Where to Outdoor Dine in NYC This Winter
/
If you ever want proof of New York City’s resilience, just take a look at these incredible heated outdoor dining set-ups all across NYC! The cozy outdoor set-ups include private greenhouses and dining pods, partially-enclosed structures, seat heaters, blankets, and other creative ways to keep New Yorkers feeling warm, cozy & well-fed. I never thought I’d see New York City turn into an outdoor dining winter wonderland, but I’m really impressed by what so many of these NYC restaurants have been able to pull off this winter!
Full disclaimer: All the restaurants listed are currently operating with recommended safety precautions, but I haven’t actually been to most of these places yet because I’ve been social distancing in my apartment for the winter, so I can’t personally speak to the safety/health risks of dining out at this time. Please remember to wear a mask, social distance & stay up to date with the latest NYC COVID guidelines.
Have a Drink at the Pink Ski Lodge at Magic Hour
Magic Hour has transformed into a stunning pink winter lodge! Enjoy a pink apres-ski themed outdoor dining experience complete with outdoor heaters to keep you warm and toasty all season long! And you guys there is so much pink stuff on the menu!!!
Pro-tip: Make sure to try the Magic Hour Disco Ball or the new Magic Hour Snow Globe Punch Bowl’
Revel in the Ambience at The Nomad Hotel Rooftop
This is absolutely one of my favorite rooftops in New York City right now. I went earlier this fall, and the ambiance was to DIE for, adorned with elegant chandeliers and lanterns. I’ve heard they have an excellent heated set up. I truly cannot recommend this place enough!
Enjoy Skyline Views at Savanna Rooftop LIC
I know there are a lot of restaurants offering dining in heated glasshouses around NYC, but hear me out: Savanna Rooftop is probably one of the only restaurant that offers breathtaking views of the New York City skyline too.
Have a Dinner & Movie in a Heated Igloo at 230Fifth Rooftop
Heated igloos at a rooftop with the best views of the Empire State Building and private TV screens?! Sign me up right away, please.
Rent a Private Yurt to Dine in at Lilia
One of Williamsburg’s most iconic Italian restaurants known for its Rigatoni Al Diavolo has set up a stunning Yurt Village, and I am obsessed! Unfortunately, this one is for Amex holders only, but it was too cute not to include. A private yurt can hold 4-6 people at a time and can be booked up to 30 days in advance on Resy!
Eat in a Snow Globe at Route 66 Smokehouse on Stone Street
Route 66 Smokehouse has really stepped up the heated igloo vibes by adding a small private tree to make you feel like you’re inside a heated snow globe! Stone Street already feels so much dreamier than the typical Manhattan block, and these private snow globes are sure to take it to up a notch.
Dine in a Log Cabin at Arlo SoHo
Not doing your usual winter getaway this year? Well, the cedar cabins in the courtyard of the Arlo SoHo are just what you need to hold you over! Order a truffle pizza and a hot toddy and watch the snow fall from the warmth of your private cabin.
Enjoy the Cozy Pastel Decor at Quality Eats
Quality Eats has the cutest outdoor dining set up! Everyone knows I’m a sucker for a good pastel palette, especially with super cozy vibes — and Quality Eats has it all with the cutest cocktails. The tables also have a call button for your convenience! Quality Eats has an uptown and downtown location, so there should be one close by no matter where in NYC you are.
Twinkling Lights & Brooklyn Views at Watermark Bar, Pier 15
Private greenhouse dining right on the water, surrounded by twinkling lights and uninterrupted views of the Brooklyn skyline — sounds more like a dream than reality! Dining here was gorgeous even before the greenhouses and twinkling lights, so it must be even prettier now!
Drink 2 for 1 Martinis at Pazza Notte
Private heated cabin dining, classic Italian cuisine, and 2 for 1 martinis all night. And don’t even get me started on the martini flavors! If you’re a martini enthusiast, this should be first on your list :)
Visit The Garret’s Winter Pop Up
Okay this is probably the restaurant I’m most excited about. The Garret has one of the most fun and festive outdoor setups I’ve seen! Vibrant lighting, hanging lanterns, cozy colorful blankets, and that’s not even the best part. The Garret is known for its incredible cocktails, and they have an incredible hot chocolate with marshmallows they’ll roast right in front of you. And now for my favorite part: THE NACHOS.
Brunch at Haven Rooftop
Haven Rooftop at Sanctuary Hotel has become a wintery ski chalet for the season. With stunning views of Times Square, dazzling fairy lights, and a delicious brunch menu, and heating you can control, there’s really not much else you can ask for.
Check Out Sushi Lab, NYC’s Newest Sushi Hot Spot
Also at Sanctuary Hotel, Sushi Lab is one of New York City’s prettiest new rooftops this season. If you’re a big sushi fan, make your reservation ASAP!
Dine in a Snow Chalet at Lafayette NoHo
This charming French cafe has recently opened their outdoor village with private heated ~snow chalets~, and it’s definitely going to be THE place to social distance dine this season. Order some fondue, and pretend you’re dining in the Swiss Alps for the evening!
Try New York City’s Favorite Spaghetti at Scarpetta
Scarpetta has always been a classic Manhattan restaurant, but they seriously stepped up their game with their seasonal outdoor dining setups this year. And even though I’m a sucker for summer florals, their swanky winter setup has me seriously impressed. Scarpetta has really created an elegant outdoor dining setup that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
[Related: The Absolute Best Pasta Dishes in NYC]
Experience the Sleek Outdoor Dining Set-Up at Casa Ora
Casa Ora serves delicious Venezuelan bites in a sleek outdoor dining setup. They’ve even gone so far as to add art to the walls of their outdoor tent, so here for it!
Enjoy the Parisienne Vibes at La Grand Boucherie
I’m usually unimpressed with places that have “grand” in their title, but here it might just be an understatement. Located underneath a covered, open-air pedestrian walkway in Midtown Manhattan, La Grande Boucherie’s outdoor dining area closely resembles a Parisienne art gallery. The restaurant boasts a breathtaking 150-year-old glass ceiling imported from France, an incredible menu, and fantastic service.
Apres-Ski at Niche Niche
Aspen vibes in a curated tasting menu with fabulous wine pairings. Niche Niche hosts a socially distant nightly dinner party in their chic chalet!
