The Tamesis
There’s always something magical about outdoor dining in New York City. For years, the outdoor setting was basically an added feature. Some places just have them and other places don’t. There’s a walkway – perfect for people-watching while enjoying a meal – and a backyard oasis for when you want to slip away and hide in the woods for a while. Of course, you have to contend with the occasional distractions from your open-air fantasy: scurrying in the bush, idling garbage trucks. It’s all part of the landscape.
We now live in a world of outdoor dining permanently affected by the pandemic, with restaurants building roadside shacks and other temporary structures to safely welcome diners during lockdown. It turns out people love eating Caesar salad and French fries at a lively event, and in 2023, the city made outdoor dining permanent and seasonal. Fortunately for those who love the outdoors, the season has now begun: from April 1 to November 29, more restaurants will offer outdoor seating in road structures.
To celebrate the arrival of warmer weather, we’ve updated our guide Fashion A favorite outdoor dining spot among employees in town. From Fort Greene pubs to the best patios for sipping a pint of Guinness, check out our picks below.
Note to readers: This guide is constantly being updated and we do our best to make sure it is as up-to-date as possible. However, when in doubt, check the restaurant’s website for the latest information.
Aurora, Williamsburg
I was introduced to Aurora through its outdoor spaces and it certainly made an impression on me. Not only is the space filled with beautiful florals, but the enclosed patio is large enough to accommodate larger groups—a must-have for a celebratory dinner. Not to mention, the Italian menu is delicious and has a wide variety of wines and cocktails. —Kiana Murden, shopping beauty editor
Pitti Bar, Greenwich Village
Bar Pitti may be New York City’s original outdoor dining hotspot—since the 1990s, New Yorkers have flocked to the sidewalks of this cash-only Italian restaurant to buy a bottle of wine and a specialty menu pasta. Thirty years later, this is still happening. —Elise Taylor, Former Senior Living Writer
I’m tempted to guard this place because the American Bar gets packed with Green Point locals on the weekends, but I need to share because their drinks are some of the best I’ve ever had. (The Appletini in particular is a favorite of mine.) I also recommend ordering the octopus and chicken Milanese. Dessert is also a must – especially the pistachio semi-fredo. —Irene Kim, Production and Editorial Assistant
williamsburg becco
Just a stone’s throw from my front door, Beco offers laid-back outdoor seating, delicious Brazilian cocktails, and a diverse (but not overly saturated!) all-day menu. The settings are diverse: from tiny babies to big dogs, to first dates and solo meals – everyone is welcome. Weekends are best for people-watching as you can enjoy live music while gazing. Honestly, none of the above matters…because once you enjoy your first bite of milk pie, the rest of the world disappears. —Jasmine Contomichalos, Director of Consumer Revenue, Vogue 100
Determining the best Italian food in New York is no easy task—the competition is fierce. While Via Carota is controversial for its salads, I think better salads can be found at Altro Paradiso. Made with fennel flakes and Castelvetrano olives, it’s delicious, but it’s just one of many great entrees you’ll find. For dessert, the panna cotta is not to be missed. —Lilah Ramzi, Contributing Editor
