Secret Gardens, Terraces and Private Patios
Perfect little places to hold outdoor events away from public view
By Pamela Harding
New Yorkers pride themselves in ferreting out secret places to call their own in this over-crowded city, if only for a few hours at a time. Following are suggestions for hidden gardens, terraces, and private patios where special events are welcome. All are outdoors, but away from direct public access and annoying street traffic. Most also have ample space indoors in case you need to resort to a Plan B because of inclement weather.
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Marchi's Gorgeous Garden
One of the most delightful private gardens for al fresco dining and cocktail events is cloistered away behind the row of adjoined brownstones occupied by Marchi's restaurant. Unlike most restaurant backyards, back porches, terraces, or rear patios, Marchi's garden flourishes with mature plantings, from leafy trees to lush rhododendron, thoughtfully interspersed among potted plants, rustic stone fences and paths, and punctuated by an occasional piece of graceful statuary. The Empire State Building, particularly striking when illuminated against the dark night sky, dominates the view overhead. A smaller patio, which overlooks the garden, may also be used for more intimate gatherings. Plenty of function space is available inside the restaurant too, in addition to the main a la carte dining room—a handy option should rain force your party indoors.
Founded 55 years ago by the family who still owns and operates it, Marchi's generally offers a set five-course prix-fixe menu, served family style, but the owners will customize menus for private cocktail receptions or sit-down affairs. The garden accommodates up to about 75 standing guests; 60 seated. (Marchi's, 251 E. 31st St, 212 679-2494)
The Fitzpatrick
Grand Central's Backyard Patio
Tucked behind the Fitzpatrick Grand Central Hotel's classic pub-style restaurant The Wheeltapper is a spacious new patio, decked with wooden planks, surrounded by brick walls and decorated with artifacts reflecting the pub's theme. The patio made its debut last December, a few months after it was scheduled to open, with snow-making machines and outdoor heaters operating in tandem. One of the largest totally secluded backyard areas available in midtown, the patio is roomy enough for parties of up to about 100 guests. Adjoining the outdoor space are two other private areas, which may also be rented separately or together for events, the smaller Boardroom and the large backroom of the restaurant.
Another outdoor feature the hotel offers is the comfortable Liam Neeson Penthouse Suite, with its private courtyard suitable for 50 guests.
(The Fitzpatrick Grand Central, 141 East 44th Street; catering and sales coordinator: 212 351-6872 or email catering@fitzpatrickhotels.)
Lattanzi's Courtyard and Rooftop
Restaurant Row veteran restaurant Lattanzi, which serves a crowd-pleasing array of Italian fare and is renown particularly for its signature Cucina Ebraica Romana (Roman Jewish food) has multiple levels and several areas within them that include both indoor and outdoor space suitable for private events of various sizes. The intimate Patio Garden on the first floor of the restaurant can handle 18 people inside and outside—a winning combination that transports guests far away from NYC to a private corner in Rome all their own. Upstairs, a two-room private bar, dining and cocktail lounge can be paired with an outdoor rooftop terrazzo garden to accommodate 30 to 40 guests for a private party. A cocktail party with hors d'oeuvre inside or out is perfect here, or, have cocktails outdoors with a more formal sit-down dinner inside with the doors open. (Lattanzi, 361 West 46th Street, 212 315-0980)
Outdoor Patio at Hurley's
About six years ago, Hurley's, a fixture in the Rockefeller Center area (Rock Center was, in fact, built around it) moved to its present Theater District location. This incarnation features a restaurant on the main floor, a la carte dining area and large special-event space on the second floor, and above that, a large outdoor patio that can accommodate up to 75 guests for cocktails; 50 seated. Tented and heated when the weather demands it, the space is comfortable for much of the year. The tent usually comes down in March, so guests can enjoy the open air in good weather. The one drawback is the lack of an elevator for handicapped access. (Hurley's, 232 West 48th Street; 212 765-8981)
5 Ninth's Multi-level Terrace
If you're looking for an outdoor spot away from the noisy, exposed and heavily trafficked sidewalks of The Meatpacking District you don't have a lot of choices. Paradou has a very pretty outdoor garden, but 5 Ninth would get my vote for the quality of the food overseen by Executive Chef Zak Pelaccio, the service and vibe. Behind the unassuming wooden door and homey façade of this tri-level, restaurant/bar/lounge is a large deck with several tiers amid the lush greenery of ivy-covered brick walls, courtyard trees, and flowering window boxes. There's room here for 30 sit-down, 50 standing and a menu featuring BBQ prepared on outdoor grills is an option. (5 Ninth, 5 Ninth Avenue; 917 340-9385, ryan@nyrsg.com, www.5Ninth.com)
Spacious Backyard Patio at Core 191
The first impression you get when you enter this LES newcomer (that replaced Matthew Kenny's Heirloom fiasco) is not what you take with you when you finally hit the outdoor patio. At first the bar/restaurant seems cold (as opposed to "cool") and hard-edged, but the outdoor patio puts a much warmer spin on the experience, as does the food prepared by Chef Stephan Boissel, who specializes here in preparing tasting plates and dishes meant to be shared. The glassed-in garden room that precedes the patio on the way back is a little gem too, but the real oasis of a space is the 100-seat outdoor area, outfitted with bistro seating, umbrellas, and even a video screen. (Core 191, 191 Orchard St, 212 228-9888, www.core191.com)
Trestle on Tenth's Hidden Garden
Trestle on Tenth opened last summer, at the former site of Chelsea Commons on the corner of 10th Avenue and 24th Street, across the street from the future High Line Park in Manhattan's increasingly popular West Chelsea art district. The art theme is carried out inside the cozy brink-lined boîte, by the works of art displayed on the walls in revolving exhibitions. Deceptively simple rustic food, by Swiss-born chef-owner Ralf Kuettel (formerly of Zoë, Union Square, Cena) is a draw unto itself. His wife, Juliette Pope, is the wine director of Gramercy Tavern, so you know the wine list (and beer list too) is a fitting complement. The indoor space is mirrored outside by the lovely brick-enclosed garden patio, decorated with seasonal plantings and comfy outdoor bistro-style furniture. It accommodates 30 seated, 50 standing for cocktails. (Trestle on Tenth, 242 Tenth Avenue, at 24th Street, 212 645-5659, trestleontenth.com)
Hudson Hotel Penthouse and Apartment
Some of the largest totally secluded outdoor locations high above the city streets can be found at the sleek Ian Schrager-owned, Philippe Starck-designed Hudson Hotel. Two separate areas, used entirely for special events, include the Apartment and the Penthouse on the 24th floor. Each has an outdoor terrace that can be used in conjunction with the interior space. The Penthouse features a wonderful glass-enclosed "living room" area called the Greenhouse, which adjoins the spacious East Terrace. The Penthouse can accommodate up to 65, standing, with up to 30 for cocktails just on the terrace. The Apartment features the larger West Terrace (250 standing, 120 seated), which is tented from April through mid-November. Great Performances handles all the on-premise catering arrangements for both the Penthouse and Apartment. (Hudson Hotel, 356 West 58th Street; 212 554-6120)
Astra Outdoors
Recently renovated Astra offers both the haute cuisine of acclaimed Chef Charlie Palmer and gorgeous city views from its vantage point on the 14th floor of the Decoration and Design Building. Inside, Astra, a casual café by day and dramatic event space at night, can accommodate 140 seated guests in elegant surroundings. Outdoors a long terrace with sculpted greenery and floral decor can be used in conjunction with the indoor space. The terrace can accommodate 50 guests, standing; 25 seated. (Astra, 979 Third Avenue, 14th floor; 212 644-9394, www.charliepalmer.com)
The Penthouse Terrace at the Blakely
The Blakely Hotel generally is not renown for its function space—it doesn't have a lot of it. What the hotel does offer, however, is a hidden gem of a penthouse on the 17th floor, which consists of a meeting room that can accommodate up to 15 for a boardroom-style meeting and 40 for a reception in the penthouse suite (combine them both for receptions for up to 65 guests). The adjoining striped-awning-shielded outdoor terrace, bordered by brick and grounded by planking, serves both rooms and can seat 12 comfortably and host about 25 for cocktails. (The Blakely Hotel, 136 West 55th St; Theresa Gonzales, Director of Sales & Marketing, 212 245-1800 Ext. 2210 or tgonzales@blakelynewyork.com)
Penthouse Suite at the Dylan Hotel
The 12th-floor Penthouse at the Dylan—a one-bedroom suite with unfussy, simple, modern décor—adjoins a 600-square foot terrace with room for about 50 standing guests. The suite with outdoor space has been used for bridal events, trunk shows, fashion and commercial print/film shoots, spa treatment launches (there is a Jacuzzi in the bathroom) and brunch on the terrace. (Penthouse at the Dylan, 52 East 41st St; Odetta King in Corporate Sales, 646 792-5454, odetta@dylanhotel.com, www.dylanhotel.com)
Penthouse Terraces at The SoHo Grand
Urbane and chic, the SoHo Grand has two separate penthouse lofts (north and south) and each is flanked with an expansive outdoor terrace equipped with summery plush outdoor seating and floral décor, bordered by a sculptural black iron railing. Interior space in each of the lofts is limited to receptions of 30 -40 guests, but the beauty lies in the terraces. At nearly 1,300 square feet, each can accommodate up to 100 guests for receptions. (The SoHo Grand, 310 West Broadway, catering sales, 212 519-6642, www.sohogrand.com)
Me Bar at the Quinta
An intimate indoor/outdoor rooftop boîte, Me Bar is a real find that begs to be discovered. It has one of those enviable vistas made even more special by the close-up view of the Empire State Building, just a few blocks away. Me Bar's broad wooden planks, white-painted benches and umbrellas conjure up an atmosphere reminiscent of a relaxed, Hamptons beach-house in a part of midtown you would least expect to find it. Open year-round for cocktails and snacks, Me Bar is located atop the La Quinta Inn. Capacity of the space is about 50 people (indoors and out). (Me Bar at La Quinta, 17 West 32nd Street between Broadway and Fifth Avenue; C. Sunnie, 212 736-1600 or sunnie@applecorehotels.com)
Rooftop at the Broad St. Ballroom
OK, call it a diamond in the rough. The building that houses the classic Broad St. Ballroom also has a spacious roof deck for private event use. At 3,200 square feet, it can accommodate a crowd (150). The space is equipped with water and electric for catered events and also has heavy-duty lighting for evening events. The rest is up to you! Make it into a putting green for a golf-oriented event, an aerobics floor for the launch of a new sports shoe, or decorate it to the hilt for a top-tier cocktail party. (Broad Street Ballroom and event space, 41 Broad St.; Daniel Koffler, 646 624-2524, Daniel@broadstreetballroom.com, www.broadstreetballroom.com)
