where to sit outside

With a small taste of summer this past week, I thought that now would be the perfect time to let this newsletter wade deep into the cheerful waters of al fresco dining. It’s the time of year where just a drop of sunshine reminds us why we live in this expensive, slick, sprint uphill of a city. 70 degree temperatures and the buzz & clink of New Yorkers meeting on the streets melts the worries of the world away, and at once the city awakens from its slumber.

Here are some of my picks for where to enjoy a bite, a bev, and a bacchanalian night outdoors this summer. Stay hydrated! xx

A light spaghetti and a creamy gelato from Misipasta (not to be confused with its more formal big sister Misi), eaten in the backyard under their big, shaded tree.

A Thai-spiced seafood tower to slurp on while basking in the sun on Bond St. Their impressive outdoor set up spills out into the street and looks oh soooo appealing.

Zucchini chips and souvlaki platters from Kiki’s, a sceney Greek resto whose creaky tables fill the cobbled streets of Dimes Square.

Pizza with hot honey at millenial paradise Roberta’s, eaten while dancing in the garden to a DJ that makes you feel like its 2014 again.

Croque madames at French Roast, a darling little UWS resto that channels Parisian people watching with its outdoor terrace, speckled with those colorful rattan chairs.

If you can’t go to St Tropez this summer, this boujee bistro in SoHo has enough magnum bottles of rosé to sustain you for the next few months. Their brunch is good, their Sunday parties notorious, and the clientele groomed Europeans with healthy bank accounts. (& if you saw me here in 2019, no you didn’t).

Soft shell crab sandos from Crevette on Downing St, overlooking 6th Ave. I’m partial to this spot because I used to live around the corner, and the view feels like home.

Clam pie from Frank at F&F (I just really trust a New York Italian named Frank, you know?) under ivy-covered wooden awnings in the backyard.

Lobster rolls & fried fish tacos on the sidewalk tables of Greenpoint Fish & Lobster, a fish purveyor that moonlights as one of the best restaurants in Brooklyn.

Aaaaand more lobster rolls here, because I promise when Mary’s Fish Camp reopens, it will be the busiest seat of the summer. Watch this space!

Pinxtos and oily anchovies from this Basque bar, neatly folded on the corner of Oliver St. Inside chatter flows out to a scene of well-dressed neighbors, spotted enjoying small cups of sherry and vermouth.

Corn masa pancakes while sitting by the big window at the Barragán dreamhouse Cocina Consuelo, excellent Mexican food in Hamilton Heights that still carries the spirit of its apartment-supper club origins.

Croissant & coffee if it’s morning, or shrimp cocktail & dirty ‘tini if it’s evening, while I am doing something incredibly chic like reading a print newspaper or applying lip stick.

BBQ trays from Pig Beach in Astoria (RIP the South Brooklyn location), a fever dream of an outdoor patio. Come here to watch the Knicks, meet boys who have bbq sauce stains on the corners of their mouths from slathering down ribs, and hear the faint twang of a Southern accent.

Elote on the cob, with big pitchers of margs & frozen sangria towers, in the backyard of Habana Outpost in Fort Greene. + the saturday live music lights up the scene in a bottomless brunch - meets - block party [adult] kind of way.

Pasta pasta pasta, while enjoying a leisurely siesta under Cafe Spaghetti’s colorful umbrellas.

Wine & martinis at two of my favorite backyard bars that happen to sit across the street from one another. Start with wine underneath the disco ball backyard at With Others before skipping over to a martini moment at Layla for a South Wburg bop.

A Ruby Fizz cocktail (w/ copious amounts of grenadine) at the indoor-outdoor, day-to-night Fort Greene haunt. Izzy Rose always has good DJs for a quality night out & a crowd that doesn’t seem young, but still has the spirit.

Melonade from the 70s-tiki-conversation pit that is Bar Snack, where you can get freaky little cocktails, cheese curds, spicy peanut noodles, and a green tea shooter in one go.

Natty wine and a cig in the garden at Bedstuy’s best bar. There’s often a cool food popup to nibble on, and a cooler crowd to people watch.

Ice cold beer on the mini rooftop on top of Grimm’s, paired with thin, crispy pizza pies (though be sure to grab tables in the shade because the direct sun feels strong here).

Iced vanilla latte while WFC (working from café) in the back garden of Nolita’s little oasis.

Mother’s Milk (yes that is a drink) at a tiny East Wburg bar called Mommy’s, with family photos that line the walls and a backyard that feels like a friend is hosting a garden party.

A crisp funky orange, to no surprise from anyone, from these two WV spots that have increasingly gotten attention. When I was at Moonflower a few weeks ago, hot people were standing around & drinking on the sidewalk, laughing at chatting like we were on a CW tv show set. Binx has more proper outdoor seating on the weekends (I mean, hello???), but its fun to bop between the two. & while you’re on Christopher street you can pop by Duplex for a scary vodka-soda-cran, it is PRIDE after all!!!!

A compact interior, with stark white walls lined with candles, leads to a perfect backyard, complete with ping pong and disco balls and DJs.

Matcha & a bento box lunch at Greenpoint Japanese café Acre, shaded by a towering brick wall covered in ivy.

NYC summer peaks in the slice of heaven called Red Hook. Start with frozens and fried shrimp buckets at the bi-level Jimmy Buffet-esque paradise of Brooklyn Crab. Pick up a key lime pie from Steve’s on your way to Strong Rope Brewery for views of the Statue of Liberty and pockets of chatty friend groups. End indoors with a vodka soda from the local dive Sunny’s Bar, best enjoyed when they have live music late into the night.

Have you considered that the best place to day drink is in the standing section of Yankee stadium? ~$30 gets you inside with a complimentary Bud Light. Post game on the Billy’s rooftop or inside the sticky walls of Stan’s. You’re welcome.

Club, outdoor garden space, dancey wine bar, and exclusive club room all rolled into one messy little package.

Very fun rooftop in Williamsburg for those looking to dance dance dance.

An unassuming bar in Bushwick that has a rooftop that gives apartment party in your friend’s really nice pre war building.

Specifically for enjoying their sprawling backyard at Mister Sundays, their legendary Sunday rager. Less dark cave untz untz, and more flower power utopian shroom block party.

Nothing more glorious than dancing under the sunset here!!!!

The Green Room outdoor space is vast and caked in cigarette ash (positive), with phone booths designed to hide in, and speakers pure enough to hear the DJ indoors.

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Go forth and frolick, my friends. All my fave outdoor spots above & a few more are linked in my google maps, HERE. Happy summering.

xoxoxo ALEY