Christmas Vibes & Outdoor Dining in New York City

12/19/2020

New York is definitely getting more Christmassy every day, however, if you are out there enjoying the sights, lights, ornaments, etc., you might find yourself wondering where you can stop and have a drink, a bite, and relax.

First of all, NYC has now suspended ALL INDOOR DINING so you will only have outdoor options but don't despair -- there are lots of things to do and places to go!

Many restaurants and rooftops will run the outdoor dining through the winter now that they can use the heaters and heated lamps. Many of these places have wonderful set-ups with gazebo, Christmas trees, twinkle lights, or even personal Igloos that will make you feel like you are inside a snow globe!

Of course, you will have to plan a bit in advance as capacity is limited, however, try to follow these suggestions and you shouldn't have problems.

• 1. Use apps like Open Table, Google Map, Resy, etc., to find open restaurants near where you are going.
• 2. Try to make a reservation as soon as you can.
• 3. You can now look for lists of Restaurants that have heating lamps (see below).
• 4. Remember that in order to drink you must also order food.
• 5. Remember that restaurants might add a COVID_19 recovery fee, put a time limit on your reservation, and/or, have a minimum required to be spent.

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Some places we would like to recommend:

BIRRERIA -- EATALY ROOFTOP (FLATIRON)

This is the Rooftop Restaurant located @ Eataly Flatiron. They are considered an outdoor restaurant so they are open now! The good news is that they have HEATERS next to each table and an amazing Winter Testing Menu and Cocktails. Plus, the restaurant has Christmas Decorations and twinkle lights to resemble a Mountain Lodge. We went to try it and loved it. You can check out some of our photos.

DRINK WITH A VIEW -- 230 5TH AVE (MIDTOWN)

They made the Igloos famous even before COVID and the social distancing rules. This Rooftop is not really known for its food or extravagant cocktails, but for the amazing view of the Empire State Building and the Midtown Skyline. The Rooftop is open-air but has the heaters and the private Igloos - You can make a reservation online to make sure you have your spot. You can go here for a snack and a cocktail before heading to the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and Bryant Park.

STONE STREET - FINANCIAL DISTRICT

If you are downtown checking out the Wall Street Xmas Tree, the Oculus, South Street Seaport, etc., head to Stone Street, the historic, quaint, pedestrian-only street in the middle of the Financial District. Here, you will have several Pubs and Restaurants that are keeping their outdoor dining sections open with heaters and/or personal igloos.

OPEN ROOFTOPS IN NYC

We already shared a list of open rooftops for this Holiday Season, however, just in case you need it, these are some places you can try out:

• Pier 17 -- not only has the Rooftop with the Greens and the Private Cabins (you must book in advance,) it also has a couple of restaurants with outdoor dining including Malibu Farm.
• Heaven Rooftop (Midtown) especially if you are around Times Square. They are open as outdoor dining only.
• The Standard East Village - A Christmas Garden. You need to call and make a reservation. You can then walk over to Washington Sq. Park to check the Christmas Tree.

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Other Places - Updated Lists
I also recommend checking these 2 websites if you want to find updated lists of Open Restaurants with Heaters in NYC:

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/nyc-restaurants-with-outdoor-heat-lamps
https://ny.eater.com/maps/best-heated-outdoor-dining-restaurants-nyc