Outdoor Dining on the Upper West Side
With outdoor dining in New York City extended through October, there are countless spots to dine al fresco, with restaurants able to set up seating on sidewalks, adjacent parking spots, rooftops, and gardens. To help you decide where to eat first, I've compiled a list of some of the best restaurants offering outdoor dining on the Upper West Side.
HARLEM
Melba’s
Popular southern comfort food restaurant Melba’s made headlines this week when they debuted their David Rockwell-designed outdoor seating, which coincided with a visit from the Mayor. Another reason you’ll feel good visiting–owner Melba Wilson has helped countless NYC restaurants over the past few months as president of the NYC Hospitality Alliance.
Harlem Tavern
This neighborhood bar and restaurant has been donating countless meals in partnership with World Central Kitchen, and now that their huge patio is open for outdoor dining, there’s plenty of chances for us to give back to them. It’s first-come, first-serve, and they’re open Sunday-Thursday from 12pm to 10pm and Friday- Saturday from 12pm to 12am.
UPPER WEST SIDE
Harvest Kitchen
This sunny spot on Columbus Avenue has built a lovely outdoor patio in the parking spots adjacent. The restaurant was created by “neighborhood parents, chefs, nutritionists, and food lovers.”
Sido Falafel & More
Perfect for an inexpensive but delicious meal, this Middle Eastern neighborhood favorite also has set up seating at the curb.
Cafe Luxembourg
This classic French-American bistro has turned the parking spots out front into a picturesque outdoor dining area.
Cafe Fiorello
Since 1974, this Italian favorite across from Lincoln Center has been a favorite for outdoor dining, and this summer is no different. Open daily from 12pm-9pm, enjoy all the classics, along with Cafe Fiorello’s famous antipasto bar.
Jacob’s Pickles
The most “downtown” place on the Upper West Side, Jacob’s Pickles typically has a bustling sidewalk cafe, full of folks enjoying fried chicken, fried pickles, and a cold beer. Because the place gets so packed, it’s reservation-only and those are limited to one hour.
Maison Pickle
Jacob’s next-door sister restaurant is also offering sidewalk seating, where they’re serving their famous French dips and cocktails.
Jing Fong
Dim Sum spot Jing Fong, the city’s largest Chinese restaurant, closed its doors in March after 48 years, but they’ve reopened with a very spacious outdoor patio (as has their Chinatown location). The kitchen is staffed by 4 cooks (down from the usual 10 for social distancing measures), but more than 35 dishes are available for takeout and delivery.
Santa Fe
Popular Southwestern spot Santa Fe is still full of locals having a great time. For extra precaution, chips and salsa are pre-packaged, and meals are served on disposable plates. But don’t worry, the margaritas are just as strong.
