New York, you’ve been cooped up long enough.
It’s time to take this outside. And eat. And drink. And be merry.
But trying to find the right patio for sundowning, the right pool for lounging — yeoman’s work, which we’ve happily distilled down to five outdoor dining experiences you should add to your calendar right now for immediate and repeatable enjoyment.
For a Little Bit of Everything: Seaport Smorgasburg
Back at it for the third year, Smorgasburg is the perfect pick when no one can make up their mind on what to chow. While the vendors are indoors, the Seaport’s seasonal outdoor bar will be up and serving Friday-Sunday. Stop the bickering and pull up a seat waterside at the one of the city’s best culinary variety shows.
For Eating in Swim Trunks: McCarren Hotel & Pool
Whether you’re lounging next to one of the city’s largest pools or taking it to the rooftop, McCarren’s al fresco offerings feature new dishes from Executive Chef Kevin Chojnowski and a smattering of cocktails from Francis Verrall. New to the scene to be seen this year: Victory Garden has unveiled a poolside gelato cart with specialty flavors like the exclusive local Devocion Coffee Affogato.
For Having the Whole Place to Yourself: Haven Rooftop
You know the summer drill. Skip out of work at 4:30 to secure a seat on rooftop … only to realize 300 other NYers had the very same idea. Which makes Haven’s private dining patio — reservation only, and seating a mere 20 — cab-in-rush-hour rare. Chef Madison Belem, formerly of Le Bilboquet, dishes up French-inspired bites like a Tuna Tower, Crab and Avocado Palette and the must-have Poulet Cajun: shmancy-speak for roasted Cajun chicken. Be the envy of everyone trying to get into Birreria.
For a Garden of Eden in the Concrete Jungle: Gramercy Terrace
Charming. Stunning. On the 18th floor of the Gramercy Park Hotel, a 1,500 square-foot oasis with sweeping and opulent views awaits. All-star Chef Danny Meyer delivers a Roman trattoria — top-notch, but comfortable and filling — with favorites like poached trout and stinging nettle pasta.
For the Best Bar in Brooklyn That Conveniently Serves Soul Food on a Patio: Loosie’s Kitchen
Artsy, green and eclectic. Sister to Loosie Rouge — named “The Absolute Best” bar by Grub Street — Loosie’s Kitchen patio is a portal to a French Quarter-meets-Silver Lake sanctuary. Light and bright. You’ll be chowing down NOLA-inspired dishes from Chef Olivier Palazzo and receiving ye ol’ Southern Hospitality, but in sexier digs.
This is but one installment of 37 Things a Man’s Gotta Do This Summer, our annual compendium of everything worth seeing, doing, eating, drinking and generally making time for in your neck of the woods between now and September
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