Most New Yorkers follow a simple seasonal pattern – spend all of fall and winter moping around inside, and when the hot weather starts to make the outdoors bearable, it’s finally time to spend every waking moment enjoying it. From brunch to happy hour, casual dinners to a night out, the summer is really the only chance for New Yorkers to take advantage of the outdoor bars in New York City. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of our favorite outdoor bars in NYC to compliment our list of top rooftop bars. Head out, drink up and don’t be surprised if you see us getting our tan on with a margarita in hand at one of these New York City outdoor bars.
Top Outdoor Bar in NYC: The Delancey
168 Delancey Street
New York, NY 10002
The air of this place is a rare combination for New York City, making this Lower East Side rock-bar-meets-surf-shack a gem in our opinion. Wooden floors and palm trees give off a beachy vibe, while the hip tattooed clientele (and distance to the Williamsburg bridge) remind us that this is NYC – and the part of NYC that we love for its easygoing, anything goes attitude. Whether it’s night time debauchery or a happy hour buzz you seek, The Delancey caters to all types of drinkers, as long as it’s fun and a summery outdoor bar scene you’re after.
Top Outdoor Bar in NYC: B Bar & Grill
40 E 4th Street
New York, NY 10003
Despite having its popularity peak in the ‘90s, this former gas station’s impressive 3,000-square-foot garden is a perennial classic. Past the fifties diner booths, rows of circular tables and wooden chairs give way to the great outdoors beginning this time of year. Should there be a sudden cold snap, rest assured you can enjoy your Strawberry Martini in the comfort of a readily heated and enclosed space... but we guarantee you won't want to leave this unpretentious outdoor scene, equipped with trees, strands of christmas lights, and heat lamps for that occasional chilly night.
Top Outdoor Bar in NYC: Frying Pan
63 Chelsea Piers
New York, NY 10011
On a hot Saturday afternoon, you can bet you’ll find what looks like half of New York City aboard this 1929 lightship-turned-dive bar at Chelsea Piers. If you thought the nautical theme was only trendy as far as clothing goes this season, think again. The ship is not only packed with daytime drinkers looking to soak up some sun on the Hudson, but there's also a DJ booth, a tiki bar and and a grill serving up burgers, dogs and other finger-licking summer foods to help reel in the herds and round out this space for a solid outdoor drinking scene.
Top Outdoor Bar in NYC: Studio Square
35-33 36th Street
Astoria, NY 11106
Studio Square (often referred to as the "new" beer garden in Astoria) has caused quite an uprise from loyal fans of the Bohemian Beer Gardens, but after establishing itself as a completely different scene, Studio Square has earned its spot on the streets of Astoria. It's a simple concept, really: long picnic tables and pitchers of exotic beers. And supplemented by flip cup, board games, flat screen TVs and a new sushi menu, there's arguably no better way to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon in NYC.
Top Outdoor Bar in NYC: Sweet & Vicious
5 Spring Street
New York, NY 10012
Plenty of dark wood and exposed brick walls give this warehouse-like space warmth and a homey feel, but if you’re looking for more light than Turkish-inspired chandeliers and scattered votives afford, head to the trellised back garden for plenty of the natural variety. Come nightfall, grab a candlelit nook outside for some much needed respite from the late-night crowds.