We're not exactly sure where spring went, but it seems that we've jumped right into summer... not that we're complaining.
This month, you need to get out and enjoy the great outdoors... which, in city speak, means you need to hit the best outdoor dining spaces in New York City.
These are the spots that you absolutely have to visit before it becomes impossible to venture outdoors due to the threat of drowning from 100% humidity.
Now is the perfect time to get out and catch some vitamin D.
So make your reservations, and hit up these 7 restaurants this month.
Gottino (52 Greenwich Avenue)
This little wine bar tucked neatly in the West Village is a little gem with an incredible backyard garden area for diners and wineophiles.
On a nice spring/summer day in June, head to their backyard for an excellent glass of rosé paired with a plethora of small plates.
Just be sure to order the crostini selection. We're fans of the "Fighi E Ricotta," or dried figs, ricotta, honey and almonds or the "Pesto di Noci," with walnut pesto, parmesan, and thyme.
FREEHOLD (45 South 3rd Street - Brooklyn)
What's better than a place serving up delicious food and cool drinks on a hot, early summer day? A place serving all of those things along with an outdoor space complete with a ping pong table and great music.
Try the Cornbread served with blueberry butter to start your meal. Then hit up the dirty egg sandwich with guacamole, spicy tomato jam, pepper jack cheese, and bacon. Delicious.
Just remember to save room for a nitro brownie skillet dessert with espresso bean, and coffee crunch ice cream.
The Black Whale (279 City Island Avenue - the Bronx)
The Black Whale is a Bronx staple. Head there for Sunday Brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dine out on their outdoor brick patio, complete with beautiful green foliage and early summer florals.
Not in the mood for brunch? Try the grilled chicken croissant with caramelized onions, slices of apples, and brie cheese, or the seared duck breast salad with mixed greens, pistachios, dried cherries, goat cheese, and pomegranate dressing.
The Park (118 10th Avenue)
The entire dining area (both inside and out) at the Park transports you out of the concrete jungle and into a lavish natural oasis. The living decor is simply stunning at the Park. Beyond the outdoor dining experience, the food is incredible.
Start with the buffalo mozzarella with wood oven roasted tomatoes. As an entree, try the farm eggs with parmesan, white polenta and pancetta.
Café 1 of a Kind (255-13 Northern Blvd - Queens)
Want a nice backyard experience in Queens? Head to Café 1 of a Kind in Little Neck. This quaint little cafe is serving up some seriously delicious food in a cute setting.
Try the Eggs Benedict with poached eggs on a whole wheat waffle with Canadian bacon or smoked salmon. Looking for something sweet? Nosh on the Nutella banana grill sandwich with Nutella and caramelized fresh bananas on honey wheat bread.
LoLo's Seafood Shack (303 West 116th Street)
Summertime is synonomous with seafood in our humble opinions. There are very few places in NYC that do casual seafood well while maintaining a feasible price. LoLo's is one of those places that is absolutely doing it right.
Grab a crab cake sandwich with lump crab, herbs, pico de gallo, and remoulade served on homemade bread. Just be sure to order some chips and dip, aka plantain chips and pineapple salsa to start. You'll be glad you did.
Brooklyn Ice House (318 Van Brunt Street - Brooklyn)
The Brooklyn Ice House is one of those places that you could spend an entire afternoon lounging, enjoying cheap food, good booze, and great atmosphere with friends. For one, their happy hour is from noon to 8 p.m. For another, they're serving up ridiculously tasty pulled pork sliders for only $7.
Not in the mood for pork? Try the Frito pie... it's only $5. However, you'll never be able to eat regular old nachos again without craving Frito nachos.
Check out 6 Heavenly Food Vendors You Absolutely Must Try at Gov Ball This Weekend.
[Feature Image Courtesy GrubStreet]