Best Mexican Restaurants with Outdoor Seating in NYC
New York City has the best food to offer, and it certainly doesn’t lack in flavor-rich Mexican food enjoyed in the open air. If you are looking for a sizzling heated terrace for winter dining, a lively taqueria with patio seating for a casual dinner, or a romantic date night spot, NYC has it all!
From cozy sidewalk cafés to rooftop views, this guide has it all for you, curated with the urban food lover in mind. The top Mexican restaurants with outdoor seating across Brooklyn, Manhattan, and beyond are here.
Why Outdoor Mexican Dining in NYC Is a Year-Round Experience
New Yorkers dine outside a lot, and rightfully so. The sensory experience you get from freshly prepared gourmet dishes, the lively sounds of the city, and the patio is unlike any other. Speaking of tacos, who doesn’t love the fiesta they bring with their spices and fresh ingredients?
During the pandemic, people dined outside more than they used to, and now, it seems to be a social norm. With lush garden aesthetics and heated setups, top cuisines add charm to their outdoor entertaining spaces.
Top Romantic Mexican Restaurants in New York for Date Nights
For most couples, rooftop dinners are hard to beat. It is even more special during dinner with shareable plates and a breathtaking NYC skyline view. New York has several romantic Mexican restaurants that fit this description:
Alta Calidad – Park Slope, Brooklyn
Alta Calidad is a haven for short rib and taco lovers with a charming corner location and seasonal patio. The restaurant also offers cozy yet refined menus. This is ideal for a casual romantic date.
Casa Enrique – Long Island City, Queens
Casa creates upscale authentic Mexican food on a chic terrace, earning it a Michelin star. Their enchiladas, mole, and unfussy ambiance make it ideal for anniversary dinners.
💡 Tip: Both restaurants are featured in Eater NY’s list of top NYC Mexican spots, a testament to their city-wide appeal.
Taquerias with Sidewalk Cafes and Patio Seating
If you prefer something less formal, Mexican street food done alfresco is something everyone deserves to experience at least once in their lifetime.
Tacombi – Nolita, Manhattan
Tacombi is one of the most favored taqueria throughout New York City. Walk steady and grab margaritas or tangy tacos al pastor served from a vintage VW van.
Los Tacos No. 1 – Times Square (Outdoor Counter)
This casual dining gem is a legend on its own. Now, with limited outdoor seating, enjoy the everyday hustle and bustle of New York while savoring some of the best adobada tacos in the city.
Where to Enjoy a Rooftop Mexican Dinner in NYC
Mexican cuisine is served alongside charming skyline views for those looking for rooftop dining places with a stunning view alongside margaritas and guacamole.
Cantina Rooftop – Midtown West
A year-round destination for vibrant drinks, mouthwatering street corn, and scenic views, Cantina boasts retractable roofing alongside climate control.
Vida Verde – Midtown
This stunning rooftop is vibrant with murals and is especially famous for its “Fiesta Brunch,” served on weekends.
These places aren’t just breathtaking; their genius care is delectable compared to any fine dining restaurant, making them hard to beat, no matter where they’re placed.
Winter Dining in NYC: Heated Patios and Cozy Cantinas
Don’t put a freeze on outdoor dining when the temperature drops. Heated terraces and patios mark New York’s winter dining landscape, particularly in the West Village and Williamsburg.
Oxomoco – Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Wood-fired Mexican restaurant Oxomoco has a stunning outdoor area with heated tables. It is Michelin-starred for a reason. Winter will not stop you from enjoying masa-based small plates and mezcal cocktails.
Rosa Mexicano – Lincoln Center
Rosa Mexicano is one of the best places to eat in winter with its outdoor bubbles and warm, enclosed lighting. They add holiday drones even during January frost, serving warm guacamole and grilled tequila drinks.
Neighborhood Gems with Garden Seating and Alfresco Charm
If you’re after a quieter setting away from the main drag, these garden-style restaurants deliver a dose of greenery with your meal.
La Contenta Oeste – West Village
La Contenta is a hidden gem with an outdoor setup serving Baja-style fish tacos and house-made sangria. Perfect for a low-key summer night.
Mesa Coyoacan – Williamsburg
This Cantina is perfect for a chill lunch with its patio dining surrounded by pots and murals. They serve some of the best brunches with traditional cuisine with modern touches.
Tips for Booking and Dining Outdoors in NYC
Best Times to Dine Outdoors
The most comfortable times are spring and autumn, but snowy setups have been increasing in popularity. For the most optimal time in terms of light and noise, go for an early dinner or brunch.
Make Reservations Early
Outdoor dining is very popular for good reasons, especially on rooftops or for romantic dinners. Reservations open 3-5 days prior, so for high-demand locations, book early.
Check the Weather & Dress Accordingly
Even places with heated patios can get chilly, so if you’re dining out on a roof, check wind speeds and layers, which always help.
Why Novita NYC is the Ultimate Resource for Food Lovers
Novita NYC not only follows food trends, but we thrive on them. We aim to bridge the gap between urban foodies and tailor-made dining experiences, including the best Mexican patios in the city and rooftop dining events.
We enable you to explore the culinary treasures of New York without second-guessing whether you’ll find good tacos or charming dining places that are perfect for a dinner date setup. Novita assures you you will find the spot.
Final Thoughts: Where Flavor Meets Atmosphere
Dining in NYC is a holistic experience that includes food, atmosphere, and the city’s bustling environment. Mexican restaurants are known to have outdoor seating, which can be enjoyed during any season, whether it is outdoor salsa or rooftop views.
The next time you’re in the mood for tacos, margaritas, or Mexican food, you know the city serves the atmosphere.
