Image
Lifestyle

Alfresco drinks in NYC

Springtime drinking under blue skies is one of our most coveted New York activities.

Words by Keven Amfo

Late spring in NYC is one of the most magical times; warm weather descends upon the city, and a sense of renewal permeates the air. The collective flock to outdoor dining may feel less pronounced this year as the pandemic made dining outside part of year-round life, but it’s not a reason to overlook its enchanting presence. As the city becomes more alive and we take to the terrace, these are some of the places where you’ll find us.

Balthazar, Soho

After taking ages to reopen, beloved Balthazar is finally back. A massive seating area on Spring St accommodates a ton of extra guests – and somehow, the alfresco area captures a bit of the same enchantment that the interiors have for the past 24 years. Open from breakfast through dinner; it’s perfect for drinking from morning till night.

Image Image
Balthazar
Image Image
Atla

Atla, Noho

An expansive, sunny terrace on Lafayette attracts visitors, but the perfect margaritas and extensive mezcal menu are the reasons to stay. The delicious food (deserving of the many accolades it’s received) satisfies for either a bite or full meal; an early dinner here calls and lingers into the late evening with plentiful cocktails.

Gemma, Bowery

For years, Gemma has been one of our go-to’s for drinking alfresco. The street-side dining on Bowery accommodates many guests, and reliably, tables were available. More of a scene at brunch, afternoons at Gemma are relaxed and perfect for a drink and snack — the considered cocktail list is fresh and feels like spring.

Image Image
Gemma
Image Image
Ruffian

Ruffian, East Village

One of the city’s most lauded wine bars has built a comfortable outdoor dining space. Partially covered should the weather disagree with your plans, there are several private seating areas and others that encourage congeniality – and the food and wine are pretty great as well. An expanded menu means it will suffice for dinner as well as aperitivo.

Image
Image
Dante

Dante, West Village

Beautifully designed, this century-old West Village café’s outdoor area is comfortable and welcoming. We love visiting Dante for afternoon drinks when the sun is primely positioned to hit Macdougal – plus, they have a separate section for signature spritzes on the menu, including Aperol Spritz on-tap, primed for spring drinking.

Image Image
Dante
Image Image
Bar Pisellino

Bar Pisellino, West Village

Italian through and through, Bar Pisellino was conceived around the ritual of aperitivo. The sister bar to beloved restaurant Via Carota, which is across the street, serves a delicious assortment of cocktails, wine and snacks – as well as espresso and pastries, in true homage to the classic Italian bar that’s open all day.

Easy Lover, Williamsburg

Neighbourhood favourite Easy Lover has made the most of their outdoor space, framing each side of the sidewalk with comfortable seating. Music accompanies food and drinks most nights; we love visiting for a drink and maybe an additional bite post-dinner – or fries, late-night, with spicy margaritas.

Image Image
Easy Lover
Image Image
Dutch Kills

Dutch Kills, Long Island City

The best cocktails in Long Island City can be enjoyed in Dutch Kills’ covered, decorated outdoor dining area. Served alongside a selection of bar snacks (easy bites that are precisely what we want to be eating whilst we drink) and deli-style sandwiches, the expertly crafted drink options include a frozen piña colada – vacation, in a glass.



For more information on the above restaurants or further recommendations, please contact your lifestyle manager.

Image Image

Want to stay up to date with
the latest in luxury?

As the world’s leading global concierge service, we spend time securing you access to the best of the best across the world – so you can spend more time doing the things you love.

More to explore

Lifestyle

The reveal of Mercedes’ first-ever Maybach SL

‘Sensationally sophisticated’: Adam Hay-Nicholls heads to the Pebble Beach Concours for a preview of the marque’s upcoming new car.

Read more
Lifestyle

Dubai’s latest luxury: investing in yourself

Discerning Dubaians are now spending their time and money on education and enrichment – here are five new classes to try.

Read more
Lifestyle

A cigar lover’s guide to Tbilisi

Our cigar correspondent heads to Georgia’s capital, where she discovers a smoking scene akin to Havana.

Read more
Quintessentially Noted GIF

NOTED

Stay in the know with our monthly newsletter – a complimentary edit of everything new and noteworthy in the luxury world.

Loading Loading

By signing up to the newsletter you confirm you have read & agree to the Privacy Policy.

Make an enquiry