New York City (NYC) is finally in Phase two of COVID-19 reopening, and there is a feeling of overjoy. Finally a sense of some type of normalcy. I’m extremely happy about the restaurants that are able to offer outdoor dining. Although they will not be back to full capacity any time soon I, love the fact that there is some progress. I’m quite sure this new way of operating will take some getting used to for restaurants nevertheless it’s progress.
This new way of dining does come with many guidelines from both the City and the State. It’s safe to say that as of now, there is no sure way to ensure guidelines are being followed. And there isn’t a plan in place to enforce them. Therefore for it to work effectively, it will be the responsibility of the restaurants and dinners to adhere to safety protocols.
Today we’re featuring a list of 15 Restaurants that you can start supporting, and we ask that you do so responsibly.
Openings for Monday, June 22nd
Located at 271 Adelphi. This Caribbean kitchen in the heart of Fort Green is a beautiful addition to the vibrant tradition of Brooklyn’s Culinary scene. With traditional home-cooked faves of Jerk chicken, rice and peas, curry chicken, etc. Using daily market specials and locally- sourced ingredients, Imani has opened for outdoor dining. No reservations are necessary. Monday to Thursday 2 to 9 pm and Saturday & Sunday noon to 10 pm.
Located at 148 Meserole Street in East Williamsburg. Spanish comfort food at it’s best. Experience Venezuelan refined farm to table plates and modern cocktails. No reservations necessary — diners will be seated on a first come first serve, basis. Lunch and takeout are available from 11 am to 4 pm. Dinner from 4 to 11 pm. Make your Reservations now via Open Table and Resy.
Located at 176 8th Avenue in Chelsea will have 15 tables available for dining al fresco. Menu items from Executive Chef Jarett Brodie include the Loulou Burger made with grass-fed beef, clothbound cheddar and caramelized onions, Duck Leg Confit with apple rosemary puree and gala chutney, and Steak Frites featuring a 7oz skirt steak and béarnaise. That’s in addition to craft cocktails, wine, and beer.
Located at 55 E. 54th Street will have eight coveted seats outdoors for lunch and dinner beginning at 11:30 am and an expansive new courtyard opening on Monday, June 29th. Indulge in dishes from Executive Chef Moshe Grundman like Shrimp Mikrolimano with tiger shrimp in a tomato ragu, Lavraki, Short Rib Yiouvetsi and Seafood Orzotto with octopus, shrimp, and mussels. Wine, beer, and other beverages will also be served.
Openings for Tuesday, June 23rd
Located 72 Henry Street in Brooklyn Heights. With a seasonal menu highlighting wild game, once can expect quality ingredients and attentive service. A real Brooklyn gem, Henry’s End has now open their 20 seat sidewalk cafe. Hours are Tuesday to Thursday 5 to 9 pm and Friday & Saturday 5 to 10 pm. Reservations are necessary for parties of five or more.
Located at 184 Kent Avenue in Williamsburg. La Nonna means grandmother in Italian — which is fitting since Chef Cono Moreno credits his grandmother for teaching him values and traditions he still holds dear. Serving traditional Italian eats with a modern flair. Enjoy lunch and dinner al fresco. Tuesday to Thursday 12 to 10 pm, Friday & Saturday noon to 11 pm and Sunday noon to 10 pm. Reservations preferred.
Located at 4315 Farragut Road. Known for a cozy atmosphere and the Caribbean infused cuisine. And while experiencing their comfortable atmosphere is a MUST, we can certainly enjoy their delicious food with their outdoor dining.
Located at 26 Broadway is a wood fire seasonal Italian restaurant located in South Williamsburg. This wood fire seasonal restaurant was inspired by Chef DiMeglio’s grandmother and her art of cooking. Barano offers a tasty variety of handmade pasta. Barano opens on Tuesday for lunch on a first-come, first-served basis. Dinner reservations can be made via Resy. There are limited walk-up seatings available.
Located at Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park will have rooftop seating for 100 available to take in the sunshine and chef and owner Michael Ayoub’s wood-fired pizzas, salads, and sandwiches and alcoholic beverages. Fornino will have 24 seats in their backyard at their Greenpoint location (849 Manhattan Avenue). Reservations can be made through Yelp Reservations.
Located at 76 Ainslie St. in Williamsburg will open its new rooftop with 26 seats in addition to 36 seats on the sidewalk and 50 seats in their garden. Ainslie’s Executive Chef John DeLucie and lead pizzaiolo Erasmo ‘Mino’ Lassandro offers a tasty menu of wood-fired pizzas, a variety of pasta dishes, free-range chicken, NY Strip Steak, Atlantic Salmon and Wood Fired Rosemary Wings. The restaurant, wine bar, and beer garden also have an extensive alcoholic beverage menu.
Openings for Wednesday, June 24th
Located at 10 Hope Street in Williamsburg. Ten Hope will open its outdoor garden for the first time just in time to celebrate phase two. The 2,500 square-foot vine-laced open-air patio has ample socially distanced seating in a green environment with fresh air, fresh food, and with entry directly from the street. Summertime day and night dishes from Executive Chef Travis McGinty include Shrimp and Scallop Ceviche, Burrata Salad, Chicken Under a Brick with spicy green ramp, shallot, fava bean, baby corn, butternut squash ribbons, and ramp ends and Shakshuka Flatbread with baked coddled eggs, shakshuka sauce, feta and herbs for brunch.
There will also be rotating frozen cocktails, a spiked spritz menu, in addition to hard seltzer, beer, and wine by the glass and bottle. The Ten Hope Outdoor Garden will be open on Tuesdays – Fridays from 5 pm – 11 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 12 pm – 11 pm.
Openings for Friday, June 26th
Located at 471 Dekalb Avenue. This Clinton Hill neighborhood favorite offers a variety of traditional American eats. Experience the spacious yet cozy backyard slated to open on Friday, June 27th. Sit down to an order of Shrimp Avocado Tostones with beets & Kale Salad (ok, these are some of my faves but worth a try) with a summer cocktail. Or order any of their delicious offerings. Call to confirm that they are open and reservations are necessary.
Openings for Thursday, June 28th
Located in Murray Hill at 626 1st Avenue and FiDi at 15 Cliff Street will be open to outdoor diners Thursday – Sunday from 9 am to 8 pm. Signature dishes from Executive Chef Brent Hudson includes Fried Polenta & Shrooms, a Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Chili Scramble with avocado, sambal emulsion, micro herbs and parmesan on sourdough and Breaky Roll with applewood smoked bacon, chorizo pate, folded eggs, chimichurri and mayo on a milk bun with tots on the side. Sip on a Jalapeno Bloody Mary, a Blood Orange Negroni with gin, Campari, sweet vermouth, and blood orange, an Aperol Spritz or a Mimosa. Hole in the Wall’s Murray Hill location will have 15 tables, and FiDi will have 10.
Located at 5610 Clarendon Road. This modern Caribbean cuisine offers us a variety of bits that will transport us to the Caribbean. The flavorful menu, the ambiance, and the private tropical backyard makes a trip to East Flatbush worthwhile. The garden opens this Thursday for walk-ins only.
Openings for Wednesday, July 1st
Located high above the Sanctuary Hotel at 132 W. 47th Street will be ready for diners to escape to beginning on Wednesday, July 1st. Haven offers delicious food and craft cocktails. Favorites include sliders, tuna tartare, and Buffalo wings, Branzino, and Steak Au Poivre with peppercorn sauce. Pair that with a Cloudtini or summer sangria for a truly elevated experience.
And there you have it our first installment of Restaurants that are currently or will open soon for el fresco dining. I know it’s been a long time, and we’re all excited to venture outside and enjoy the privilege of a meal outside our home. Outdoor dining is the safest alternative to dining indoors; however, it’s essential to practice social distancing and observe other necessary safety protocols.
As Always, Sending Love. Stay Safe.
Cheers
XXOO
Nat