The 38 best outdoor dining in New York City

Outdoor dining in New York City has become a popular way to enjoy food while taking in the city's energy and vibrance. With the surge of COVID-19, al fresco dining became a necessity, transforming streets into bustling dining scenes and offering a breath of fresh air in the heart of the metropolis. Experience New York's culinary delights amidst the city's iconic architecture and lively atmosphere through outdoor dining.

1. Time Out Market New York

Featuring a variety of food vendors, rooftop bar, and local art

TOPICS

  • Waterfront
  • Social Gatherings
  • Italian Cuisine
  • Vegetarian Options

2. The Fulton by Jean-Georges

Located in the Fulton Market building, Modern American cuisine by renowned chef Jean-Georges

TOPICS

  • Italian Cuisine
  • Affordable Nightlife
  • Downtown Spots

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3. Pilot

Located in a popular park with various activities and events

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Budget-Friendly Eats
  • Waterfront
  • Dinner

4. Waverly Inn

Historic English Tudor-style inn with a popular bar and outdoor dining

TOPICS

  • Celebrations
  • American Cuisine
  • High-End
  • Downtown Spots

5. French Louie

A charming bistro with a relaxed and inviting atmosphere

TOPICS

  • Social Gatherings
  • Italian Cuisine
  • Affordable Nightlife

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6. Brooklyn Crab

Seafood market, rooftop bar, and live music on weekends

TOPICS

  • Waterfront
  • Mexican Cuisine
  • Social Gatherings
  • Mid-Range

7. Johnny's Reef

Family-owned and operated, famous for its raw bar and seafood dishes since 1968

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Cheap Eats
  • Waterfront
  • Dinner

8. Bandits Diner + Dive

Open until late, creative cocktails, fun atmosphere

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots
  • Mid-Range
  • Vegetarian Options

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9. Pinto Garden

Live music, excellent cocktails, and cozy atmosphere

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • Vegan Options
  • Mid-Range
  • Downtown Spots

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10. Sweet Afton

Family-owned bar with a friendly atmosphere and great cocktails

TOPICS

  • Social Gatherings
  • American Cuisine
  • Happy Hours

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11. Gallow Green

Located on the rooftop of the McKittrick Hotel, home to the immersive theater experience Sleep No More, and features live music and special events.

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Affordable Nightlife
  • Rooftop
  • Vegetarian Options

12. Popina

Features a rotating menu of locally sourced ingredients and homemade pastas

TOPICS

  • Waterfront
  • Happy Hours
  • Mediterranean Cuisine

13. Grand Banks

Seasonal seafood menu, raw bar, and kid-friendly play area

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Waterfront
  • Dinner

14. Palma

Live music, romantic atmosphere, and extensive wine list

TOPICS

  • Italian Cuisine
  • Celebrations
  • Downtown Spots

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15. The Bonnie

Cozy, neighborhood vibe with friendly service

TOPICS

  • Social Gatherings
  • Happy Hours
  • Downtown Spots

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16. Cookshop

Seasonal American cuisine with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Vegetarian Options
  • Mid-Range
  • Dinner

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17. Ladurée

Famous for its pastel-colored macarons and luxury tea parlors

TOPICS

  • Personal Celebrations
  • Mediterranean Cuisine
  • Mid-Range

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18. Brooklyn Ice House

Live music on weekends and a range of craft beers

TOPICS

  • Social Gatherings
  • American Cuisine
  • Budget-Friendly Eats

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19. Tacoway Beach (SUMMER ONLY)

Seasonal beachfront taco stand with a relaxed atmosphere

TOPICS

  • Mexican Cuisine
  • Waterfront
  • Social Gatherings
  • Weekend Dining

20. Sunday In Brooklyn / Williamsburg

Seasonal American menus, coffee drinks, and cocktails

TOPICS

  • Social Gatherings
  • Italian Cuisine
  • Budget-Friendly Eats
  • Dinner

21. Silver Apricot

Known for its intimate atmosphere and excellent service

TOPICS

  • Chinese Cuisine
  • Cheap Eats
  • Downtown Spots

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22. Olmsted

Located in Prospect Heights, offers American cuisine, elegant atmosphere

TOPICS

  • Mediterranean Cuisine
  • Vegetarian Options
  • Cheap Eats
  • Downtown Spots

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23. Claro

Family-owned Mexican restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Mexican Cuisine
  • Gluten-Free
  • Downtown Spots

24. Nabila's

Caters to dietary restrictions with vegan and gluten-free options

TOPICS

  • Mexican Cuisine
  • Cheap Eats
  • Downtown Spots

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25. Henry Public

Live music on weekends and a lively atmosphere

TOPICS

  • Social Gatherings
  • American Cuisine

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26. Pastis

Charming decor, extensive wine list, and live music

TOPICS

  • Social Gatherings
  • Mediterranean Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots
  • Dinner

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27. Oxomoco

Modern Mexican dishes with a focus on grilled meats and seasonal vegetables, wood-fired oven, creative cocktails

TOPICS

  • Mexican Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots
  • Mid-Range

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28. Bar Primi

Known for its intimate atmosphere and exceptional pasta dishes

TOPICS

  • Italian Cuisine
  • Affordable Nightlife
  • Downtown Spots

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29. Wayla

Hit Thai street food spot with fun cocktails

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots
  • Vegan Options

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30. Leland Eating and Drinking House

Serves brunch on weekends, locally sourced ingredients

TOPICS

  • Fusion Cuisine
  • Mid-Range
  • Downtown Spots
  • Vegetarian Options

31. The Café at Wave Hill

Offers a tranquil escape from the city with gardens and cultural programs

TOPICS

  • Mediterranean Cuisine
  • Vegetarian Options
  • Downtown Spots
  • Lunch

32. Milk & Roses

Cozy book-themed cafe with a wide selection of teas and pastries

TOPICS

  • Italian Cuisine
  • Hidden Gems
  • Mid-Range

33. Broken Shaker at Freehand New York

Rooftop bar with a laid-back, tropical vibe and unique decor

TOPICS

  • Waterfront
  • Fusion Cuisine
  • Dinner

34. LoLo's Seafood Shack

Casual seafood spot with Caribbean flavors

TOPICS

  • Mexican Cuisine
  • Cheap Eats
  • Downtown Spots
  • Dinner

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35. Kokomo Caribbean Restaurant

Offers a unique Caribbean dining experience in Brooklyn

TOPICS

  • Italian Cuisine
  • Vegetarian Options
  • Waterfront
  • Social Gatherings

36. Zaab Zaab

Serves authentic Thai food with vegetarian and vegan options

TOPICS

  • Fusion Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots
  • Dinner

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37. Sally Roots

Caribbean-inspired vegan and vegetarian options

TOPICS

  • Mexican Cuisine
  • Social Gatherings
  • Cheap Eats

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38. Maracuja

Quaint and cozy spot with a lively atmosphere and delicious Peruvian cuisine

TOPICS

  • Social Gatherings
  • Fusion Cuisine
  • Mid-Range