2019 Outdoor Events Guide: Gardens and Greenhouses in New York City (Part 1 of 3)
Our annual guide to outdoor dining & event spaces featuring NYC’s most charming hidden gardens, greenhouses and covered atriums.
OUTDOOR GARDENS
Vinegar Hill House’s Garden — Vinegar Hill
A beautiful, secluded garden is the perfect setting for your next private event al fresco. Enjoy Vinegar Hill House’s delicious cooking under a cherry tree. In the case of poor weather, the Fireside Private Dining Room will be reserved as a back up space.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Palm House — Prospect Park
A catered event at the glass-walled Palm House, newly renovated by Rockwell Group and celebrating its 100th year, offers a gorgeous Garden setting for your ceremony, an outdoor terrace for cocktails, and an exquisite, one of a kind space. Celebrate your special day at the Palm House, and have the experience of a lifetime. Events at Brooklyn Botanic Garden are catered exclusively by Patina Restaurant Group, which manages restaurants and catering facilities at some of America’s most iconic venues.
Tarallucci e Vino at Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian’s Terrace & Garden — Upper East Side
With views of Central Park and the magnificent Carnegie Mansion, the newly restored garden offers a range of color and texture for seasonal interest, sophisticated lighting design, and an inviting green lawn for outdoor entertaining. The space can be tented and offers tremendous flexibility.
The Shakespeare at the William’s Garden Terrace — Murray Hill
The Garden Terrace offers a private, outdoor dining oasis where you might actually feel miles away from the city. Trellised walls with climbing greenery, a pergola with string lights overhead, and a combination of cushioned bench and chair seating create an intimate space ideal for seated dinners, cocktail receptions or delicious brunches.
Jue Lan Club’s Imperial Garden — Chelsea
Experience a different side of Jue Lan Club in the lush, outdoor Imperial Garden. Sitting just adjacent to the gothic revival church that was once home to the Limelight nightclub, there’s a moody atmosphere in this patio space. With plenty of shade and ornamental trees, it’s the perfect place to cool off when the summer heats up.
The Patio at ViceVersa — Hell’s Kitchen
A true hidden gem, The Patio at ViceVersa can be reserved for your next party for a mere $500, a staggeringly reasonable price for a chic oasis in the heart of the Theater District. Enjoy a tranquil private dinner on The Patio complete with an attentive waitstaff and excellent pasta dishes.
Huertas’s Back Dining Room — East Village
The elegant, wood-paneled back dining room features natural lighting from large windows and exclusive access to the outdoor patio. When it’s warm enough, open the doors to create a seamless flow with the outdoor space, complete with a rustic brick half wall and a pleasant mix of trees and charming old buildings. It’s a lovely backdrop for intimate events at Huertas.
COVERED GREENHOUSES & ATRIUMS
The Press Lounge’s Greenhouse — Hell’s Kitchen
The light-filled and minimal Greenhouse space at The Press Lounge is a beautiful venue for your event, rain or shine. The enclosed space with glass walls and ceilings looks out on Hell’s Kitchen and is adorned with impressive plants and comfortable yet chic seating.
Pera Soho’s Gazebo — Soho
Pera Soho, the elegant outpost of the Midtown original, offers intimate, outdoor spaces for all your summer party needs. The Gazebo, a secluded oasis that opens onto the garden, is perfect for al fresco dinners for small to medium sized groups. Pera’s atmosphere and delicious food will transport you away from the busy city to the heart of the Mediterranean.
NoMo SoHo Hotel’s Kitchen & Patio — Soho
Host your event at NoMo Kitchen space and discover a unique blend of vintage and cutting-edge decor inspired by Jean Cocteau’s 1946 French film “La Belle et la Bête.” This stunning space comes complete with an enclosed patio that’s dripping in sunlight year round.
Bobo’s Garden — West Village
The Private Garden at Bobo is located next to the Main Dining Room, offering a covered, climate-controlled space that feels like a garden no matter the time of year. Retractable roof means you can dine al fresco or under cover.
The Press Lounge’s Sun Room — Hell’s Kitchen
Situated atop of the Ink48 Hotel, the Press Lounge offers cocktails and light fare complemented by unobstructed views of Manhattan and the Hudson. The Sun Room is a unique space with a retractable floor to ceiling glass wall, allowing it to be an indoor or outdoor space depending on the weather. This is an ideal option for upscale events that need a back up plan should the weather not be favorable!
Il Gattopardo’s Atrium — Midtown West
The Atrium is a stellar venue for private events located in the heart of Manhattan, hidden within and behind the landmarked Rockefeller Townhouses on West 54th Street. The glass ceiling allows sunshine to permeate and, combined with the tall ceilings, creates a bright and airy indoor space that feels like you’re outside. The Atrium alone can be reserved alone or combined with the adjacent Cellar, offering plenty of room for large gatherings.
Mozzarella e Vino’s Garden Room — Midtown West
The private Garden room at Mozzarella & Vino, a Midtown destination for Italian wine and small plates, combines the open air feeling of a private garden with a glass roof, making it comfortable for events all year round. Book this sun soaked room for a casual gathering with a homey feel.
