With no shortage of rooftop bars in the city, one might be tempted to seek out the heights whenever a glorious day of outdoor drinking and dining is on the agenda. But the sky is not necessarily the limit.
The Big Apple’s miles of waterfront, not to mention the occasional courtyard set right smack in the middle of Midtown, make for some seriously refreshing real estate. Here’s a selection of the best the city has to offer.
Water Taxi Beach
South Street at Fulton Street
What it is: A fixture in Long Island City since it opened in 2004, the city’s second fake beach is now open on the north side of Pier 17. With 300 tons of sand, along with plastic palm trees and picnic tables, it’s as close to beachfront drinking as you’re likely to get in lower Manhattan.
What you’ll see: As countless tourists have discovered, the South Street Seaport offers a killer view of the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges.
What you’ll drink and eat: $6 is the magic number here, and will buy you either fish tacos, a burger, wings or a beer.
Hours and directions at: watertaxibeach.com
Palace Gate
Courtyard at the New York Palace hotel, 455 Madison Ave., at 50th Street
What it is: Sheltered from the bustle of Madison Avenue by the wrought iron gates of the iconic Palace hotel, Palace Gate is a courtyard bar catering to an upscale cocktail crowd. Trees strung with white Christmas lights add a festive atmosphere to the Old World charm of this classy courtyard.
What you’ll see: An angelic view of St. Patrick’s Cathedral behind the bustle of Madison Avenue.
What you’ll eat and drink: From the two-Michelin-star chefs at Gilt inside the hotel, a sumptuous bar menu includes suckling-pig tacos ($14) and truffle fries ($12). Palace Punch ($20) is mixed daily.
Hours and directions at: palacegatenyc.com
The Frying Pan
Pier 66, 26th Street at West Side Highway
What it is: Among the most unique waterfront spots in town, the Frying Pan is an old lighthouse ship that was pulled from the bottom of the sea and towed to the Big Apple. Guests can grab food and drinks at the adjoining Pier 66, and then climb aboard to lounge above deck, where signs proclaim “Smoking Permitted.”
What you’ll see: Hit the top deck for great views of the West Side and, yup, Jersey.
What you’ll eat and drink: A bucket of six Coronas is only $28, while the house specialty white sangria goes for $7 a glass or $32 a pitcher. A full seafood menu includes steamed clams ($14) and Maine lobster ($24).
Hours and directions:
pier66maritime.com
BKLYN Yard
388-400 Carroll St., Brooklyn, at the Gowanus Canal
What it is: As the name suggests, this is a large yard on the banks of the post-industrial Gowanus Canal. What the Yard lacks in amenities, it makes up for with a killer cast of traveling parties and deejays. Foremost among them is the Sunday Best series, which brings in international DJ talent to play for a high-energy crowd of party people every Sunday from 3 to 9 p.m.
What you’ll see: A wide-open space populated with trees, chairs and a dance floor. Kids and dogs are welcome!
What you’ll eat and drink: Depending on the day, food choices range from fresh-made tacos ($3) to vegan empanadas ($3). The bar sells $5 beers, and “Love Girl” dispenses her signature brand of spiked fruit smoothies for $5.
Hours and directions: bklynyard.com
Stone Rose Lounge
10 Columbus Circle, 4th floor
What it is: A swank lounge atop Columbus Circle, without any of the noise or traffic.
What you’ll see: The Stone Rose offers panoramic views of Central Park. The interior isn’t too shabby, either, with plush seating and an upscale crowd that’s awfully easy on the eyes.
What you’ll eat and drink: Befitting pricey cocktails such as The Stone Rose a bourbon and Grand Marnier blend ($16) the bar menu includes a warm brie and caramelized pear crostini ($9) and Kobe beef skewers ($17).
Hours and directions:
gerberbars.com
Ruby’s Old Tyme Bar and Grill
1213 Boardwalk West, Brooklyn, at Stillwell Avenue
What it is: First opened in 1934, Ruby’s is the classic Coney Island boardwalk bar, filled with beach memorabilia.
What you’ll see: All the freaks and beauties that make Coney Island famous are on full display, not to mention the, you know, Atlantic Ocean.
What you’ll eat and drink: Beer for $5 is the big seller, used liberally to wash down Ruby’s best-selling hot and sweet sausages ($6) and baskets of jumbo fried shrimp ($7).
Hours and directions: 718-372-9079
Boat Basin Cafe
West 79th Street at the Hudson River
What it is: A full bar and restaurant hidden under the West Side Highway with a relaxed and friendly vibe.
What you’ll see: Patio seating overlooks the docks of the boat basin and the pedestrian-bike path. So in addition to great river views, the people-watching is endless.
What you’ll eat and drink: Electric lemonade made with vodka is a popular choice on hot days and goes for $8 a glass or $34 a pitcher. The menu includes full entrees like grilled tuna with wasabi sauce ($20).
Hours and directions: boatbasincafe.com