As we enter Memorial Day Weekend and welcome summer, it’s time for some al fresco dining and here are some hotspots that are perfect to enjoy craft cocktails and delicious dining.

Gitano Island
Gitano Island is a tropical restaurant and beach club on Governors Island, NYC.  After four sensational seasons in New York’s SoHo neighborhood, the team behind GITANO has taken on the ambitious venture of transporting the Garden of Love Restaurant to a new 27,000 square foot waterfront setting, just a 5 minute ferry ride from downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn. Previewed in June 2022 and open for the Summer season, this tropical oasis of lush greenery and bohemian brio brings locals an air of Tulum without ever leaving New York City. This season, Gitano offers a new menu from chef Adam Maldonado with dishes such as Baja Kampachi Tostadas and Lubina in Corn Husk. For the first time ever in NYC, GITANO will introduce a tented stage and an exciting program of local and international DJs and live artist performances.

HOURS OF OPERATION:

Sunday – Thursday, 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Friday – Saturday, 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM

ADDRESS:

125 Carder Road

New York, NY 10004

The Standard Biergarten
Tucked under the trestles of the High Line, The Standard Biergarten is The Standard, High Line’s bustling, street-level beer garden serving traditional German fare. Open-air in the summer, heated in the winter, come enjoy sausages, pretzels, beer and ping-pong, all year long. Perfect for groups so bring your entire crew.
Swing by Happy Hour Monday – Thursday (4pm-6pm) & Friday (12pm-2pm). Your Serve! Ping-Pong Tournaments every Tuesday at 6pm (details HERE).

THE STANDARD BIERGARTEN HOURS OF OPERATION:

Sunday-Thursday, 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Friday-Saturday, 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM

The Standard Plaza – Chelsea
The Standard Plaza channels the vibrant energy of the Meatpacking District into an al fresco space to mix and mingle on gorgeous summer days and nights. Featuring a New York Italian-American menu, the sprawling Plaza is a casual spot to meet up for authentic pizza and rounds of frozé. Dig into heirloom summer salads, indulge in the gelato bar and peruse the killer wine list. Steps from The High Line, Little Island and The Whitney, it’s the perfect HQ to catch a buzz or people watch.
Hate waiting for your next drink? A tableside apertivo cart makes the rounds, keeping you refreshed or cool off at the shaved ice stand. Here, echoes of the Italian Riviera meet the downtown charm of Old New York.

The Standard Plaza Menu

THE STANDARD PLAZA HOURS OF OPERATION:

Monday-Thursday, 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Friday-Saturday, 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM

Sunday, 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM

ADDRESS:

848 Washington Street

New York, NY 10014

Bowery Garden
With summer right around the corner, Bowery Garden is the perfect go-to for locals and newcomers looking for the perfect al fresco dining experience with an expansive open-air terrace inspired by Tuileries Garden in Paris and the Gardens of Italy. Upon entering, you feel like you’ve been transported to Europe.

The menu features signature favorites like the Popular Cheeseburger, topped with caramelized onions, blue cheese, mushroom jam, served alongside fries, as well as the Popular Fried Chicken served with Vermont maple syrup, pickled shallots, jalapenos, also served alongside fries.

Other favorites include French Toast with whipped mascarpone, berry compote, bacon, and Vermont maple syrup, as well as the Steak + Eggs, which consists of rib eye, roasted pepper chimichurri, 3 fried eggs, and fries. For something lighter, the Watermelon Gazpacho with fresh melon and basil is refreshing and a true crowd pleaser.

Brunch Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Location: 215 Chrystie St, New York, NY 10002

Brunch Menu