Dine Outdoors
June 11, 2009 by Blair Edelman
Filed under New York, News
No one can argue that New York City is the absolute best place to be during the summer months. However, since we can only count on the warm weather to stay until September, we need to take advantage of this optimal climate by exploring all the outdoor activities New York has to offer now. This means shopping, drinking and especially eating…outside. At the first hint of summer, 90 percent of restaurants open their windows and outdoor areas to patrons off the street, but trying to find one good restaurant among the hundreds you’ll pass by is not an easy task. Whatswear is here to help. We have complied five of the best lesser-thought-of outdoor restaurants to try this summer.
Barolo
398 West Broadway
New York, N.Y. 10012
This Soho Italian-gem is home to one of the most gorgeous outdoor gardens in New York. A friend of mind who studied in Venice said it reminded her of being in Italy again. The space is great for a romantic dinner or even an after-work bite with the bustling “happy hour” crowd at the bar.
What to Order: Tartara Di Tonno (perfect tuna tartar with avocado and cucumber); Gamberoni Alla Griglia Con I Fagioli Toscani (grilled shrimp, beans and fried leeks…delicious)
SushiSamba 7
87 Seventh Ave. South
New York, NY 10014
SushiSamba has been on the restaurant map since Sex and the City put it there. While there are definitely better sushi places in the city, their unique combination of Latin American and Japanese cuisine combined with their outdoor patio that looks over the West Village makes this restaurant one to try.
What to Order: Pacific Samba Roll (pear, king crab and wasabi-avocado cream in one roll—enough said); Yellowtail Sashimi Seviche
Blue Hill
75 Washington Pl.
New York, NY 10011
While this outstanding restaurant stayed relatively under the radar with its all-locally-grown menu and food cooked to perfection, the Obama’s date night brought it into the spotlight. Blue Hill also allows you dine on their amazing food outside on a picturesque back porch which makes you feel like you haven’t left home.
What to Order: Tasting Menu (there is too much to choose from, so let them do the picking for you)
Shake Shack
Madison Square Park
Shake Shake has been on countless lists as one of the best places to get one of the best burgers in all of New York City. Sure it might not be the classiest dining experience in the world, but you can eat your hamburger and drink one of their delicious milkshakes on a bench in the middle of Madison Square Park while admiring landmark buildings like the Flatiron. Just be aware of long, long lines.
What to Order: Shackburger (duh); Hand-Spun Shake
Acqua at Peck Slip
21 Peck Slip
New York 10038
If you happen to be venturing way downtown (or need a reason to), stop into this wine bar for great wine, fabulous Italian fare and an outside table looking out to the Brooklyn bridge.
What to Order: Tagliere Di Formaggi Italiani Assortita (an assortment of Italian cheeses); Fettuccine Fresche Con Pomodori Pachino, Mozzarella E Basilico Fresco (FRESH pasta with a nice blend of tomatoes and mozzarella)
Pictures credited to nymag.com and Barolo.com.
BLAIR EDELMAN
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