Outdoor Patios at Midtown and Village Restaurants See Uptick as NYC Restaurant Week Returns

• NYC Restaurant Week runs July 24–August 20, 2024.
• More than 500 restaurants across Manhattan are participating.
• Outdoor seating is in high demand at venues in Midtown, Greenwich Village, and SoHo.

Restaurant Week, organized by NYC & Company, began on July 24 and will continue until August 20. The event offers prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus at participating restaurants throughout Manhattan. Many diners are choosing outdoor seating, with bookings reported to be up from the previous month.

Popular establishments such as Loring Place in Greenwich Village and Balthazar in SoHo are reporting steady demand for their patios. Staff at Loring Place noted that reservations for outdoor tables now exceed those for indoor dining during peak hours. Balthazar’s management said weekday lunch service on its sidewalk tables has returned to 2022 levels.

Restaurateurs attribute the popularity of outdoor dining to favorable summer weather and ongoing public health precautions. NYC & Company data indicates that more than 30% of Restaurant Week reservations this summer include requests for outdoor seating. Some venues, including Carmine’s in Times Square, have expanded their patio capacity in response.

For diners, prix-fixe menus are available at lunch and dinner, with prices set by the program. Restaurants may choose to offer outdoor seating, indoor seating, or both. Reservations can be made directly with participating venues or through the NYC Restaurant Week website.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does NYC Restaurant Week last in 2024?

NYC Restaurant Week runs from July 24 through August 20, 2024. The event spans nearly four weeks and includes lunch and dinner options at set prices in participating restaurants across Manhattan.

Are most restaurants offering outdoor seating during Restaurant Week?

Many participating restaurants are offering outdoor seating, though availability varies by venue. Some, such as Loring Place and Carmine’s, have expanded patios to accommodate increased demand, especially during peak dining hours.

How can diners make a reservation for outdoor dining?

Diners can reserve outdoor tables by contacting restaurants directly or booking through the NYC Restaurant Week website. It is recommended to specify a preference for outdoor seating at the time of reservation, as capacity is limited at many venues.