Outdoor dining options in January?

[AllThatJazz2]

Posted: 1/14/22 at 9:37am

Some of the members of our travel party are nervous about eating indoors at restaurants right now with omicron, even with the vaccine mandate. Any typically less crowded spots/larger spaces or outdoor dining options (with space heaters or what have you) somewhat close to the theater district that anyone can recommend? 

We may do some carry out/delivery to our hotel but figured if there were any dining out alternatives, this was the group to ask!

[Wick3]

Posted: 1/14/22 at 9:55am

If you're seeing a show in the northern part of the theater district, I recommend La Grande Boucherie on 53rd between 6th avenue and Broadway. The outdoor dining area is part of the alleyway and has high ceilings and area is heated. Yelp reviews below.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/la-grande-boucherie-new-york-2?sort_by=date_desc

[MayAudraBlessYou2]

Posted: 1/14/22 at 12:48pm

Are you willing to travel outside of the theater district? In that area you are looking at Hell's Kitchen, and space in that neighborhood is generally tight. So while most restaurants have added outdoor seating, its not necessarily spaced out seating. So I dont know if that would help any covid fears.

Arriba Arriba has lots of outdoor seating for instance, but still fairly close together tables if I recall.

I would take the A/C/E down to Chelsea which has a few restaurants with larger outdoor setups, aka more distancing. Lou Lou has one of the most beautiful outdoor setups I've seen and offers tasty French cuisine. Temerario has great Mexican food and a happy hour each night. Motel Morris has standard outdoor seating setup, but you can also book a private outdoor room for your party. That way you aren't sharing space with anyone but yourselves!

Its a very short, easy subway ride up to the theater district from these spots.

[Broadwayflasher]

Posted: 1/14/22 at 1:20pm

Hold Fast has great outdoor seating w/heaters. I found it quite comfortable on a cold day. 
https://www.holdfastnyc.com/

There’s lots of restaurants in the area with similar setups. You’ll have no problem finding outdoor seating w/heaters on Restaurant Row and all down 9th ave 

 

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 1/15/22 at 5:24pm

I will warn, just based on what I see around my neighborhood in Chelsea, that a lot of "outdoor" spaces have been pretty much fully enclosed for winter. Depending on your and your companion's comfort levels, it may not feel much different than being inside, other than needing the space heaters.

I only add this because on the Chelsea Community Bulletin Board group on Facebook I see a lot of locals looking for restaurants that have not enclosed their outdoor spaces fully so that they can still feel comfortable going there.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 1/15/22 at 6:21pm

Hot dog carts. 

[benfox2]

Posted: 1/15/22 at 7:27pm

To Piggyback on this thread, anyone have any food recommendations in the vicinity of Classic Stage Company? I'm not as familiar with the area. Looking mostly for a more casual/take out type place; preferably not a chain. Thanks!

[Mm882]

Posted: 1/15/22 at 8:58pm

I’d recommend The Smith by Lincoln Center. They have heaters and the tables aren’t on top of each other and a close walking distance/short train ride 

[sweaterbox]

Posted: 1/15/22 at 9:43pm

By CSC we like Ippudo for indoor eating if you can get there early or they also do well packaged take out! 

[adotburr]

Posted: 1/21/22 at 6:23pm

You don't have to show your vaccine card at one of these outdoor seating restaurants, right? Even though they're basically indoors?