Now that the weather is starting to warm up, it’s time to stop over-using your Seamless account and get off the couch and out of the apartment. In collaboration with Quiet Lunch, Eat Like a Lady blogger, Jillian Nadell, presents the perfect outdoor dining spots across the city. So what are you waiting for? Check these places out!
Vinegar Hill House.
DUMBO
Outdoor Patio Area
Though a bit out of the way, located in DUMBO, Vinegar Hill House is well worth the visit. The interior is quaint and warm, decorated like it’s a room in someone’s house. But the best part of the ambiance is the outdoor patio in the back. It has an equal amount of charm as the inside – spacious but intimate and even romantic with the overhanging trees and lights. You can eat in the patio area, and you can also get a couple drinks out there while you wait for a table inside. It’s the perfect summer spot for enjoying upscale but casual comfort food and a specialty cocktail.
Food Highlight:
Red Wattle Country Chop: It is no surprise that Frank Bruni, a former chief restaurant critic of The New York Times, mentioned this on season three of Food Network’s “The Best Thing I Ever Ate” as just that. The wattle (hog) comes sliced like a steak and is perfectly cooked with a nice crisp outside. When I was there, it was served with cheddar grits, which were really great, but it seems that the dish is now served with sauerkraut. Regardless of the side, the wattle is not to be missed.
Vinegar Hill House: 72 Hudson Ave, Brooklyn, NY
Check out Eat Like a Lady’s full past review → here. ←
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Cafeteria.
Chelsea
Outdoor Seating in Front
Cafeteria, located in Chelsea, has a fairly large outdoor seating area in front of the restaurant that opens up to the main inside. No matter where you’re seated, you’ll definitely get to take in the outside weather. They have a specialty cocktail menu, and the American (Southern-inspired) food is consistently good. If anything though, this is the perfect outdoor spot if only to take advantage of some dog-watching. There are always a number of adorable dogs being walked in Chelsea.
Food Highlights:
Macaroni and Cheese: I think everyone who comes here makes sure to sample at least one of the Macaroni and Cheese options. If you’re interested in trying the three main selections you can do so with a Mac Attack Tasting Of All Three. There’s a cheddar and fontina, a smoked gouda and bacon, and a truffle oil mac and cheese.
It also appears that they have recently added one with buffalo chicken and blue cheese. Needless to say, I’ve tried the three original flavors and I’d rank Cafeteria as serving some of the best macaroni and cheese in the city, most specifically the truffle mac. All three, however, are super cheesy, slightly creamy and certainly addictive.
Make sure when you come here one or all are on the table!
Cafeteria: 119 7th Ave, New York, NY
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Gina La Fornarina.
Upper West and East Sides
Outdoor Seating in Front
This is a great Italian/pizza spot with locations on the Upper West and Upper East Sides. The outdoor eating area isn’t large, but there is some seating outside both locations. What I love about this spot is there is a casualness and ease that I think can be difficult to find uptown. The food is just simple and delicious, and pizza and wine always tastes best outside.
Food Highlight:
Pizza Tirolese: This pizza is made with their special cream of Mascarpone, prosciutto, speck and white truffle oil. The dough is delicious and topped with incredible and indulgent flavors. It’s a great combination – the saltiness of the prosciutto and speck contrasts well with the muted, creamy Mascarpone. And truffle oil always makes everything even better. This is my go-to pizza when I’m here.
Gina La Fornarina:
UWS – 279 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY
UES – 1575 2nd Ave, New York, NY
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Birreria – Eataly.
Flatiron
Rooftop
Located on the rooftop of Eataly in the Flatiron is Italian beer garden Birerria. It’s a large, bustling atmosphere with a retractable roof for when the weather is nice. It’s a great spot for taking in the evening sky and enjoying a beer or wine, which specifically pairs well with Birerria’s meat and cheese plates. They also have a number of entrees, if you’re looking to have a full dinner. Though a bit pricey for what it is, it can make for a great night if the weather’s right.
Food Highlight:
Pork Shoulder: This is braised in beer and apricot and is as good as it sounds like it would be. It’s soft with a slightly sweet and crispy outside and comes with a side of sauerkraut and mustard. The flavor of the spicy mustard with the sweet glaze on the pork shoulder is a spot-on combination. This is definitely the entrée to check out!
Birreria (Eataly): 200 5th Ave, New York, NY
Check out Eat Like a Lady’s full past review → here. ←
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Spitzer’s Corner.
Lower East Side
Open Street Exposure
Spitzer’s Corner on the Lower East Side is my favorite gastropub in the city. The beer list is exceptional, the ambiance is fun with communal tables and the elevated bar food is always great. When the weather gets nice, they open up all the windows along the exterior, so if you’re sitting at one of the tables lining the outside, you’re exposed to the street. It’s the perfect spot for a laid-back, chill night.
Food Highlights:
Truffle Mac & Cheese: This macaroni and cheese rivals the one at Cafeteria (mentioned above). It’s a bit more elegant though and has a panko crunch along the top. Made with parmegiano reggiano, white cheddar, fontina, truffle oil, rosemary and thyme, it is more indulgent and really creamy. It’s got everything you could want in a mac and cheese.
Braised Pork Belly Sandwich: The braised pork belly is made in a ginger soy marinade and topped with cucumber. It’s fatty and flavorful, but the sauce and cucumbers on it are fresh and cooling. It’s a great sandwich.
Spitzer’s Corner: 101 Rivington St, New York, NY
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Stone Street.
Financial District
Outdoor Seating in Front
Stone Street, in the Financial District, seems like it doesn’t belong in New York City. It’s a quaint, cobblestone-lined street with restaurants that are still in Dutch-inspired buildings (the area was part of New Amsterdam in the 17th Century). Aside from its natural charm, Stone Street is worth a visit – when the weather warms up, all of the restaurants along the street have outdoor dining, turning the street into what seems like a crazy block party.
Restaurant/Food Highlights:
Ulysses: This is your standard Irish pub, but they have one of the best burgers in the city. It’s great for a fantastic burger and beer.
Mad Dog and Beans: Though a bit pricey, they have potent margaritas and some solid Mexican fare. I specifically like the grilled shrimp tostada. It’s one of the more refreshing items on a warm day.
Adrienne’s Pizzabar: This is one of the best pizza spots in the city. It’s not your typical New York Pizza, but it’s damn good! They have a variety of fresh toppings, but the pepperoni is definitely the way to go.
Written by Jillian Nadell.↓
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