Have you stepped outside lately? It's downright beautiful.
Okay maybe it's not mid-seventies and sunny, but it's getting there. But, really, what do you expect? It's still only March.
Still, this mild weather has put us in the mood for some al fresco dining... particularly atop a rooftop overlooking our beautiful city.
So to get us in the mood for some outdoor activities besides simply rooftop drinking, we're grouping together some of our favorite must-visit rooftop restaurants to chow down on some tasty plates under the sun this season.
Here are 7 of our favorite rooftop eateries in New York City. Now get to it... because it'll be the dead of winter again before we know it, right?
Birreria (200 5th Avenue)
Eataly's Birreria is a must for anyone looking for great food under the sun this springtime. Birreria has a retractable roof that they open on nice days with great views of the Manhattan.
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While you're seated surrounded by the fresh air of spring, make sure to order the "Anatra," or seared duck breast with krauti, apples, speck, pomegranate, and a caraway and mustard vinaigrette. But don't leave without trying some of their house brewed ales! The perfect way to cool down.
Alma (187 Columbia Street - Brooklyn)
The Alma Restaurant is a Cobble Hill essential. Apart from the incredible views, the food and drinks make this restaurant a neighborhood staple for either lunch or dinner.
Make sure to start with a pomegranate margarita and a bowl of guacamole and just enjoy the views of lower Manhattan. Then dig into the chilaquiles or fijitas.
L'isola Wood Fired Bar & Ristorante (128 Metropolitan Avenue - Brooklyn)
This little rooftop restaurant is a gem. The food is incredible whether you're eating inside or out. The open rooftop allows for incredible views of the East River. The rooftop itself is partially covered, allowing for a little bit of necessary shade on sunny days.
You cannot leave L'isola without trying their wood fired pizza. We love their "Pizza Purgatorio" topped with spicy cappicola and hot cherry peppers or their "Pizza Buffala" with tomato sauce, imported Buffala mozzarella and basil.
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Gluten free? No problem. They offer 10 inch gluten free pizzas as well.
Juliette (135 North 5th Street - Brooklyn)
There's this little spot serving up spectacular food with an interior complete with greenery and skylights that makes you feel like you're dining outside, as well as a beautiful rooftop... essentially, it's the perfect restaurant for anyone who wants to feel a little more in touch with the spring.
Go for brunch and order the roasted banana stuffed french toast... that is, if you're not interested in the ominous arrival of bikini season. Actually, screw the bikini, this dish with toasted walnuts and bourbon maple syrup is well worth the calories.
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Kimoto Rooftop (216 Duffield Street - Brooklyn)
This little beer garden serving incredible asian fusion cuisine is a hit in downtown Brooklyn. Both the food and the drinks are unique. If you're heading there to drink, try the "Shibuya Disco Fries" with beef brisket, kimchi, jalapeños, daikon chili, garlic sour cream, and srirarcha.
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Also try the "beef bulgogi tacos" with kimchi slaw, asian pear, and toasted sesame. Still not sold? Try the "spam sushi dog," with smoked pineapple relish, furikake flakes, sushi rice, and nori.
Brooklyn Ball Factory (95 Montrose Avenue - Brooklyn)
Want a low key eatery for lunch with a spot outside to dine? Head to the Brooklyn Ball Factory. This spot has a quaint little rooftop to chow down on one of the bento boxes and enjoy the fresh midday air.
If bento boxes aren't your thing, how about a grilled salmon sandwich with saikyo-yaki and miso capper mayo?
Aretsky's Patroon (160 East 46th Street)
Sometimes you want something a bit more elegant, where the view is just as spectacular as the food. Aretsky's Patroon is certainly the place for an upscale, celebration dinner on a midtown rooftop.
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Start with the fig and mezuna salad with red endive, iberico ham, valdeon blue, and walnuts before ordering the Berkshire pork porterhouse with braised collard greens and an apple-blackberry compote.