Outdoor Bars

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Updated: August 21, 2009

From sky-high rooftops to swanky backyard patios, we've got New York’s breeziest bars for whiling away the evening--or getting wild until the wee hours of the morning. Bask in the sun with a brew by day or lounge beneath the moon with a cocktail by night; either way, say hello to summer at these top spots for alfresco boozing. (Photo: Empire Hotel Rooftop)

On this page:Upscale Outdoors, Relaxed Outdoors.

Upscale Outdoors

  1. 1 3 Star Rating: Average 230 Fifth
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    230 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10001 (map)

    This sprawling rooftop hot spot brings outdoor boozing to new heights--literally. Located high above Madison Square Park, it’s a go-to destination for city views and tasty booze.

  2. 2 3 Star Rating: Average Ava Penthouse Lounge
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    210 W 55th St (Penthouse), New York, NY 10019 (map)

    The bi-level lounge atop the Dream Hotel overlooks the “Late Show” studios and offers sweeping views of midtown.

  3. 3 3 Star Rating: Average Gramercy Park Hotel by Ian Schrager
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    2 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10010 (map)

    The lush, exquisite rooftop lounge at the Gramercy Park Hotel boasts a retractable roof and hard-to-bypass exclusivity measures: The only way in is with a designated key card that operates the elevator.

  4. 4 3.5 Star Rating: Average HighBar NYC
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    251 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036 (map)

    This aptly named penthouse bar in midtown is outfitted with sleek wooden furniture and comfy canopied daybeds. It’s also rain-friendly, thanks to a separate enclosed space with a retractable roof.

  5. 5 3.5 Star Rating: Average Hudson Terrace
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    621 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036 (map)

    The owners of the Village Pourhouse and SideBar switch it up at this high-brow midtown bar and lounge that offers panoramic views of the Hudson and classy cocktails to boot.

  6. 6 3 Star Rating: Average The Empire Hotel Rooftop Bar and Lounge
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    44 W 63rd St, New York, NY 10023 (map)

    Directly underneath the iconic red neon Empire Hotel sign stands this 8,000-square-foot deck where beautiful people sip delicious (and expensive) cocktails and take in the view--which overlooks Columbus Circle, Lincoln Center and the Hudson River, depending on where you're standing.

  7. 7 3 Star Rating: Average The Park
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    118 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011 (map)

    An oldie but a goodie, this Chelsea resto morphs into a full-scale lounge by night, when DJs take over the tropical patio roof deck.

Relaxed Outdoors

  1. 8 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended East River
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    97 S 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211 (map)

    Billyburg’s go-to dive bar features cheap drinks, video games, and a smoker-friendly backyard with BYO barbecue.

  2. 9 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Frying Pan
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    63 Chelsea Piers, New York, NY 10011 (map)

    It doesn’t get much more outdoors than a boat, and that’s exactly what the Frying Pan is: a boozy outdoor bar situated on a boat that’s permanently docked in the Hudson River at Chelsea Piers.

  3. 10 4 Star Rating: Recommended The Heights Bar and Grill
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    2867 Broadway, 2nd Fl, New York, NY 10025 (map)

    Just a stone’s throw from Columbia University sits this bi-level bar and grill with wallet-friendly prices and an outdoor space with retractable roof.

  4. 11 3.5 Star Rating: Average Zum Schneider
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    107 Ave C, New York, NY 10009 (map)

    You may have to wait for a table at this uber-popular German-Bavarian beer garden in Alphabet City, but after your second liter of Hofbrauhaus Munchen, all will be forgiven.

  5. 12 3.5 Star Rating: Average Radegast Hall & Beer Garden
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    113 N. 3rd St, Brooklyn, NY 11211 (map)

    This Austro-Hungarian spot attracts crowds of Williamsburgers and Manhattanites alike, thanks to dirndl-clad barmaids, a massive heated beer garden and meat-centric munchies.

  6. 13 2.5 Star Rating: Below Average Harry's At Water Taxi Beach
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    2-01 Borden Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101 (map)

    Beach bar party along the East River. 'Nuff said.

  7. 14 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden
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    29-19 24th Ave, Astoria, NY 11102 (map)

    Sausage and mugs of Hefeweizen to wash it down at a picnic table-packed landmark in Astoria.

  8. 15 3 Star Rating: Average d.b.a.
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    41 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003 (map)

    Arrive early to snag a seat on the large, lovely patio with a gravel-lined garden at this East Village mecca of beer.

  9. 16 3 Star Rating: Average Delancey Lounge
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    168 Delancey St, New York, NY 10002 (map)

    The preferred outdoor destination for Lower East Side hipsters boasts a sprawling rooftop patio that’s open year-round.

  10. 17 3.5 Star Rating: Average Franklin Park
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    618 St. John's Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11238 (map)

    A former automotive garage transforms into a breezy beer garden stocked with a dozen microbrews and a cask ale or two.