Wine Gardens
Updated: July 02, 2009
We've all heard of beer gardens, but these backyard spots are for the oenophiles. Bring a date, a few friends or go solo--between the wine, the ambiance and the fresh air, you'll enjoy yourself no matter who you're clinking stemware with. So, relax with a glass of rose, mellow out with a quartino of Malbec or chill with a bottle of Chenin Blanc, and savor summer in New York with a glass (or bottle) of vino at one of these relaxing outdoor oases. Welcome to the good life! (Photo: Gottino)
Sip Here
-
Absinthe Wine Bar
Read Reviews111 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003 (map)
Sit in the back garden terrace at this fanciful bohemian bar, which is rather curiously named, since it doesn't serve absinthe. But it does serve wine--and lots of it. The list touts around 100 bottles hailing from around the world (with a majority from Europe) and offers 40 by-the-glass options. The food is primarily French-Tunisian, with an assortment of tapas plates like crispy herbed goat cheese, lamb sausage and duck confit. The garden is large enough to accommodate groups, and after enough wine, you'll make friends even if you arrived alone.
-
Giano
Read Reviews126 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009 (map)
The garden patio at this East Village spot is tasteful and simply decorated with silver and black tables and chairs, and its ample size makes it the perfect spot for both intimate dates and parties of 20. The friendly staff is happy to help you make a selection from the predominantly European wine list, but if the restaurant is full, you'll most likely have to order something to eat from the menu of traditional and contemporary Italian dishes. If you’ve already eaten, stop by after dinner for a glass of wine and dessert--the tiramisu is deadly delicious.
-
Gottino
Read Reviews52 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011 (map)
This West Village wine bar's rustic garden--which is artfully strewn with wine corks and littered with terracotta planters--may be small, but what Gottino lacks in size, it makes up for in taste. The mostly Italian wine selection is first-rate, with dozens of affordable options (both by the bottle and the glass), all classified by region. The food (mostly small plates) is thoughtfully conceived and well-executed; highlights include pate, shaved brussels sprouts with pecorino cheese and crostini with walnut pesto. Gottino's garden is ideal for groups of two or three people, but sometimes the atmosphere is so serene that you may be inclined to keep your voice to a whisper just so you don't disturb the calm.
-
Pure Food and Wine
Read Reviews54 Irving Pl, New York, NY 10003 (map)
Cozy banquettes, verdant trees, lush greenery and strings of white lights adorn the breathtaking and spacious back garden at this vegan and raw food resto near Gramercy Park. Pure pays a great deal of attention to its organic wines and offers a fine selection both by the bottle and the glass, in addition to a list of cocktails made with organic liquors. The food isn’t cheap, but it's delicious and well worth the price if only to linger in this modern-day urban Eden. For strict oenophiles who aren't planning to order food, several outdoor benches and chairs are reserved for imbibers.
-
Quartino
Read Reviews11 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10012 (map)
Casual and classy, this Noho spot specializes in organic wines served in half-liter carafes. The stone patio out back has a Tuscan vineyard-meets-Pottery Barn aesthetic: A cedar planked fence surrounds the space, which is outfitted with potted plants, climbing vines and little white lights that dangle overhead. During the rush hour, you may be asked to order food if you want to hold down a table, but even the carnivores in your group will enjoy Quartino's organic vegetarian pizzas and pastas, all of which go great with wine.
-
Uva
Read Reviews1486 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10021 (map)
This Upper East Side patio has an almost unheard of backyard perk--it's open until 2am. And you'll want to stay until closing to soak up all that Mediterranean warmth, what with the red-brick patio, potted plants, flowerboxes and terracotta accents. The wine list itself is international, with more than 120 bottles and 30 by-the-glass options from all over the world. Pair your vino with a cheese plate, and if you're still hungry stay for dinner, there's no need to rush.
Join Us on Facebook
Follow Us on Twitter