Where to Eat Outside in NYC When the Weather is Absolute Sh*t
With the current climate of everything (literally and figuratively) and the extension of indoor dining, we wanted to do our part by listing out the best places to fulfill all of your foodie dreams while social distancing and in the case of shi* weather. These restaurants listed have put in work to essentially be weather-proof and covid proof and you need to know where they are so that your style isn’t cramped by a pandemic and inevitable sh*tty weather. There’s nothing worse than finally finding a cool restaurant that is compliant with the COVID dining restrictions, just to have your parade rained on when you find the outdoor dining isn’t the best fit for cooler temps or you know, a torrential downpour of sorts. We don’t want you to miss the places that should sing Rain on Me by Lady Gaga when the rain starts falling because they’re geared up to protect you from the weather. Let’s get started.
Lure Fish Bar in SoHo
Lure is the place to go if you’re looking for fresh seafood, oysters, and impeccable sushi. They have top-of-the-line modifications compliant with outdoor dining guidelines and have heaters (major key) with each covered seating area outside. It’s easy to get caught up in the seafood at Lure but don’t overlook their award-winning Bash burger. Keep a lookout for a usual celebrity or model sighting at Lure while you stay safe and dry no matter the weather.
RH Rooftop Bar on 9th Ave
The RH Rooftop Bar and Restaurant in Meatpacking is completely covered and equipped to keep you safe, dry, and warm. Known for the atmosphere and the rooftop dining space, RH has adapted well to covid and is a no-brainer spot to book a reservation for this fall and winter. Mandy’s favorite is the soft scramble and she raves about the salt and the jam.
Serra by Birreria
Head on over to Eataly and take the elevator to Serra at the top - aside from the breathtaking, seasonally changing decor and menu, Serra is always offering the best local and high-quality Italian ingredients. Serra is Italian for greenhouse, a fitting name for this seasonally shifting rooftop escape. Serra is always completely covered and prepared for whatever weather challenges may come our way, so book your reservation for a covid and sh*t weather-friendly Italian night (or day) to remember.
Raoul’s Restaurant in SoHo
Raoul’s is a CLASSIC staple in SoHo and they’ve got you covered (literally) and thankfully because we’d be heartbroken if they didn’t make our list. Raoul’s has been here since the 1970s and a single visit is all you‘ll need to understand why this French-American restaurant is highly raved about by New Yorkers.
Estuary Brasserie & Bar at the One 15 Brooklyn Marina
Estuary brings you a new American fare from a Michelin-starred and James Beard award-winning culinary team. This Brooklyn Bridge Park waterfront restaurant with remarkable views is an amazing choice to dine covered this season. Loved for the brunch menu, Estuary is a magical gem nestled on the edge of Brooklyn.
Carbone
If you didn’t catch the reference in Drake’s song Do Not Disturb from More Life “last table left in Carbone, callin' plays on a rotary phone, I take a glass of Dom'ignon to go with me home” you might not understand what the hype around Carbone even is. Carbone is a dubbed essential in Greenwich village that is offering indoor seating, thankfully, because New York City without Carbone is something we don’t want to ever experience. You’ll want to snag a reservation ahead of time, like pretty ahead of time, because pre-Covid Carbone could be booked for sometimes months out in advance. Make sure you put in an order for their famous meatballs and keep your eyes peeled for your favorite celebrities dining across the room.
Scarpetta NYC
Scarpetta revealed a gorgeous garden patio that is semi-inclosed with heaters a few months back, but they’re also offering a limited indoor dining situation that earns them a spot on our list. Scarpetta is a renowned Italian cuisine with a phenomenal wine selection. If you’re a fan of fried chicken, make your reservation so that you don’t miss the window from 4-5:30 pm when they offer the most amazing fried chicken you could dream up.
Boucherie NYC
Boucherie is on one of the most poppin’ corners of the West Village. Boucherie is the place to go if you’re craving a French bistro. If you love a Paris-inspired dining experience, drop your plans, and reserve a table at Boucherie. The wine is amazing and their escargot dish is unforgettable. They’ve gone above and beyond to ensure a memorable experience with covid precautions and social distancing the restaurant, indoors, and outdoors.
photo c/o the Infatuation
French Louie in Brooklyn
French Louie is the perfect Brooklyn brunch spot with a true-to-France french-toast that is to die for. Whether you need a latte or a mimosa to kick off your brunch, French Louie has a small but favorable menu with something you’re sure to love. They’re offering limited indoor dining with a beautiful back patio for a sunny or a rainy day. You might get lucky to walk in sans a reservation, but we always encourage giving a call ahead just to be sure you don’t waste any time waiting for a limited seat. P.S. - order a side of french fries and thank us later.
photo c/o French Louie
Kissaki in Bowery
Kissaki has a three-sided tend to protect you from most of the threats any sh*tty weather could present. The tent even comes with circular windows that resemble a human fishbowl which is the only appropriate way to eat sushi, honestly. Grab some girlfriends and markdown a night for sushi and people watching.
