CP Palate: Dining Al Fresco

By Ali DiEmidio

When I wake up on the weekends to a beautiful New York City day, al fresco dining is the first thing on my mind! As an outdoor dining enthusiast and a downtown dweller, here (in no particular order) are my top five restaurant picks for summertime snacking.

Cowgirl
Who doesn’t love killer margaritas in boot-shaped glasses?! Cowgirl has a great happy hour, themed outdoor seating and a “General Store” of western collectibles and candy. 519 Hudson Street b/w Charles Street and West 10th, 212.633.1133

Morandi
Not only is the food amazing but when the weather is nice, they open up the entire front wall of the restaurant and the tables spill out onto the sidewalk. (It’s also a great people-watching spot!). 211 Waverly Place and Perry Street, 212.627.7575

Sidewalk Café
While this café is legendary for its music nights, their pink frozen margaritas are a favorite for daytime and what keep me coming back. 94 Avenue A and 6th Street, 212.253.8080

Blue Hill
What’s better in the summer than fresh, locally grown food? A hidden outdoor patio of course and it just so happens that Blue Hill’s got both! 75 Washington Place b/w Sixth Avenue and MacDougal Street, 212.539.1776

Dining in Brooklyn? Two of my favorites are Dumont for some serious American food (432 Union Avenue, 718.486.7717) and Aurora for classic Italian (70 Grand Street, 718.388.5100) both in Williamsburg: great food and amazing garden seating!