Summer in the City: The Best Outdoor Dining in Brooklyn, According to Indagare Editors

Brooklyn summers are special—and dining outside is the best way to enjoy the borough’s vibrant culture, diverse food scene and unique neighborhood charms. From tree-lined streets and bustling avenues to waterfront locations with stunning skyline views, these are some of my favorite spots to grab a sunny lunch, meet friends for extended garden dinners and soak up the Brooklyn energy with natural wine in hand, of course.

Editor Trey Ross, who resides in Williamsburg, shares her favorite spots for outdoor snacking and sipping in Brooklyn, New York City.

New & Notable

Heaven & Earth •  Greenpoint

On a quiet corner of Nassau Avenue, Heaven & Earth is a retro-inspired natural wine bar with funky, vintage décor and an impressive wine collection. Don’t be fooled by the understated exterior, inside there is soft lighting and a cozy energy that keeps this spot humming well into the night. The natural wines are offered at an accessible price point, along with shareable snacks like tinned fish, olives, meatballs and mozzarella sticks. It’s casual and effortlessly cool here, including the yellow lawn chairs lined up on the city sidewalk.

Bar Susanne •  Williamsburg

Bar Susanne is one of Williamsburg's most exciting new waterfront additions, bringing a refined raw bar and fun cocktails to Domino Park. Chef Jackie Carnesi places a strong emphasis on locally sourced New York seafood, serving oysters, crudos, shellfish and seasonal coastal-inspired dishes influenced by the cuisines of France, Italy and Spain. (For diners looking for a non-seafood route, the burger is delicious.) Outside, guests can enjoy unobstructed views of the Williamsburg Bridge and Manhattan skyline, making Bar Susanne a particularly popular destination at sunset.

Concrete Shoals •  Brooklyn Heights

Within Brooklyn Bridge Park, reservations-only Concrete Shoals is a floating bar that feels more like a hidden coastal retreat than a typical Brooklyn hangout. The setting is the star—guests are surrounded by boats, open water and sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline in a float-cottage setting. The beverage program focuses on refreshing cocktails, spritzes, wine and beer with a small menu of light snacks and shareable bites.

Rude Mouth •  Williamsburg

Rude Mouth, a neighborhood wine bar, has quickly established itself as a destination for both serious wine enthusiasts and casual drinkers. Opened by wine industry veteran Ava Trilling, the concept centers on thoughtfully curated wines that are meant to be paired with light snacks. (The jambon beurre bites are fabulous.) The spacious backyard invites guests to linger.

Dolores •  Bed-Stuy

Inspired by co-founder Emir Dupeyron’s childhood in Mexico City, DOLORES serves up agave-forward cocktails, tacos and curated bar snacks (locally known as botana in CDMX) in Bed-Stuy. Whether you’re coming for the cochinita pibil—the now notorious tacos with braised pork and pickled onions—or the fun, frozen drink options, you’ll stay for the convivial atmosphere. This is sobremesa-ing at its best.

Bodega Nights •  Bushwick

Created by the team behind Babysips, the popular Lower East Side hangout known for its approachable, low-intervention wine program, Bodega Nights brings natural wine and Iberian and Brazilian-inspired cooking to Bushwick. The wine list focuses on small-production, artisanal bottles and the food menu expands beyond the typical wine-bar format, including seafood, grilled meats and house-made specialties. Tapping into Bushwick’s creative energy, the space is bold with soaring ceilings, large windows, an Instagrammable curved bar and an outdoor patio.

Classic

Bernie’s •  Greenpoint

If the Sopranos cast found themselves hungry in Greenpoint, Bernie’s is where they’d have dinner. The epitome of a neighborhood joint, it’s walk-in only so the summer months are your best bet for securing a table with expanded outdoor sidewalk seating. (Still plan to arrive early and wait in line.) The chicken parm shouldn’t be missed.

Maison Premiere •  Williamsburg

This NOLA-inspired haunt is perpetually packed thanks to its serious cocktail program, stylish crowd and excellent seafood-focused small plates and raw bar. The back garden is lush, romantic and moody—sip absinthe among vine-covered brick, your oysters illuminated by twinkling lights and candles. You’ll feel transported to a steamy French Quarter night.

Red Hook Tavern •  Red Hook

In an unassuming corner of Brooklyn, Red Hook Tavern channels the feel of a timeless neighborhood spot with a serious commitment to classic American fare. The burger—dry-aged, perfectly griddled and served with shoestring fries—has earned cult status. (And the reservations go fast to prove it.) There is both sidewalk seating and a permanent summer build-out structure, making for great people watching in the evening hours. Don’t be surprised if a passerby asks how the burger is.

The River Café •  DUMBO

The River Café is one of New York’s most iconic restaurants with magical views of the Brooklyn Bridge and lower Manhattan. While the daytime lunch and Sunday brunch are great, this intimate riverside restaurant is most famous for date night dinners. Caviar service overlooking the greatest city in the world—does it get any better?

Neighborhood Place

Cafe Spaghetti •  Carroll Gardens

The back patio at this Carroll Gardens hot spot offers Amalfi Coast vibes—with a vespa permanently parked in the center. A neighborhood favorite since opening in 2022, Cafe Spaghetti serves Italian classics like chicken milanese, antipasti and tiramisu, with pastas being an obvious highlight.

BABA on Withers •  Williamsburg

BABA on Withers is a lively restaurant and cocktail bar in Williamsburg that doesn’t take itself too seriously (see: the disco ball suspended from the vine-covered trellis in the back garden). The menu blends Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors, and the stylish-meets-relaxed atmosphere makes it popular for both casual brunches or rowdy, late-night gatherings.

Roberta’s Bushwick •  Bushwick

Roberta's is a Bushwick institution, and like many other venues in the neighborhood, it’s housed in a funky, graffitied warehouse. Both a pizzeria and a tiki bar, Roberta's is so much more than a slice spot—it grows seasonal greens on its rooftop garden, has an in-house radio station and hosts live music events. Secure your picnic table and plan to camp out for the afternoon.

The Commodore •  Williamsburg

The Commodore is a classic neighborhood dive: the menu is comfort food, the vibe is casual, unpolished and energetic. Located on Metropolitan Avenue in the heart of Williamsburg, The Commodore is loved for its retro atmosphere (it feels a little like being inside an old wooden ship), frozen cocktails (best Piña colada outside of the beach!) and indulgent fried chicken. On sunny days the plastic lawn chairs on the sidewalk go fast.

Good for Group

Brooklyn Crab •  Red Hook

Well worth the trek to Red Hook, Brooklyn Crab is a seafood circus. A tri-level “shack”—complete with kitschy decor like faux palm trees, a life-sized hammerhead shark statue and a rust-covered Oldsmobile parked out front—the chaotic atmosphere is a part of the charm. The menu is extensive, but highlights include the popcorn shrimp, jalapeño cornbread, classic steam pots and snow crab roll. Arrive early and make a day out of it, indulge in tiki drinks and cornhole on the front lawn before being seated.

Fonda •  Park Slope

Known for its rich mole dishes, fresh guacamole and expertly-made margaritas, Fonda is one of Brooklyn’s neighborhood gems for traditional Mexican cuisine. The intimate back patio tables are the best seats in the house.

Rule of Thirds •  Greenpoint

Rule of Thirds is a stylish Japanese restaurant that blends traditional Japanese home cooking and izakaya culture with a distinctly Brooklyn aesthetic. The expansive restaurant has become known for its Wabi-sabi design, lively atmosphere and creative brunch and dinner menus. There are plenty of outdoor tables, but the private spring pavilions are the coolest seats in the house.

Smør •  Clinton Hill

Get hygge in Clinton Hill at Scandi-cool Smør, a café with a minimalist design and relaxed vibe. The menu highlights Nordic flavors, like open-faced sandwiches, smoked salmon and pastries. (The specialty lattes are especially delicious.)

Kings Co. Imperial •  Williamsburg

Kings Co Imperial whips up creative takes on Chinese-American classics (think soup dumplings, shrimp toast and dan dan noodles) that are designed for sharing. Get a table in the charming back garden, surrounded by vines and twinkle lights, and plan for a weekend night because you’ll want to indulge in a few signature cocktails. A favorite summery sip is the kung pao old fashioned made with charred pineapple and peanut-infused whisky.

Foodie Favorite

Laser Wolf •  Williamsburg

Coupling Israeli cuisine with unobstructed views of the East River and Manhattan skyline, Laser Wolf has become one of the most coveted reservations in New York City. On the roof of The Hoxton, Williamsburg, the design is breezy, contemporary-colorful and dinner is a simple three-course offering: a Salatim platter, followed by grilled meats, fish or vegetables before finishing with a rotating selection of soft serve. Someone at the table must order the shawarma-spiced cauliflower as a main, and be prepared to fight for the last bite. Bar-seating and walk-in Wednesdays are great alternatives for when Resy is booked.

Red Hook Lobster Pound •  Red Hook

It’s not an East Coast summer without lobster rolls—and Red Hook Lobster Pound is doling out some of the best in the city. The restaurant sources fresh lobster directly from Maine fishermen and its signature lobster rolls (available in both Maine-style with mayo and Connecticut-style with warm butter) have patrons lining up each weekend. The frosé is also a massive hit.

Oxomoco •  Greenpoint

A Michelin-starred Mexican eatery in Greenpoint, Oxomoco treats diners to authentic, wood-fired cuisine and a hefty tequila and mezcal menu in a casual-cool space. To keep it short: This is where we’d take a friend who just arrived home from a wellness retreat in Tulum (and is still dressing the part). Despite being named for the Aztec goddess of the night, brunch is the meal to go for—order the Masa Pancake with grilled pineapple, smoked maple syrup and whipped butter.

Lilia •  Williamsburg

When Lilia’s doors opened in 2016, it was the reason to travel to Williamsburg for dinner. A decade later, the neighborhood has changed—but Lilia’s lasting allure has not. Housed in a former garage, Lilia serves a sophisticated Italian menu with chef Missy Robbins at the helm. Dig into cult favorites like cacio e pepe fritelle and malfadini pasta with pink peppercorns (along with a signature Aperol spritz) on the patio sidewalk.

Best Views

Cecconi's DUMBO •  DUMBO

Cecconi's DUMBO is for scene-seekers. The Brooklyn outpost of this trendy Soho House-backed chain is always buzzing and serves handmade pastas, seafood and wood-fired pizzas at waterfront tables that face the iconic Manhattan skyline.

Bar Blondeau •  Williamsburg

Sleek, sexy, stylish—Bar Blondeau is everything we’re looking for when someone says “Let’s hit a rooftop bar.” Located on the sixth floor of the Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg, Bar Blondeau offers waterfront views of the Manhattan skyline with a seafood-focused French menu (also expect some Iberian elements) and a robust list of natural wines sourced from around the globe.

Harriet's Rooftop at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge •  Brooklyn Heights

Head to Harriet’s Rooftop at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge for handcrafted cocktails, Asian-inspired small plates and buzzy DJ sets—complete with sweeping views of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, East River waterfront and Manhattan skyline. This is where you bring out-of-towners you want to impress. Bonus: For guests staying at the luxury property, the exclusive pool shares this incredible vantage point.

Westlight •  Williamsburg

Perched on the 22nd floor of The William Vale in Williamsburg, Westlight is a rooftop bar and restaurant known for its panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn waterfront and surrounding neighborhoods. The interiors are sleek and modern, plus there is an expansive outdoor terrace that’s widely popular for sunset cocktails. The globally-inspired small plates are curated by chef Andrew Carmellini, and diners can expect chicken tikka masala next to mini lobster rolls and kimchi hot dogs on the menu.

Dog-Friendly

Under the New York City "Dining With Dogs" policy, furry companions are allowed in any unenclosed outdoor dining area (including patios and sidewalk cafes), provided they arrive directly from the street and do not pass through the indoor restaurant space. Still, these are a few of our preferred—and particularly canine-catering—establishments:

Elder Greene •  Greenpoint

Elder Greene is a relaxed watering hole that serves elevated American classics—think burgers, buffalo wings and brussels sprouts—in a retro, country club-inspired space. Bring your pup along for your next pint, there is plenty of outdoor seating and your furry friend will love watching all of the other dogs strutting by.

Tacocina •  Williamsburg

Domino Park, with its waterfront breeze, grassy lawn and large dog run, is a favorite gathering space for Brooklyn’s dog owners. Grab a post-play snack and frozen cocktail at Tacocina, a vibrant, Mexican-inspired stand that slings flavorful tacos, fresh guacamole and more. Plus, there are plenty of shady picnic benches to choose from.

Palo Santo •  Park Slope

Palo Santo is a cozy Park Slope restaurant known for its warm brownstone setting and seasonal pan-Latin cuisine. The menu blends Caribbean and Latin American influences—favorites include ceviche, tacos and mole—and changes frequently based on the season. The outdoor sidewalk tables are dog-friendly, as is the romantic back garden.

McCarren Park House •  Greenpoint

McCarren Parkhouse captures the laid-back energy of Brooklyn with a mix of café culture, casual dining and neighborhood nightlife all wrapped into one park-side space. Located directly alongside McCarren Park, it works equally well for a daytime coffee stop, weekend brunch or late-night drinks. Plus, the menu leans toward simple and easy elevated comfort food—the chicken salad sandwich is a must order.

Table for One

MISIPASTA •  Williamsburg

The garden at MISIPASTA—a hybrid restaurant and gourmet grocer—has a special, laid-back energy that’s perfect for solo alfresco dinners or extended aperitivo hours. The menu is small with rotating seasonal offerings (don't expect the same items from sister spots Lilia or Misi) with delicious bespoke cocktail or natural wine pairings.

Chez Ma Tante •  Greenpoint

The cozy-chic atmosphere at Chez Ma Tante makes this corner spot in Greenpoint feel like a Parisian bistro—quaint sidewalk seating included. Treat yourself to a solo weekend brunch of fluffy pancakes and a stacked crispy chicken Cesar sandwich.

L’Industrie •  Williamsburg

L'Industrie Pizzeria is the best of both worlds, mixing the ability to grab a single New York slice with the precision and artistry of gourmet pizza. Some of the most popular variants are the burrata pie, bacon and fig jam (a favorite!) and white pie. The line almost always snakes out the door, but the few outdoor tables do turn around quickly.

Hungry for more? Indagare editor Elizabeth Harvey shares her favorite spots for outdoor snacking and sipping in Manhattan.