the best of outdoor dining: south and pine and more

Outdoor dining in northern New Jersey and even New York City itself is, to put it bluntly, a challenge. Urban space limitations and neutral-on-a-good-day air quality combine for less than ideal conditions to dine al fresco.  So when pleasantly warm nights begin and you want to linger in the summer breeze with a cocktail and a meal, unless you’re at the Jersey Shore, there aren’t a lot of options.  But there are a few, and some serve food that is actually quite good.  You might be as surprised as I was to find the outdoor dining options weren’t where you might expect.  Most are nestled in fairly urban areas, hidden in courtyards or out of sight on a rooftop.

photo by amber avalona via pixabay

I’ll warn you.  This list isn’t food-centric, so my reviews will feature fairly unemotional descriptions like “good” and “fine”.  In this case it’s about the whole experience, not entirely the life-altering deliciousness of the food.  Rest assured, I’ve consciously omitted the outdoor options where the food was, well, not good.  I’ve also avoided those allow an “outdoor dining” label simply because they happen to have a table or two outside.  If you’re like me you’d rather not start your meal with a long wait or a fight for a particular table, so I stuck with those where the outdoor dining is a strong element in the restaurant’s operation.

photo by matt messina used with permission from south and pine

I’m also purposefully not discussing the obvious waterfront choices.  If you are in Jersey City, there are plenty of options – Batello or Maritime Parc on the water, or neighborhood options like Satis Bistro [read my full review here] and Lighthorse Tavern.  Venture to Hoboken for casual options along Sinatra Drive, like the Ainsworth or House of Que.

Today, we’re focusing on my favorite inland locations.   Some you’ve heard me recommend before or have been local outdoor favorites for a while.  Some, I’m just discovering.

While they all make my list when we get the urge to enjoy those gentle warm summer evenings, my favorite is South+Pine in Morristown, NJ.  It [almost] has it all:  excellent seasonal food, wonderful service, and a genuine, pleasantly appointed outdoor space on a street in Morristown just busy enough for some decent people watching.  It is BYO, but my readers know I’ve come to embrace this particular feature of northern NJ dining [read more about that here].

photo by matt messina used with permission from south and pine

So here’s the list: my favorite outdoor dining options in northern New Jersey.

South+Pine (Morristown) finds its way to many of my “lists” [like this date night roundup], as the food here is a consistent standout.  South+Pine takes classic American comfort food, adds the seasonality of farm-to-table, and throws in a dash of global flavors to create the kind of menu where you just want to order everything.  Consistent offerings like the chicken and waffles are always a good choice, but the seasonal offerings are what make this place special.  Sign up for the mailing list to be “in the know” for special events that feature their best offerings of the season.  official website or book it on yelp

photo by matt messina used with permission from south and pine

Mompou (Newark) is the winner in the prettiest outdoor space category.  Nestled behind the building, the former backyard is now a trellis-covered patio complete with climbing vines and twinkly lights. Add sangria and delicious tapas and you have spanish-infused summer romance.  official website or book it on opentable

Texas Smoke BBQ (Jefferson) is the most kid-friendly of my recommendations, and one mine beg for even though it’s a 40 minute drive away.  Worth the trip for some of the best barbecue I’ve had in the northeast, rivaling the winners we’ve sampled at the annual Hudson Valley Ribfest.  The casual patio space does overlook route 15, but all you see is forest and the noise is barely audible.  It’s BYO so come prepared with your favorite barbecue beer.  official website

photo by jenn kosar

Skinner’s Loft (Jersey City) is a bit of a cheat as I’ve never actually sat in the outdoor space (working on that).  I have seen the pictures and it’s charming; I’ve sampled the food many times, and it’s the winner in that category.  official website or book it on opentable

Market Taverne (Morristown) is a new discovery for me, hidden in a beautiful old house nestled in a quiet grove of trees.  The wraparound porch serves as the outdoor dining space.  The menu is your typical slightly upscale American farm-to-table variety, and there is a decent wine, beer and cocktail list to accompany your peaceful porch dining experience.  official website or book it on opentable

Panevino (Livingston) is another family-friendly and casual option for when you’re out and about on errands and need a fresh air break.  Pizza, pasta, and salads — the food is “fine”, so it’s all about the atmosphere.  official website or book it on opentable

photo by brenan greene @frontstmedia via unsplash

Providence Bar & Kitchen (New Providence) is a new entry in the rotation.  While the location is not new it has recently been renovated and the menu revamped.  The cocktail list is excellent and they feature many well-known wines at markups well below normal restaurant pricing.  The menu probably still needs a little refinement, but the outdoor space is sizable, the drinks good, and the food just fine. official website or book it on opentable

Lithos Estiatorio (Livingston) has my vote for the best Greek food in the area regardless of whether you eat indoors or out.  The seafood is always fresh and they usually have unique options prepared to feature the natural flavors of the fish.  There is a wine list and full bar.  official website or book it on opentable

photo by alex knight via unsplash

South and pine

90 South Street ⋅Morristown, NJ ⋅ (862)-260-9700 for reservations or book it on yelp ⋅ southandpine.com

What’s your favorite local spot when the weather turns sunny and the evenings stretch long?  Check out where I’m off to next by following my dining out board on pinterest, and all my dining adventures on Facebook.