Fall dining got a big boost when it was announced that restaurants could soon begin to allow indoor seating (at a severely reduced capacity), but for those who are still extra COVID-cautious, only a seat located in the great outdoors will do. With temperatures falling, those types of dining situation will be harder to come by, but there are several local restaurants that are heeding the call, designing comfortable, stylish, and most importantly, heated outdoor dining spaces that are sure to keep the reservations coming (and be sure to make one before arriving—tables are sure to be limited!).
Oceanos
There’s a reason this self-described oyster bar and sea grill has quickly become a local fave: from whole-fish entrees and USDA-certified steaks (always served with hand-cut fries) to surf and turf specialty sandwiches (the crab cake sandwich is a must) to their rockin’ raw bar showcasing five varieties of ultra-fresh oysters from around the country, Oceanos is, quite simply, seafood done right. Also on point is their chic tented patio, which boasts linen-topped tables, lush greenery, stylish lighting, a river-rock waterfall, and now, heat lamps.
2-27 Saddle River Road, Fair Lawn
(201) 796-0546
Stern and Bow
We raved about this New American dining spot when it opened last September, thanks to its well-priced menu of classic bar bites, gourmet burgers, dry-aged steaks, daily pastas, deluxe salads, and house-made desserts. Now we’re equally ecstatic over the news that it's celebrating its one-year anniversary by winterizing its outdoor space and taking heat lamps to a new level complete with firepits and cozy cocktails.
171 Schraalenburgh Road, Closter
(201) 750-3350
The Blossom
This Korean-fusion brunch spot couldn’t have been more prescient when when they placed an order for a series of plastic domes—aka “igloos”— back in January in an effort to make their outdoor dining area distinct. Now, with COVID-19 restrictions still in full swing, those igloos—which each feature a curved black pleather couch that seats up to five—have become some of the most sought-after outdoor dining locales in Palisades Park. With temps falling, they’re sure to be in even hotter demand, so make your rezzies now.
320 Broad Ave., Palisades Park
(201) 947-4588
The 130 Club
We proclaimed this speakeasy-style “intimate supper spot” and social club a grown-ups paradise when we visited back in March right before the pandemic hit, and we couldn’t be happier (flappier?) that management pivoted brilliantly, debuting a beautiful outdoor tented dining room complete with carpeting, glittering Swarovski chandeliers, and now heat lamps. Until we can get back inside the club, we’re more than happy to enjoy its upscale mix of USDA prime steaks, seafood specialties, deluxe burgers, gourmet sides, and its famous 10-Hour Slow-Roasted Prime Rib (in three premium cuts) outside.
130 County Road, Tenafly
21 & Over Only
Valley Rock Inn
We had been excited about dining out at this much hyped eatery since February and it proved to be our “happy place” all summer long. The massive outdoor space does not disappoint and neither do the perfect eats and cocktails. And in even more good news, heat lamps and tea lights will be warming up the patio all Fall long so you can still enjoy a meal at this Sloatsburg hot spot - provided you can snag a reservation!
27 Mill Street, Sloatsburg NY
845-618-9123
Varka EstiatorioThe ultimate Greek dining experience sits right in Bergen County at Varka, where their outdoor dining is already heating up with lamps for those crisp fall nights. The popular Mediterranean spot features a wide variety of seafood options, plus an extensive martini menu that pairs perfectly, including the pink grapefruit-mint martini or Varka chocolate cake martini for after your meal.
30 N Spruce St., Ramsey
(201) 995-9333
