The August Hit List: Atoboy, Chez Ma Tante, Momofuku Ko, the Dosa Man, and More

Chez Ma Tante is back in action, serving up punchy Caesars and buttery pancakes on the corner of Calyer and Franklin. Dinner is on from Wednesday through Saturday beginning at 5 p.m., Sunday brunch starts at 11 a.m., and seating is first-come, first-served, for now. Those chips with aioli are calling your name. 

Dining status: Patio is open — first-come, first-served. 

Cold fried chicken, duck pie, and dry-aged burgers shaped long and served in hot dog buns are some of Ko’s brilliant specialties, all of which you can have at home by placing an order for pick up or delivery via Caviar. But it doesn’t stop there: the Ko team is always innovating, and the latest new additions include black pepper and parm doughnuts, spicy tomato pizza, and a deli cup filled with cookies and cream ice cream. Treat yourself. 

Dining status: Delivery and takeaway are available.

Atoboy al fresco is on, with the same format as always. $45 gets you three dishes from a roster of seasonal options such as scallop crudo with green beans and watermelon juice, egg custard with uni sauce and heart of palm, and duck breast with grilled pluot, potato, and gochujang. Dishes can also be ordered a la carte or as a set meal for two for takeaway.

Dining status: Outdoor dining is open for reservations and delivery and takeaway are available.

At the end last month, regulars of Thiru Kumar (known to many as Washington Square Park’s Dosa Man), were thrilled to see him return to his cart. He’s now there most days, firing up tangy, slightly-doughy dosa stuffed with spicy potatoes and fresh vegetables and accompanied by coconut chutney and lentil soup from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check his IG or Twitter for real-time updates.

Dining status: As always, takeaway only (to enjoy in the park).

Commemorate the late Crown Heights favorite Gladys by paying a visit to its sister spot in Prospect Lefferts Gardens, where the Painkiller and Rum Punch live on. Outdoor tables are seated on a walk-in basis, where you can enjoy smoked wings, ramen bowls, and spicy shrimp sandwiches. If you’re opting for to-go, know that the bottled cocktails with names like Sour Roger and Sex in Prospect Park are delicious, serve at least six, and cost just $30.

Dining status: Patio is open for walk-ins and takeaway is available.

Graziella’s is the cozy, family-friendly Italian restaurant that always hits the spot. Got a craving for spaghetti and meatballs, penne vodka, or a simple cheese calzone? Grab a sidewalk table or order in for a rainy day at home — just be careful to not get red sauce on the couch.

Dining status: Patio is open for reservations and delivery and takeaway is available.

Summertime calls for oysters on the half shell, so head to Pearl Oyster Bar, where they’ve been sourcing and shucking a mix of East and West coast varieties since 1997. Forget Maine; this West Village mainstay is also famous for its creamy lobster roll with shoestring fries. 

Dining status: Patio is open for reservations; call 212-691-8211.

Make your way to Bay Ridge to feast al fresco on smokey baba ghanoush, crispy fried haloumi, and juicy, grilled kabobs. This award-winning Palestinian restaurant is taking reservations and offering takeout and delivery, inclusive of housemade harissa paste and za’atar seasoning for the home cooks. 

Dining status: Patio is open for reservations and delivery and takeaway is available.

Did you ever think you’d be eating a stellar slice of pepperoni on 8th Ave and 39th Street, seated on makeshift pink seats, surrounded by tropical plants, with little traffic and no crowds in sight? It’s a surreal experience worth a trip to the Garment District, where Upside Pizza is doing outdoor dining right.

Dining status: Patio is open to seat yourself.

There’s nothing quite like the wholly American charm of your favorite greasy diner. Add the fact that pancakes, omelets, and bacon cheeseburgers don’t fare so well as takeaway, and you get the pure delight of newly instated sidewalk seating at a place like Prospect Heights’ tried-and-true Tom’s Diner. The griddle awaits.

Dining status: Open for outdoor dining and takeout. More info here.