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By Isabel Klein
If the pollen hasn’t warned you, we will: warm weather is (finally) here, ladies and gentlemen. That means Westchester’s restaurants are opening their patios, decks, rooftops, and docks for business once again. Read on for five gorgeous destinations for alfresco dining this spring and summer.
Top photo by Paolese / Fotolia
Casually chic and reliably delicious, RiverMarket Bar and Kitchen provides high-end diners with a stunning view of the Hudson River and Tappan Zee Bridge. Hardcore takeout fans can purchase any of the artisanal and organic food products on the menu from the Rivermarket Fresh Market, which is attached to the restaurant.
Executive chef: Peter Larsen
Cuisine: New American
Appetizer pick: Mussels in a spicy lobster bisque with padrón peppers and heirloom cherry tomatoes
Entrée pick: Pan-roasted Hudson Valley duck with carrots, turnips, herbed faro, date and tamarind puree, and vadouvan curry spice
Number of outdoor seats: about 100
127 W Main Street, Tarrytown (914) 631-3100; rivermarketbarandkitchen.com
For a fun and festive beer garden experience, sit under twinkling lights at Port Chester Hall, and wash down one of their famous massive pretzels with an array of delicious house beers.
Executive chef: Rich Pietromonaco
Cuisine: Brew pub & new American
Appetizer pick: Warm giant pretzels with cheddar ale dip and honey mustard
Entrée pick: Sashimi tuna tacos with crispy wontons, mango cucumber salsa, and wasabi cream
Number of outdoor seats: 70-80
3 Broad Street, Port Chester, (914) 305-8383; portchesterhall.com
Whether you’re twirling your wine from the charming rooftop lounge or the water-level patio, this unpretentious, boisterous French bistro and its scenic view of the Hudson is a perennial crowd-pleaser.
Executive chef: Reyes Hernandez
Cuisine: French bistro
Appetizer pick: Mozzarella and fennel with grapes, radish, and pistachio pesto
Entrée pick: Red Hat’s Lobster Roll: classic Maine lobster roll on a butter-toasted Balthazar bun, served with house-made chips
Number of outdoor seats: 80 seats for dining, plus additional seats for cocktails on nights and weekends
1 Bridge Street, Irvington (914) 591-5888; redhatontheriver.com
Head up the river to Ossining’s Boathouse for a prime sunset-watching spot; enjoy friendly vibes and generously sized stuffed burgers, overflowing wraps, and fresh fish, not to mention the Hudson, which is so close, the water is almost lapping at your feet.
Executive chef: Roy Shepard
Cuisine: American bistro & seafood
Appetizer pick: Fried calamari; roasted tomato sauce and Cajun mayo
Entrée pick: Shrimp Luciano
Number of outdoor seats: 40
46 Westerly Road, Ossining (914) 923-6466; ossiningboathouse.com
If riverside dining isn’t for you, take in the country sites at the Bedford Post Inn’s Campagna. Enjoy the romance of a cozy rural cabin paired with artful, fine cuisine.
Executive chef: Michael White
Type of cuisine: Italian
Appetizer pick: Panzanella di Passera with fluke crudo, tomato conserva, castelvetrano olive, croutons
Entrée pick: All of their homemade pastas
Number of outdoor seats: around 30
​954 Old Post Road, Bedford (914) 234-7800; campagna-bedford.com