Alas (sigh) the sands of summertime are rapidly sliding through our fingertips. How is it that January – March always seem to last an eternity but June – August are gone in the blink of an eye? Well, now that summer days and nights are numbered, here are a few spots that you definitely should hit while the weather still calls for showing some skin. You should also make sure and drink on rooftops and bars on the water while there is still a chance.
The semi-silver lining is that fall doesn’t technically start until the autumnal equinox on September 23 at 4:21 A.M. (ET), I mean just saying … let’s drink!
North River Lobster Co.
Set sail around the city on a floating lobster shack! North River Lobster Co. actually takes you on a sail (about 45-min) around the city as you enjoy mason jar cocktails like the Lifesaver or Aquaholic as well as sangria, wines and buckets of beer. And of course, there is seafood – lobster rolls, lobster tacos and whole lobsters along with a slew of other seafood and raw bar options along with typical burgers and bar fare.
There is no entry fee to get on the boat and set sail, and the prices are actually very reasonable given the experience. There is also live music some nights, sailings start at 12:30pm and end at 9pm with additional sailings on weekends. Check their website for details.
Ellington in the Park
If you are a fan of the NYC classic, The Boat Basin, then you will certainly like Ellington Park. A tad bit further north at West 106th Street on the Hudson River and the top level bar is super dope because it is made out of a repurposed shipping container. They were able to creatively utilized the shipping container. If you’re interested to know how they did it effectively, learn more here.
It the super casual lower level has volleyball and softball adjacent with both levels serving typical bar food from burgers to hot dogs & sandwiches. Themed cocktails include cocktails like the Park & Stormy and the Henry Hudson 1/2 and 1/2 with beer, wine & frozen drinks (yum) available. Ellington in the Park is open 11AM to 11PM on weekdays and 8AM to 11PM on weekends.
The Central Park Boathouse
This iconic Manhattan landmark epitomizes classic New York elegance. Situated on the boating lake in Central Park, the structure for this urban oasis was built in 1872 and turned the picturesque restaurant and bar in 1954. Although it is open year-round, the summer is when to best sit at the seasonal outside bar and sip on an Aperol Spritz or Bellini by the lake while swans and romantic boats glide by.
Of course, you can splurge on brunch, lunch or dinner by the water in the restaurant, just beware that it comes with a price tag. We suggest cocktails at the full bar to get the stunningly posh experience and let the liquids fuel you. Open daily from 12PM – 9:30PM.
Forrest Point
Bushwick is home to so much freaking cool stuff – street art, style, and of course, food & drink. Forrest Point has long been on our radar for its incredible reputation for having some of the very best milk punches in NYC and their banging off the menu burgers and cast-iron s’mores. But the real attraction to Forrest Point is the outdoor patio garden with vines and swings that is set in super cool custom artwork that changes with local well-known and up & coming artist installations.
The patio is open seasonally for you to enjoy Oslo Coffee in the morning, lunch and brunch, or chill in the evening over one of their famous milk punches or one of their other great craft cocktails. Open weekdays from 8AM – 4AM, Saturdays 11AM – 4AM & Sundays 11AM – 2AM.
Le District
Be transported to France with this newcomer to Battery Park City. Located inside the new Brookfeld Place mall (yup, a real fancy mall in Manhattan), Le District is kind of like the French version of Eataly with varied markets along with dining & drinking venues. We suggest snagging a table outside of Beaubourg with gorgeous views of the Hudson River to sip rosé while gazing on Lady Liberty as you watch the boats and buzz of the city pass you by.
Pier I Cafe – 500 W 70th Street at Riverside Park
This outdoor cafe along the Hudson River is the perfect place to sip by the water and watch the sunset. You can enjoy bottles of rosé, fresh blueberry lemonade, cocktails or sangria and munch on items like Pat LaFrieda Burgers and Mahi Tacos.
Prices are super approachable but keep in mind that this is counter-service, so you need to bus for yourself. Still a great casual spot to enjoy some of the best views in NYC. Open Sun – Thurs from 8AM – 12AM and Fri – Sat from 8AM to 12:30AM.
Gallow Green
Atop the roof of The McKittrick Hotel
Surrounded by lush green vines, flowers, plants, and with train tracks and vintage train cars for dining, this truly is a one of a kind outdoor setting. We suggest going for there boozy jazz brunch on the weekends to get your last licks of sunshine while sipping mimosas to make you feel like you are in a fairy tale.
McCarren Hotel & Pool
If you missed out on European vacations and Hamptons weekends, have no fear, you can head over to Williamsburg to have a mini-staycation. At the trendy & hip McCarren Hotel & Pool, you can purchase a day-pass to pool and enjoy being pampered for the day with servings bringing you cocktails while you lounge and take dips in their salt water pool.
After you towel off, head upstairs to Xanadu on the 8th floor and enjoy views of the NYC skyline and craft cocktails, wine, beer or cider and hang with the sexy crowd.
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