Outdoor Dining in Long Island City

There's still a lot of Summer left to enjoy in addition to the somewhat cooler but quite comfortable early Fall weather. Al fresco dining in NYC has never been more popular. Everyone knows what the "hot" spots are in Manhattan for outdoor dining. But, Long Island City, Queens can definitely hold its own when it comes to enjoying a soothing and relaxing dinner amidst the fresh air, flowers and trees. Not to mention spectacular views of the East River and the majestic Manhattan skyline.

47/47 LIC - Long Island City

A very recent and inviting addition to the Long Island City foodie scene, 47/47 occupies the space that formerly housed the beloved Bellwether. Lament not, though. As popular as Bellwether was, 47/47 is a worthy successor. Honestly, you really wouldn't recognize the place. The new owners have made significant aesthetic changes to the decor and it is definitely for the better. You couldn't ask for a more romantic atmosphere, both inside the place and outdoors. The outdoor cafe-style dining area is cute and spacious. There is ample seating out here so, keep that in mind when reserving a table. Both you and your date will revel in the coziness once darkness falls and tiny light bulbs illuminate the scene.

The owners, who hail from the neighborhood, want to bring the community together over a good meal and a glass of wine or beer. As far as they are concerned, food connects people and breaks down barriers. It also helps when you have a staff that is genuinely caring and super professional. The menu is diverse, and this is not hyperbole, something for everyone, whether they are carnivores, vegetarians, or very fussy eaters. Signature starters include a divine plate of burrata accompanied by poached pears in a red wine reduction and a hearty slice of roasted cauliflower with raisins in a superb romesco sauce. Another can't-miss appetizer is the braised oxtails with crispy onions and fried polenta.

Perhaps 47/47's most popular dish, as far as entrees go, is the succulent beef short ribs in a brown butter sauce, sided up with a silky smooth parsnip puree and sauteed mushrooms. The combination of earthy flavors is off the charts. The chef also turns out an expertly prepared roasted cornish hen with sweet potatoes and a spoon up every last drop of white wine and caper sauce. Another menu highlight is the branzino topped with olive gremolata accompanied by a fresh and crisp market salad. The uniqueness and deliciousness of the menu continue with the tempting desserts on offer. But, be forewarned; it's going to be difficult to decide between the creamy affogato, the addicting limoncello and raspberry cake, or the totally outrageous ricotta and pistachio cake.

Nothing hits the spot on a breezy Summer day ( or night ) like a great cocktail. The barkeeps here at 47/47 have several elixirs that will tempt you. We are talking about the 47 Basil Smash, made with Malfi gin, lemon juice, basil and agave. Looking to spice up your night? Then try their Spicy Old Fashioned, composed of a nice shot of bourbon, Grand Marnier, habanero and Angostura. The kitchen at 47/47 also turns out a really nice brunch on the weekend. And, the restaurant is just a short stroll to Gantry State Park, twelve beautiful acres, set against the East River waterfront. It's a wonderful spot in which to walk off your delectable brunch meal and reconnect with your significant other.

Location & Hours :

47-25 Vernon Blvd.
Long Island City N.Y. 11101
(718) 734-2415
www.4747lic.com

Hours :

Monday & Tuesday Closed
Wednesday & Thursday 5 PM to 9:30 PM
Friday 5 PM to 10:30 PM
Saturday 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM
Sunday 11:30 AM to 9 PM

Lost In Paradise - Long Island City

This chill rooftop lounge offers breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline as well as an ambiance that will make your evening out on the town something very special, indeed. No matter what the temps may be, get ready to party with your friends inside Lost In Paradise's
spectacular rooftop area, which is climate-controlled with AC in the Summer and heating during the colder months. After a hard day at work, feel the stress just melt away as you sink into the comfy, plush lounge chairs and sofas that abound throughout the premises. Prepare to toast your love over dinner with a refreshing cocktail or glass of champagne.

The management has a slew of special evenings designed to enhance your enjoyment while also lightening the load on your wallet. Taco Tuesdays feature $4 tacos and $10 Margaritas all night long! Karaoke Wednesdays have a live DJ spinning the tunes that you love to sing along with while T.G.I. Thursdays give patrons a DOUBLE Happy Hour featuring $10 frozen drinks. The good times take place from 5 until 7 PM and again from 11 PM till 1 AM.

Lost In Paradise's kitchen excels at creating dishes that are both picturesque and tasty. The menus tend to change with the seasons so there is always something new and deliciously different to try. The beach salad is a refreshing medley of crisp frisee', ripe, juicy tomatoes, red onions, cucumbers, sweet corn, tangy cotija cheese and creamy guacamole tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette. The chef's coconut shrimp is coated in a light, flavorful batter and then delicately rolled in shredded coconut. Your shrimp is accompanied by slices of pineapple and a homemade dipping sauce. If you like mac and cheese but find that most restaurant's offerings of this classic dish are a bit samey, then you're in for a BIG surprise here. The mac and cheese Francais is a French gratin-style dish made with pasta and FIVE different kinds of cheese: chevre, gruyere, raclette, Roquefort and parmesan. Burger lovers, do NOT miss out on the Paradise Smash burger. It consists of a double patty of mouth-watering Angus beef topped with aged cheddar, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions and a smoky aioli that you won't be able to get enough of. AT Lost In Paradise, the kitchen does tacos right, especially their tacos al pastor which consists of a mound of grilled, marinated pork in a spice blend topped with pineapple salsa and a touch of cilantro.

Save room for dessert as they've got some good ones on the menu. There's tres leches cake and coconut flan custard to tempt you as well as a heavenly slice of chocolate cake that comes with fresh whipped cream, powdered sugar, as well as strawberry and blueberry sauce. How can the evening get any sweeter?

Wash your feast down with one, (or even two), of their innovative cocktails. You will adore the Spiked Detox, an elixir that is made with bubbly prosecco, cucumber puree, a splash of lemon juice and St. Germain. It is bright and effervescent. The Paradise Mojito is served over ice and the tasty ingredients are rum, muddled mint and fresh squeezed lime juice. Light and refreshing is Berry Bloom. This concoction certainly lives up to its name with a blend of fresh berries, vodka, Triple Sec and lime juice. Cheers!

Make sure to check out Lost In Paradise's fabulous brunch. This weekend party includes a choice of a mimosa, sangria, or screwdriver with the purchase of an entree. Please call the lounge for further details. Brunch delights include the filling LIP Platter. You get sunny-side-up eggs, a mound of home-fried potatoes, buttered toast and either bacon, breakfast sausage, or chorizo.

Location & Hours :

11-01 43rd Avenue
Long Island City N.Y. 11101
(929) 789-3600
www.lostinparadiserooftop.com

Hours :

Monday Closed
Tuesday to Thursday 5 PM to 10 PM
Friday 5 PM to 4 AM
Saturday 1 PM to 4 AM
Sunday 1 PM to 11 PM

Beebe's - Long Island City

Located inside the lobby of the Boro Hotel, Beebe's offers a contemporary take on Italian cuisine. The menu marries New American dishes with traditional Italian classics together with an artisanal pizza menu that pays tribute to New York City's old-school pizzerias. You will not be disappointed. The interior is bright and airy, designed by Eric Mailaender of Resistance Designs. The floor-to-ceiling windows provide plenty of natural light. The decor is quite stylish, to be sure. The big draw here, though, is the charming outdoor courtyard. Enclosed for privacy, the ambiance is intimate. You will feel as though you are a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city streets. Get some fresh air, enjoy a glass of wine or locally crafted beer and eat like an Italian!

The menu offers a vast array of small plates. If you are here with some friends, why not order a few different selections and share? The incredible pepperoni chips with a basil-ranch dipping sauce would be a good place to start. You also might like the mussels which come in a broth of briny natural juices, white wine and shallots. Considering a salad to kick things off? Then try the mixed chicories topped with hazelnuts and blue cheese.

As far as pasta dishes go, two tasty offerings come immediately to mind: the Mafaldine pasta Cacio e Pepe. Perfectly cooked al dente pasta is mixed with pecorino cheese and black peppercorns. The gnocchi in pesto sauce is blended with basil, a little bit of garlic and a generous portion of ricotta cheese. It is SO good! The kitchen turns out a tender grilled chicken paillard with endives and cherry tomatoes and a delicious piece of grilled salmon that's topped up with a squeeze of lemon, parsley and arugula. The artisanal pizza oven offers no less than fifteen selections from which to choose. Beebe's signature pie is The Rooftop whose ingredients are fresh mozzarella and ricotta cheese, a sprinkling of arugula, a dusting of Parmesan, olive oil and prosciutto. Frankie's Pie consists of sliced meatballs, basil, mozzarella, ricotta and their addicting vodka sauce. The Hot Italian Pie offers you a bevy of fresh tomatoes, pickled chili, mozzarella, Italian sausage, pepperoni and a liberal dousing of Mike's Hot Honey. Enough said. be sure to have a glass of ice water at the ready. Also worthy of mention is the classic New York/ Little Italy-style pie.

The bartenders at Beebe's know how to shake and stir things up. Among their most requested drinks is the Watermelon Kiss cocktail, made with rose', vodka, watermelon juice, AND organic peach and strawberry juice. This is one huge thirst-quencher. The highlights of Mama Verde are mezcal, green chartreuse and a not-overly sweet maraschino liqueur. Packing a real punch ( but one that you will enjoy ), is Frida, whose ingredients are tequila, Cointreau, prickly pear, lime juice and agave.

We suggest that after your meal, you take the elevator up, from the lobby to the top floor and relish the spectacular view from Boro Hotel's sensational rooftop bar. What a way to put the finishing touch on your evening! The bar features imported and domestic wine plus a variety of Negronis on tap.

Location & Hours :

38-28 27th Street
Long Island City N.Y. 11101
(718) 433-1375
www.borohotel.com

Hours : ( Beebe's )

Monday to Friday 5 PM to 10 PM
Saturday & Sunday
Brunch: 11 AM to 3 PM
Dinner : 3 PM to 10 PM

Vista Sky Lounge - Long Island City

Dining at Vista Sky Lounge is so much more than merely an incredible evening. It is a total experience. You and your date will feel like Beyonce and Jay-Z as you are pampered by attentive, caring staff while indulging your palate in magical dishes as well as captivating cocktails and premium liquor. You could NOT ask for more. But, you'll get it! This candle-lit rooftop venue has amazing night-time views of the dazzling Manhattan skyline and the iconic Queensborough Bridge that was made famous by the legendary musical duo of Simon and Garfunkel in their hit Feeling Groovy ( the 59th Street Bridge Song ).

Located twelve floors up, the Vista Sky Lounge features a three thousand foot partially covered terrace, a state-of-the-art retractable roof plus a spectacular thirty-foot bar. This is the perfect place to wine and dine that special someone, get together with the guys and gals from the office or celebrate an anniversary, birthday or engagement.

The venue's inviting menu has a distinct Mediterranean flair with other intriguing international touches. You won't be bored. Small plates range from slices of spinach and feta pie and sushi-grade octopus to stuffed grape leaves with tzatziki dip. Believe us when we say, you'll want seconds of that creamy, tangy cucumber and yogurt-based dip. One of their more tempting entrees is the wild mushroom truffle orzotto. This wonderful dish is the chef's take on Italian risotto with orzo pasta substituting for rice, mixed with sauteed mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes that are bursting with flavor all enveloped in a light feta sauce. The chargrilled, succulent Rosemary marinated lamb chops come with a portion of oh-so-addicting lemon potatoes. The Scottish salmon is served with grilled vegetables while their juicy filet mignon is drizzled with a peppercorn brandy sauce and accompanied by truffle fries.

The craft cocktails on offer most certainly hold their own with the food here in terms of sheer taste and quality. The Mykonos Mule is made with fig vodka, ginger beer and a puree of passion fruit. The strawberry mojito consists of Bacardi, lime juice, a discreet splash of Sprite, muddled strawberries and a hint of mint. Their signature cocktail is the Vista Skyline spritz, whose main ingredients are Otto's Athens vermouth, grapefruit soda, Prosecco and a strawberry garnish. Now, THAT's entertainment for your taste buds.

Location & Hours :

27-05 39th Avenue
Long Island City N.Y. 11101
(347) 536-3640
www.vistalic.com

Hours :

Sunday to Thursday 4 PM to 12 AM
Friday & Saturday 4 PM to 1 AM