Dismantle the fabricated streetside Covid Caves that popped up as quickly as the virus spread. Tear down the two-by-fours, the plexiglass windows, heat lamps and fake flowers. Surely, they served their purpose, and saved many restaurateurs from total financial ruin, but the days of eating in parking spaces looks like it’s coming to an end.

New York City was one of the most affected areas of the world when it came to suffering from the coronavirus pandemic, but as NYC lived up to its reputation by weathering the storm and showing its resilience and indomitable spirit, so it championed its return to normal by reopening the experience of true outdoor dining.

One classic spot that promises beautiful outdoor dining is Tavern of the Green. Seen in such movies as Ghostbusters, Beaches, Wall Street and New York Stories, Tavern on the Green, a short walk from Columbus Circle, is that light at the end of the tunnel that we recognized as hope only a few months ago. 

The outdoor space of Tavern on the Green surrounds the diners with a bucolic ambiance while the sounds of the city, throbbing just over the greenery, reminds one that yes, New York City is resilient and irrepressible. Tavern on the Green raises the bar for NYC dining, combining simple with sophisticated. A short walk to Sheep Meadow in Central park, the restaurant, which even features sheep in its logo, has been frequented over the years by celebs such as Beyoncé, Liz Taylor, Madonna, Michael Jackson and Jennifer Lawrence. The dress code is smart casual, and the choice of this classy establishment is just plain smart.