With indoor dining currently on hold in NYC due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases citywide, restaurants across the five boroughs, including the Bronx, now largely rely on a mix of outdoor dining, delivery, and takeout.
As the weather turns significantly colder, restaurateurs are working creatively to keep their outdoor spaces heated so diners feel comfortable — even in frigid conditions. There are individual dining pods, partially-enclosed structures with heaters and blankets, and more innovative moves as restaurants adapt for the winter months.
Here, Eater has rounded up 9 establishments with a variety of heated outdoor dining setups. Eater will continue to update this list semi-regularly over the winter months as long as outdoor dining is permitted.
NYC restaurants are currently limited to outdoor dining, along with takeout and delivery. The type of service offered is indicated on each map point. However, this should not be taken as endorsement for dining out, as there are still safety concerns: for updated information on coronavirus cases in your area, please visit the NYC Health Department’s website. Studies indicate that there is a lower exposure risk when outdoors, but the level of risk involved with patio dining is contingent on restaurants following strict social distancing and other safety guidelines.
Kingsbridge Social Club
The Bronx, NY 10463
Pizza and beer destination Kingsbridge Social Club has a heated outdoor seating area that seats 25 people. The restaurant recommends dressing up warmly, but for diners eating outside, there are wood-fired pizzas like the roasted squash, and a fried eggplant and crispy prosciutto creation. There’s also an extensive beer selection at the restaurant.
Bronx Alehouse
The Bronx, NY 10463
Craft beer and pub food destination Bronx Alehouse seats about 40 people outside, though heating is currently limited and the restaurant is working to get more. Diners should dress warmly and can rely on favorites like the pulled pork sandwich, jerk chicken, and chicken and waffles, among other warming and comfort food items.
Zero Otto Nove
The Bronx, NY 10458
Best remembered for the tiny blue fiat parked outside, this Little Italy classic is known for dishes served from the Campania region in Italy. The meat and fish specials are sure fit hits here, but diners can’t go wrong with the extensive pizza menu, and the seafood salad. The restaurant’s heated outdoor space seats about 30 people.
Mario's
The Bronx, NY 10458
Arthur Avenue staple Mario’s now has heated outdoor dining along the street under a tent that’s fitted with space heaters. Diners at the 101-year-old restaurant can expect items like clams in red sauce, baked pasta, along with spaghetti and meatballs. Eater critic Robert Sietsema lists the cheesy sandwich spedini ala Romama and the seafood salad, among his favorites.
Antonio's Trattoria
The Bronx, NY 10458
Cozy Little Italy trattoria Antonio’s has heated outdoor dining setup along its sidewalk on Crescent Avenue. Diners can sit in the tented space and feast on comfort food classics like penne alla vodka, spaghetti carbonara, and cheesy garlic knots.
Enzo's Of Williamsbridge
The Bronx, NY 10461
Red sauce joint Enzo’s of Williamsbridge is open for outdoor dining, and has heaters set up outside for added warmth. Diners can expect items like baked gnocchi, shrimp fra diavolo, and baked polenta. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday.
City Island Lobster House
The Bronx, NY 10464
City Island waterfront staple, the Lobster House, has about 10 tables set outdoors along with electric heaters. The lobster house bisque, the king crab legs, and the jumbo shrimp scampi are all go-to items at this seafood destination. Call ahead of visiting to check for table availability.
Portofino Seafood and Italian Restaurant
The Bronx, NY 10464
Italian seafood destination Portofino has a massive deck overlooking the water and the owner is currently in the midst of setting it up for winterized outdoor dining replete with heaters. The restaurant is known for its calamari, baked clams, shrimp scampi, lobster ravioli, and other Italian seafood dishes.
Artie's Steak and Seafood Restaurant
The Bronx, NY 10464
Surf and turf destination Artie’s has about 20 tables outdoors along with electric heaters, and is in the midst of adding some partial enclosures around half of the tables for added warmth. Menu items here include a fish soup that serves two, linguini with shrimp and lobster, and barbecue spare ribs with fried shrimp.