There are a few things that New Yorker’s love – a good drink, a good meal and a good outdoor space. Once the weather starts to warm up even the littlest bit, we’re on the hunt for an outdoor spot to set-up shop for the afternoon with a few friends; whether it’s a rooftop, a garden patio or even a blanket in Central Park. So, now that it’s officially summer in NYC (my favorite season in the city), I’m rounding up some of the best spots for outdoor dining & drinking in Brooklyn.
12 Chairs
Cost: $$
Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Located right across the street from popular brunch spot, Sunday in Brooklyn, 12 Chairs is a great spot for Middle Eastern specialties. In the warmer months, the windows and doors open so that the whole place feels like its outdoors, making it a great option if you want to enjoy the weather while chowing down on their fluffy pancakes (my personal favorite).
Locanda Vini & Olii
Cost: $$
Location: Clinton Hill, Brooklyn
Cuisine: Italian
A great spot for traditional Italian cuisine with some unexpected twists, Locanda Vini & Olii is a great choice for any meal. Offering an extensive outdoor seating situation, you’re likely to be able to snag an outdoor spot any time but I’d recommend a reservation just to be safe. I highly recommend this for a romantic date night spot.
Cafe Colette
Cost: $$
Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Cuisine: American
I love the overall vibe of Cafe Colette – very relaxed and rustic and almost European. The food here is tasty – I highly recommend the Chicory & Fried Chicken Salad; it is to die for. In the warmer months there’s nothing I love more than grabbing one of the few tables outside and enjoying an afternoon glass of wine.
Concord Hill
Cost: $$
Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Cuisine: American
Located right on Graham Ave, Concord Hill has the good vibes and good food to match. Although the outdoor seating here is limited to only a few tables, if you’re able to snag one it’s a real treat. When stopping by for brunch, I recommend ordering the Loco Moco or the Fried Egg & Cheddar Sandwich (although be careful that it doesn’t get all over your shirt, as it’s just as juicy as it sounds).
Five Leaves
Cost: $$
Location: On the edge of Williamsburg & Greenpoint
Cuisine: American
Five Leaves is situated right on the corner of Lorimer St & Bedford Av – bordering both Williamsburg and Greenpoint and conveniently located right across the street from McCarren Park. The best part? The food. Though a breakfast sandwich seems like a simple order, you’d be surprised how many places present you with their own mediocre rendition of the dish. Luckily, this place is the complete opposite – every time we go the food is tasty, the environment is inviting and we always leave satisfied. Since it’s a small spot with minimal indoor tables, most of their seating is outdoors. I would get there on the earlier side if you’re looking to dine outside on the weekend – it’s a popular spot for both visitors and locals.
Le Fanfare
Cost: $$
Location: Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Cuisine: Italian
Although I’ve never had the chance to sit outside at Le Fanfare, I was able to get a peek at the backyard dining area and it is such a cute spot. On top of that, the service is spectacular and the food gives you that authentic Italian feel. I mean, who doesn’t love enjoying a pasta dish al fresco like a real Italian?
Roberta’s
Cost: $$
Location: Bushwick, Brooklyn
Cuisine: Pizza
Located right off the Morgan Ave subway stop, Roberta’s is one of the top pizza spots in Brooklyn, and rightly so; it’s fresh, it’s flavorful and it’s reasonably priced. With a large outdoor space filled with picnic tables, it’s a great place to pick up a pie with some friends and enjoy a drink at their outdoor bar.
Sunday in Brooklyn
Cost: $$
Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Cuisine: American
One of Brooklyn’s brunch hot spots, Sunday in Brooklyn is always packed so a reservation is 100% necessary. We were lucky enough to be seated on the rooftop patio for Sunday brunch and it was just cool enough where we were able to fully enjoy the atmosphere (since we all know NYC summers can be brutal). Whether you’re seated indoors or outdoors, this is a must-visit Brooklyn brunch spot!
The Springs
Cost: $$
Location: Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Cuisine: Cocktail Bar, American
Modeled after a Palm Springs hangout, The Springs is well decorated and has a large outdoor space that (almost) rivals those in the desert. With a range of outdoor seating from cozy couches to picnic tables and even real grass on the floor, it’s a great hangout spot no matter what the time of day.
What are some of your favorite outdoor dining spots in Brooklyn?
Leave a Reply