Uptown and downtown, we have our top ten list of suggestions for al fresco dining and fun in the city. Our picks have something for everyone. Don your summer whites and find your spot. And stay tuned to Broadwayworld.com Food and Wine for more sensational summer foodie adventures.
Delicatessen (54 Prince Street) Chef Michael Ferraro's SoHo eatery features a sun filled patio where guests can soak up some rays and enjoy a glass of wine with the restaurant's international comfort food cuisine. Celebrities like Paul Giamatti, Jayden Smith, Nick Jonas and Justin Bieber have all been spotted at the restaurant recently making it a hotspot for the summer months. Delicatessen boasts a private courtyard space for private events that is perfect for a small get together or cocktail party. Visit: http://www.delicatessennyc.com/,
The Café at Wave Hill (West 249th Street and Independence Avenue) They offer visitors a wide selection of local and artisanal offerings in historic Wave Hill House, a former Hudson River mansion. Guests for lunch or afternoon tea Diners enjoy sweeping views of the majestic Hudson River and Palisades on the Kate French Terrace. Much of the seasonal produce and ingredients featured on the menus are sourced from Katchkie Farm, the 60-acre organic farm owned by Great Performances, which operates the café. Visit: https://www.wavehill.org/cafe/.
The Gilroy (1561 2nd Avenue) This Upper East Side hotspot has a great speakeasy vibe that spills onto the street in the warm weather. Enjoy fancy drinks like their Sermon on the Barrel or one of their specialty Negronis. Pair your drinks with a cheeseboard, a "Flat" or a delicious small plate like their Crispy Rock Shrimp or Angus Sliders. They are a late night favorite in the neighborhood. Visit: http://www.thegilroynyc.com/.
The Beach at Dream Downtown
The urban oasis spans 4,800 square feet and includes a pool, a beach filled with imported sand, two private cabanas, as well as a full service bar and café. This season, Executive Chef Michael Armstrong introduced new dishes to the menu such as the Tuna 'Poke' Salad and Lobster Tostadas, in addition to The Beach signatures. To complement, guests may enjoy Beverage Director Drew Sweeney's selection of craft cocktails and frozen drinks. New York City pool-seekers can escape the heat and purchase day passes, season passes and luxurious cabana packages. Visit: http://dreambeach.club/.
The Attic Rooftop (251 W. 48th Street) offers unimaginably beautiful views of the sunset and open air dining nightly. Indulge in alcoholic ice pops from Liquid Lab NYC and a menu of delicious small plates from Executive Chef Nadia S. Day. Visit: http://www.theattic-nyc.com/#intro.
Del Frisco's Grille (Rockefeller Plaza) Their seasonal patio is an ideal location for guests looking to sit back and relax in the heart of one of the city's most bustling areas. The eclectic menu fitting for al fresco dining includes sharable plates like The Grille's famous Cheesesteak Eggrolls and essential summer sippers like the Sangria Pop, a strawberry and peach popsicle atop a chilled glass of white sangria. Visit: http://delfriscosgrille.com/new-york.
Spirit of New York (departing from Chelsea Piers) For the ultimate outdoor dining experience, step aboard the Spirit of New York's top deck on the East Drink & B. Mary Brunch Cruise. Enjoy custom-made Bloody Mary cocktails and a classic brunch selection along with breathtaking views of One World Trade, the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge. To find out about all the Spirit Cruises, visit: http://www.spiritcruises.com/new-york-metro.
Blue Ribbon Beer Garden (190 Allen Street) Channeling a chic, country wildflower motif, Blue Ribbon Beer Garden is now open for the summer season. Located in the Lower East Side, the Beer Garden serves a selection of beer, wine, sangria and sake. Games, music, and camaraderie are aplenty in this outdoor oasis, and so are top-notch Blue Ribbon plates, including a Lobster Sandwich, Pulled Pork Sandwich, Veggie Burger, and the notorious Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken Sandwich, plus smaller snacks like Pork Rinds, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Candied Nuts, and "Numb" Chips. Visit: http://www.blueribbonrestaurants.com/restaurants/blue-ribbon-beer-garden/.
HAVEN ROOFTOP (142 West 47th Street) Haven Rooftop, located at The Sanctuary Hotel has an expansive rooftop bar and lounge in the heart of Manhattan. In addition to a new summer food and cocktail menu, the rooftop with host summer movies and Olympic related activities to make "Summer in the City 2016" the most fun yet. Haven's PDR (Private Dining Roof) will also debut in May and is the first of its kind in the city - an intimate 10th floor rooftop available to host private functions and gatherings. Visit: www.havenrooftop.com.
SideBAR (118 E. 15th Street at the corner of Irving Place) This ever popular spot boasts wrap-around patio seating on two city blocks making it a prime outdoor drinking destination in Union Square during the warm weather months. Visit: http://www.sidebarny.com/.
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