The best outdoor dining spots in NYC

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mariscos El Submarino 🇲🇽 (@mariscoselsubmarino)

What is it? A Mexican seafood NYC mini-chain with several locations; the Myrtle Ave outpost on the Clinton Hill side of Fort Greene has the backyard you’re after.

Why we love it: The camarones zarandeados a la parrilla are flame-kissed, grilled—head, shell, and tail-on, finished with lime. They’re wildly craveable. Get a dozen of those (yes, you eat the shell, no, it’s not hard to chew), then go for spicy aguachile negro in a molcajete, some beautifully prepared ceviche, cold beers or margaritas, and you have as satisfying and genuinely fun a casual meal as this city has to offer at any price, period. Grab a few friends and make plans to spend a little more time with more shrimp and more drinks. You won’t be disappointed. The backyard on Myrtle Avenue is easy and unpretentious, which suits the food. 

Time Out tip: The Greenpoint spot on Franklin Street also has a patio. Some dishes are extremely spicy, but the menu doesn’t indicate that. Double-check with your server before finalizing your order.

Address: 507 Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11205

Opening hours: Daily noon–10pm

Expect to pay: ~$12–18/small plate; ~$18–28/main; ~$4–6/taco; ~$7–9/beer; ~$12–16/margarita

What is it? A neighborhood Italian spot in Carroll Gardens with a charming back courtyard.

Why we love it: The appeal is obvious the second you arrive on the block. That feeling continues into the restaurant, through and out the other side. The backyard’s vine-covered walls are classic, and the food is great. The spiritual progenitor here is Bar Primi and you can tell–the spaghetti pomodoro sounds run-of-the-mill but it is a perfect encapsulation of why, when it comes to Italian cuisine, well-executed simplicity trumps high-concept. The wine list is short but well chosen.

Time Out tip: There is also a front patio on Union Street. You’ll be happy with either, but the courtyard is better.

Address: 126 Union Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Opening hours: Tue, Wed 5-9pm; Thu 5-10pm; Fri, Sat 11am-2:30pm, 5-10pm; Sun 11am-2:30pm, 5-9pm

Expect to pay: ~$16–22/small plate; ~$24–38/main; ~$16–18/cocktail; ~$14–18/glass of wine, ~$55–140/bottle of wine

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Elias Corner (@eliascorner)

What is it? A big, no-frills Greek restaurant where fresh seafood is the business and business is good.

Why we love it:  What’s available is what’s fresh. The chalkboard menu hanging above the kitchen tells the tale. The food here is prepared simply, beautifully. They’re wowing with quality ingredients and clean flavors. That means a lot of good olive oil, char, acid, and perfectly prepared proteins in big portions. This backyard is a great place to bring a big group. The aesthetic is utilitarian, but that’s because it’s all about the company and the food.

Time Out tip: Order first, then get a table. Inside is okay, but it’s really about the backyard. Don’t miss the grilled squid.

Address: 24-02 31st St, Queens, 11102

Opening hours: Wed-Mon 4–10pm

Expect to pay: Highly market-dependent for seafood. Sides, salads, dips, veggies are all ~$10

What is it? New Orleans-inspired oyster and absinthe bar on Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg with a picture-perfect backyard garden.

Why we love it: Maison Premiere’s garden is one of the best reasons to be in Williamsburg. Wisteria overhead, oysters, beautiful cocktails–it’s the stuff of perfect Saturday afternoons. This place has a well-deserved reputation for excellence in both food and drink, so you’ll have a great time with either and both. 

Time Out tip: The Old Nat King Cole martini is prepared tableside on a cart. Pricey, yes, but it’s like sipping a liquid diamond.

Address: 298 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11249

Opening hours: Mon-Fri noon-1am; Sat, Sun 11am-1am

Expect to pay: ~$18–26/small plate; ~$18–24/cocktail; ~$16–22/glass of wine, ~$65–220/bottle of wine

What is it? A Carroll Gardens institution for 20 years. This is one of the most reliably good backyard gardens in Brooklyn.

Why we love it: Writing his final restaurant review for the Times, Sam Sifton penned a love letter to the experience of a dinner in Frankies’ backyard; simple, delicious food; beautiful environs, a summer evening–he wished it would go on forever. Frankie’s isn’t flashy, sceney, or bourgeois–it’s no Carbone. It’s an honest, straightforward place that understands why the old school abides. Go. Eat outside, under the old tree, with good friends.

Time Out tip: Lunch is easier to walk into than dinner. The menu is the same.

Address: 457 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Opening hours: Daily 11am-11pm

Expect to pay: ~$14–18/small plate; ~$22-38/main; ~$12-18/glass of wine, ~$45-110/bottle

What is it? The restaurant Pete Wells called the best in New York. It’s near impossible to get a res, but there’s an outdoor patio at Lincoln Center open to walk-ins each evening.

Why we love it: Good luck getting a res at Tatiana—this place’s hype is red-hot. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. This is beautiful cuisine with a clear vision and deep roots; the menu is largely an homage to the dishes and cooking that inspired chef Onwuachi’s culinary career. The beautiful little outdoor patio on the Lincoln Center plaza is walk-in only. That might sound like an easy-in, but there are only 32 seats available and—surprise!—Wells’ No. 1 draws a crowd. You might be better off refreshing that reservations page.

Time Out tip: The patio opens with the restaurant at 4pm, so if you must eat here and can’t wait, arrive early and be prepared to wait.

Address: 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023

Opening hours: Tue-Sat 4-10pm

Expect to pay: ~$18-26/app; ~$34-52/main; ~$20-26/cocktail; ~$16-24/glass of wine; ~$65-180/bottle of wine

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by oxomoco (@_oxomoco_)

What is it? Michelin-starred modern Mexican in Greenpoint featuring wood-fire cookery.

Why we love it: Oxomoco’s dining room is a pretty place, full of light from the skylights. But the front patio is its (not so) secret weapon. A summer evening is the time to experience it. Wood fire wafting lamb barbacoa, a refreshing frozen cocktail, Michelin-level service—this is one of Greenpoint’s brightest, shiniest jewels. 

Time Out tip: The patio is covered and heated year-round. There is no bad season to come. And when there’s still light in the sky, the dining room glows.

Address: 128 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222

Opening hours: Mon-Fri noon-3pm, 5:30–10pm; Sat, Sun 11am-3pm, 5:30-10pm

Expect to pay: ~$18–26/small plate; ~$36–52/main; ~$16–20/cocktail; ~$14–20/glass of wine, ~$55–160/bottle

What is it? Michelin-listed Lebanese restaurant on New York’s other Fifth Ave, over in Park Slope. 

Why we love it: Sawa takes the basics seriously and nowhere is that more evident than the pita–baked to order, it comes out warm and it sets the tone. The food here is delicious, featuring a tapestry of deep, soul-warming flavors. Chef Soroosh Golbabae came up at Gramercy Tavern and Sofreh; there is some very serious cookery going on here, but the dishes feel inviting and sumptuous rather than prissy or soigne. The backyard is wide and well-lit, perfect for a long dinner with friends, family, and lots of Lebanese wine. 

Time Out tip: Expect weekend foot traffic on the patio. Let the staff guide you through some of Lebanon’s libations.

Address: 75 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217

Opening hours: Wed–Sun 5:30-11pm

Expect to pay: ~$14–22/small plate; ~$34–48/main; ~$18–22/cocktail; ~$16–22/glass of wine; ~$60–180/bottle

What is it? A Thai restaurant on the Lower East Side with a fenced-in back garden. 

Why we love it: If you’re trying to clear your mind with spice, this is a fantastic place to do it. Down a little set of stairs, you’ll find food that’s upscale but not tortured and an environment that’s cool but not precious. The back garden is relaxing, a little hidden oasis in the neighborhood. This is an excellent choice for any occasion, but it’s perfect for a summer celebration, maybe a dinner date.

Time Out tip: Feast like a king with the whole fried branzino, balancing that sweet-and-sour bite with limes and chilies wrapped in. 

Address: 100 Forsyth St, New York, NY 10002

Opening hours: Mon–Fri noon–3pm, 5-10pm; Sat 5-11pm; Sun noon-3pm, 5-10pm

Expect to pay: ~$14–22/app; ~$22–36/main; ~$16–18/cocktail; ~$8–10/beer; ~$12–16/glass of wine

What is it? A seasonally-focused French-ish restaurant with a garden.

Why we love it: The menu here is short but thoughtful; everything you’re eating tells its own story. Many elements are foraged, but that isn’t a gimmick. This is the kind of place that puts ingredients first, offering clean, easy-to-understand food. There’s smart sauce work here and perfectly tempting proteins. The pretty little backyard has a casual feel, almost like a friend’s home.

Time Out tip: The garden reliably fills up, but the atrium inside is also lovely.

Address: 791 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238

Opening hours: Cafe: Thu-Mon 8:30am-3pm; Dinner: Thu-Mon 5-9pm, Fri, Sat 5-10pm

Expect to pay: ~$14–20/app; ~$24–36/main; ~$16–18/cocktail; ~$14–18/glass of wine, ~$55–130/bottle

What is it? French bistro in Boerum Hill with an ivy-lined backyard and a nifty retractable roof.

Why we love it: This place feels calibrated to comfort–the menu isn’t exactly French bistro, but the attitude and bearing suggest it. The handsome decor helps sell the effect. This isn’t exactly French food; it’s French-adjacent with a riff here, a classic there, and stylistic outliers throughout. The mission is good food over fulfilling a brief. The outside dining option reads more like an al fresco dining room than a garden—it’s refined, clean, and neat. Its killer feature is a retractable roof, making this a late-season option.

Time Out tip: This place has become a go-to in the neighborhood for weekend Brunch, which features a few standouts, like a classic croque madame and a not-so-classic pecan pie french toast.  

Address: 320 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Opening hours: Lunch: Tue-Fri 11:30am-3pm; Dinner: Sun, Mon 5-9pm; Tue-Thu 5-9:30pm; Fri, Sat 5-10:30pm; Brunch: Sat& Sun: 11am–3pm

Expect to pay: ~$14–22/app; ~$28–40/main; ~$14–18/cocktail; ~$14–20/glass of wine; ~$55–150/bottle

What is it? This is a pretty, modern little restaurant with a Mediterranean/Israeli-inflected menu.

Why we love it: There is a lot to love about the food at Miss Ada–mezze comforts like labne and sweet potato hummus, sumptuous mains like the dry-aged beef kofta with habanero relish. The backyard is small but tidy; herbs grow in the bench/planter and find their way into the food and the cocktails, which is a nice touch. 

Time Out tip: The food is terrific, so reservations are tough. Walk-ins at the bar are worth the attempt most nights.

Address: 184 DeKalb Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205

Opening hours: Tue-Thu 5:30-9:45pm; Fri 5-10pm; Sat 11am-2:30pm, 5-10pm; Sun 11am–2:30pm, 5–9pm

Expect to pay: ~$14–22/small plate; ~$26–42/main; ~$16–20/cocktail; ~$14–20/glass of wine, ~$55–150/bottle of wine

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Giulianas Restaurant (@giulianasrestaurant)

What is it? A classic red sauce restaurant on Staten Island with a spacious outdoor patio.

Why we love it: Nobody winds up on Staten Island by accident; The Verrazano costs almost 20 bucks to cross by car, and that ferry ride ain’t exactly subtle. But, if you’re there and you’re in the market for a delightful Italian-American meal outdoors, Giuliana’s spacious, pretty backyard is the spot. They make their own mozzarella here, so ordering some to start is non-negotiable. After that, the world is your oyster or manicotti shell, if you will.

Time Out tip: The Staten Island Ferry is free and drops you within reach of the SIR—it's about 25 minutes from St. George to Great Kills. Or, you could drive: the view from the bridge is a treat.

Address: 4105 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10308

Opening hours: Tue 1-9pm; Wed, Thu noon-9pm; Fri, Sat noon-10pm; Sun 1-8pm

Expect to pay: ~$14–22/small plate; ~$22–44/main; ~$12–16/glass of wine, ~$45–120/bottle of wine

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Vinegar Hill House (@vinegarhillhouse)

What is it? A seasonal New American spot tucked into one of Brooklyn's tiniest, least-trafficked neighborhoods.

Why we love it: The food here is wonderful and the vibes are immaculate. It isn’t exactly homestyle weeknight casual, but dinner here is a reminder that, in this city, you don’t have to scale Michelin mountain to have a gorgeous meal. The small but well-rounded menu is designed around the wood-fired oven, which imparts an earthiness and aroma you just can’t fake. The restaurant itself is Americana in the most charming way, and that vibe extends to the backyard.

Time Out tip: There isn’t a lot of Vinegar Hill to see, but you wouldn’t come here otherwise and it’s worth a quick stroll if you want to soak up a part of Brooklyn that still feels like a real neighborhood. 

Address: 72 Hudson Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 5:30-9:30pm; Fri 5:30-10pm; Sat 10am-3pm, 5:30-10pm; Sun 10am-3pm

Expect to pay: ~$11–28/small plate; ~$26–47/main; ~$18–20/cocktail; ~$7–16/beer

What is it? Israeli charcoal grill house on the roof of the Hoxton Hotel in Williamsburg. The food is one thing, the Manhattan skyline view is a whole other thing.

Why we love it: The view from the top of the Hoxton is top-tier. At sunset, it’s surpassingly pretty. That means that actually getting a table isn’t so easy. Reservations open three weeks out and fill up quickly. In tourist-heavy seasons, best of luck. Meals are communal here, which is fun and allows for variety. Acid clears your palate in the form of salatim, pickles, mushrooms with sour cherry; then onto something richer like baba ghanoush, gigante beans with harissa. Skewers are the big ticket item and the lamb kofta is a winner. A brown sugar soft-serve sendoff rounds it all out.  

Time Out tip: Walk-in bar seats are just there for the taking. A non-starter for a group, but a nice option for a solo or couple experience.

Address: 97 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249

Opening hours: Mon-Wed 5-10:30pm; Thu, Fri 5-11:30pm; Sat 11:30am-3pm, 5-11:30pm; Sun 11:30am-3pm, 5-10:30pm

Expect to pay: ~$38–68/skewer or main; ~$18–22/cocktail; ~$16–24/glass of wine, ~$70–250/bottle

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by King (@king.newyork)

What is it? A Michelin-recognized SoHo restaurant with sidewalk tables and a menu that changes daily.

Why we love it: King Street is considerably less chaotic than the surrounding blocks, but Sixth Avenue is a major traffic thoroughfare. In this way, the sidewalk tables at the corner-situated King almost present SoHo’s vibe in microcosm. This charming Italian restaurant’s short menu changes every day. The food here is precise and elegant Southern Italian–the food is precise and pretty, and the portions are relatively small; think beautifully prepared proteins and delicate accouterments, not cheesy pasta with red sauce.

Time Out tip: Lunch runs Friday through Sunday and is easier to get into than dinner any other night of the week.

Address: 18 King Street, New York, NY 10014

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 5-10pm; Fri noon-3pm, 5-10pm; Sat, Sun noon-3pm, 5-10pm

Expect to pay: ~$18–28/app; ~$38–58/main; ~$18–26/glass of wine; ~$80–350/bottle

What is it? Stone-cold classic pizza and spumoni place in Gravesend with a big outdoor patio. 

Why we love it: The square pie here isn’t the New York style you’re thinking of, but it’s no less a hometown hero. Sauce slathered over the cheese atop a thick, doughy square with a crunchy underside–it’s perfection. Pizzas are ready when you are, so even if there’s a line, it moves. Order at the counter, find a picnic table in the outdoor lot, and behold, Brooklyn. And don’t leave without a couple scoops of the namesake Spumoni.

Time Out tip: The N train to Avenue U gets you there. The outdoor seating fills up fast on weekends, so either go during the week or closer to closing time, when most of the neighborhood is at home.

Address: 2725 86th St, Brooklyn, NY 11223

Opening hours: Daily 11am-11:30pm

Expect to pay: ~$4-6/slice; ~$30-40/square pie; ~$5-8/spumoni

What is it? A popular family-style Thai seafood restaurant with sidewalk seating. 

Why we love it: The food at this place is simply delicious and the family-style service makes for a ton of fun with a group. That might get a little unwieldy with groups bigger than four, but it’s not not worth the while. Word is fully out, so make a reservation. Day of, make peace with eating late. There’s a second location in Williamsburg but that one doesn’t have the outdoor seating. The food here tends spicy, so be mindful.

Time Out tip: The Bond Street outdoor setup is the better, more charming one. Do NOT skip the marinated raw crab or the coconut crab curry. Yes, that’s a lot of crab. Live a little.

Address: 55 Bond St, New York, NY 10012

Opening hours: Mon-Thu noon-10pm; Fri, Sat noon-11pm; Sun noon-10pm

Expect to pay: ~$14–22/app; ~$28–44/main; ~$16–20/cocktail; ~$8–12/beer; ~$12–16/glass of wine

What is it? Wood-fired Italian with a back patio featuring a working water feature.

Why we love it: The menu of tasty Italian food centers on Borgo’s wood oven. But don’t mistake this for yet another of Mama Leone's joints. This is a restaurant whose white-linen light touch registers before a big, warm embrace of cheesy focaccia. It’s an elegant yet utterly satisfying experience. The water feature in its pretty backyard is just a cherry on top. Reservations open three weeks out, but walk-ins are welcome at the bar.

Time Out tip: The daily “apertivo” happy hour (2:30–5:15pm) makes this an excellent choice for a classy lunch.

Address: 124 East 27th St, New York, NY 10016

Opening hours: Daily 11:30am-10:30pm

Expect to pay: ~$18–28/small plate; ~$26–62/main; ~$18–26/glass of wine; ~$80–400+/bottle of wine

NYC has plenty of beer gardens, patios and terraces for those boozy afternoons in the city.