A Village Summer: Where to Eat, Sip, and Savor
There’s something special about summer in the Village.
The energy hits different—people linger longer over meals, sidewalks turn into social scenes, and café tables spill outdoors into the sun & shade. Whether you’re a longtime local or just strolling in, the outdoor dining & drinking scene here is a can’t-miss.
Below, we’ve put together a guide to some of the most vibey, delicious, and downright essential spots for outdoor dining in the Village, where every table comes with a side of street life, people-watching, and just enough summer magic to make you want to stay out all day and night.
@lacontentaoeste on Instagram.
La Contenta Oeste
78 West 11th sTreet
Tequila haven with a big heart
This cozy Mexican spot feels like an insiders-only hideaway—until you realize everyone already knows it’s the place for mezcal margaritas and perfect steak tacos.
The curbside patio is narrow but lively, ideal for sipping and snacking as golden hour settles over 6th Avenue. Come for the fresh guacamole and unbeatable happy hour, stay for the incredibly warm, no-frills service that makes you feel like a regular—even if it’s your first visit.
Photo credit Loring Place.
Loring Place
21 West 8th Street
Farm-to-table flair with sidewalk style
Dan Kluger’s seasonal restaurant is a masterclass in modern American dining.
Outside, the sleek facade is framed by an elegant yet unfussy outdoor setup where sugar snap pea flatbread with a parmesan béchamel and tuna crudo with citrus and chiles taste somehow even better with a warm breeze. It’s upscale without the uptight.
@carinito.tacos on Instagram.
Cariñito Tacos NYC
86 University place
Michelin guide rec with hidden agave bar
Cariñito is bringing its menu from Mexico City to the Village, but only for five more months!
This tiny spot on University Place is unapologetically vibrant, with a menu rooted in Mexican flavors but far from familiar—with a schezuan-spiced crunchwrap and a pork belly taco spiked with toasted rice powder, mint, and chicharron. The sidewalk dining is casual and full of life, ideal for tucking into their saucy carnitas or chorizo tacos while chatting with your neighbors over drinks.
@eighteightsix on Instagram.
886
26 st. marks place
Taiwanese night market flair in a neon dream.
This modern Taiwanese spot has just enough sidewalk seating to let you enjoy honey-glazed popcorn chicken and cold sesame noodles while soaking in the energy of St. Marks place.
It’s loud, it’s bold, it’s fun—and their cocktails like the 886 L.I.I.T and Pink Venom are built for summer evenings that turn into something more.
Village taverna’s al fresco dining.
Village Taverna
81 University Place
a greek taverna serving tHREE GENERATIONS OF AUTHENTIC FLAVOR
When you want grilled octopus, a chilled carafe of retsina, and a breeze along the wide walkway of University Place, Village Taverna is the answer.
Their outdoor setup feels just festive enough—perfect for laughing over shared meze or lingering over baklava. The vibe is classic taverna with a New York twist. Why bother with flying off on vacation when you can have it all here?
Gelateria Gentile on University Place.
Gelateria Gentile
75 university place
a taste of southern italy in the heart of the village
Authentic Italian gelato is best eaten outdoors, and Gelateria Gentile delivers the perfect moment for those searching for a sweeter stroll through the Village.
The pistachio here is legendary, the cones are crisp, and the little bench out front offers a light breather before taking to the summer streets, strolling with a sweet treat in hand. Bonus: it’s open late enough to count as dinner on those too-hot-to-cook evenings. We won’t judge.
Tucked to the right, the outdoor seating at Stumptown offers a secluded view of the Village.
Stumptown Coffee Roasters
30 west 8th street
West Coast coffee, Village state of mind
Steps from Washington Square Park, Stumptown’s outdoor benches are a magnet for folks working from home, students, and caffeine connoisseurs alike.
Grab a cold brew and a seat facing MacDougal, and you’ve got a front-row view of Village life unfolding.
@jackswifefreda on instagram.
JACK’S WIFE FREDA
72 uNIVERSITY pLACE
Chic comfort food with downtown cool
Equal parts charming and Instagrammable, Jack’s Wife Freda brings its breezy Mediterranean-meets-American menu to a strip of University Place that’s always buzzing.
The outdoor setup is tasteful and cozy, offering a step-up from the typical curb dining scene. It’s perfect for people-watching while you nibble warm challah dragged through a fresh tomatillo shakshuka or sip a refreshing & light cantaloupe mimosa.
The Final Word:
Outdoor dining in the Village isn’t just a seasonal convenience—it’s a summer ritual. From sidewalk espresso to twilight tacos, it’s how we soak up the long days and electric nights. So grab a friend, a book, or your dog, and pick a table. The streets are open, the food is sublime, and the days are yours.
