NYC Restaurants Take Outdoor Dining To A New Level
September 16, 2020
While there are many things about 2020 we probably want to put behind us, saying goodbye to the make-shift street and sidewalk dining rooms brings a bit of melancholy because so many of us have come to appreciate the spirit and the experience of dining al fresco in the middle of a city street. Before we bid farewell and move inside, our team of Concierges have put together our shortlist of favorite pop-up dining rooms, many of which have taken the standard plywood partitions to new design heights, creatively capturing the essence of their indoor dining rooms.
Indoor Dining is set to reopen again in NYC on September 30th. Ready to return to your favorite restaurant? Let your LIVunLtd Concierge arrange your reservation, and you can send us your request through the LIV app, our web portal, or by emailing or calling us directly.
1. Gertie
357 Grand Street between Marcy + Havemeyer Street
The Setting: Outfitted in colorful pendant banners, thriving greenery, and baby blue dining tables, Gertie‘s patio truly captures that “summer in the city” feeling. They just announced the re-launch of their Modern “Jew-ish” menu, so you can try all their menu classics in all their glory.
On the Table: Relish Tray, Broccoli Melt, Rotisserie Chicken Dinner with Corn on the Cob
2. Frenchette / Estela
600 5th Avenue between 49th + 50th Street
The Setting: These two iconic New York institutions have teamed up with Rockefeller Center to create a dining experience truly like no other. Every Wednesday and Thursday, enjoy French eats from Frenchette, and on Fridays and Saturdays, it’s your choice from a selection of seafood from Estela. ‘Dine at the Rink‘ is only available for the rest of September, so reserve your table before it’s too late!
On the Table: Both restaurants have put together pre-fixe picnic baskets filled with seasonal menu items including summer corn vichyssoise, petite terrine de pintade, Spanish tortilla with bottarga, (Frenchette) and Duxbury gem oysters, snow crab, and scallop crudo (Estela).
3. Shuka
38 Macdougal Street between West Houston + Prince Street
The Setting: Shuka has constructed their very own outside oasis for their outdoor diners to feel as if they’re inside those bright blue doors. Great news – they are now open for lunch so we can dine al fresco all day long.
On the Table: Whipped Feta + Pistachio, Shawarma Spice Chicken Kebabs, Watermelon Tunis Cocktail
4. Sushi Lab
132 West 47th Street between 6th + 7th Avenue
The Setting: Take your omakase experience to new heights at Sushi Lab. This newly-opened Midtown spot offers beautifully plated sushi dishes, creative cocktails and imaginative desserts. Sit by the chef’s counter or grab a table, both amidst the garden-like atmosphere.
On the Table: Avocado Fries, Chef’s Selection Omakase, Boba Flan
5. Niche Niche
43 Macdougal Street between King Street + West Houston
The Setting: Niche Niche now takes their dinner seatings 6 feet apart. Sit down at one of their cute tables complete with a mini fan and a fringe umbrella, for either of their evening seatings at 6PM or 8PM.
On the Table: Each week, their offerings change with menu “takeovers” from industry all-stars – check out their Instagram for each week’s menu!
6. Ruby’s Cafe
198 East 11th Street between 2nd + 3rd Avenue
The Setting: Pink paint, twinkle lights, and flowers galore. Ruby’s Cafe spared no expense at making their patio space special for all their customers. Bask in the afternoon sun for their Brunch menu, or sit under the stars for Dinner dishes. Either way, tables are first come, first served!
On the Table: Crispy Rice Bowl, Fried Chicken Sandwich, Watermelon Mimosa
7. Ampia Rooftop
100 Broad Street, enter on Bridge Street between Broad + Whitehall Street
The Setting: Socially-distance yourself in style with Ampia Rooftop‘s private dining greenhouses. Each greenhouse includes just enough room for two, so you and that special someone can enjoy Italian cuisine safely in your own bubble while taking in views of the Financial District.
On the Table: Tartara Di Tonno, Tris Signature Gnocchi Dish, Street Supreme Mezcalita Cocktail
8. Drift In
389 West Street between 10th Street + Christopher Street
The Setting: Brought to us by the creatives behind Grand Banks, Drift In is this summer’s newest addition to the West Side Highway. This riverside spot is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat, sip on a cocktail, and soak up the last bits of summer.
On the Table: Lobster BLT, Oysters Champagne, Island Time Cocktail
9. Boucherie
99 7th Avenue South, between Grove Street + Barrow Street
The Setting: Dine like the French do at Boucherie‘s charming outdoor cafe. Each table is partitioned off with custom wooden dividers, protecting all of those who are seated from one another.
On the Table: Tarte à La Tomate, Steak Frites Au Poivre, Crème Brûlée