Austin

Photo by Roger Ho, courtesy of Austin City Limits

Events

10 Can’t Miss Things to Eat, Drink & Do Between Shows at ACL This Year

New York

Fall Foliage

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Carpenter Falls, photo courtesy of Reel Inspired

Travel

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Best Travel Guides, Cool Hotels and Interesting Events - Thrillist

It’s that time of the year when sweater weather, all things pumpkin, and fall foliage reign supreme.

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Chicago

Edwards Apple Orchard

Fall in Chicago is as fleeting as it is festive.

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Nation

Enrique Díaz / 7cero / Moment / Getty Images

Thanks to this year’s obsession with all things European Summer, it’s safe to assume that there’s probably just one degree (or less) of separation between you and someone who’s recently been to Portugal.

Forget European Summer—Portugal’s Silver Coast Is Ideal for Fall Cycling

Design by Maitane Romagosa for Thrillist, Photos courtesy of 420 Expo

Lifestyle

Smoke with Cheech Marin at This Cannabis Expo in New Jersey

Atlanta

Thrillist Weekend Guides

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Thrillist Weekend Guides: Everything Happening This Weekend and This Month

Photo courtesy of Wild Leap Atlanta

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Boston

Photo credit: Melissa Ostrow, photo courtesy of Banners Kitchen & Tap

The annual lead-up to The World Series has made October a near-sacred time for baseball lovers.

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Photo courtesy of Edge at Hudson Yards

AmEx_1275326_Oct23

There’s a lot to celebrate this weekend.

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Denver

Courtesy of Magic of the Jack O'Lanterns

Denver may be best-known for its outdoorsiness, but the Mile High City is so much more than just a gateway to the Rockies.

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Washington DC

Photo credit: Jason Dixson Photography, photo courtesy of Art All Night

Somehow, October begins this weekend and since there’s no turning back, we’re making the most of sweater season by packing in as much as possible over the next few days.

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Dallas

Photo by Kevin Brown, courtesy of State Fair of Texas

There’s always something going down in the Big D. A look at the city’s offerings might leave you dizzy: record shops, vintage shops, museums, bar arcades, nerdy bookstores, restaurants, bars, brunches, sports aplenty, and a thriving music and arts scene.

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Los Angeles

Photo by Stan Lee for Thrillist

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The second course of the tasting menu comes with a dramatic presentation at Holbox, Chef Gilberto Cetina’s stunning modern marisqueria in Mercado La Paloma.

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Sushi Nonaka

United States

From green backyards to hidden courtyards, discover these hidden gems and secrets gardens throughout New York City.

POPULAR NYC

At a time when New Yorkers have more <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/new-york/best-outdoor-bars-restaurants-in-nyc" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">outdoor dining options</a> than ever, it seems like you could go just about anywhere for idyllic al fresco dining. But let’s not forget we’re still in NYC—and sometimes, grabbing a meal outside means having to shout over honking taxis and dodge pedestrians running through sidewalk tables. 
 
To combat the realities of this bustling city, some of NYC’s <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/new-york/best-restaurants-nyc" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">best restaurants</a> have carved out hidden patios and backyard gardens for outdoor dining setups that transport you from the city to a dreamy dinnertime oasis. So if you’re ready for a dining destination that’s a little more serene, we’ve rounded up 23 NYC restaurants with the best backyards and secret gardens to enjoy as the weather warms up.

At a time when New Yorkers have more <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/new-york/best-outdoor-bars-restaurants-in-nyc" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">outdoor dining options</a> than ever, it seems like you could go just about anywhere for idyllic al fresco dining. But let’s not forget we’re still in NYC—and sometimes, grabbing a meal outside means having to shout over honking taxis and dodge pedestrians running through sidewalk tables.

To combat the realities of this bustling city, some of NYC’s <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/new-york/best-restaurants-nyc" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">best restaurants</a> have carved out hidden patios and backyard gardens for outdoor dining setups that transport you from the city to a dreamy dinnertime oasis. So if you’re ready for a dining destination that’s a little more serene, we’ve rounded up 23 NYC restaurants with the best backyards and secret gardens to enjoy as the weather warms up.

At a time when New Yorkers have more <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/new-york/best-outdoor-bars-restaurants-in-nyc" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">outdoor dining options</a> than ever, it seems like you could go just about anywhere for idyllic al fresco dining. But let’s not forget we’re still in NYC—and sometimes, grabbing a meal outside means having to shout over honking taxis and dodge pedestrians running through sidewalk tables.To combat the realities of this bustling city, some of NYC’s <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/new-york/best-restaurants-nyc" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">best restaurants</a> have carved out hidden patios and backyard gardens for outdoor dining setups that transport you from the city to a dreamy dinnertime oasis. So if you’re ready for a dining destination that’s a little more serene, we’ve rounded up 23 NYC restaurants with the best backyards and secret gardens to enjoy as the weather warms up.

From first-time restaurateur and veteran bartender Christopher Reyes and chef Gerardo Alcaraz, this Mexico City-inspired eatery has a menu that is perfect for enjoying in the sun on the restaurant’s brand-new terrace. The outdoor space at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aldama.bk/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Aldama</a> is hidden from view, but once diners arrive, they’ll feel like they were transported from the Big Apple to a warmer locale thanks to earth tones, clay pots, and gorgeous lamps overhead that feel like a continuation of the dining room.

Photo courtesy of Aldama

Aldama

As an all-day cafe with grain bowls, salads, and beverages ranging from signature lattes to natural wines, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/babacoolbk/?hl=en" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">baba cool</a> makes the perfect spot to waste away an afternoon—and the Williamsburg location’s backyard garden area only ups the ante. The verdant patio has comfy lounge seating perfect for catching up with a small group, and when you’re ready for an afternoon activity to mix things up, the space also hosts.a court for playing pétanque, a French lawn game similar to bocce.

baba cool.

baba cool

Baba Cool Williamsburg

This French and Mediterranean restaurant may be best known for its grand interior with lofty ceilings, velvet curtains, and swanky decor. But venture to the back garden area of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cathedralenewyork/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Cathédrale</a> and you’ll find it’s just as dreamy. With a retractable roof, lush greenery, and the same glam decor as you’ll find in the traditional dining room, taking a seat on the terrace makes for an over-the-top outdoor dining experience.

Cathédrale Restaurant

Cathédrale

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/saucedbklyn/?hl=en" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Sauced</a> is a trendy wine bar where instead of ordering from a menu, you simply tell bartenders what you want to fill your glass or bottle. The space is similarly laid-back, with DJs playing their favorite vinyls inside and a sprawling yard in the back that can host up to 60 guests. Alongside ivy-covered brick walls, your group can take over a hightop table to enjoy snacks from a rotating list of guest chefs or post up on outdoor pillows or in a hammock while sipping some exciting pours.

Photo courtesy of Sauced

Sauced

This Mesoamerican restaurant is tucked toward the back of the <a href="https://www.selina.com/usa/chelsea-new-york-city/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Selina Hotel</a>’s ground floor, so it feels like a hidden gem in and of itself. But pass through <a href="https://www.instagram.com/howmnyc/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">HOWM</a>’s trendy dining room and into the backyard, and you’ll find an expansive outdoor seating area. The bilevel space features string lights, a chef-tended garden of herbs that appear on the menu, and seats for more than 50 guests on colorful pillows and cushions.

Photo courtesy of HOWM

HOWM

Howm

Just as the name implies, George Mendes’ globally inspired latest venture, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/verandasoho/?hl=en" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Veranda</a>, sits above the streets in SoHo. The retractable pergola roof gives the standard dining room major greenhouse vibes, but grab a seat on the multi-tiered garden terrace or a private dinner on the upper terrace and you’ll quickly forget about the bustling neighborhood surrounding the restaurant.

Photo courtesy of Front of House

Veranda

Located behind an old-school German butcher shop, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/blume_hutte/?hl=en" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Blume</a> utilizes the space that once held <a href="https://schallerweber.com/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Schaller &amp; Weber’s</a> smoke house. Now, the hidden backyard garden space has been transformed with dozens of plants, string lights, and touches of pink into a wine garden, perfect for weekend brunch by chef Chris Norton or sipping Austrian wine and sampling charcuterie from the shop in front.

Blume

The garden at this Oaxacan restaurant may be pretty well-known at this point, but <a href="https://www.instagram.com/claro.bk/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Claro</a>’s street view conceals all the fun going on in the backyard. With lush trellises and colorful outdoor seating, the vibrant atmosphere outside matches the food. And diners that choose the backyard garden will have a front-row seat as chef TJ Steele whips up four-course dinners in the open-air kitchen.

Photo courtesy of Claro

Claro

Taking up residence along one of Fort Greene’s many tree-lined streets, this Latin- American spot that doubles as a wine shop is a vibrant neighborhood go-to by husband and wife duo Felipe Donnelly and Tamy Rofe. Inside, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coloniaverde/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Colonia Verde</a> is dimly lit and rustic with just a few dozen seating options and a bustling atmosphere, but venture to the back of the restaurant and you’ll find an open-air backyard with twinkling lights, pebbles on the ground, and tables tucked into the space’s nooks and crannies for an intimate experience.

Photo courtesy of Colonia Verde

Colonia Verde

This laid-back Brooklyn spot feels more like hanging out in a friend’s backyard than going to a bar—and that’s precisely the point. Co-owners Bill Pace and Molly Bradford live above this neighborhood beer bar with 16 constantly rotating taps (which always includes two ciders) and more than 250 bottled and canned brews. In the backyard at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/covenhovennyc/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Covenhoven</a>, guests will find various tables and umbrellas in a grassy space with a robust garden where, on some days, visitors can spot Bradford tending to flowers and herbs.

Covenhoven

Venture through the sleek dining room at this neighborhood-favorite bistro, and the back of the restaurant opens up to a gorgeous backyard. Canopies overhead create an airy feel while saving you from some of the sun no matter what the season, and vines and other greenery surrounding each table adds to the garden vibe. The backyard seating area at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/esmebk/?hl=en" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Esme</a> is available for brunch and dinner services, where chef Adam Volk serves classic dishes along with seasonal spins on French bistro fare.

Photo courtesy of Esme

Esme

This Mediterranean favorite in Fort Greene built out an impressive streetside patio where guests can share hummus, labne, and skewers of halloumi by Israeli-born chef and owner Tomer Blechman. But opt for seating in the sun-drenched garden hidden behind <a href="https://www.instagram.com/missadanyc/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Miss Ada</a> instead and dine near herbs used in the restaurant’s dishes and cocktails alongside a playful mural of people drinking wine.

Miss Ada

This long-time lauded restaurant in Nolita has a hidden back garden that’s not only beautiful—it’s also extremely functional. Several tables in the garden area surround large planters of lemon balm, nasturtium, basil, and other ingredients that chef Mary Attea and the bar team pull from for dishes and drinks on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/musketroom/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">The Musket Room</a>’s globally inspired menu.

Photo courtesy of The Musket Room

The Musket Room

At this cool neighborhood spot located steps from Prospect Park, guests can dine in the backyard garden where chef and owner Greg Baxtrom grows produce and herbs to inspire the seasonal menu. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/olmstednyc/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Olmsted</a>’s backyard seating area features a special menu with exclusive items using in-season produce like heirloom tomatoes, English peas, and more depending on the time of year, as well as seasonal desserts.

Photo courtesy of Olmsted

Olmsted

This quaint, 35-seat rustic Italian restaurant is tucked away in a 200-year-old West Village carriage house and has all the charm you’d expect based on that description. But beyond the vintage serveware and homey atmosphere inside this family-owned restaurant, the secret garden behind <a href="https://www.instagram.com/palmanyc/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Palma</a> has ivy-covered walls, several varieties of flowers growing at all times, and a warm atmosphere that make the eatery feel like a true hidden gem.

Palma

The <a href="https://www.publichotels.com/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">PUBLIC Hotel</a> has two tranquil outdoor spaces tucked away in the LES. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/popularnyc/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">POPULAR</a>, the hotel’s Peruvian restaurant by chef Diego Muñoz, serves dinner and weekend brunch in The Bowery Garden, a lush space with intricate tiled floor that is often used for private events. For something more casual, visit LOUIS, a coffee shop and bakery serving drinks and bites all day long and head out to Chrystie Park, a 3,000-square foot space with adirondack chairs and picnic tables located in front of the hotel.

Popular NYC

PUBLIC, an Ian Schrager hotel

Located on the ground floor of the Korean restaurant Boka, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sushinonakanyc/?hl=en" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Sushi Nonaka</a> opened just before the pandemic. Since reopening, the restaurant has been serving high-quality omakase for less than $100 alongside a la carte options. At a bar inside, guests can watch as sushi is made before their eyes, but the hidden back garden area offers a tranquil respite from the bustle of Amsterdam Avenue.

This under-the-radar rotisserie operates in a fast-casual style with counter service and a full bar—and the laid-back vibe carries out into the restaurant’s back patio. The multi-level space at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/risbobk/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Risbo</a> has a mix of tables and ground-level seating options where you can sprawl out on bright-colored cushions and poufs.

Risbobk

Risbo

It’s the perfect Neapolitan pies that helped this NYC staple expand to multiple locations (its <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/COTfQebDd6O/" target="_blank">newest</a> is in Domino Park) and find a home in the local freezer aisle. But the Bushwick location of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/robertaspizza/" target="_blank">Roberta’s</a> has a semi-hidden garden, and it’s what keeps neighbors coming back for outdoor hangs. Around the corner from the restaurant’s main entrance, an expansive patio with dozens of picnic tables is hidden behind old shipping containers to create an outdoor space that is oh-so-Brooklyn.

Roberta's

Roberta's Pizza

Individual huts make this all-day Japanese restaurant perfect for social distancing anytime of year. But whether the weather holds out or gets a bit cooler, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thirdsbk/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Rule of Thirds</a>’ outdoor space, which sits tucked away in an adjacent alley, is a perfect hideaway. Make a reservation for a pavilion, and six to 10 guests can dine in individual, airy huts and choose from two pre-fixe menus with temake and other Japanese small plates that highlight seasonal ingredients.

Rule Of Thirds

This restaurant has an unassuming storefront and dim dining spaces throughout three rooms inside, but the back opens up to reveal a section of the restaurant you’d never know existed, where a retractable glass roof lets the sun in all year long. Under hanging glass chandeliers and surrounded by plants and luxe velvet seating, guests at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/salinasnyc/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Salinas</a> can dine on chef Luis Bollo’s menu of authentic Spanish tapas from daily Croquetas and Cauliflower with Citrusy Yogurt to a Charred Basque Cheesecake.

Salinas

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/santiagosbeergarden/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Santiago’s</a> took advantage of a neighboring alley to create ample space for serving up Dominican staples like Maduros (fried sweet plantains), Skirt Steak Churrasco, and Tres Leches. The colorful decor, lush greenery, and huge murals match the restaurant’s vibrant dishes, and the outdoor space is semi-covered for unpredictable weather.

Santiago’s Beer Garden

Santiago’s

New Yorkers flock to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wayla.nyc/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Wayla</a> for its menu of homestyle Thai food by chef Tom Naumsuwan, but the secret garden out back is a reason to visit all on its own. Decorated with bamboo furniture and colorful textiles on rugs and pillows, the verdant backyard transports guests away from the Lower East Side for a few hours while enjoying dinner or weekend brunch.

Wayla

<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/authors/liz-provencher" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Liz Provencher</a>&nbsp;is an editor at Thrillist. You can follow her on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/@lizprovencher" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;or see what she eats on&nbsp;<a href="https://instagram.com/@lizprovencher" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.

Outdoor Dining

23 NYC Restaurants with Dreamy Secret Gardens and Patios

Best Hidden Gardens in NYC: 23 Restaurants With Secret Gardens

From backyard herb gardens and floral courtyards to vine-covered terraces, discover these hidden gems.

At a time when New Yorkers have more outdoor dining options than ever, it seems like you could go just about anywhere for idyllic al fresco dining.

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23 NYC Restaurants with Dreamy Secret Gardens and Patios

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