As soon as warm weather hits New York City, outdoor drinking season kicks into high gear. Rooftops, boardwalks and the tiniest of back gardens fill up with enthusiastic drinkers ready to toast the return of sunny days. Check out our list of the City's best seaside haunts, rooftop perches, floating bars and picturesque backyards for alfresco refreshment, and then make the most of beautiful weather while getting your drink on.On a roof Considering NYC's famous skyline, it's no surprise that we have an ample supply of rooftop bars. In the warmer months, these spots are ideal settings for sipping while soaking up the sun and taking in the sights.Top-floor picks: In Midtown, has wraparound views thanks to a swank outdoor terrace, while the r is an art-filled perch overlooking lush Central Park. The Freehand Hotel's serves refreshing tropical drinks year-round, but summertime sun on the roof-deck gives the bar extra-beachy vibes.In a parkLounging in the park is how New Yorkers experience the great outdoors—preferably with drinks in hand. This outdoor version just happens to include a bar; we won't judge if the bar within the park was more your destination than the park itself.Pseudo-picnic spots: Central Park's is a classic setting for refreshments after a stroll or boat ride, as is the open-air , nestled in Riverside Park facing the Hudson River. On a boatDrinking on a boat is a relaxing way to take in majestic views of the City and its rivers while embracing the warm weather.Maritime state of mind: Board the if you fancy a drink on a floating boat. You'll take a scenic ride out to this barge stationed in the New York Harbor, where an upper deck lounge and drinks served in plastic cups await. and , two buoyant bars in Brooklyn, provide all the atmosphere of a boat trip without the commitment of actually leaving the dock. On a pierFor those of us who prefer to drink on solid ground, seaside watering holes are a great alternative to boîtes on boats. Plus, these bars still offer striking views, seafaring vibes and ocean breezes.Cheers to piers: Hudson River hangout serves up beer, sangria and cocktails to guests at one of its many umbrella-covered tables, often with live music playing in the background. A few nautical miles down the river, spread out in 's expansive wine garden or on its rooftop lounge while sampling from 15 or so wines on tap.At the beachWho says your beach day can't double as your bar day? At these summery spots you can tackle both. Just make sure to keep the sun (and sunscreen) on your face and the sand out of your drink.Ocean-adjacent destinations: Visitors to the Rockaways can rely on the for a refreshing break from sunbathing. The boardwalk bar serves twisted tea, sangria and buckets of ice-cold beer. Coney Island's boardwalk has been home to since 1972; its no-nonsense specialty is cold beer in plastic cups. Though it's not actually on the beach, brings beach vibes to Williamsburg via its sand-covered back patio and umbrella-topped tiki drinks.On an islandWhile most of NYC is technically an island destination (the Bronx is the lone borough connected to the mainland), Governors Island has a distinct vacation-spot feel thanks to its lush green spaces and waterfront views. Come May 1, this warm-weather destination is accessible by ferry from Lower Manhattan or Brooklyn Bridge Park.Governors Island getaways: Island fixture is a centrally located beer garden, with plenty of picnic tables, beer cans and fresh fruit cocktails to go around. , a 2017 addition, is a tropical-themed bar and oyster restaurant overlooking New York Harbor and Lower Manhattan. Beer, wine and cocktails, like the Fair Winds (vodka, lime, fassionola, orgeat and seltzer), are on hand and ready to refresh.In a backyardFinally: spacious terraces, charming patios and secret gardens of all sorts. These are some of the most common settings for outdoor drinking in the City, beloved by locals—and anyone else who can appreciate the luxury of a backyard in the NYC real estate market.Back-of-the-bar oases: There's plenty of room to spread out in the sun at Gowanus' —a 1,600-square-foot patio complete with ivy vines, picnic tables and string lights. Over in Queens, is a favorite outdoor hangout thanks to a beachy color scheme, tree-covered seating area and small food-truck menu that accompanies the full bar. Soho's is one big rainforest-like backyard with enough palm fronds and plants to feel like Tulum, Mexico—even when the open-air bar is just steps from bustling, distinctly NYC Canal Street. You'll want to stay a while in the secluded outdoor space at Thai restaurant . It's got lounge chairs for sipping cocktails and homey tables for enjoying full meals, plus photogenic foliage and twinkle lights for photo ops—so take all the time you need.
