Outdoor Dining With New York City Kids

Now that summer is almost here, my family is looking forward to picnicking in the parks, scooping up some delicious ice cream and eating outdoors at our favorite city restaurants.

Sometimes it seems like every eatery in NYC has outdoor seating. Of course, dining by the curb isn't my idea of a perfect alfresco meal—but when I’m with my little boys and our double stroller, I gladly take a sidewalk table.

Happily, there are also more picturesque open-air options—from glorious gardens to sky-high rooftops—when we're having date night or when I'm sans stroller. Here are 16 of my favorite Brooklyn and Manhattan (and one Queens!) spots for outdoor dining in the summer.

Alma – Red Hook
187 Columbia Street near Degraw Street
The cozy rooftop at this Mexican spot is open year-round (it’s heated during the winter), but best enjoyed on a summer day. Kick back with some guacamole and (on date night) a margarita or two, and watch the sun set over Manhattan.

Bacchus – Boerum Hill
409 Atlantic Avenue between Nevins and Bond Streets
This French bistro has a quaint garden that’s good for a quiet dinner à deux, or a big boisterous group.

Mix (formerly Barrio)– Park Slope
210 Seventh Avenue between 2nd and 3rd Streets
This former popular Mexican spot has an enclosed outdoor area that spills out onto the sidewalk and was often full of families. As Mix, this spot now features a tasting style menu, and still sports the same amount of sidewalk area, which we hope will lend itself to a family friendly feel.

Bar Toto – Park Slope
411 11th Street at Sixth Avenue
With pizza, pastas, salads and burgers, this Italian spot is casual and kid-friendly, with ample sidewalk seating.

Boat Basin Cafe – Upper West Side
79 Street in Riverside Park
As the name implies, this laid-back outdoor cafe overlooks the marina, and also offers stunning views of the Hudson River and New Jersey. Organized into three sections—an open-air patio, a circular open area in the back and a covered rotunda—it hosts a lively bar scene later in the evening, so come early. No reservations accepted.

Café Habana – Fort Greene
757 Fulton Street near S Portland Avenue
This self-dubbed "eco-eatery"—think solar panels and a bike-operated blender—serves Latin fare from a truck on a patio with picnic benches. It's a great place to visit before or after a trip to Fort Greene Park.

Chestnut – Carroll Gardens
271 Smith Street near Degraw Street
Chestnut has recently closed. One of my favorite places for brunch (hello, warm chocolate chip scones!), this restaurant has a lush and lovely garden that’s equally good for a family dinner or a romantic date.

Frankie’s 457 – Carroll Gardens
457 Court Street between 4th Place and Luquer Street
Savor this neighborhood staple's Italian comfort food in its serene and spacious garden, which invites you to linger. Note: The restaurant doesn't accept reservations and the wait is usually long.

Hudson River Café – Harlem
697 West 133rd Street near 12th Avenue
Head to Harlem for Latin food at this cafe, the ultimate in outdoor dining: a two-level patio enclosed by gated garden walls, plus a courtyard bar!

La Bottega – Chelsea
363 West 16th Street near Ninth Avenue
With bright blue and white umbrellas, and lots of paper lanterns, the huge patio at La Bottega—an Italian restaurant at the Maritime Hotel—feels more like Miami than Manhattan. It’s a total bar scene at night, but a good place for pasta, pizza or panini during the day.

Pastis – Meatpacking District
9 Ninth Ave at Little West 12th Street
This French hot spot is doable with kids during the day, and you might even spot a celebrity or two. Snagging a table outside is tough, so go early. If you need somewhere to frolic before or after, hit the High Line.

Perch – Park Slope
365 Fifth Avenue near 5th Street
Perch Cafe has closed. A café with something for everyone: sing-alongs for kids, WiFi for freelancers, happy hour for adults and a big garden in the back for outdoor dining.

Quaint – Sunnyside, Queens
46-10 Skillman Avenue between 46th and 47th Streets
This low-key eatery brings New American cuisine to Sunnyside and boasts an outdoor patio that's perfect for warm summer days. 

Shake Shack - Flatiron
Southeast corner of Madison Square Park, near Madison Ave and 23rd Street
We doubt we need to tell you about Danny Meyer's ubiquitous chain. People flock to this "roadside" outpost in Madison Square Park for burgers, hot dogs, French fries and frozen custard. When visiting with kids, try to go with two adults. One can wait in the inevitably long line while the other takes the little ones to the park's lawn or playground.

Thistle Hill Tavern – Park Slope
441 Seventh Avenue, Park Slope, Brooklyn
Located just a few blocks from Prospect Park and the Pavilion, this South Slope gastropub serves locally-sourced, seasonal food. When the weather's warm, bright red tables line the sidewalk.

Vinegar Hill House – Dumbo
72 Hudson Avenue near Water Street
With a charming garden, this off-the-beaten-path restaurant is perfect for date night or an early dinner with the kids. Whichever you choose, make sure to save room for dessert: The eatery's Guinness cake with cream cheese icing is out of this world.

Still hungry? Check out our other posts on food.

For other outdoor ideas and summer fun, check out our Summer Activity Guide.

Updated May 13, 2012