Who else is excited that summer is officially here?! In honor of the season, here’s my insider’s guide to the best places to eat and drink outdoors in NYC. These are some of my favorite spots to hang out with friends, enjoy the view and revel in the summer weather. Whether you’re looking for a rooftop for sunset cocktails, a romantic garden for a date, or a gathering place for a big group of friends, I’ve got you covered. Just remember to bring your sunglasses!

My Favorite Summertime Spots in NYC

Rooftop Bars & Restaurants

When the temperature rises, there is no shortage of places to eat and drink outdoors in NYC. And that includes some pretty stellar rooftop venues. At the top of my list is Lemon’s, the rooftop bar at the Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. This spot is one of the original rooftop bars in this popular Brooklyn nabe, known for its partylike atmosphere. I love it because of the picture-perfect views of the NYC skyline.

If you’re looking for a more dressed up and trendy atmosphere, head a few blocks south to the William Vale Hotel. The rooftop bar, Westlight, offers panoramic skyline views from a terrace and glassed-in lounge.

Also on Wythe Street in Williamsburg, you also have two more hotel rooftop bars to choose from. Not to be missed is the Water Tower Bar at the Williamsburg Hotel, (Yes, the bar is literally in a large water tower). The hotel also boasts a pool, so it’s the place to go if you have day drinking in mind. Across the street is Summerly, a restaurant/ bar at the Hoxton. (Personally, though, I prefer the Hoxton in the wintertime, when you can cozy up with a good book by the fireplace in the lobby.)

A relative newcomer to the rooftop scene, Mr. Purple is a fun, lively spot to meet up with a group of friends for cocktails and light bites. With commanding views and great people-watching, I promise you won’t be bored! This posh rooftop bar is located on the 15^th floor of the Hotel Indigo on the Lower East Side in Manhattan. Make a reservation in advance if you want to snag a table, and on warm summer days, bring your suit for a dip in the pool.

Another rooftop restaurant I love is Gallow Green at the McKittrick Hotel, in West Chelsea. This rooftop has no view to speak of, but the lush garden and festive lighting create the perfect atmosphere for sipping a rosé or an Aperol Spritz. It’s a great meeting spot for a group of friends or a date.

Two places in the Meatpacking District that are on my list are Le Bain and Catch. Le Bain is located at the top of the Standard Hotel and has some of the best views of the Hudson River. It’s a hang-out for the club kids for sure, but it’s hard not to get wrapped up in their revelry. While a DJ spins tunes and the sun sets over the Hudson, you can’t really ask for more! Catch, a few blocks down from Le Bain, is like a sophisticated, older cousin to Le Bain. A restaurant with an outstanding (and pricey) menu, Catch’s rooftop is a respite from the noisy crowds below.

Romantic Outdoor Gardens

Olmsted restaurant, located in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn is worth visiting year-round. The food is inventive and delicious. It’s the kind of place where you need to make a reservation at least a month in advance, but it’s worth the wait. And in the summertime, their outdoor garden is the perfect oasis from the hot and steamy sidewalks of the city. It’s definitely at the top of my list for a romantic date.

Hudson Clearwater is hard to find if you don’t know what to look for. Located behind a non-descript, green metal door, this West Village gem is the perfect spot to bring a date. While the outdoor space is more of a patio than a garden, the secretive speakeasy vibe is all you need to conjure up some romance. Another restaurant with a lovely outdoor space is Frankie’s Sputino in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. This is a true locals’ spot, frequented by people in the neighborhood. My husband and I have spent many an afternoon sipping wine and eating antipasti in this outdoor oasis.

Great for Groups

Brooklyn Crab has been a mainstay in the neighborhood of Red Hook since 2012. This tri-level seafood shack with outdoor seating and water views is the perfect place to gather with a large group of friends in the summertime. The restaurant serves up fresh and sustainable seafood from up and down the Atlantic coast. Grab a cocktail and play a game of Cornhole while you wait for your table. And be warned, with an abundant number of crab options on the menu, the biggest challenge will be deciding what to eat!

Pig Beach, located in Gowanus, Brooklyn is a fun summertime option. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon with family and friends. Grab one of the many picnic tables in the large, outdoor yard and feast on BBQ and craft cocktails. They recently expanded the menu and have vegetarian options as well. The place is also very kid and dog-friendly, a huge plus for my husband and me since we love to bring our dog, Archie, everywhere with us.

Brooklyn Barge is one of the more unique outdoor spots in NYC. Literally located on a barge in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, this waterfront bar and eatery is a fun, low-key spot with casual summer food, including burgers, hot-dogs, shrimp skewers and more. Bohemian Hall, located in Astoria, Queens, is the oldest beer garden in NYC. It’s also still one of the most popular. With a huge selection of Czech and craft beers, along with a full menu of grilled fare, it’s another great venue for a big group of friends.

Now I want to hear from you. Where are your favorite places to eat and drink outdoors in NYC? I love to check out new local spots, so please send me recommendations. And if you’re looking for more things to do in NYC, check out my neighborhood guides.

Happy summer everyone!