These are the Prettiest Outdoor Dining Spots in North Jersey

Whether you’ve run out of 30-minute meal recipes, can’t cook in the first place, or  are just plain tired of doing the dishes, now is the time to rediscover the joys of eating out. Armed with a slew of COVID-19 safety protocols, social-distancing seating arrangements, and their revamped menus ready to go, Bergen County restaurants are more than ready to seat you in their thoughtfully-designed outdoor dining spaces. So what are you waiting for? Grab your masks, pack the Purell, and enjoy a table for two (or more!) at one of these local favorites. 

Ventanas at the Modern

Just in time to help beat the August heat, one of Bergen County’s coolest dining spots is back in business! Book an outdoor table around the chic rectangular fire pit and enjoy James Beard-award-winning Chef David Burke’s menu of inventively presented Latin- and Asian-infused entrees (think lobster dumplings with spicy tomato miso, preserved lemon, and a drizzle of chili oil ($16), Skirt Steak Frites ($37), Scallops and Octopus “Vera Cruz” ($32), Korean-style Wings and Calamari Rings ($18), and assorted sushi and sashimi offerings), sip on top-shelf craft cocktails, and take in the upscale ambiance you can’t even come close to recreating at home. 

The ’76 House

Said to be the oldest dining room in America, this historic tavern wasn’t about to let a pesky pandemic put their centuries-old establishment out of business. Instead, they used the downtime to restore portions of the circa-1600s building that have never been seen by the public, including a porch that hadn’t seen much use since Revolutionary War soldiers slept on it. The result is tons of new outdoor seating and a beautiful new garden patio that’s been called one of the best in Rockland. Also new is a lighter and livelier al fresco menu, featuring a nice assortment of classic apps (think Wedge Salad, oysters on the half-shell, and chilled gazpacho) along with plenty of bar-food faves like their signature 76 Tavern Burger ($19) topped with caramelized onion, mushrooms, bacon, Swiss cheese, and bordelaise sauce (and a fried egg, too, if you want!); Baja Fish Tacos ($19) served with cilantro-lime crema, shaved cabbage, mango salsa, avocado, and rice and black beans, and their ever-popular Pan-Roasted Wild-Caught Salmon ($23) accompanied by smashed English peas and citrus-fennel salad. 

Haven

If it takes more than the promise of a gourmet meal to get you out of the house these days, how about combining it with one of the most breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline this side of anywhere? This award-winning riverfront restaurant promises both. Situated right on the water, this popular Edgewater dining spot has reopened just in time to make these endless summer nights decidedly more delicious. In addition to their acclaimed lunch and dinner menus featuring locally sourced modern steak and seafood favorites (think pan-seared Chilean sea bass, pretzel-crusted fried calamari, prime-cut filet mignon, char-grilled branzino, fresh-caught oysters, and more) from decorated Chef Angel Andino, they’re also offering a fantastic $34 prix fixe brunch (your choice of entree and two mimosas, bellinis, or bloody Marys) on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-3pm.

 

The Walpack Inn

The very definition of outdoor dining, this rustic country restaurant located in the heart of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is now serving dinner on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and worth the drive. Come out and join the Heigis Family—who have been welcoming guests to the property since 1949—for a rotating menu of  seasonal apps and entrees, handcrafted cocktails, and the stunning late-summer landscapes. Recent specials have included Seafood Bolognese (lobster, shrimp, and blue crab linguini tossed in sherry cream sauce and finished with parmesan and citrus butter) and Teriyaki Ribeye (16-ounce ribeye flavored with homemade teriyaki marinade). Check their Facebook page for up-to-date info and menu offerings. 

Elia

Let’s face it, that dream vacay to the Greek isles is definitely not happening anytime soon. So why not take a trip to this authentic Greek restaurant located in nearby Rutherford. Owner Annamaria Adinolfi has gathered his troops and converted Elia’s parking lot into a beautiful, garden-like space complete with gorgeous tenting and lush greenery. All the better to enjoy Elia’s always-seasonal menu Greek classics and seafood-centric specialties from Chef José Luis Falcón, who honed his culinary skills in some of Manhattan’s most celebrated Greek kitchens. Finally, a reason to say “opa!” again!