Escape From New York: Backyard Gardens Edition
Ahh, summertime. It’s almost here. And like all sane New Yorkers in these post-winter months, all we want to do is sit in a sun-lit backyard garden somewhere—ideally with an iced beverage in our hands. Post-pandemic, we saw so many streetside sheds pop up, that the coveted backyard dining scene seemed to all but fall away.
Sure, New Yorkers love people-watching on the sidewalks almost as much as the Parisians do, but there is something so intimate about a good backyard. What it offers, really, is an escape, an oasis from the heat of the city, a tucked-away respite from its bustling concrete streets. Here, we’ve rounded up a few of our most treasured.
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Soho Diner
Our favorite modern take on an old-school diner, Soho Diner has quickly become a neighborhood favorite. With disco fries and vegan food, the menu is refreshing, especially for those who tend not to find classic diner menus especially appetizing.
But, arguably, the best thing about Soho Diner is its garden. During warm weather months, the garden opens its doors and becomes the perfect place to escape from the frenzied Soho shopping scene. Tucked away under umbrellas, you’ll find yourself in the perfect place to drink one of Soho Diner’s standouts, a Garden Spritz, which offers a twist on the classic Aperol spritz.
320 W Broadway, Manhattan; (212) 965-3011
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Laduree New York, SoHo
Stepping into Laduree feels like you’d expect—French, feminine, chic, aka the spatial equivalent to those infamous pastel macarons that form the basis of the restaurant’s existence. And, not surprisingly, after you make your way through those upscale teatime walls, you’ll find yourself in one of New York’s most idyllic backyards.
Depending on the month you visit, you may find yourself sitting under a sea of cherry blossoms with nothing but pink petals peppering the ground beneath your feet. It’s a heaven that serves as the most perfect visual complement to the candy-colored treats likely adorning your plate. And at 2530 sq ft, this backyard is spacious. You’ll feel not only decadent but oh-so-Parisian!
398 W Broadway, Manhattan; (646) 392-7868
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Wayla
If you’re looking for Thai food on the Lower East Side, look no further than Wayla. Born and raised in Bangkok, Chef Tom Naumsuwan offers some of the greatest Thai food in the city, perfectly blending traditional countryside cuisine with the street food he grew up with.
And as if the food wasn’t enough of a draw, Wayla also happens to have one of the best backyards in lower Manhattan. Sizeable and secluded, the patio feels like one of the city’s most stylish well-kept secrets. And with plenty of luscious greenery, you’ll almost forget where you are. Which is, of course, the ideal when it comes to a city backyard.
100 Forsyth St, Manhattan; (212) 206-2500
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The Ten Bells
A neighborhood staple, the Lower East Side’s The Ten Bells opened in 2008. And while, today, most of the city’s wine bars tend to offer a healthy “natural wines” selection, The Ten Bells was one of the first proponents of the natural wine movement in Manhattan. Perfectly complementing its thoughtful wine menu, you’ll find an array of tapas, oysters and charcuterie to boot.
And then there’s the backyard. Cozy and intimate, it’s easy to see why The Ten Bells is often hailed as a great date spot. With such ingredients– great wine, light food, an intimate and low-key setting—this is the backyard to come to if you’re on a first, second—or even hundredth—date. And if you’re in Brooklyn, be sure to check out their equally lush Bushwick location.
247 Broome St, Manhattan; (212) 228-4450
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Maison Premiere
Since its 2011 opening, Maison Premiere has been regarded as a Brooklyn institution. It’s easy to forget that this was one of the originators of the “old time-y” bar movement that ran rampant in Williamsburg around that time. And while that movement may feel played out, Maison did it first and easily did it best. It feels authentic, not trendy, with a dapper staff and an interior that takes you back to the French Quarter in the late 1800s. Oh, and then there’s the award-winning cocktail menu. How can you go wrong?
You can’t! And just when you think it can’t get any better, you step into the charming garden. With its twinkling overhead lights and an abundance of greenery, one word that comes to mind is enchanted. You’ll feel like you’re in someone’s private oasis—miles away from NYC. And with the vintage vibe and absinthe-heavy cocktail menu, you may even find yourself transplanted to the New Orleans of yesteryear. And that, being swept away to another world, really is what this city’s backyard gardens are all about.
298 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn; (347) 889-5710
Also worth checking out: The Musket Room, and Colonia Verde
WORDS Hillary Sproul