By Carla Spartos, ZAGAT.com staff editor
Even in the most basic of settings – a few umbrella-topped tables wedged onto a sliver of urban sidewalk, for example – outdoor dining (and drinking) has an intrinsic appeal that's hard to argue with. But every year, savvy restaurateurs look to up the alfresco ante by offering extra enticements designed to give them an edge in attracting the garden-patio-rooftop crowd. Following is a rundown on five such twists that are catching on this season, along with a sampling of places where you can experience them.
The twist: Beds and cabanas.
The appeal: Lie back and gaze up at the stars or just act like one in your own VIP nook.
Where to find it:
- BED New York: Six king-size beds plus two bars will beckon revelers to this Chelsea French-American's rooftop, scheduled to open in early July.
- Ono, New York: The garden at this Japanese in the Meatpacking District's Hotel Gansevoort sports lounge beds, but high rollers who really want to make a statement can book one of four private cabanas for the evening. Each comes with a flat-screen TV, Dom Perignon and other tipples plus nibbles such as sushi and robata grill items. The asking price? A cool four grand.
- Nikki Beach, Miami: In the town where reclining dining started, the bronzed and beautiful head to this South Beach hedonist's scene where they can grab a private tented bed and hang out with other members of their tribe.
- Shout, Atlanta: Hotlantans like to book the sleek private cabanas on this Midtowner's rooftop lounge, where skyline views accompany the Eclectic fare.
The twist: Dog-friendly amenities.
The appeal: Forget doggy bags – Rover can tag along to these oases.
Where to find it:
- redDog Cafe, Washington, DC: This aptly named Silver Spring New American welcomes the four-legged set at its outdoor tables, where servers stand ready to fetch Fido treats and a water bowl.
- South Water Kitchen, Chicago: Complimentary biscuits and bottomless bowls of water are among the a-pooch-rements available on the patio of this traditional Loop American.
- Shake Shack, New York: Canines can cool off with a Pooch-ini – frozen custard, peanut butter and a dog biscuit – at Danny Meyer's summer stand in Madison Square Park (southeast corner, enter at Madison and 23rd Street; 212-889-6600).
- Tremont 647, Boston: On Saturdays from 2 to 5 PM, Spot can indulge in a Dogmopolitan (lamb broth spiked with fresh beet juice and garnished with a twist) on the patio of this South End New American.
The twist: Fire pits.
The appeal: They’re the next best thing to a beach bonfire.
Where to find it:
- Beechwood, Los Angeles: Venice's cool crowd heats up by gathering 'round the sleekly designed fire pit in this New American's modernist open-air lounge.
- Madame Tong's @ JL Beach Club, Hamptons: Jean-Luc Kleefield will complete his trio of haute Hamptons hangouts with this Southampton Pan-Asian (256 Elm Street; 631-204-0300). Slated to open July 4th weekend, its greenery-enclosed patio will feature a fire pit, gazebos and chaise longues.
- Ocean & Vine, Los Angeles: At this New American in the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, diners can gaze at the fabulous views of the pier or at the flickering fire pits that grace the patio and dining room.
The twist: Asian-inspired libations.
The appeal: Something different for the mojito-weary.
Where to find it:
- Katana, Los Angeles: If stargazing on the secluded patio of this swank Sunset Japanese doesn't set you swooning, the sake-based cocktails just might.
- Poste, Washington, DC: This Penn Quarter New American's courtyard is a fine setting for sipping its Thai twist on the mojito, which uses lemongrass in place of mint.
- SushiSamba rio, Chicago: The expansive rooftop bar of this River North Japanese-Brazilian serves up a ‘moshiso' that's mixed with shochu (a clear Japanese spirit similar to vodka) and muddled with the Japanese herb shiso.
- Tabla, New York: Tamarind margaritas, ginger citrus snaps (a mix of crème de ginger, orange vodka and sparkling wine) and kumquat mojitos are among the seasonal elixirs served on the covered patio at this Madison Square Park Indian-inflected New American.
The twist: Retractable roofs.
The appeal: Rain can’t stop the outdoor action at these places.
Where to find it:
- August, New York: The back garden at this rustic Greenwich Village European features a retractable glass roof that lets in cool breezes and a view of surrounding greenery.
- Geisha House, Los Angeles: Stargazers and late-night smokers mingle under the convertible roof in the open-air Moon Room at this celeb-backed Hollywood Japanese.
- U Street Lounge, San Francisco: The back lounge at this sophisticated Cow Hollow Club can resemble an open-air party when the glass roof retracts and a DJ spins dance tunes.