50 Warmest Outdoor Dining Set-Ups in NYC
It’s January, and indoor dining is still restricted…
The change went into effect in December as the temperature dropped and the Covid cases increased. Just before the holidays, many restaurants shut their doors and a majority were predicted never to reopen.
Before hopping into some of the best restaurants that are open for dining today, I want to acknowledge what an achievement it is for all restaurants still in business right now. It’s probably taken a lot of sacrifices, stress, plus an investment of time and hard-earned savings. There was no additional government aid for these businesses, and they had to do whatever was necessary to keep their lights on and their doors open.
But I also have to hand it to New Yorkers for their dedication to keeping their city alive. It became clear, despite so much that has changed this year in our city, that the New Yorkers still have a passion and pride to live here. And a passion for its small businesses, the community and culture, and of course the amazing food.
It’s Not Over
Outdoor dining in NYC opened in June in the heat of the summer, with outdoor seats on sidewalks and behind parking barriers to keep customers safe from the traffic on the street. It continued through Fall, with more elaborate covered structures that could keep patrons dry from the rain. But this winter evolved a whole new set of concerns, the cold and snowy weather. The dropping temperatures scared most people away, and restaurants noticed an immediate difference at their empty tables. New Yorkers didn’t want to dine in their winter coats, or even if they were willing, it was just too cold and uncomfortable outside.
All over the city, sidewalks started looking like a construction site. Restaurants knew they had to provide a heated space for customers, while still staying ventilated and clean. Businesses were getting creative, building new sidewalk structures, and emerging with more extreme and elaborate outdoor dining spaces. It became competitive to see which restaurants could provide the best ambiance and warmest dining.
Honestly, it’s almost as important as the food that is being served.
So the past few weeks I’ve walked the city up and down, and witnessed it come back to life again. I’ve seen Manhattan emerge from the darkest days of December with some hope.
So what are the best places to dine outdoors right now? Check out my list for the 50 warmest restaurants right now!
Overall Top Contenders
Don Angie’s private heated cabin
Il Buco has one of the most creative dining, and so authentic to the inside of the restaurant that right now can’t be experienced. I loved all the sweet rustic decor!
Niche Niche - quiet neighborhood and an amazing wine list to warm you up
Jue Lan Club - heated seating in a private garden courtyard
Sant Ambroeus on Perry Street
Wallsé - They’re cabin structure even has windows! And a Michelin star.
Petite Boucherie - Really cute and quiet area set-up on Christopher & Gay street
Lafayette Grand Cafe - probably one of the most elaborate snow chalet’s!
Casa La Femme - Elaborate decor
Pier 17 - The Greens - private cabin with a virtual fireplace
Quality Eats - private cabins, but seats only a few people!
Scarpetta - private dining in the outdoor chalet
Dante - Offering heated outdoor dining and to-go cocktail kits!
Dante in the West Village has a more seating than Soho, but they both offer a great experience!
Lilia - private yurts
Charlie Bird - cozy blankets to cover each chair
Charlie Bird has personal table heaters
Carbone - Not easy to get a res but their covered cabins took over Thompson St
Waverly Inn - Martha Stewart was here last week so if it’s good enough for her!
Waverly Inn
St. Anslem - Dine in their backyard heated greenhouse
Little Owl has a heated cabin as well as these table side heaters
Supper - so much seating, food that warms you
LOLA Taverna - Great tropical ambiance!
Winter Village at The Standard, East Village - private yurts in their courtyard
Isabelle’s - Dining right on Park Avenue
Bar Primi on Bowery has a great set up and pasta to warm you up from inside out!
Hillstone - Dining in the historic covered portico of the NY Life building
Winter Dining at Cafés
There aren’t many coffee shops around the city with outdoor dining, and I’m missing the ability to sit inside a cozy cafè and get work done. But here are some that have a nice outdoor setup if you want to meet a friend for some warm coffee!
Matchaful has a great outdoor dining set up in a covered cabin across from the cute storefront. They even have an outlet!
Here are a few great ones:
Plantshed on Prince Street is one of the few cafe’s I’ve seen with this much outdoor dining! No heaters, but still comfortable with a cozy coat and a warm drink in hand.
Winter Outdoor Bar Scene
Blue Haven - lots of outdoor TV’s
Corner Bistro - has live music Tuesdays and Sundays!
Corner Bistro
Jackdaw - plays music
Jackdaw
Whitehorse Tavern - 2nd Oldest Pub in NYC gets with the modern (Covid) times
Whitehorse Tavern
The restaurants, resilient and flexible, have persevered through these extremely tough times. I truly believe most will still be standing after this pandemic if they have made it this far.
If you want to feel a little hope and happiness, someone out there counted how many restaurants are offering outdoor dining in NYC, and it’s over 400!
SO get out there and try them :)
That’s what I got for now!
I’ll continue to expand on this list as I come across more great outdoor setups at restaurants and when the businesses continue to develop creative dining options across the city!
Love the list? Share it, and comment with some of your favorite outdoor dining experiences in NYC!
Xx Gab