Food & Drink

The great indoors

Palms, cake and milk make a nice break.

Palms, cake and milk make a nice break. (Jonathan Baskin)

With a temporary reprieve from the usual winter chill, you might be tempted to take a stroll in the park. But even the ants are staying home when it comes to picnicking. So skip the wintry mud fest and head to a nearby indoor oasis while grabbing a bite from one of the picks below for a winter-weather picnic.

Instead of Central park . . .try the IBM building

PICK THIS: In Midtown East’s vast skyscraper wasteland, several privately owned buildings offer public spaces great for relaxing Sunday-in-the-park-style. Sure, Central Park is a nice escape, but these days, it’s no place for a picnic. Instead, head over to the open-air atrium at the former IBM Building’s street-level public space, which has 36 tables amid leafy bamboo trees. Jordan Phoenix, a 27-year-old life coach from Staten Island, brings his clients here for sessions. “I really like the atmosphere of being in the concrete jungle and having a little bit of nature,” he says. 590 Madison Ave, off 57th Street, 8 a.m.- 10 p.m. daily

PACK THAT: There’s a to-go cafe called Obikà Mozzarella Bar right inside the atrium that has some yummy appetizers. Try out the mini rotoli duo (left) — rolls of mozzarella filled with air-cured beef or with smoked wild salmon ($12). 212-355-2217, obika.it/english

Instead of Bryant Park . . .try the Urban Garden Room

PICK THIS: Head one block north from the park to the Urban Garden Room in the Bank of America building, spanning the Sixth Avenue block between 42nd and 43rd streets. Perfect for Midtown workers on a lunch break, this spot features greenery-covered sculptures that loom over the same green tables and chairs you’ll find at Bryant Park. The space draws a varied crowd, with suits pouring over contracts next to teenagers practicing their yo-yo skills. 1 Bryant Park , 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily

PACK THAT: Catch one of the many gourmet food trucks that regularly stop in the area. Executive chef Anita Lo’s Rickshaw Dumpling Truck is a favorite, thanks to its six-for-$6 dumpling deal on fillings such as chicken and Thai basil with spicy peanut saté dip. twitter.com/rickshawtruck for daily locations, 212-796-6090

Instead of Washington Square Park . . .try Park Here

PICK THIS: Something about a human-size shiny gold pillow just screams, “Throw yourself on me!” That’s what the people behind Openhouse Gallery’s pop-up park downtown, Park Here, were thinking when they brought in a slew of Fatboy beanbag lounge chairs for visitors to lie on. There’s also a hammock, several cushioned square ottomans, picnic tables and even classic red-and-white tablecloths on the floor.

Now in its second winter, the pop-up park is made of synthetic materials, most of which are sustainable, and is meant to resemble Central Park. The ground is covered in a softer version of AstroTurf, and the walls are covered in vines and scenic murals. Skylights allow the winter sun to pour down on the faux trees as kids run around and teens gab on the floor. “The good idea is nature, and we’re just imitating it,” says Jonathan Daou, the founder. “We don’t take credit for the idea of a park — we take credit for putting a park inside the space.” 201 Mulberry St., 212-334-0288, noon-8 p.m. daily through Feb. 15

PACK THAT: Have yourself a fancy little French pique-nique with savory crepes from Vive La Crêpe. Try the melts-in-your-mouth bite of a ham-and-gruyere crepe ($8.50), or go all out with smoked salmon, capers, cream and spinach ($9.50). 51 Spring St.; vivelacrepe.fr

Instead of Battery Park . . .try the Winter Garden

PICK THIS: If you’re hungrier than the average bear, head to the Winter Garden at the World Financial Center. Yes, it’s basically a mall, but it’s got more than your run-of-the-mill fountain and benches. The space is essentially an amphitheater, with a large stage that hosts performances such as the New York Chinese Cultural Center’s Lunar New Year Celebration, today at 2:30 p.m. You can watch from a bench, but why do that when you can sit on the regal marble staircase? It gives you a much better view of the space’s 10-story glass wall and 16 towering palm trees. 200 Vesey St., 6 a.m.- midnight daily

PACK THAT: The World Financial Center is home to many restaurants and cafes, but your best bet is across the street at the new Blue Smoke Bake Shop. Treat yourself to a slice of double chocolate devil’s food cake ($7.95), or share the whole thing with friends ($39). If you’re more traditional, go for a slice of apple pie ($7.95), or the picnic basket-friendly cupcakes in delectable flavors such as red velvet with cream-cheese icing ($2.75). 255 Vesey St., bluesmoke.com, 212-289-2005

Or just try Park Avenue Plaza

The Park Avenue Plaza has a giant waterfall set against black granite, more than 30 tables and — on weekday afternoons — jazz piano man Chuck Folds. “I was hired to play ambient music,” says Folds, who’s been playing here 18 years. “Some people come to hear the music, but most are in transition, or just coming to sit and think.” 55 E. 52nd St., 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Instead of South Street Seaport . . .try the J.P. Morgan building

PICK THIS: While the piers are delightful in the spring, at this time of year, the only thing less pleasant than the fishy odor is the malevolent wind. Walk a few blocks to Wall Street, to the J.P. Morgan building. There, palm trees line the sides of an open atrium that draws local businessmen and tourists needing a break from the excitement of the Mu$eum of American Finance next door. Pull out your picnic cloth and throw it over a table near one of the 10 palm trees that give the space a Monaco vibe. “It’s one of the few public spaces [where you can] sit down in the area,” says visitor Bob Burrage, a 70-year-old from Sydney. “For me to go any other place, I’d have to pay to be in a restaurant or bar.” 60 Wall St., 7 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.

PACK THAT: What’s a day at the park without something sweet and frosty? Grab some gelato in flavors such as hazelnut chocolate or pistachio at Le Glacier, conveniently located within the atrium. Or go traditional with a small waffle cone for $3.20. 212-269-4324