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amNewYork's picks for outdoor dining
New Yorkers may not have the luxury of patios and outdoor dining at home, but at least we have plenty of restaurants where we can enjoy a meal al fresco.
Here are amNewYork staffers’ top picks for outdoor dining. Hudson Hotel’s Sky Terrace
356 W. 58th St., 212-554-6000
If money’s tight this summer (and whose isn’t?), skip the vacation and stop by the Hudson Hotel’s 15th-floor Sky Terrace to experience your very own urban tropical oasis, complete with lounge chairs, hassocks, pergolas, and even a hammock built-for-two. Open only during spring and summer months, the terrace offers sweeping views of the city, along with plenty of shady spots. Sit back, relax and enjoy being served expert cocktails (many available in pitcher sizes) and light fare such as tuna tartare, sliders, pizza and burgers. Note: Food is only served from noon to 8 p.m., but the bar is open until 11 p.m. SushiSamba 7
87 7th Ave S
212-691-7885
This Asian-Latin fusion spot has surpassed the “Sex and the City” hype, serving great food — try the sea bass skewers! — and unique cocktails. But the best part of the restaurant’s West Village location is the roof terrace, which offers great views. Added bonus: Latin and jazz bands often play when the weather’s nice. Lamb & Jaffy
1073 Manhattan Ave., near Eagle St.,718-389-3638
Greenpoint’s Lamb and Jaffy has a got a lot going for it. The elegant, new American bistro is BYOB. It serves creative, affordable dishes to 30-something hipsters with an emphasis on seafood and fresh produce. Then, there’s the garden — a cozy, romantic nook complete with lush trees, landscaping and a precocious cat. Bona Fides
60 Second Ave., btwn. Third and Fourth sts., 212-777-2840
This little-known (and physically little) Italian gem draws a loyal clientele. The menu is filled with classic dishes, like Cappelini Primavera and Filet Mignon, at very affordable prices. Cold antipasto plates are available for 2, 3 and 4 people, and cost between $12.95 and $19.95. But the big draw here during the warm-weather months is an outdoor patio, with potted plants and low lighting that add to the charm. Papacitos
999 Manhattan Ave., Greenpoint, Brooklyn, 718-349 7292
You can eat at your own table-for-two or share a picnic table with strangers on this Mexican restaurant’s brightly colored patio. The lunch and dinner menus include Mexican standards such as burritos, tacos and quesadillas. For brunch, it serves up more creative dishes, including chocolate and pasilla chili French toast. Tartine
253 W. 11th St., at W. Fourth St., 212-229-2611
West Fourth Street, between Charles and W. 11th streets, in the West Village is a see-and-be-seen block. Translation: Most restaurants there (Extra Virgin, Sant Ambroeus) require dropping lots of moolah for an outdoor dining experience. Not Tartine. This teensy French restaurant offers the same outdoor seating as the aforementioned places, but without the heavy price tags. First of all, it's BYOB, so that cuts the check. And the menu of delicious fare (sauteed chicken, fresh veggies, French onion soup) is reasonable. The only downside? Tartine gets crowded quickly. Head over around 5 p.m. to make sure you get a table without waiting in line.















