Eating out, as in outside, in the city

There's no better way to celebrate a summer afternoon in the city than with a meal and a cold drink in the great outdoors. Here are some of our favorite alfresco dining spots.

1. GIGINO AT WAGNER PARK

WHAT The views out over the Statue of Liberty don't get much better than this. This younger sibling of the popular TriBeCa trattoria offers an extensive choice of antipasti, as well as tasty pastas and light meals with an emphasis on fish and shellfish.

WHERE 20 Battery Place

INFO 212-528-2228, gigino-wagnerpark.com

COST About $40 per person for a three-course dinner

2. THE BOATHOUSE

WHAT The ultimate summer evening might be spent lakeside in Central Park, watching the rowboats come and go. The restaurant offers a café and an outdoor bar and grill as well as the main room. The food in the main room is all-American, with main-course choices like steaks, chops and simple grilled fish.

WHERE Central Park near the entrance at Fifth Avenue and 72nd Street

INFO 212-517-2233, thecentralparkboathouse.com

COST About $60 per person for a three-course dinner

3. SHAKE SHACK

WHAT Yes, the lines are infamous - and it's startling how patiently New Yorkers will wait for a burger. But the burgers really are excellent.

WHERE Madison Square Park, enter at Madison Avenue and 23rd Street

INFO 212-889-6600, shakeshacknyc.com

COST $4.25 for a cheeseburger; $3.25 for a scoop of frozen custard

4. ROOF GARDEN CAFÉ AT THE MET

WHAT Not only do you get a drink, you also get one of the all-time great views of Manhattan. (Closed Mondays)

WHERE Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave.

INFO 212-879-5500, metmuseum.org

COST About $12 for a martini; wines, $11.

5. FRANKIE'S 457 SPUNTINO

WHAT One of Carroll Gardens' favorite spots, Frankie's serves up light meals in one of the best gardens around. Great weekend brunches.

WHERE 457 Court St., Brooklyn

INFO 718-403-0033, frankiesspuntino.com

COST About $10-$18 for a main course