and the friendly owner will take care of you. Recommended dishes: summer rolls ($6-7), crispy wok fried red snapper ($21), Vietnamese style shrimp ($16).

Flatiron District

The Coffee Shop. This is the place that so many food people love to hate, but – but! – it’s one of the most profitable restaurants in the country, so they must be doing something right. Given the excellent people-watching, the Coffee Shop is one of the best places for lunch downtown, especially when the sidewalk seating opens up. Recommended dishes: sesame chicken and bok choy salad ($12.95), burger deluxe ($11.95), herb fries ($5). 29 Union Square West at 16th Street, 212-243-7969.

Tabla Bread Bar – sidewalk. One of the most important factors in outdoor dining? Cocktails. Tabla has always had some great ones, including the Tamarind Margarita ($12) and the new rum-and-candied-ginger Slumdog ($12). Soak it up with some eclectic snacks, and you’ve got the perfect outdoor meal under the graceful arches of the Met Life building, overlooking Madison Square. Recommended dishes: raita ($6), guacamole ($10), fennel and mustard seed cured arctic char ($15), Bread Bar chicken tikka ($20). 11 Madison Avenue at 25th Street, Flatiron District, NY, 212-889-0667.

Chelsea

Trestle on Tenth – courtyard. If you’re ever checking out West Chelsea’s art scene on a Thursday evening, it’s a must to book a table in the back garden here for an excellent post-gallery dining spot. The ivy-lined walls are a pretty backdrop for beautifully executed American food. Recommended dishes: butter lettuce salad with buttermilk dressing ($9.75), salmon ($20.50), lamb saddle ($25), pork loin ($21.75). 242 10th Avenue at 24th Street, 212-645-5659.

Upper West Side

Nice Matin – sidewalk. Nice Matin may not be the best French bistro or the best outdoor restaurant, but it’s the best French bistro with outdoor seating on the Upper West Side. Even if you can’t snag an actual sidewalk seat, they throw the windows of this sunny, cheerful restaurant open, so you’ll have an open-air experience either way. Recommended dishes: roasted artichokes with pancetta ($10.50), chicken paillard ($17.75), steak frites ($27.50).

Upper East Side

Beyoglu – sidewalk. The Upper East Side has its strengths, but interesting, good food is not one of them. Thankfully, there’s Beyoglu, the Turkish meze place that pleases nearly everyone. Much of the inexpensive but very good food is vegetarian, and its Third Avenue and 81st Street locale is prime people-watching territory. Recommended dishes: hummus ($6), cacik yogurt dip ($6), taramara ($6), char-grilled octopus salad ($8). 1431 Third Avenue, at 81st Street, 212-650-0850.

Central Park Boathouse – lakeside. There’s hardly a more idyllic spot anywhere in Manhattan, and fortunately, the Central Park Boathouse now has good food to match the views. An excellent bet for an early evening dinner on a weekend – dinner service starts at 6pm Saturday and Sunday. Recent celeb sighting: Leonardo DiCaprio. Recommended dishes: lump crab cake ($15), cocktails. Central Park, Fifth Avenue at 72nd Street, 212-517-2233.

Williamsburg

Fette Sau – courtyard. Follow your nose, because it will take you to the source of the delicious wafting scent of barbecue meat in Williamsburg. It’s worth getting to Fette Sau early to install yourself and your friends at one of the outdoor picnic tables. Recommended dishes: pulled pork, Berkshire spare ribs ($14 half rack), Guss’ half sour pickles ($5 per pound), Bulleit bourbon. 354 Metropolitan Avenue at Havemeyer Street, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, 718-963-3404.

Vutera – courtyard. Not only is it one of the best new restaurants in Williamsburg, Vutera has a beautiful back garden. Go here for a casual but still enchanting date spot. Recommended dishes: escabeche ($10), chilled asparagus soup ($7), roasted whole poussin ($17), bavette steak ($17). 345 Grand Street, between Havemeyer Street and Marcy Avenue, 718-599-0069.

Boerum Hill

La Lunetta – courtyard. This Smith Street restaurant is so low key you could walk right by it, but that would be a shame because then you’d be missing their excellent small plates and pastas, plus the charming garden. Recommended dishes: formaggi and salumi (3 for $9), ricotta lunetta ($11), orecchietti with rapini and sweet sausage ($13). 116 Smith Street, between Dean and Pacific Streets, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, 718-488-6269.

Pacifico – courtyard. Mexican food plus outdoor dining? Instant recipe for a party with friends. Come to this garden strung with colored lights for their potent margaritas ($6), fish tacos ($13.50), shredded “yardbird” tacos ($8.50), and to-die-for molten queso fundido ($8). 269 Pacific Street between Smith and Court Streets, 718-935-9090.

Robin des Bois – courtyard. It’s hard to write objectively about a place you patronize all the time, but…Robin des Bois rocks! The funky flea market decor and fireplace creates a great atmosphere in the winter, and brunch and dinner here will be all the more enjoyable now that their pretty, leafy garden is open. Recommended dishes: French toast ($8.50), oeufs au gratin ($8.50), croque madame ($9.50), homemade hummus ($6), duck rillete ($6.50), Berkshire pork chops ($15.50), skirt steak with potato gratin ($17.50). 195 Smith Street between Warren and Baltic Streets, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, 718-596-1609.

Cobble Hill

Alma – rooftop. Go here for unparalleled views of downtown Manhattan on a gorgeous sunny day or evening. One of the best bets is brunch, if you can manage to get there before the rest of the neighborhood wakes up at about 11:30. Recommended dishes: chilaquiles con huevos, Bloody Marys. 187 Columbia Street at Degraw Street, Carroll Gardens waterfront Brooklyn, 718-643-5400.

Watty & Meg – sidewalk. This new spot is already attracting a fashionable Cobble Hill crowd, so it’s a good place to see and be seen on summer nights. But it has a down-to-earth vibe and a southern-inflected American menu. Recommended dishes: grilled shrimp with spring corn salsa ($10), iceberg lettuce with gorgonzola dressing ($8), grilled whole trout ($17). 248 Court Street at Kane Street, 718-643-0007.

Carroll Gardens

The Grocery – courtyard. This place is to summer in Carroll Gardens what Patois was to winter – the ideal seasonal backdrop. Feel like you’re in the Hamptons (in a good way) in the minimalist, serene back garden. Bonus: Savoy chefs mean the food is seasonal and quite good. Recommended dishes: fried artichokes ($15), slow rendered duck breast ($28). 288 Smith Street between Sackett and Union Streets, 718-596-3335.

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Posted on Tuesday, June 16th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Tags: Bobo, Brooklyn, Fette Sau, Frederick's Downtown, Gemma, Meatpacking District, Morandi, New York, restaurants, Vutera.
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