NYC Bars and Restaurants With Secret Outdoor Gardens

Dining alfresco never felt so magical.

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Patio season is in full swing, so now’s the time to head to one of these covert hot spots to sip cold libations while the weather still permits. Because can you honestly stand another way-too-crowded rooftop on a 90-degree day? We thought so.

Uva 1486 2nd Ave, Upper East Side

Rustic and relaxed is the scene at beloved UES wine bar, Uva. While most flock to the Italian neighborhood staple for its friendly bartenders and mouthwateringly good pasta dishes, a few in-the-know locals go for the prime outdoor real estate that’s offered in the back. They also have a late night menu available after 10pm, which means you can indulge in chilled Lambrusco along with veal meatball sliders and thin crust pizzas for a fraction of their normal prices. We’re in. – KA

Edi & the Wolf 102 Avenue C, East Village

Transport yourself to Austria via Edi & the Wolf, where the European wine list is impressive, the weiner schnitzel and spätzel is delicious, and the reclaimed barn wood decor and outside ceiling dripping with hanging plants is gorgeous. Austrians are known for their “Gemütlichkeit,” or a sense of geniality and friendliness, so leaving here is oftentimes a challenge. – KA

Mulberry Project 149 Mulberry Street, Little Italy

Beyond the graffitied walls and DJ booth in this dimly-lit subterranean bar located in Little Italy, lies an adorable al fresco wonderland. Peruvian-based restaurant La Isla Escondida AKA “the hidden island” is responsible for their summer pop-up in the backyard, which means boozy slushies and Latin bites, along with pieces by some of NYC’s hottest street artists, like Faile and Bass. Whether you’re looking for an unconventional suggestion for after-work drinks, or an intimate locale under the stars, MP has you covered. – KA

Maison Premiere 298 Bedford Ave, Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Most Brookynites venture to Maison Premiere in Williamsburg for the oysters, Absinthe libations (and drip list), and vintage-y atmosphere reminiscent of old-school Paris, but few are aware of the cocktail den’s dreamy garden. String lights and greenery wrap around the trellis as the focal point, along with potted and hanging plants covering the brick walls. There’s even a working replica of an Absinthe fountain that once flowed in the Olde Absinthe House of New Orleans. Time to get involved. – KA

Palma 28 Cornelia Street, West Village

Tucked away behind Palma’s ivy-covered facade and cozy indoor space is an intimate garden. Between the homemade pasta, stucco walls, roses, and fresh herbs, you’d swear you’re in Italy. – LC

Raines Law Room 48 West 17th St, Chelsea

If you know anything about the NYC craft cocktail scene, then you’re probably familiar with Raines Law Room—the romantic speakeasy spot by mixologist Meaghan Doorman. You might not know that they house a secret gem in the form of a sweet backyard patio, however. Bedecked with plants and flowers, this intimate watering hole can hold up to 15 guests and is ideal for special occasions, celebrations, or simply a girls’ night out to sip tipples like the Bird Bath (Genever, Poire Williams, Crème de Violette, and Cocchi Americano) and the Siesta Swizzle (Blanco tequila, Campari, simple syrup, grapefruit juice, and saline). – KA

Milk and Roses 1110 Manhattan Avenue, Greenpoint, Brooklyn

Across the bridge in Greenpoint is Milk and Roses. Beloved for its Southern Italian-influenced American cuisine, vino selection and spacious garden courtyard, it’s a fairytale for foodies in Brooklyn and beyond. – LC

Lolo’s Seafood Shack 303 W 116th St, Harlem

The #1 reason to head to Harlem right now? Lolo’s Seafood Shack. Their color scheme and quirky style screams #IslandTimeGoals and their Caribbean street eats (like crunchy conch fritters, Johnny Cake sandwiches, and fresh seafood steam-pots) are not to be missed. Seriously, there’s not much you can go wrong ordering here. Plus, it’s cute AF and the happy hour prices are unbeatable. – KA

Gilligan’s 310 West Broadway, Soho

Inspired by The Hamptons restaurant Moby’s, Gilligan’s is the closest thing you’ll get to a tropical paradise—in the middle of the concrete jungle. Think beachy-kitschy flare, frozen watermelon margs, seafood sourced from the best farms and fishermen on Long Island, and signature pizzas straight from the stone oven to your table. You’ll be living your best island life (only in Soho) at Gilligan’s. – KA

Death Avenue 315 10th Ave, Chelsea

Brunch, lunch, dinner, happy hour, late night…Death Ave has you covered, whatever time of the day you’re interested in a damn good cocktail or beer. Their courtyard (that’s High Line-adjacent) has its own bar, lounge, and dining area, but still feels undiscovered thanks to lush green plants, candle-lit lanterns, and a retractable roof so grab your crew and plan to make a night of it at DA and definitely don’t head out without partaking in their famed Hellenic cuisine. The souvlaki tacos, 8-hour octopus, and baby lamb chops with Greek-inspired chimichurri sauce are all major. – KA

Gnocco 337 East 10th Street, East Village

Gnocco is a true East Village gem worth noting and visiting—particularly for dinner, when you can dine under the stars. Ok, so you likely won’t catch a glimpse of the Big Dipper, but the garden seating is romantic nonetheless. – LC

Bobo 181 West 10th Street, West Village

In the West Village, where space is at a premium, Bobo surprises and delights with its magical back terrace. Make a reservation for brunch, and enjoy Pain Perdu and a mimosa while the sun beams in filling the space with light. – LC

La Lanterna di Vittorio 129 Macdougal St, Greenwich Village

Located on MacDougal Street in the heart of Greenwich Village, La Lanterna di Vittorio is where you go on a balmy night for a nice glass of vino and a sampling of their famed calzones, bruschettas, carpaccis, and paninis (or a very icy dish of gelati). You also go for the bewitching paper lanterns dangling from the wrought iron eves of their indoor-outdoor terrace. Romance oozes from every crevice here, so choose your date wisely and if you happen to over-imbibe in the heat of the moment (or the season), no one’s judging. Did we mention there’s live jazz in the adjoining bar? Magical, this place is. – KA

Midnights 149 North 6th St, Williamsburg, Brooklyn

If you’re a fan of ivy-clad patios, seasonally-inspired American fare, and drinks named after celebs (everyone from Lucille Ball to Justin Bieber gets a shout out), then you’re going to be a fan of Midnights. There are also live DJs and a weekday happy hour. Ah, summer. – KA

Gallow Green  542 West 27th Street, Chelsea

The rooftop terrace at The McKittrick Hotel—aptly named Gallow Green—serves up brunch, dinner, and sublime cocktails in spectacular setting. It’s sort of like stepping into a storybook, replete with sprawling greenery and blooms. – LC

Get more NYC recommendations:

8 New York Restaurants With Gorgeous Garden Interiors The Best NYC Rooftop Pools You Can Sneak Off To For The Day Your Guide To The Most Instagrammable Summer Weekend In NYC Ever

This story is part of our 100 Days of Summer package.