Spring produce. Outdoor tables. Crisp glasses of wine, fruit-spiked cocktails and summer breezes. We’re not just daydreaming about warmer-weather dining—we’re living it. With Mother’s Day weekend approaching—i.e. the unofficial start of al fresco season—it’s time to get acquainted with the best spots to dine outdoors this spring and summer.

With a perch on the edge of the East River, and lots of space to sit outdoors, the Seaport is a hub for all things al fresco. Here’s what’s happening as we plunge headfirst into spring, with summer hot on its heels.

Springy, Jazzy Vibes at The Fulton

Just how perfect is The Fulton for outdoor dining? Let us count the ways:

1. There’s a little something called the Brooklyn Bridge directly in front of the riverside restaurant.

2. Seafood is The Fulton’s calling card, and what better time to indulge in raw bar selections and your favorite seafood entrees than spring and summer?

3. ‘Tis the season of brunching and The Fulton hosts a lively Jazz Brunch every Sunday, from 12pm–3pm.

4. The menus evolve throughout the year and new seasonal desserts are now making an appearance—including the photo-worthy Spring Plant Pot, a strawberry layer cake with poached rhubarb.

Spritzes and an Artsy Spin at Malibu Farm

Transport yourself to Cali right here on the pier. Malibu Farm’s delicious fish tacos, chopped salads and irresistible veggie-forward dishes are a natural choice for warm-weather dining. The breezy patio is also the perfect place to explore the restaurant’s new spring cocktail menu—including the Spring Spritz (prosecco, sake, yuzu, butterfly pea flower and honey) and the Bee’s Knees (gin, lemon, honey, bee pollen and aquafaba).

Sunset happy hours, live DJs and other events are filling up Malibu Farm’s spring/summer calendar, which also invites you to unleash your artistic side at the Sunday Paint & Sip series. Come and capture one of the Seaport’s best assets—the NYC skyline—on canvas as you enjoy a craft cocktail.

Elevate the Group Chat at The Greens

It’s time to get together again, and there’s no better place to do so than on a rooftop. Now, not just any rooftop—we’re talking about The Greens on The Rooftop at Pier 17. Whether you reserve a mini lawn for you and your crew, take over a table on the sprawling patio, or slide on up to the bar inside, you can indulge in large-format cocktails and seasonal bites perfect for sharing.

Views of the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the NYC skyline are just one reason The Greens aces all things al fresco. Happy Hour with a live DJ and drink deals is yet another. Come and enjoy golden hour vibes—and views!—Monday to Thursday, from 4–7pm. The Greens reservations are now available through May and June.

Live La Dolce Vita at Dante Seaport

The Dante Winter House pop-up on Pier 17 was so popular, it’s moved in for the summer! Dante Seaport is perfectly situated for catching a breeze off the river as you enjoy a Negroni or a spiked slushie. Plenty of other seasonal cocktails round out the menu, and you can pair your drink of choice with bites from Italian food trucks.

Wait—it gets better. Starting Mother’s Day weekend, Dante Seaport will be serving brunch. Settle in at a bistro table surrounded by sweet-smelling citrus—this is what it’s like to live la dolce Dante!

Chophouse Dining at Carne Mare

Summer dinners and weekend brunches taste better at tables with river views and bistro chairs—fact. Case in point—Carne Mare, Andrew Carmellini’s Italian chophouse at Pier 17, where 13 heated patio tables await al fresco afficionados.

In addition to steakhouse classics, this is the spot to savor seafood, oysters, antipasti, carpaccio and salads. Some of the new spring dishes to check out include the English Pea Agnolotti with guanciale and pecorino, Burrata Crostini with smoked trout roe, and Rainbow Trout with salsa Calabrese. Drinks featuring grapefruit, limoncello and organic nectars will also conjure up riviera vacay vibes.

Meet Makitiki—Fulton Street’s new outdoor pop-up bar

Cocktails on the cobblestones—with a fresh twist. The space that was formerly home of Garden Bar welcomes a new summer concept from the team at Sunday in Brooklyn. As the name suggests, Makitiki is a hybrid of Maki (Japanese hand rolls and tasty snacks) and Tiki (fun, tropical-style drinks).

Nestled in the heart of the Seaport, Makitiki is the perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon drink in the sunshine or an evening of cocktails and revelry. Sake, beer and wine are also available, but don’t miss your chance to test-drive one of the creatively named cocktails, like the Exit Through the Teashop or the Samurai’s Downfall.

Get Spicy at Ssäm Bar

If your summer dining routine isn’t complete without a dash of Momofuku magic, make some time for a meal on Ssäm Bar’s patio. There, with views of the East River, you can pair the restaurant’s impeccable craft cocktails with raw bar selections and small plates like sea scallops and Wagyu beef tartare.

A full course menu featuring meat, seafood, and vegetarian options is available, although there is no tabletop grilling (make a reservation for the Dining Room upstairs if that’s your jam.) A K-Margarita or Psycho Beach Party cocktail will channel summer-in-NYC vibes, and non-alcoholic drinks are also an option.

Do Dairy Dips for Dessert

Or the main course—we’d never judge. The point is, if you’re looking for a low-key al fresco dining option downtown, Mister Dips, with two decks located on Pier 17, will quench your craving for burgers, fries, and delicious Dairy Dips—with the waterfront just steps away.

Even better, Mister Dips rotates its menus with seasonal specials—the spring griddle burger is the Classic Wedge Dip with crispy bacon, vine-ripe tomato, iceberg, and blue cheese mayo, and the cone of the month is the Lickety Split with soda fountain toppings. Also new is the Boozy Lemonberry Blast, made with frozen lemonade, Tito’s vodka and strawberry. Other options include beer, wine, shakes, and classic soda floats that will keep you hydrated on hot days.

For more summer dining inspo, visit our eat & drink directory or catch us on Instagram.