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The view might be of the skyline, the surrounding coastline, a romantic interior courtyard, or simply your date backlit by the cityscape. Whatever the venue, summer is the time to dine outdoors, catch a breeze, and relax as if you are on vacation, even if you’re in the city you call home.
Best Outdoor Dining in....
Best Outdoor Dining
New York
Bryant Park Grill 25 W. 40th St., Midtown, 212-840-6500
The Draw: Stylish, geographically blessed Bryant Park Grill features one of the city’s finest sun-washed summer dining patios. The Scene: During the week, the Grill draws a lunchtime work crowd; on the weekends, it’s popular with singles flirting under the stars. Hot Tip: Stick to what they do best, which is the simple dishes, like tangy Caesar salad and herb-roasted chicken.
The Standard Grill 848 Washington St., Meatpacking District, 212-645-4646
The Draw: There’s nothing standard about the breezy, spacious outdoor grill-garden at the Standard Hotel, André Balazs’ hot hotel on stilts. The Scene: Beautiful people—and beautiful cuts of meat. Best of all, the prices (for the MPD, at least) are surprisingly kind. Hot tip: The Standard Grill is fast becoming the hottest spot in the Meatpacking to get a late-night snack after clubbing, because it’s open until 4am. Dishes include oysters and an “end-of-the-night” omelette with herbs and goat cheese.
Shake Shack Southeast corner of Madison Square Park, Midtown, 212-889-6600
The Draw: A contemporary “roadside” burger stand–in the heart of leafy Madison Square Park. (And, Shack fans take note: They just opened a new branch in Times Square, and no one is happier than Midtown locals.) The Scene: Arrive with patience to spare: The line sometimes snakes through the park. But that’s part of the fun. The Shack is as much about getting social with other New Yorkers and tourists as it is about the fat, juicy burgers. Hot Tip: You can avoid the wait: The website actually has a live webcam so that you check out the line–and decide whether to brave it. And, sweet fiends: Try the new custards for the summer, which include creative flavors like sweet corn and “plum crumb.”
