Outdoor dining in New York City wasn’t supposed to be a permanent thing. In fact, it was supposed to be a very temporary one—a slapdash, short-term solution cobbled together to help struggling businesses safely eke out something of an income during a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic. Case in point: when Mayor de Blasio announced his reopening plan for restaurants on June 4, 2020, he gave them just three weeks to establish their outdoor setups.
But the moment New York’s eateries unveiled their sidewalk cafés and charming, creatively appointed courtyards, it became clear that it definitely should be a permanent thing. Sipping an Aperol Spritz is that much more enjoyable when simultaneously people-watching on Lafayette Street. Wandering around the West Village’s many cafés is a downright idyllic exercise when its narrow, brownstone-lined streets are closed to cars. And Brooklyn backyard spaces can become outdoor oases, able to transport you to Naples or Oaxaca for an evening. Soon, the obvious became official: Open streets, and outdoor dining were here to stay.
It’s April 2024 in New York. The weather is finally getting warmer, the days are longer, and all over New York, sidewalk tables, secret garden patios, and rooftops abound.
So we decided to ask Vogue editors where they’re eating out and drinking up during this jubilant time. As it turns out, the answer is everywhere, from Bed-Stuy cafes to SoHo hotspots and New York institutions. Below, our picks.
A note to the reader: this guide is continuously updated, and we do our best to make sure it is current 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 space, and it certainly left a lasting impression. Not only is the space beautifully lined with florals, but the enclosed patio is big enough to accommodate a larger group—a must-have for celebratory dinners. Not to mention, the Italian menu is tasty with a great assortment of wines and co*cktails.” —Kiana Murden, commerce writer
Bar Pitti, Greenwich Village
“Bar Pitti is perhaps the original outdoor dining hotspot in New York City—since the 1990s, New Yorkers have flocked to the cash-only Italian spot's sidewalk for a bottle of wine and their pasta of choice off the specials menu. 30 years later, it’s still happening.” —Elise Taylor, living writer
Bar Americano, Greenpoint
I would love to gatekeepthis place because Bar Americano is already insanely packed on the weekends by the local Greenpoint residents, but I need to share it because their drinks are some of the best I have ever had. (The Appletini in particular is my favorite.) I would also suggest ordering the octopus and chicken Milanese. Dessert is also a must—especially the pistachio semifreddo. –Irene Kim, Vogue Runway editorial coordinator
Beco, Williamsburg
“A mere stone’s throw from my front doorstep, Beco offers laid-back outdoor seating, delicious Brazilian co*cktails, and a diverse (but not oversaturated!) all-day menu. The scene is about as varied as it gets: from tiny babies and large dogs to first dates and solo diners—everyone is welcome. The weekend is best for peak people-watching as you get to enjoy a complimentary side of live music with your stares. In allhonesty, none of the above matters. . . as once you’ve enjoyed your first bite of the Dulce de Leche Empanada, the rest of the worldfades away.” —Jasmine Contomichalos, experiences editor
Bed-Vyne co*cktail Bar, Bed-Stuy
“Bed-Vyne is my go-to for a spring and summertime drink. Its backyard patio is quaint, the drinks are exceptional, and the vibes are always high.” —Kiana Murden, beauty commerce writer
Café Altro Paradiso, SoHo
“Identifying the best Italian food in New York is not an easy task—the competition is high. While Via Carota is much talked about for its salad, I would argue that an even better one can be found at Altro Paradiso. Made of shaved fennel and Castelvetrano olives, it's about as good as it gets—but it's just one of many stand-out entrees you'll find. Come dessert, the panna cotta is unmissable.” —Lilah Ramzi, contributing editor
Cafe Luxembourg, Upper West Side
Cafe Luxembourg is a neighborhood favorite of mine. A tuna burger, fries, and a cold glass of Sancerre on a summer evening sitting on the covered sidewalk on West 70th Street is the ur-U.W.S. moment I dream of! —Chloe Malle, editor, Vogue.com
Colonia Verde, Fort Greene
A new and fast favorite of mine is Colonia Verde in Fort Greene. The backyard serves as the best escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Don’t fret if you’re unable to snag a table in the backyard—the greenhouse emulates the same outdoor vibes! Writers note: for optimal outdoor dining experience order the La Picosa. –Molly Barstein, associate manager, audience development
The Crosby Hotel Terrace, SoHo
“The Crosby Hotel, located in the heart of Soho, brings an eclectic charm to an area best known for its flashy designer stores. The elegant terrace is my favorite place to meet for a champagne brunch or afternoon tea. Inside the walled garden, you’ll forget the hustle and bustle surrounding you. If you’re feeling indulgent, try the Croque Monsieur and the signature “Eden” co*cktail.” —Ian Malone, experiences manager
Corner Bar, Lower East Side
It’s admittedly difficult to snag a sidewalk table at Corner Bar—the Ignacio Mattos restaurant at Nine Orchard is still one of the most sought-after reservations in town—but it’s worth every effort, thanks to the excellent burger and even more excellent people-watching. —Elise Taylor
Dante, West Village
“Dante serves the best co*cktails in the city, America, and the world. I’m not grandstanding here—in 2019, it was officially crowned as the best bar in the world. Their West Village location, with its classic bistro tables and claw-footed glass booths, feels more like something you’d find on the boulevards of Paris rather than the streets of New York. Make sure to try the Champagne Ramos—a co*cktail made with the unusual, yet delicious, ingredient of burrata water.” —Elise Taylor
Dr. Clark, Chinatown
“Where else can you sip gin martinis under a disco ball? Be sure to get the uni pasta and multiple orders of the Addictive Cabbage (the name really says it all).” —Madeline Fass, market editor
Darling, Central Park South
“High atop the Park Lane Hotel is Darling, a new rooftop lounge and patio with sprawling views of Central Park. A pink chandelier hangs from the ceiling, and botanical motifs dot the colorful upholstery—a nod to the leafy oasis 47 stories below. It's perfect for visitors and seasoned New Yorkers alike who want to soak in the sprawling skyline.” —Elise Taylor
E.A.T, Upper East Side
“I’ve long loved E.A.T.—if memory serves, my dad and I went directly there for matzo ball soup after I had my braces taken off—and throughout the last year, it’s remained my go-to spot for casual weekend lunches with friends. Its outdoor dining set-up isn’t anything fancy, but it totally works, which pretty perfectly matches the vibe there in general. Order the cucumber and goat cheese on ficelle.” —Marley Marius, associate features editor
Fanelli Cafe, SoHo
“I love wrapping up an afternoon in SoHo with a plate of French fries and a glass of wine at one of Fanelli’s outdoor tables. It’s the perfect place to watch the world go by and feel like a visitor in your own city.” —Mai Morsch, associate market editor
Gitano, Governor’s Island
"New York’s roving Gitano restaurant has popped up for several summers on Canal Street and for the past two years, it's been a quick ferry ride away on Governor’s Island. Back as of last month, Gitano Island (which famously originated in Tulum) is better than ever. Expect the same disco balls and dance tunes, palm trees, and sand, but also a new and improved menu—the Lubina sea bash is a must-order. As the entire restaurant is out of doors, it's undoubtedly one of the more festive spots to dine alfresco this summer. Nearby views of the South Manhattan skyline and a sandy lounge area are quite the juxtaposition—talk about an urban jungle! —Lilah Ramzi
