Our Guide To Where To Eat Outdoors in NYC
Once the snow melts and the winter chill goes away, New York City becomes a great place to be outside. A perfect spring, summer, or fall day involves eating al fresco. Here’s our guide to where to eat outdoors in NYC and enjoy the weather.
Little Italy
The streets of Little Italy are lined with cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating. Is it a little touristy? Sure. But there’s great food to be found throughout the neighborhood. There’s something so dreamy about eating a gelato or a plate of pasta along Grand Street. Or enjoy an afternoon espresso and biscotti while people watching.
Smorgasburg
Hop over to Brooklyn and dine with a view (and with lots of choice!). At Smorgasburg, dozens of vendors set up at the Williamsburg waterfront so you can choose anything from dumplings to donuts. The open-air market is a great place to try food concepts from new chefs. The best part? It’s all outside. There are plenty of chairs/benches/steps to sit and enjoy your finds.
Stone Street
If you find yourself in the financial district, Stone Street is much more fun than Wall Street. Though it’s in the middle of the city, it’s easy to feel like you’re on vacation here. The cobblestone street is a pedestrian area filled with people drinking out of big beer steins (likely from Bavaria Beer Haus) and sharing meals. It’s a great place to hang, especially on a summer night or when there’s a European soccer game going on.
The High Line
When’s the last time you were able to eat on top of a former railroad? You can bring your own picnic lunch to eat along the 1.45 mile High Line park stretch. If you need provisions, stop at the Gansevoort Market or Chelsea Market. There are also plenty of places to get food nearby. Walk around and you’ll find La Sonrisa empanadas, Gallow Green, Alta Linea, and more.
Looking for more ideas about where to eat outdoors in NYC? Book a public or private culinary experience and have a local guide show you around the city.