Outdoor Dining in the Concrete Jungle of NYC

NEW YORK (MainStreet) -- Spring has sprung and there's nothing New Yorkers like more during this season than dining outdoors and forgetting they are in the middle of a concrete jungle. TravelsinTaste has gathered the latest in outdoor dining to sample whether you're a tourist or a native New Yorker, so you can forget about the jungle for a while and savor the fresh air and fine cuisine.

For rooftop dining a wonderful respite in the midst of Midtown is the rooftop at Aretsky's Patroon. With just the right sense of fun, frolic and, of course, lush foliage, the rooftop space provides the perfect escape from bustling Midtown. It's more casual than the restaurant and great for a drink or a light bite of shrimp cocktail or Angus prime beef sliders.

The Patio at Tome Collichio's Riverpark gives diners a beautiful view of the East River.

On a quiet block in Hell's Kitchen Ardesia's 34-seat outdoor patio is the ideal setting to enjoy Chef Amorette Casaus' playful dishes made for sharing such as homemade New York-style pretzels and Duck Banh Mi, accompanied by selections from the restaurant's diverse wine list.

Bravo's Top Chef Judge Tom Colicchio's Riverpark isn't his first foray into New York dining. He also owns Craft, 'wichcraft and Colicchio & Sons in NYC. Riverpark boasts two outdoor spaces in Kips Bay, The Patio and The Terrace, where guests can enjoy executive chef Sisha Ortuzar's flavorful modern American cuisine while taking in the unparalleled East River views.

The John Dory Oyster Bar features sidewalk seating for 26 people in NoMad. Guests can delight in April Bloomfield's signature seafood dishes and Sasha Petraske's expertly crafted cocktails, while soaking in the sun, and after-work guests can take advantage of the $15 happy hour special of a half-dozen oysters or clams and a glass of bubbly or pint of oyster stout from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. daily.