Outdoor dining on a budget in NYC

Little Giant

The outdoor scoop: This bright, wide-windowed corner spot is as comfy as a favorite T-shirt, featuring a banquette lined with comfortable canvas pillows. This laid-back elegance extends to the menu, featuring gussied-up seasonal American grub including homemade pickles, braised leeks, day-boat scallops and a revolving swine-of-the-week special. This spring Giant is expanding outside, with a stretch of sidewalk tables that are ideal for watching fashion-forward Lower East Siders parade past.

Alfresco steal: Though Little Giant’s prices can be, well, giant, the brunch menu offers several under-$10 deals, such as the mac-'n’-cheese. A half order runs $7, and you won’t need any more. The mac’s loaded with taleggio mozzarella, and mascarpone cheeses, with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Each bite is a heavenly heart attack.

Little Giant
85 Orchard St. at Broome St.
212-226-5047