This modern Italian spot — and stopover for MLB players — has taken full advantage of its corner location with a stylish outdoor dining area. Pink, white and yellow wooden picnic tables flank the sidewalk down 35th Street — they can be pushed together for large groups. A white lattice garden fence hangs on the exterior wall of the restaurant, and huge palm leaves and Astroturf line the street side. The fried burrata and black squid ink frutti di mare are hits. For brunch and happy hour specials, get the spicy watermelon margarita with freshly pressed watermelon juice and serrano chile-infused Don Julio Blanco.

The Ditty already had a comfortable backyard with heating, a retractable roof, and board games prior to the pandemic, but they came up with one of the quirkiest streetside spaces in the borough due to outdoor dining mandates. It’s a deep purple school bus outfitted with first-come, first-served tables and benches. If the weekend calls for Frito-Lay corn chip-topped chili dogs and a Montauk Wave Chaser IPA on a hipster magic school bus, this is the joint.

The allure of this Greek cafe lies in its seemingly endless, leafy green outdoor dining areas. The front of the restaurant alone has two sections: the fully enclosed extension of the storefront, and an open but ceilinged sidewalk structure. But the backyard is the showstopper: There’s a spacious, fully enclosed structure with clear panels and a yellow canvas roof, and a small, charming outdoor garden with lots of sun and tranquility.

Perched right alongside the dining room wall, the outdoor space at this Sichuan-Huaiyang restaurant is an extension of the polished indoor decor with its dark wood floors and roof. The outdoor structure is divided into booths that can be closed off with wooden curtains so customers can enjoy Peking duck and assorted seafood dishes in privacy.

Between the beige wall, beige canopy, and beige table settings, the sprawling patio at this Mediterranean bistro feels like being on a cruise ship, but the spaciousness is unrivaled. It’s a prime destination for eating grilled octopus and lamb chops while enjoying a warm afternoon breeze.

In the spring, eastern Flushing’s Greek stalwart Oasis Cafe installed new floor pavers to the already popular and sprawling back patio, and unveiled what is now dubbed the Oasis Garden. Whether guests are opting for chic daytime vibes by swaying palm leaves under the wooden pergolas or nighttime party scenes with tiki torches and DJs, baklava cheesecakes and berry Napoleons are on offer. 

Industrial warehouse and lovely garden aesthetics collide on the patio at this funky vegan spot, outfitted with pastel pink metal chairs with seashell-shaped backs, Edison bulbs hanging from brass fixtures, and five-foot-high palms swaying against murals of flowers in muted colors against a black backdrop. It’s an eccentric environment for pesto zoodles (with meat options) and pasta-less zucchini-wrapped raviolis.

This no-frills barbecue joint specializes in Kansas City-style meats, but don’t miss their sides like their melty mac and cheese and cake-like cornbread. Kick back with burnt ends, smoky brisket, and pastrami sandwiches, with a pint of Sixpoint, in its sprawling backyard.

This upscale brasserie’s streetside, waterfront build-out offers customers unobstructed views of the midtown Manhattan skyline while digging into plates of freshly shucked oysters and wagyu flank steak.

Surely, someone with an eye for very pretty things designed this massive, matching, air conditioned double shed that flanks Spicy Shallot’s narrow sidewalk. Hanging fairy lights, cherry blossoms and green leaves adorn the blonde wood ceiling, and sunlight streams from the clear floor-to-ceiling panels. Don’t miss the juicy Thai pork strips and snow crab sushi rolls.

This modern Indian restaurant’s funky and colorful Bollywood-inspired decor spills over into the backyard where a partially enclosed outdoor structure is designed with tapestry-covered lamp shades and wood that evokes a leopard’s pattern. The rest of the backyard and front sidewalk accommodate additional tables and chairs. Kale fritters and the chicken tikka bowl are local favorites.