My sister and I are staying at The Kimberly in early May. Can you recommend a nice outdoor dining spot for lunch or dinner? Also, any other must eats in the area?

And this would be *where*?????

It's NYC. How old are you & sister?

The rooftop of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

If they've stopped selling food, at least get a glass of wine and enjoy the view.

There are 3 kinds of outdoor dining in Manhattan. Many restaurants have sidewalk tables in good weather. Some restaurants have back gardens which feels more secluded. And then there has been a growing trend for rooftop bars/restaurants. I asked about your age b/c there's a place near your hotel called Sutton Place, but it's attracts a very young crowd.
http://www.cooljunkie.com/bars/sutto...nyc_11886.html

I'll also mention early May is not always warm enough for outdoor dining, esp. at night. One place I can think of that has a nice outdoor garden (but not outstanding food, just ok) is Metropolitan Cafe on 1st ave & 52-53 st. I think the various reviews on the following link are a good cross section of opinions
http://www.menupages.com/restaurantd...taurantid=3331

There are some really charming places in Greenwich Village with lovely gardens. Le Jardin Bistro and A.O.C. are 2.

March is an outstanding rest. not far from your hotel that has a terrace. It's a special occasion/romantic kind of place. Pampano is a Mexican near your hotel that has a terrace (and reputedly very good food).

Many of the "must eat" places near your hotel are expensive. So before I start listing them, what sort of budget are you talking about?

Thanks mclaurie, the NYC restaurant search is a good link. My sister and I are 37-40. I would like to spend $15.00-20.00 tops for lunch, maybe $30.00 for dinner, not including drinks(per person, is this within reason for NYC?).

This is not near your hotel at all, but if you are shopping on the Upper West Side or perhaps visiting the Natural History Museum, you might want to check out Arte Cafe, they have a patio in the back. It is at 106 W 73rd St btwn Columbus and Amsterdam; phone is(212) 501-7014
More info at: http://artecafenyc.com

You might also enjoy Cafe St. Bart's. It's located on the side terrace of St. Bartholomew's Church at 109 East 50th. http://www.cafestbarts.com

Either of these will allow you to dine within your budget, drinks & tip not included.

Your budgets are not generous but doable. Near your hotel, if you like mussels, there's a place called Jubilee that has mussels (with every imaginable sauce option)and fries. Nice, small, neighborhood place. No outdoor space.

http://menupages.com/restaurantdetai...=0&cuisineid=0

La Mediterranee and La Mangeoire are both French, near the hotel with very good value prix fixe menus. Not trendy or chic, but good food and good value.

PJ Clarke's is an historic saloon with very good simple food, burgers, salads etc.

Agree that you budgets are quite modest for NYC. Forget doing anything new and trendy.

Mclaurie has given you some good options. Le Mangeoire is VERY French and a good bargain - I used to work near there and we often went there for casuale lunches.

For others you might want to consult the web sites of New York Magazine or Village Voice - which have had articles on the best cheap ($25 or less) restaurants in NYC. Also - you could look at menupages.com, which you can search by area and cuisine and gives you customer reviews and actual menus.

I would suggest walking up Columbus AVe, starting around 66th St. There are LOTS of outdoor dining options and you can pick what might look fun. Most restaurants have menus right on the door or near the entrance so you can see what the prices are before you sit down.

Have a great time while you are here.

Agree that Columbus ave. from the 60s north is a good area for both outdoor tables and shops and just a nice area to walk. You'll also find some outdoor tables around Bloomingdales on Lexington ave. (above 59th st) and the further north you walk, the more options. JG Melons on 3rd ave & 74 st. has great burgers and a nice, neighborhood, casual atmosphere. (cash only) There are a few places along Madison Ave. in the 60s and north with sidewalk tables, but they're pricey.

Very close to you is the St. Barts Cafe, which is in the courtyard of the St. Bart's Church. I think it is open for breakfast and lunch.

Are you set on that particular area? If you are willing to travel downtown, there are many restaurants that are not very expensive. Some that come to mind are Tartine (in the W. Village), it is very inexpensive french restaurant on a charming west village corner. Cafe Habana in Nolita is also a great inexpensive option in NoLita, a hip shopping area. There is quite a bit of outdoor sidewalk dining on Avenue C in the East Village.

Check out the Under $25 column in the restaurant section of the NYT for other suggestions.