12 Hotspots for Al Fresco Drink and Dine in New York

Booming or blooming? Its summer in New York, and we've curated some local haunts and hidden gems for you to savor in New York.


Ainslie
@ainsliebkny

Ainslie (76 Ainslie St.) in Williamsburg is open for dining at the Italian restaurant's rooftop. Ainslie's Executive Chef John DeLucie offers a tasty menu of wood-fired pizzas, pastas, free range chicken, NY Strip Steak, Atlantic Salmon and Wood Fired Rosemary Wings.  The restaurant, wine bar and beer garden also has an extensive alcoholic beverage menu. They also have an All You Can Drink Brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11am-4pm.

@clintonhallny
The secret Gigawatt Garden at Clinton Hall’s 230 E. 51st St. location inside the POD 51 Hotel has reopened to bring the fun to Midtown East with a buzzing Happy Hour scene and custom games like a beer-themed Word Wall and Bubble Hockey. Clinton Hall also has expansive outdoor seating at its FiDi location (90 Washington St.). 

@cobblefish_nyc
Cobble Fish, located on Pier 16 at the South Street Seaport, is a seasonally-opened dining and drinking destination serving up amazing seafood, summer cocktails and great vibes. The al fresco spot on the East River provides a hometown vibe complemented by everything we loved about NYC in the 90’s including the music. It’s a spot to meet friends over a delicious lobster roll, cold cocktail and water views.

Nestled atop Hotel Hendricks in Midtown, Daintree (25 W 38th St) is an intimate cocktail lounge and rooftop retreat. Bridging Australian tradition with New York flair, Daintree offers an inviting ambiance for creative libations and Aussie-inspired cuisine, set against the backdrop of expansive floor-to-ceiling windows framing panoramic views of the Empire State Building. This summer, the experience extends to the open air rooftop, where patrons can savor a rotating selection of natural wines from across the globe, in addition to thoughtfully paired cocktails and delectable bites perfectly suited for leisurely indulgence. What better way to toast the summer season than with a wine glass in one hand and a freshly shucked oyster in the other?

The DL (95 Delancey St.) transcends the ordinary nightclub scene across its three floors, with each offering a unique form of excitement. The opulent chandelier-lit Dinner on Ludlow dining room can be found on the first floor, The Red Room on the second floor is perfect for smaller events, and above it all you can find breathtaking panoramic views from the retractable rooftop. Whether indulging in culinary delights curated by Executive Chef Art T. on the first floor, savoring cocktails on the second floor, or dancing under the stars to curated DJ sets on the Rooftop, The DL promises an unforgettable experience in the city.

@forninopizza
Fornino, which has been an institution in NYC for nearly two decades in Brooklyn, has reopened its seasonal rooftop at Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park on weekends to start with expanded days and hours of operations coming soon. You can also grab one of Chef Michael Ayoub’s wood-fired Neapolitan pies at this stunning spot for sunset or from its flagship location in Greenpoint or on the rooftop of Time Out Market in DUMBO.
@havenrooftop
Escape to Haven Rooftop, perched above The Sanctuary Hotel at 132 W. 47th Street in the heart of Midtown, where a culinary haven awaits. Indulge in delectable fare and expertly crafted cocktails amidst an inviting atmosphere. Savor favorites such as sliders, a tower of tuna tartare, and Buffalo wings, alongside sumptuous mains like Branzino, 'Havenly' Chicken, and Steak Au Poivre with peppercorn sauce. Elevate your experience with signature drinks like the Cloudtini or Solstice. 

@loulou.nyc
Loulou (176 8th Avenue) is a stunning French Bistro and Speakeasy in Chelsea with one of the most gorgeous outdoor dining setups in town.  Signature menu items from Executive Chef Evan Bergman include a Loulou Burger made with grass-fed beef, cheddar and caramelized onions, Duck Leg Confit with apple rosemary puree and gala chutney and Steak Frites. That's in addition to a large selection of gorgeously crafted cocktails, which you can indulge in, in the dining room or by entering the restaurant’s speakeasy via a vintage Coca-Cola vending machine door on 8th Avenue.

Nerai
@nerainyc
Nerai (55 E. 54th Street) in Midtown East has a stunning outdoor dining setup available at lunch and dinner beginning at 11:30am daily. Indulge in signature dishes like Shrimp Mikrolimano with tiger shrimp in a tomato ragu, Lavraki, Short Rib Yiouvetsi and Seafood Orzotto with octopus, shrimp and mussels and sip on summer seasonal cocktails like Nerai's Strawberry Basil Caipirinha or a One Night Stand made with Illegal Mezcal, raspberry and pink peppercorn along with infused Cointreau and Cassis. The luxurious space let’s in just the right amount of natural light and accommodates 28 guests.

Somewhere Nowhere (112 W. 25th Street) is a spectacular bi-level indoor penthouse lounge and rooftop in the heart of Chelsea, located 38 and 39 stories in the sky. Spanning 5,000 square feet, this hotspot seamlessly blends cutting-edge sound and lighting technology, with secret garden-inspired decor and enchanting design elements, promising guests an immersive nocturnal journey. Take in 360-degree views of the city including the Empire State Building from Somewhere Nowhere’s open-air rooftop pool during the summer months in addition to an all new wellness program. For more information, visit: https://somewherenowherenyc.com/.

Experience a culinary journey like no other at Sushi Lab Rooftop, located at 132 W. 47th Street at The Sanctuary Hotel in Midtown. Executive Chef Frankie Chen unveils a creative twist on traditional sushi amidst the enchanting ambiance of a canopied rooftop setting. Delight in Japanese small plates alongside inventive Nigiri, Sashimi, and Maki sushi creations. However, the true highlight lies in the omakase experience, where only the freshest ingredients are meticulously selected to tantalize your taste buds.

Perched 31 stories in the sky, Upstairs at The Kimberly (145 E 50th St) offers unparalleled views of the iconic Chrysler Building while serving up a delightful array of modern American cuisine in a rooftop garden oasis, providing the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle. This rooftop promises an unforgettable experience with its fully retractable glass rooftop to ensure a fantastic night out, no matter the weather.  Its lounge offers an intimate setting for smaller gatherings in chic penthouse style. With top-notch audiovisual amenities, a private bar, and expansive windows boasting Northern and Eastern views, Upstairs at The Kimberly is ideal for any after-work gathering, weekend hangout, or special occasion. Upstairs also features resident DJ’s who spin every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

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