From secret backyard gardens to sunny sidewalk seating, we’ve assembled New York’s go-to al fresco digs. So go ahead and make the most of patio season at these stellar eateries.*
Blenheim
Farm-to-table cuisine and a charming patio are just what a summer day called for.
Dante
The ‘on tap’ Negronis and Aperol Spritzes would be reason enough to visit this Greenwich Village institution. Add to that a picturesque outdoor patio, delicious menu, and wildly impressive cocktail list, and it’s love.
Flex Mussels
Twinkly candlelight, white linens, a tree-lined block, and two glasses of Sancerre (natch).
Frankies 570 Spuntino
A Saturday spent on this quaint and sunny Hudson Street-lined patio, is a day well spent.
Morandi
You’d be hard pressed to find a more iconic West Village patio. Relish in the people watching over mouth-watering pasta.
B Bar
The spacious open air courtyard feels like a world unto its own, on the corner of Bowery and Bond.
Café Altro Paradiso
What better way to enjoy a nice day on the patio than with fresh-made pasta and an Aperol Spritz? Top it off with gelato for good measure.
Charlie Bird
Boasting a comfortable outdoor seating section – complete with sweeping umbrellas and heaters – Charlie Bird’s corner patio is delightful on any occasion.
DBGB
Take in the lively scene at this buzzy Bowery staple, which also boasts a robust outdoor seating section.
De Maria
Savor a sunny day on Kenmare over fresh juices, grain bowls, and De Maria’s Instagram-worthy toasts.
Il Buco
Enjoy a rustic Italian dinner out on this lush romantic patio, which practically defines al fresco dining.
Paowalla
Pull up a patio seat and enjoy a signature gin-and-cucumber cocktail over small plates or a full-fledged tasting menu. Best of all, sidewalk seating is open from noon to 11pm.
Pasquale Jones
On the corner of Mulberry and Kenmare sits Pasquale Jones’ quaint Little Italy patio, offering a peek into the kitchen’s wood-burning pizza oven and a taste of the iconic neighborhood.
Rosie’s
Stop by Rosie’s for a mid-week pick-me-up with a kick. Retreat to the patio for delicious Margaritas and guac, or opt for a seat in the open-air dining room.
Terra
A wine bar with delicious Italian tapas, by a James Beard Award-winning chef, and quaint outdoor seating. Need we say more?
The Odeon
Whether for brunch or dinner, it’s hard to deny the merits of this lovely iconic patio. Bonus: on blue-sky sunny days, there’s even an ice cream cart.
Two Hands Restaurant & Bar
Stroll through TriBeCa for a stop at neighborly Two Hands, and enjoy an assortment of fresh-and-healthy offerings at this cafe-style Australian eatery.
Flex Mussels
Whether you’re wandering back from the Met or just in the neighborhood, visit this Uptown staple for light bites: mussels, rosé, (truffle) fries, and more.
Flora Bar
Tucked inside the Met Breuer, this delightfully refined space is just the place to enjoy a cocktail and delicious snack by Chef Ignacio Mattos (of Estela and Cafe Altro Paradiso fame).
Salvation Burger
Delight in craft cocktails and famed burgers in a bona fide outdoor sanctuary. The space features an outdoor patio, courtyard, and bar.
The Upsider
Stop by this Sutton Place gastropub – a decor-lover’s dream – for drinks and light bites after work or a boozy brunch.
John Dory Oyster Bar
The ultimate summertime (re)treat, this oyster bar has ‘happy hour’ – or Thursday – written all over it.
Lupulo
Inspired by iconic Portuguese breweries, Lupulo boasts a lively outdoor patio – complete with a range of tap beers and happy hour specials.
The Cannibal
A meat-lover’s dream, The Cannibal boasts an impressive selection of beers, house-cured meats (in various iterations), and a covered outdoor patio.
Follia
Follia is a casual wine bar with delicious and simple Italian fare. Because, after all, what could be better than pizza under the stars?
Co.
Ricotta toast, wines by the glass, and Stracciatella pizza on the patio, makes for a day well spent – among great company.
Trestle on Tenth
Off the beaten path of 10th Avenue, relish in a delightful meal in the quaint backyard courtyard of Trestle on Tenth.
Faun
This posh garden is spacious, yet intimate – perfect for a romantic dinner for two or anytime really.
Franny’s
Make a night of it on the patio of this Park Slope pizza institution. With its iconic Neapolitan pies – try stopping at just one – and house aperitif cocktails, it’s hard to envision a more ideal setup.
June Wine Bar
Retreat to the (date-night approved) twinkly and lush outdoor patio for natural wines and seasonal bites.
Miss Ada
Nosh on labneh, tahini, and harissa mussels in the low key courtyard of Israeli restaurant, Miss Ada’s backyard.
Olmsted
Enjoy a pre-dinner beverage amidst the lush greenery and strung bistro lights of Olmsted’s garden courtyard, or retreat post-dinner for s’mores. Bonus: heat lamps and wool blankets ensure max coziness.
Prime Meats
This chic yet casual neighborhood favorite boasts great food, delicious cocktails and a prime Carroll Gardens setting.
El Almacén
Gather friends, or a bring a date, to delight in Argentinean tapas in a cozy and casual backyard setting.
Grand Ferry Tavern
Oysters and proper cocktails on the patio is just what summer in Brooklyn called for.
Kings Co. Imperial
The trellis-lined backyard courtyard is home to a full outdoor seating section – as well as a garden where the seasonal produce is grown.
Llama Inn
Retreat to the swanky Peruvian restaurant’s rooftop bar, El Techo, for a “Dolly Llama” cocktail in the outdoor oasis.
Le Fond
The weekend move: farm-fresh soft scrambled eggs, Nutella French toast, and a specialty brunch cocktail on the patio.
Lilia
Come springtime, the windows open and Lilia’s patio is lined with outdoor seating; now, the Italian food Mecca also boasts a bona fide outdoor environment, complete with a Sing for Hope piano open to the public.
Marlow & Sons
Stroll into this casual Brooklyn favorite for a daily menu of easy staples – think frittatas, bacon, egg and cheese on a biscuit, and oysters.
Midnights
Boasting a bona fide courtyard, this anomaly of an outdoor space is equally suitable for large groups (read: communal tables) as well as small parties.
Sunday in Brooklyn
Count on this Brooklyn sanctuary for a spot-on brunch or dinner and drinks. Best of all, the three-story space features a sidewalk patio, rooftop garden, and an open-air market.
The Ides
Enjoy unbeatable views of the Manhattan skyline, from the 360-degree rooftop of Williamsburg’s Wythe Hotel.
Traif
Come for brunch, stay for the vibe. Enjoy a friendly meal on the backyard patio over comfort food and great tunes, while soaking up the sun.
Westlight
Indulge in a stunning (panoramic!) sunset view of Manhattan atop Williamsburg’s William Vale hotel.
