If you are looking for the best al fresco dining in New York City, we have you covered! Here are some of our favorite places:
Gitano Island
If you need to escape the hustle and bustle of NYC, head to Gitano Island on Governors Island, NYC. The 27,000 square foot waterfront restaurant and beach club is a 5 minute ferry ride from downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn, and features plenty of outdoor areas to sip clean cocktails, share small bites from chef Adam Maldonado, and live artist performances and DJ’s.
Gitano Island, 125 Carder Road, New York, NY 10004
Dante
Consistently voted one of the top cocktail bars in the United States, historic Dante (#1 Best Bar in North America, 2019 & 2020 and recently named #6 in 2023) is the perfect place to dine al fresco in the heart of the village. With world class cocktails, a seasonal menu that includes Dante’s signature burrata, Bianco Flatbread with pancetta, leeks, provolone & thyme, and Linguine ai frutti di mare, this is one place you will want to experience this summer.
Caffe Dante, 79-81 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
Royalton Park Avenue Rooftop
This Park Avenue Rooftop just launched brunch in The Ivy Room. Feast on a decadent menu of Citrus Ricotta Pancakes topped with berry marmalade, Smoked Salmon Benedict ,Steak & Eggs and Upside Down Pineapple Cake on the sleek terrace. Adjacent to the intimate Ivy Room is Royalton Rooftop, decked out with leather club chairs, marble accents, floor-to-ceiling windows and wrap around terrace. Outside, the heated pool is one of few in the city, with unobstructed Empire State Building views.
Royalton Park Avenue Rooftop, 420 Park Avenue South, New York, NY
Bowery Garden
Popular, the Peruvian restaurant inside PUBLIC Hotel, has officially launched its new brunch menu in tandem with the reopening of its outdoor space, Bowery Garden. Inspired by Tuileries Garden in Paris and the Gardens of Italy, the open air terrace offers signature favorites like the Popular Cheeseburger, Popular Fried Chicken, French Toast and Steak + Eggs.
Bowery Garden at PUBLIC Hotel, 215 Chrystie Street, New York, NY
Located on the 7th floor of The Dominick Hotel, this hidden SoHo gem features stunning views, a rooftop pool and exotic Asian-Hawaiian bites from Chef Luis Pous at El Ta’koy like crispy nori tacos, tuna & caviar taquitos, braised short rib and hawaiian fried rice. Don’t miss out on the tiki and rum cocktails, and if you need some additional privacy, check out the Cabana rental.
The Dominick Hotel, 246 Spring Street, New York, NY
Downtown favorite The Crosby Bar and Terrace is open all day for whatever you may need: breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, cocktails and Afternoon Tea. The leafy SoHo hideaway is perfect for summer cocktails, seasonal menu options and midday meetings.
The Crosby Hotel, 79 Crosby St, New York, NY 10012
Located at the Park South Hotel, the expansive Roof at Park South offers views of the NYC skyline to dine al fresco with the globally inspired menu by Michelin-Star and James Beard Award-nominated Chef Bryce Shuman. Bites include kampachi crudo, brisket sliders and eggplant fries. Cocktails are created by Beverage Director Ivan Papic, and include classics like the spicy margarita, bee’s knees and daiquiri.
Roof at Park South, 125 E 27th St, New York, NY 10016
The Standard Biergarten
If your adventures in NYC take you to the High Line, The Standard Biergarten is The Standard, High Line’s open air beer garden serving traditional German fare. The casual setting is the place to snack on pretzels, sausages, and beer over a friendly game of ping-pong. Swing by Happy Hour Monday – Thursday (4pm-6pm) & Friday (12pm-2pm), and Your Serve! Ping-Pong Tournaments every Tuesday at 6pm.
The Standard Biergarten, 848 Washington St, New York, NY 10014
