When the weather's right, nothing beats a relaxing brunch or dinner eaten outdoors. Thankfully, Brooklyn restaurants offer plenty of al fresco dining options. Whether you're looking for spectacular views, beautiful gardens, or simply a sunny spot to people watch, you'll find it at one of these outdoor dining picks.
Alma
Photo courtesy of Alma Restaurant
187 Columbia Street
(718) 643-5400
There may be no better view of the Manhattan skyline than the one from Alma's rooftop terrace. This restaurant/bar serves standard Mexican dishes like fajitas and enchiladas alongside delicious drinks and an extensive menu of tequilas. The food is a bit pricey, but breathtaking views of downtown Manhattan make it all worthwhile. Alma gets bonus points, too, for its outdoor heaters, which make for comfortable tables even in the chilliest of months.
(718) 643-5400
There may be no better view of the Manhattan skyline than the one from Alma's rooftop terrace. This restaurant/bar serves standard Mexican dishes like fajitas and enchiladas alongside delicious drinks and an extensive menu of tequilas. The food is a bit pricey, but breathtaking views of downtown Manhattan make it all worthwhile. Alma gets bonus points, too, for its outdoor heaters, which make for comfortable tables even in the chilliest of months.
Dumont
Photo © Androog
432 Union Avenue
(718) 486-7717
It's easy to miss the outdoor seating at this Williamsburg hotspot, but if you make your way to the back of the restaurant, you'll happen upon its fairly large porch-like area, perfect for dining under the stars. Don't miss the Dumont burger, which is as enormous as it is delicious.
(718) 486-7717
It's easy to miss the outdoor seating at this Williamsburg hotspot, but if you make your way to the back of the restaurant, you'll happen upon its fairly large porch-like area, perfect for dining under the stars. Don't miss the Dumont burger, which is as enormous as it is delicious.
Five Front
Photo courtesy Five Front Restaurant
5 Front Street
(718) 625-5559
With the line to get into Grimaldi's usually stretching down the sidewalk at the Fulton Ferry Landing in DUMBO, it's easy to give up on dining in the neighborhood. Enter Five Front. The restaurant, located just around the corner from Grimaldi's, offers a beautiful back garden retreat from the tourist-crazed area. Whether you're ordering a full meal or are just in need of a relaxing drink or two, you'll be happy you made your way to Five Front's flower-filled outdoor oasis.
(718) 625-5559
With the line to get into Grimaldi's usually stretching down the sidewalk at the Fulton Ferry Landing in DUMBO, it's easy to give up on dining in the neighborhood. Enter Five Front. The restaurant, located just around the corner from Grimaldi's, offers a beautiful back garden retreat from the tourist-crazed area. Whether you're ordering a full meal or are just in need of a relaxing drink or two, you'll be happy you made your way to Five Front's flower-filled outdoor oasis.
Frankie's 457
457 Court Street(718) 403-0033
For delicious Italian food served in a cozy, ambient setting, look no further than Brooklyn's own Frankie's 457. While the candlelit interior is inviting, the restaurant's back garden is an ideal place to linger over a heaping bowl of house-made gnocchi marinara and a glass of red wine.
Habana Outpost
757 Fulton Street(718) 858-9500
This Fort Greene restaurant prides itself on its eco-friendliness, so it's only fitting that it boasts a great patio where customers can enjoy mouthwatering Cuban food and frozen mojitos in the great outdoors. The patio also serves as an event space and can get crowded, especially on Sunday nights, when the restaurant hosts movie screenings.
Ici
246 DeKalb Avenue(718) 789-2778
If you're looking for a fresh, seasonal meal in a comfortable setting, then Ici's for you. This Fort Greene favorite shines in warmer weather, too, as its back patio is one of Brooklyn's finest. Eat a relaxing brunch at Ici, and you'll forget that you're still in the city.
Red Hook Ballfields
Photo by Alex Lines
Clinton Street and Bay Street
Head to the Red Hook Ballfields for an entirely different sort of outdoor dining. The Ballfields are filled with street vendors selling everything from homemade ceviche to quesadillas and a variety of authentic Latin American dishes. Make your own meal from the various selections, then picnic on the grassy grounds nearby. Stay close -- You'll want to go back for seconds!
Head to the Red Hook Ballfields for an entirely different sort of outdoor dining. The Ballfields are filled with street vendors selling everything from homemade ceviche to quesadillas and a variety of authentic Latin American dishes. Make your own meal from the various selections, then picnic on the grassy grounds nearby. Stay close -- You'll want to go back for seconds!
Robin des Bois
195 Smith Street(718) 596-1609
To the everyday passerby, Robin des Bois may look like an old junk shop. Head inside, though, and you'll be rewarded with a fantastic French menu served in a decidedly eclectic environment (the "junky" items in the windows actually serve as oddly charming decorations). In warmer months, the back garden is an incredibly popular spot that almost feels a little more Paris than Cobble Hill.
The Farm on Adderley
1108 Cortelyou Road(718) 287-3101
Brooklyn's favorite farm isn't a farm at all -- It's a restaurant that serves up farm-fresh cuisine to patrons from all reaches of New York City, and its outdoor garden is the perfect sunny spot for an afternoon brunch. Food highlights? Don't miss the French toast or the fries with curry ketchup.
Union Smith Cafe
305 Smith Street(718) 643-3293
This neighborhood restaurant and bar is a Smith Street staple. With a large outdoor patio that sits on the corner of the street, the Union Smith Cafe is a great place to people watch while sipping a beer and eating a steaming bowl of mussels. The cafe serves bistro food (think: hamburgers and fries) at reasonable prices and has plenty of space to accomodate large groups.
