Summertime in New York City: sunny skies, outdoor breezes, and the season for snapping a photo of your cocktail with the cityscape as the backdrop.
You know it, you love it.
We've found the best spots to spend your summer Friday's and weekends. Get ready to sit back, take a sip, and soak up the sun.
Roof at Park South (125 East 27th Street, Manhattan)
There is a special place in our hearts for the sun-drenched Roof at Park South, as it's where we first discovered the "Miami Vice" -- a simple frozen mixture of piña colada and strawberry daiquiri.
They’re back this season with some new leveled-up cocktails, various Rosès, jalapeño popper taquitos, and bacon-wrapped kobe beef hot dawgs.
Morgan’s Barbecue (267 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn)
With a pet-friendly outdoor area, Morgan’s BBQ features mouth-watering authentic southern food, and sits alongside a Mac-and-Cheese stand! Smacks lips!
My dog, Tiffany’s, favorite is the jerk chicken mac, y’all!
Try the cornmeal crusted catfish tacos with extra chile aioli, the collard greens, and the fatty fat brisket, (the gym will always be there in the morning).
Anable Basin Bar & Grill (4-40 44th Drive, Queens)
Burgers, hot dogs, beers and cocktails with a helluva view. Anable sits on the East River and offers the view of Midtown Manhattan, a place that is best dealt with from afar.
Simple, classic, New York City.
Bungalow Bar (377 Beach 92nd Street, Rockaway)
Less than a mile from the Rockaway Ferry, Bungalow Bar is an escape from the crazy bustle of Manhattan.
With panoramic seaside views, this Beach Hideaway sports a tiki bar, frozen cocktails, live music, and lobster rolls.
Agave NYC (140 7th Avenue South, Manhattan)
A fusion of traditional and southwestern Mexican flare, Agave NYC sports a serene front patio area, ideal for 7th avenue local celebs-with-their-pets sightings (think Sally Field, Andy Cohen).
Get the guacamole and the fried calamari, stick around for 2 hours with their bottomless margs (frozen and on-the-rocks), mimosas, and wines.
These don’t stop, FYI - proceed with caution and cancel the rest of the day’s plans.
Mr. Purple (180 Orchard Street, Manhattan)
With 360º views of the city, this spot is perfect for warm weather day-drinking with your coolest crew. Located inside of the Hotel Indigo, Mr. Purple has two outdoor roof areas, a swimming pool (hotel guests only, but rumor has it, if it’s empty and you have a swimsuit, you might be able to go in), and a library-themed interior.
Grünhaus (101 Rivington Street, Manhattan)
Greenery, communal tables, and Jenga. When the weather finally blossoms, Grünhaus will transform their beer hall into a breezy beer garden with over 30 rotating draft beers.
And to keep it light and tight, they offer Belgian fries and ten different types of bratwurst -- make Grünhaus your watering hole this season.
Bar Gonzo (511 9th Avenue, Manhattan)
Tucked away in the "up-and-coming" Hudson Yards area of Manhattan, Bar Gonzo is featuring a retractable rooftop so the rain can’t rain on your drinking parade. Happy Hour is from 4-8PM daily, and they serve the best Wagyu Beef skewers we’ve had IN OUR LIVES.
Keep the party going: Gonzo also does a boozy brunch - 40 big ones gets you bottomless mimosas and bellinis, one, and one side.
The Roof at Viceroy (124 West 57th Street, Manhattan)
If owning the air rights to maintain the view doesn't impress you much, then maybe the view itself will. The vastness of Central Park can only be seen from the tip-top of the Viceroy hotel.
The view is best observed with a Veuve Cliquot Spritz - you've got a job, you've earned it!
Nicoletta (160 2nd Avenue, Manhattan)
Spicy. Honey. Chili. Glazed. Wings.
Nicoletta is the perfect spot to split a pizza and do some people watching in the frenetic city. Expect a super chill time with food by a Michelin starred chef.
Flex Mussels (154 West 13th Street, Manhattan)
Go for the everything-bagel-donuts and stay for the bottomless cocktails. Their West Village location is in the basement of a brownstone but has a sweet front area for outdoor seating.
Boozy brunch is featured on weekends only and is an absolute must!
Westlight (111 N 12th Street, Brooklyn)
Arguably one of the best rooftops in Manhattan, Westlight features magnificently unobstructed views of Manhattan. Try the tempura bass buns, the kurobuta baby back ribs, and finish it off with a peanut butter bar with salted caramel ice cream; keep it light, keep it tight.
PRO TIP: Get there when they open or be prepared to wait in line.
Sauce (78 Rivington Street, Manhattan)
Sun’s out, pups are out!
Sauce is a family-style Italian restaurant is our new go-to LES spot. Their outdoor section is pet-friendly, their double garlic, garlic bread is prime time, and their chicken parm satisfies all the senses. Open on weekends for brunch, weekdays at 5, and Mondays are their special Amici day, inquire with Sauce for details - trust!
North River Lobster Co.(12th Avenue @ West 41st Street, Manhattan)
New York City's only floating lobster shack. With an amped-up menu (including the coveted Frozè), be sure to check the sailing schedule, so you don’t miss this party boat.
Refinery Rooftop (63 West 38th Street, Manhattan)
The awe-inspiring views of Refinery Rooftop will leave you breathless. To kick off rooftop season, Refinery is introducing a Spring Rosè menu, complete with a Sparkling Rosé cocktail, Wölffer Dry Rosé Cider on draft, or a Frozé Slushie!