Dominique Ansel Kitchen is a West Village cafe that serves some of the best baked goods in the city.

Paloma at Hotel Hendricks serves Central and South American food in an attractive space near Bryant Park.

Ten Hope is a Mediterranean spot in Williamsburg with a massive, dog-friendly backyard that’s great for drinks and snacks.

Sunny’s is a live music bar in Red Hook with a nice backyard.

Mama Capri is a coastal Italian spot in Cobble Hill that’s a good option for a casual outdoor dinner or weekend lunch.

Seven Seeds is an all-day Mediterranean spot inside The Williamsburg Hotel.

Zizi is a Middle Eastern spot in Chelsea that’s a great option for weekday lunch or any type of casual dinner.

Low Fidelity is a Jersey City cocktail bar that serves great Detroit-style pizza.

Corto is a BYO Italian spot in Jersey City that serves some very good housemade pastas.

Head to Skinner’s Loft when you’re looking for rooftop drinks in Downtown Jersey City.

The menu at Broa changes often, but we’ve never had a bad dish at this Portuguese BYO spot in Jersey City.

Battello is a big Italian-leaning spot on the waterfront in Jersey City with fantastic views of Manhattan.

Maison Yaki in Prospect Heights is where you go to sit on a red leather barstool and eat classic French cooking-inspired yakitori.

Evil Twin’s Ridgewood tap room is a great place to have a birthday party or hang out with your friends and their toddlers on a weekend afternoon.

Garden Cafe is an all-day American spot in Inwood with a nice backyard.

The Mekelburg’s Williamsburg location is the kind of place you should go in a time of need. Or anytime you want fantastic sandwiches and beers.