Our Ultimate Girl’s Night Out Guide

School’s almost out for summer, but it’s not just the kids who are going on vacay—mom is, too (well, at least a little more than the previous nine months). So, this weekend, pull out that party dress, strap on those slingbacks, and grab your girls—you’re going out on the town for dinner, drinks, and a whole lot of fun. And before you go, hand the sitter a Red Bull. You’re going to be home late.

 

Dining out has never been more filling—or fashionable—than at this premier Art Deco-inspired steak house serving up prime cuts, sumptuous surf-and-turf, and clutch-your-pearls good specialty cocktails. And now there’s even more to rave about: its Friday night outdoor “Patio” parties, featuring live music, super-fun events, and a lush landscaped layout overlooking the Palisades.

Park & Orchard
From the brand new décor to the lively bar area serving reasonably priced wines and craft cocktails to an updated menu from celebrity chef Christopher Albrecht (Gramercy Tavern, Craftsteak) featuring a mixture of new and classic dishes from this decades-old East Rutherford institution, Park & Orchard is once again the definition of destination dining.

Monday-Friday 12pm-10pm; Saturday 4:45pm-10pm; Sunday 2pm-9pm

 

Sear House
You and the girls will definitely want to cool off with a cocktail under an umbrella-topped table at this Mediterranean steakhouse’s rooftop lounge, because this place is a scorcher. While you’re at it, order up an assortment of steakhouse sizzlers and super-fresh seafood apps, including Maryland crab cakes, fried calamari, oysters on the half shell, and more.

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This Greek-themed restaurant is great year-round, but it’s really something special in the spring and summer, when their breezy patio will have you thinking you’re dining al fresco by the Aegean. Dig into a plate of tender grilled octopus, Ouzo-steamed mussels, and maybe a charcoal-grilled whole fish, just for good measure, and your table will definitely be cheering “Opa!” 

 

Head inside this “Estate of Small Plates” with your party and, well, get the party started with a selection of super-sharable small plates influenced by Spanish and European flavors. The candle-lit dining room has a fantastic vibe, with reclaimed wood walls and welcoming round tables. All the better to perch and enjoy Finca’s sensational sangria.

 

Get ready to dish: the oversized umbrellas topping every table of this Closter café’s outdoor patio make this the perfect pick for spilling secrets and sipping some of the best wines around.

 

It may have had its heyday back in the 80s when Andy Warhol was a regular, but this Midtown West dining staple is back with a vengeance, thanks to its menu fresh and fun fare from James Beard Award-winning chef Jonathan Waxman, who basically created the California cuisine movement.

A night out in Downtown Manhattan always in style, especially at this sprawling, ultra-chic tapas joint decked out with eye-popping modern artwork, comfy banquettes, sexy succulents, and lush lighting that will have your Instagram feed working overtime. Between selfies, refuel with an spectacular selection of craft cocktails and your choice of small, medium, or large plates.

 

Anything Mario Batali touches is automatically amazing, so you can’t go wrong making rezzies at his indoor-outdoor trattoria located at the Maritime Hotel in Manhattan’s glitzy Meatpacking District. Mangia the night away on a menu full of Italian specialties and delicious drinks—note: breakfast service starts daily at 7am, for you night owls in need of a quick snack before heading home.

 

Sure, it’s a little—okay, a LOT—tricky to score a seat anywhere inside Ralph Lauren’s swanky Midtown restaurant that But if you do manage to get past the front door, you’re sure to have a night to remember: top-notch seasonal dishes, elegant cocktails, equestrian-inspired ambiance, and most likely a major celebrity sighting (or four).