Cold Weather Outdoor Dining in NYC
Dumont Restaurant
If you’re like me and hate to relinquish the pleasures of dining alfresco, literally holding out until it gets bitter cold outside, you’re in luck while dining in NYC. Even as the autumn chill deepens, you still crave the glimmer of moonlight and fresh air with dinner. Here are 3 of my favorite restaurants with outdoor spaces heated with more than just candlelight or the fondue burner:
DuMont
Outfitted with retractable awnings and patio heaters for comfortable dining in any weather, this casual and surprisingly affordable Williamsburg hangout serves up hearty cold weather fare that’s sure to satisfy…macaroni and cheese loaded with white Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gruyère; tamarind-braised short ribs, Skate with roasted tomato, and the classic DuMont burger for only $12.50
Closest subway stop: G, L at Metropolitan Ave.-Lorimer St.
Orsay
Offering modern French and classic brasserie fare with an award-winning wine list, Orsay strikes a delicate balance between sophistication and warmth. Custom designed by Jean Denoyer, intricate hand-laid Italian mosaic tiles fan out in beautiful patterns across the floor, Art Nouveau chandeliers grace the ceiling, and banquettes are topped with frosted glass. Completing this elegant Parisian-style brasserie, a 24-foot pewter-topped bar and French doors spill onto a sidewalk terrace outfitted with heaters and an awning providing protection from everything but heavy snowfall.
Closest subway stop: 6th @ 77th St.
El Amacén
Literally translated from Spanish, El Amacen means “general store” and it’s easy to see why the name perfectly
El Almacen Restaurant
matches this quaint Argentine restaurant with it’s old-time-shop décor like the front counter, chalkboard menus, and a glass ingredient cabinet. The ambiance and menu are down-to-earth with a wide range of small plates, from an extensive seviche bar to cotija-covered grilled corn or the popular avocado fries. And in Argentina, you can’t possibly forget the steak and here it’s featured in their costilla de res, braised for nine hours in maté (a South American substitute for coffee). For dessert, flan is accompanied with chopped fresh fruits, and churros are served hot and ready to dunk in chocolate and caramel dipping sauces. Head up to the top outdoor deck where you’ll stay cozy under an awning and heaters warm enough to keep the snowflakes at bay.
Closest subway stop: L at Bedford Ave.
Point Break – A Perfect Bar Experience in NYC
A local friend recommended and took my Cali group to this amazing bar. He said that mostly locals came here so I didn’t really know what to expect ambiance wise… but screw it, the view at this bar was absolutely breathtaking! No joke. I felt like a celebrity w/ superstar treatment as the staff are friendly and amazing to say the very least.
I don’t know who the house DJ was but he definitely was playing music right up my alley. It would’ve been my dream for people to start dancing, but it’s all good.
It’s a bit sceney for my taste, but it really didn’t bother me much. the bartenders knew their stuff, although their 1st cocktail was a little weak, when he saw i understood cocktails the next 2 were stronger. I also liked that even though the place was really hopping the bartender remembered what i was drinking when i came to order another. (he also understood how good a gin hendricks is, and not to overpower it with the mixer). It was amazing to see their “das boot” which is shaped like a boot filled with beer. Don’t get me wrong, I am not drunk…it’s an actual boot shaped beer container ready to be emptied..try it ..you will love it!! Oh..how can I forget, they even have a wheel o’ shots where you just have to spin it and have to drink whatever shot it lands on!! Now call that bar creativity at its best!!!
We ordered the Veal and Fish Tacos. They were delicious. Mm! We ended up asking for spoons to polish off whatever remained in the platter. (Faux pas? Who cares as long as it gets in my tummy.) The fries were crispy, but not overcooked, just the way that I like them.
So take in this scene: You walk in to what seems like an overly crowded place, but soon fine an empty table. Time seems to stop and the only indicator of the night moving on is the moon and your brain cells slowly going to bed forever. The music is not to loud and the people around look good, the only thing left for you to do is to enjoy that drink you paid ridiculously low for and laugh at the joke your co-worker just told.
The vibe of the place just never seems to die out and if you happen to spot some NYC socialite, sports player, or star, don’t let it get to you… because for that moment, this night they are no long more important than then you. In fact go up to them and introduce yourself!
All in all just a great place to meet new people, or just have drinks with people you already know. I’ve been to numerous bars in the city but i would say this place is just great. Very welcoming staff, very laid back ambiance. I’ve been here twice after my first visit with my Cali group . I would say its worth the every penny you spend!!