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New Yorkers, who is doing outdoor dining best right now?
Current favorite is probably Wildair/Contra because a Michelin starred takeout window is pretty spot on brand for me...
Saint Juilivert / La Vara has a similar set up. And oddly shares the two neighboring restaurant set up. Maybe more importantly like Wildair it has a focus on small plates which I think helps make for good elevated takeout.
On the opposite side of the spectrum Outerspace at 99 Scott is set up so well for outdoor dining it feels like a car doing 1 mile under the speed limit. Food was shockingly good for a place that gives you a wristband on entry too.
They have the benefit of tons of space and also an event organization background. Setting up for Rona dining probably easier than some bridezillas...
Each table is basically a private pod enclosed by plants, it really is properly distanced outdoor dining. Still between the wristbands, serious sound system and emphasis on pitchers of cocktails this place feels like an undercover club.
(I went early on a Thursday so it was pretty quiet, but you could feel the ramp up a little)
Finally while I haven’t been I’ve passed Peter Luger’s quite a few times on bike and foot and their set up looks great. Branded plexiglass dividers that make each table it’s own outdoor booth. But they have a 100+ year old brand to protect so their economics are pretty atypical
