Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in South Plainfield

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

BergenBronxBrooklynBucks CountyBurlington CountyEssex

Neighborhoods

Asbury ParkAstoriaBasking RidgeBattery Park CityBay RidgeBayside

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

322 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Nauti Cajun Crab

4.7

Exceptional(637)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Metuchen

Booked 24 times today

We now accepting reservation for outdoor and indoor dining.We take great pride in providing a friendly and vibrant atmosphere for our guests to enjoy our delicious seafood, live crawfish, crispy wings and our popular seafood fried rice and garlic noodles. We take the "traditional Creole seafood boil" to the next level. We boil our crawfish and seafood with classic Louisiana style spices along with our own secret blend of spices then top it off with your choice of one of our mouth-watering flavors. After establishing a popular seafood boil in New Jersey since 2016, we are excited to bring our concept to Metuchen with even better seasonings and guest experience.

2. Fat Cactus

4.3

Awesome(441)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • New Brunswick

Booked 7 times today

Escape to a fiesta of flavors at Fat Cactus Mexican Cantina, the heart of New Brunswick's culinary scene. Experience a lively atmosphere filled with the aroma of sizzling fajitas and the sounds of mariachi music. Indulge in hand-crafted guacamole made tableside or create your own taco masterpiece at our taco truck. Our menu features fresh, flavorful dishes like sizzling fajitas and succulent carne asada, all made with the finest ingredients. Quench your thirst with our signature frozen margaritas, made with real avocados and a hint of chili-lime. Explore our extensive tequila and rum selection, bringing the essence of Mexico to every sip. As the night progresses, enjoy live mariachi bands or guest DJs that enhance the vibrant ambiance. Fat Cactus is the perfect spot for a memorable dining experience, whether celebrating a special occasion or craving authentic Mexican culture. Join us, where every bite is a fiesta for your senses.

3. Ovations

4.7

Exceptional(288)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • New Brunswick

Booked 5 times today

Outdoor dining available!In the heart of South Bound Brook, Ovations serves a unique culinary fusion featuring sumptuous American and Italian cuisines in its relaxing and friendly eatery. For starters, enjoy the jumbo coconut shrimp with sesame garlic sauce and the homemade rice balls, which display Ovations inventive aesthetic. Some of the house specialties include the pan seared scallops and shrimp with white wine sauce served over risotto, the braised boneless short ribs baked with port wine and plum tomatoes and the chicken Giardiniera with arugula, mozzarella, tomato, red onion and balsamic vinaigrette..

A photo of Harvest Moon Brewery/Cafe restaurant

4. Harvest Moon Brewery/Cafe

4.7

Exceptional(245)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • New Brunswick

Booked 4 times today

From handcrafted beers to our unique and flavorful American eclectic menu, Harvest Moon Brewery and Cafe located right in Downtown New Brunswick affords diners the chance to escape from the stresses of daily life. Harvest Moon features a delectable menu along with hand-crafted beer brewed on site all served in a fun & exciting atmosphere that is perfect for the young and old alike.

A photo of Uncle Tanks Kitchen and Bar restaurant

5. Uncle Tanks Kitchen and Bar

4.8

Exceptional(84)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Pub • South Bound Brook

Booked 5 times today

Somerset's favorite locally owned eatery! Burgers, Wings, Sandwiches, Fancy Fries, homage desserts and a full bar. Join us for lunch or dinner. Come watch the games here and have a great meal with family & friends. Classic Americana pub fare and a friendly staff will make your visit excellent.

A photo of Carmine's - 44th Street - NYC restaurant

6. Carmine's - 44th Street - NYC

4.6

Exceptional(30915)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Theater District

Booked 330 times today

Carmine's is a family style restaurant offering exceptional value to its guests through the many dishes of Southern Italian cuisine. Restaurateur Artie Cutler crafted Carmine's with a singular vision; bringing his guests abundant portions and making any meal feel like an Italian American wedding feast.Platters of made to order pasta, decadent seafood or meat entrees, and of course homemade desserts are all staples at Carmine's, meant for sharing among friends and family. When great food and wine are supported by friendly and knowledgeable service, the results are magic - we want every day to feel like a Sunday afternoon at Grandma's!We are open for Indoor & Outdoor Dining, Pick-up, Delivery, Catering and Private Parties.Your safety is our priority. As of 3/7/22, NYC no longer requires proof of vaccination to dine indoors. Indoor & Outdoor dining are available.

7. Pera Soho

4.4

Awesome(1778)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • SoHo

Booked 55 times today

Pera Soho is a transportative Mediterranean retreat in the heart of Soho. Inspired by the renowned Istanbul neighborhood where cuisine, art, culture, nightlife and the cosmopolitan converge, Pera Soho seduces with an environment that is simultaneously warm and vibrant.Pera Soho’s philosophy is to appreciate the culinary and cultural richness of the Eastern Mediterranean as a whole. In addition to the contemporary presentation of authentic recipes, Pera Soho embellishes the use of Mediterranean ingredients and cooking methods to create signature dishes.Pera Soho has a unique configuration comprised of indoor and outdoor, general and private dining areas. The outside courtyard is HEATED during the cooler days.

A photo of Tavern on the Green restaurant

8. Tavern on the Green

4.8

Exceptional(19511)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Midtown West

Booked 266 times today

Dress Code: Smart Casual. Jacket and Tie are Not Required. * We do not permit sleeveless shirts nor athletic/running/jogging attire for any patrons in the main restaurant. Reservations as early as 60 days out through our Reservations Department at 212-877-8684 or reservations@tavernonthegreen.com

9. The Odeon

4.8

Exceptional(3830)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French • TriBeCa

Booked 145 times today

The Odeon offers reservations for indoor and outdoor dining for parties up to 6 guests. Walk-Ins are welcome. Due to demand, we are unable to hold your reservation past the time it has been booked. If you cannot be present at the time of your reservation, we will offer the table to waiting guests. If you are running late or wish to cancel, please call us at 212-233-0507. The Odeon takes the last “Open Table” Reservation at 10 pm on Sunday and Monday and 10:30 pm Wednesday through Saturday. Should you like to visit the restaurant after that time, please call 212-233-0507 to check availability. We allow 1 hour 45 minutes dining time for parties up to 2 guests and 2 hours for parties of 3-6. guests.The Odeon does not reserve or take requests for outdoor tables. They are sat on a first come, first served basis.

10. Cafe Luxembourg

4.8

Exceptional(8957)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French American • Upper West Side

Booked 136 times today

Cafe Luxembourg offers reservations for indoor dining. Walk-ins are welcome and will be seated according to availability. The outdoor cafe is open from April 1st to November 1st, weather permitting. The restaurant offers outdoor tables on a first come basis.Due to demand, we are unable to hold your reservation more than 10 minutes past the time it has been booked. If you are not present at the time of your reservation, the table is offered to waiting guests. If you are running late or wish to cancel, please call us at 212-873-7411. Please note, we do not seat incomplete parties. If your party is incomplete for more than the 10 minute grace period given to reservations, the table will be offered to waiting guests and your name will be added to the wait list. Thank you for your understanding.Per the rules of the FDNY and our Permit of Assembly, we are unable to accommodate strollers in the dining room. Guests are welcome to store them near the outdoor entrance.Thank you.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

L
Lynne
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Great food, service, and the kitchen was accommodating.
More info
Uncle Tanks Kitchen and BarPrice: Moderate• Pub• South Bound Brook
•
4.8
M
Milagros
Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore •1 review
5.0
Dined on Jun 14, 2025
The food was delicious, especially the Shrimp tacos.
More info
Nauti Cajun CrabPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Metuchen
•
4.7
OT
OpenTable Diner
Orlando / Central Florida East •1 review
5.0
Dined on Jun 10, 2025
Delicious food and great service as always. Food came out quick and was great
More info
Fat CactusPrice: Moderate• Mexican• New Brunswick
•
4.3
S
Steve
Baltimore / Maryland •6 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 2, 2025
First, the bread and red pepper spread are sublime. Loved the Chicken Parm and Shrimp Scampi. And Jesus provided over the top service. We will be back.
More info
OvationsPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• New Brunswick
•
4.7
E
Erin
New York City •1 review
4.0
Dined on May 24, 2025
The beer at this brewery had great flavor and matched its description well. The server was attentive, and the food was served quickly. The food itself was average—neither bad nor particularly memorable.
More info
Harvest Moon Brewery/CafePrice: Moderate• American• New Brunswick
•
4.7

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