Where to Dine in the Sunshine, at Twilight or Under the Stars in Irvington

Watching the sun set is awesome at Red Hat on the River in Irvington and you can call ahead to find out the time for this romantic twilight occurrence. Be forewarned however, no reservations are accepted—the restaurant's policy for outside dining is first come, first served. The patio is only a few steps from the Hudson River; it has 18 tables and a seating capacity of 80. Here's a tip: put your name on both the outside and inside dining lists when you arrive. 

At the Red Hat on the River, try the lobster roll with haystack potatoes and sweet pickle chips or the seared Maine sea scallops with summer corn-fed pepper-arugula salad. For a summer wine with either dish, proprietor Jim Parker recommended a glass of Portuguese Vinho Verde (a light, refreshing, semi-sparkling lemon-citrus white wine).

Il Sorriso owner William Winstanley said Fresca Insalada (not shown on the printed menu) has become a popular summer special at his restaurant – it comes with fennel, orange, lemon, baby greens, grapes and a honey balsamic dressing. The secluded patio nestled behind the restaurant has a river view and ten tables that seat up to 40.

At Day Boat Cafe, try the fish double tacos which combine tilapia, shredded cabbage, pico del gallo and a spicy house sauce. For a cool, accompanying beverage, proprietor Gus Panopoulos suggested a combination lemonade/tea drink – it mixes a half glass of fresh-squeezed lemonade with a half glass of fresh-brewed iced tea. The outside dining area can accommodate 24. 

Among the most popular dishes at Navjot Arora's Chutney Masala Indian Bistro are meen moille – fresh coconut tilapia fillets, yogurt sauce with a hint of ginger and green chilies, and baigan mirchi ka saalan – sweet and sour eggplant with toasted sesame and peanuts. A Monday-through-Friday prix-fixe lunch costs $14.95 per person and Sunday brunch, served from noon to 3 p.m., is priced at $16.95. 

For casual eating, places in Irvington that have limited outside seating include:

• Black Cat Cafe. Breakfast and lunch light food are served at Emily Feliciano's cosy eatery including sandwiches, wraps, Molligatawny (Indian) soup, New England clam chowder, stews, and a wide variety of beverages including coffee, tea, vegetable and fruit juice mixes, smoothies, milkshakes, hot chocolate drinks (seasonal), and house-brewed ciders.
• Geordanes. Owner Danielle Diaz prepares hot and cold sandwiches on rolls or as wedges. Serves paninis and wraps. Patrons can create their own combination salads or create customized burgers. The house will custom prepare a picnic basket.
• Red Barn Bakery. Owner/baker Randell Dodge bakes a variety of cookies including chocolate chip, molasses and oatmeal/raison. Also offers tarts such as beet and goat cheese, pies such as apple crumb, and muffins (including gluten-free muffins), coffee, tea, juice and soft drinks.