The 27 best outdoor dining spots in NYC

What is it? A rooftop sushi and omakase counter that hovers above the Manhattan skyline.

Why we love it: The gem of the Gansevoort Hotel lies with Saishin. The long black marble counter is overseen by executive chef Isaac Kek for 14- to 19-course omakase that overlooks the Manhattan skyline. When the spring season arrives, the floor-to-ceiling windows slide back for an open-air experience. The rooftop booths are more casual, offering a la carte sushi near the sky. 

Time Out tip: No reservations are needed, making it one of the easier omakase and rooftops to access. 

Address: 18 9th Avenue, New York, NY 10014

Hours: Closed Mon and Tues; Wed–Sat 6–10pm; Sun 5–9pm

What is it? Jean Georges seaside restaurant located a few steps away from Pier 17. 

Why we love it: The views walking up to The Fulton at Pier 17 downtown are breathtaking to tourists and longtime New Yorkers alike, and they're even more satisfying with a drink and some sensational seafood. Many of The Fulton's seating areas offer views of The East River, the shores of Brooklyn and the bridge that gets you there, including the patio. 

Time Out tip: Pop over for happy hour for $1 oysters and wine flights. 

Address: Northeast corner of Pier, 89 South St #17, New York, NY 10038

Hours: Dinner Mon–Sun 5–10pm; Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30am– 3pm; Brunch Sat and Sun 11:30am–3pm

What is it? A New Orleans-style cocktail bar whose oysters and absinthe offerings have topped our best bars list. 

Why we love it: Raw bar items, martinis and absinthe abound at this Williamsburg classic. Its interior garden always feels special, and it's even lovely enough to compete with MP's lovely dining room. Ordering a tableside martini in the lush greenspace makes it even more special. 

Time Out tip: The garden is now open until November. So get in on the greenery and sunshine while you can. 

Address: 298 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11249

Hours: Mon–Fri noon–1am; Sat and Sun 11am–1am

What is it? Kwame Onwuachi's stellar restaurant that backs up to the Lincoln Center. 

Why we love it: One of the best restaurants in New York City is, as often happens, is also one of the hardest to reserve. But Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi has a chic, first-come, first-served outdoor space at Lincoln Center ideal for the same sensational braised oxtails, short rib pastrami and fantastic frozen drinks that they serve in the stylish dining room.

Time Out tip: There are only 32 seats to be had outside, and much like everything else here, they get snapped up quick. So show up early if you can. 

Address: 10 Lincoln Center Plaza

Opening hours: Tues–Sat, 4pm–10pm; Closed Sun and Mon 

What is it? A timeless restaurant housed in a West Village townhouse. 

Why we love it: The ivy-laced garden at Graydon Carter’s little hobby is as close as most of us will ever get to having a private yard in the West Village. And, while reservations used to be harder to get than a mortgage–with people and celebrities alike clamoring for tables–these days you can pretty much sit right down. Pop in and make up for all those years you weren’t ordering the $90 mac and cheese. 

Time Out tip: The chicken pot pie is iconic for a reason. 

Address: 16 Bank Street, New York, NY 10014

Hours: Dinner daily 5—11pm; Brunch Sat and Sun 11am–5pm

What is it? A cozy French bistro where the inside is just as charming as the outdoors. 

Why we love it: This breezily-chic French restaurant serves unexpectedly generous portions of mussels, steak tartare, pâté and duck confit alongside excellently calibrated cocktails on Atlantic Avenue. The dining room can handily serve as a special occasion spot, and its ivy-lined backyard casually competes with the best of ‘em.

Time Out tip: If rains, no worries, the patio has a retractable roof to keep you and your dinner dry. 

Address: 320 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Hours: Lunch Tues–Fri 11:30am-3pm; Dinner Sun–Mon 5–9pm Tues–Thurs 5–9:30pm Fri and Sat 5–10:30pm; Brunch Sat and Sun 11am-3pm

What is it? A seaside restaurant that's stood for over 60 years. 

Why we love it: This large waterside patio in the Bronx is beyond its popular counter-service seafood inside. Collect your clams, oysters, shrimp, lobster and soft-shell crab at the register and settle into a picnic table for peaceful views and a fishing village aesthetic right here in NYC. 

Time Out tip: Nothing's better than a fried something and a frozen, so head to the bar for a frozen drink. 

Address: 2 City Island Avenue, Bronx, NY 10464

Hours: Daily Sun–Thurs 11:30am–9:30pm; Fri and Sat 11:30am–10:30pm

What is it? Wood-fired dishes are the name of the game of this Greenpoint restaurant. 

Why we love it: This Michelin-starred modern Mexican restaurant from the Speedy Romeo team spotlights wood-fired dishes like lamb barbacoa tacos, market fish and the best bavette you’ll find in town. They bring the outside in with plenty of greenery in the dining room, but it’s especially intoxicating to sip wine, beer, cocktails and frozen drinks on Oxomoco’s inviting patio. 

Time Out tip: Need to cool off. Get the sweet and spicy frozen Nopalito with mezcal, cucumber, mint, and citrus.

Address: 128 Greenpoint Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11222

Hours: Brunch: Mon–Fri, noon–3pm; Sat and Sun, 11am–3pm;  Daily dinner: 5:30–10pm

What is it? A Caribbean affair from husband and wife team Ria and Kevol Graham.

Why we love it: We like Kokomo’s outdoor space so much that we honored it with a Time Out Best of the City award in 2021. Caribbean-influenced menu items throughout its chic spaces include roasted stuffed sweet plantains, flatbread varieties, braised oxtail and jerk chicken. 

Time Out tip: A made for outdoors dish: the Ceviche Negro made with a bright yellow curry, served with torn pieces of roti. 

Address: 158 8th Avenue

Hours: Dinner: Mon–Wed, 5–10pm, Thursday and Friday, 5–10:30pm, Sat, 11am–10:30pm, and Sun, 11am–9pm; Happy Hour: Mon–Fri, 5–7pm

What is it? A classic Parisian bistro from Keith McNally.

Why we love it: This bold-name magnet had a respectable 15-year run, followed by a half-decade hiatus before reopening a stone’s throw from its original Meatpacking District location in 2019. The French bistro is lovely as ever, and dining on its stretch of sidewalk seating feels particularly decadent, especially midday over a bottle of crisp white wine. 

Time Out tip: Brunch on the patio includes baked goods, a selection of cheeses and Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame sandwiches. 

Address: 52 Gansevoort Street

Hours: Mon and Tues 8am–11pm; Wed and Thurs 8am–11pm; Fri 8am–midnight; Sat and Sun 10am–midnight

What is it? A charming Crown Heights restaurant where keeping it local is more than just a saying.

Why we love it: This destination-worthy neighborhood spot’s outdoor dining setup spans both sides of its corner location. Get situated at its sidewalk seats for sensational baked goods, breakfast sandwiches and large plates like whole fried fish and half chicken. 

Time Out tip: There are over 40 vermouths to choose from, perfect for a streetside sip. 

Address: 755 Dean Street, Brooklyn, NY 11238

Hours: Vinyl hour: Wed–Fri, 1–4pm; Bar service: Daily, 4–5pm; Brunch: Sat and Sun, 10am–4pm; Dinner: Mon–Thurs, and Sun, 5–10pm and Fri and Sat, 5pm–11pm; 

What is it? An alum of Alinea, Blue Hill at Stone Barns, and Per Se takes a spin on a seasonal restaurant that elevates the neighborhood restaurant genre. 

Why we love it: Tables at Olmsted have always been hard to come by, but sometimes space in the backyard, where they grow some menu ingredients, is a little easier to snag. Prepare your patience, hope for the best and eventually you’ll be sitting down to its frequently refreshed selections.

Time Out tip: From now until June 30, the restaurant is celebrating its nine year anniversary with throwback prices. Aka, take advantage of $13 cocktails and 50 bottles of wine priced at $50. 

Address: 659 Vanderbilt Avenue, Brooklyn

Hours: Closed Mon and Tues; Wed–Sun 5–10pm

What is it? A pizzeria and then some that Bushwick on the map back in early 2000s.

Why we love it: Although it’s grown to other locations since first opening in 2008, our favorite Roberta’s is still the string-light lit, industrial block original. The ever-hip love letter to market cuisine and artisanal pizza still grows some of its ingredients on-site, a balm to the hyper-locavores who shed a tear seeing the pies in their grocery store’s frozen aisle. 

Time Out tip: Their latest outpost near Penn Station has a rooftop that overlooks MSG, perfect for a pre or post-celebration. 

Address: 261 Moore Street, Brooklyn, NY 11206

Hours: Mon–Thur noon–10pm; Fri noon–11pm; Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 11am–10pm

What is it? Fort Greene's self-billed neighborhood bistro from April Bloomfield. 

Why we love it: Yes, it is still a bit of stretch to get a seat at Sailor. But now that the spring weather has brough outdoor tables that flank both sides of this corner restaurant, there is hope. The blue and white wicker chairs that face the street give a bit of a Parisian feel, making it the place to knock back a few martinis and that wonderful roasted chicken. 

Time Out tip: Walk-ins are always welcome, so it may be a bit easier to snag that coveted chair during brunch or lunch. 

Address: 228 DeKalb Avenue, Brooklyn

Hours: Dinner: Sun–Wed, 5–10pm; Thurs–Sat, 5–10:30pm; Lunch: Wed–Fri, 11:30am–2pm; Brunch: Sat and Sun, 10am–2pm 

What is it? A Michelin-starred revue that deals in Oaxacan cuisine.

Why we love it: Claro is one of the best Mexican restaurants in NYC, and its secluded patio really makes it shine. Dealing in Oaxacan cuisine, a taste of nixtamalized tortillas in the tacos is a must, as is ordering a plate of mole, the vegetable or short rib variety will do. Spring for the curated mezcal pairing, too, it will be $50 well spent.

Time Out tip: The scallop Aguachile dish with a balance of sweetness from the strawberries and spice from the combo of serrano and charred habanero are enough to keep you cool out back.

Address: 284 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Hours: Closed Tues and Wed; Fri and Sat 5:30–10pm; Sun, Mon and Thurs 5:30–9pm

What is it? A neighborhood bar where beer and bites are the name of the game, going 20 years strong and counting.

Why we love it: This longtime Astoria favorite has sidewalk patio tables and a picturesque, mostly enclosed interior patio where you may gaze upon the sky without being fully outsie. Sample Sweet Afton's wide-ranging brunch, dinner and drink menus across configurations. 

Time Out tip: If a sweet brunch is what you seek, look no further than the Sweet Potato Flapjacks with a pecan-maple syrpu, slices of Granny Smith apples and créme fraiche. 

Address: 30-09 34th Street, Astoria 11103

Hours: Mon–Fri 4pm–4am; Sat and Sun 10am–4am

What is it? Dishes imported straight from the streets of Thailand can be found here, including the appetizer that started a frenzy: the crispy noodle wrapped meatballs. 

Why we love it: Wayla is stylish inside and out. While the covered street shed is no longer, the back patio is still just as popular. There's a bit of greenery and lights to offset the industrial feel of it all, making it the perfect scenery to nosh on homestyle plates. 

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 Street, New York, NY 10002

Hours: Mon–Thurs 4pm–4am; Sat–Sun 10a–4am; Brunch Sat and Sun 10am–4pm

Although a one-day-a-week restaurant would be an interesting endeavor, Sunday in Brooklyn is open for brunch and dinner all seven. The rustic three-story space boasts an outdoor patio, to-go window, private dining room and rooftop garden, perfect for warm weather dining.

This summer-only beach staple is as sweet as all the season’s songs, and just as fleeting. For days when you don’t feel like packing up a cooler full of what will inevitably become real-deal sandwiches, Tacoway’s there for a slightly more formal dining experience, replete with fish tacos, guac, and booze that didn’t recently see the inside of a water bottle. 

Wave Hill is a wonderful public garden in the Bronx, replete with sprawling lawns and oodles of blooms across 28 acres. That's a lot of room to roam and work up an appetite, and The Café has plenty to slake any tummy rumbling. 

Danny Meyer’s candy-colored taqueria recalls Madison Square Park’s Shake Shack, which began as a simple stand before blowing up into the behemoth we know and love and endlessly stack up against In-N-Out today. Order tacos stuffed with carne asado, pollo adobo or fried fish in Williamsburg’s waterfront park.

With views of the Manhattan skyline across the river and the “Cola” half of Long Island City’s iconic Pepsi-Cola sign up close, Maiella’s patio has as dramatic a backdrop as any destination in the area–plus a lengthy, large-group pleasing menu of Italian plates.

The Bonnie is one of Astoria's best bars for a lot of reasons; good, better than bar food and great drinks primary among them any time of year. Its backyard picnic tables and prime people-watching sidewalk seats shine especially bright during the warmer months. 

What appears to be a slip of a space on a slip of a street in a picturesque neighborhood tumbles out into a lovely garden secluded from the bustling West Village beyond. String lights, leafy vines and floral accents give the 23-year-old Italian restaurant a fairytale-in-the-city quality. 

This Columbia Waterfront District favorite has a sprawling backyard where they’ve been known to host shrimp boils, barbecues and chef collaborations. Its regular menu includes pappardelle, spaghetti, rigatoni and the particularly popular hot chicken Milanese with radicchio and ranch.

This Upper West Side sparkler is equally suitable for brunch, dinner, or just drinks that can turn into whatever. It has a large, arrtactive bar inside, menu items inspired by “somewhere in the Mediterranean" and covered sidewalk and street seats outside. 

A classic of the genre, Ladurée is plenty darling inside, but entering into the backyard kicks up all kinds of whimsy. It’s also the only place in town where we’d actually consider shelling out $160 for a macaron tower, but so far we’ve always stuck to their smaller ticket sweet treats. 

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