Summer bar preview
Photo credit: Urbanite |
Hudson Terrace features a rooftop and an inside area. (Marie Claire Andrea)
By Alexis Korman
Sick of grabbing drinks on the same old rooftops, patios and terraces summer after summer? Well, these newbies can inject a little flair into your nightlife routine. From beer gardens to rooftop lounges, you’ll be sure to find a place to chill out — with a drink in hand — when the heat rises.
675 Hudson St., at 13th St., 212-699-2410
Located in the former Level V lounge space below the restaurant Vento, this latest drinking den in the Meatpacking District gives imbibers a chill space for summer drinking — and gaming — without requiring bottle service. Separate rooms offer familiar, unpretentious games such as foosball, Ms. Pacman, Jenga and billiards. Mixologist Eben Klemm serves up cocktails such as the Algerian Typist ($10), made with mezcal and harissa, while the kitchen turns out fun treats, including chocolate-covered bacon-and-prosciutto-wrapped hot pockets ($8 each). (Open)
710 Fulton St., at Greene Ave., Fort Greene (no phone yet)
This Fort Greene beer garden, named after a gothic cathedral in Cologne, Germany, is slated to offer beer and dishes from the region, along with a family-style atmosphere. “It’s going to be an authentic German beer garden,” said owner Dale Hall, who is Koelner (a person from Cologne). “Our waters, sodas and beers are all coming from Cologne.” The garden, run by Hall and his girlfriend, will feature 18 beers on tap, including Gaffel and Reissdorf — the only two brews currently available from the region. Though light snacks will be served upon opening, Hall projects that the kitchen will be ready to serve currywurst and other regional treats — all for less than $10 — in July. (Opening in late May)Entwine 765 Washington St., at W. 12th St., 212-727-8765
This antique looking, bi-level space will combine a backyard garden, petite bar and downstairs tasting room. Unique features include a state-of-the-art cuvinee cabinet for wine tastings (which keeps uncorked bottles fresh), a weekly sampling menu and brunch and tea in the garden. With throwback drinks like the gin-based Monkey’s Gland cocktail and rare spirits such as the Mediterranean raki, Entwine promises to give drinkers something new to talk about this summer. (Open)
621 W. 46th St, btwn 11th and 12th aves., 212-315-9400
Experience a bi-level party space that has a retractable roof. So even if there’s a summer storm, you can still sip your sangria and watch the gorgeous views of the Hudson from this roof deck’s oversized windows. In addition to a bar, the top level features lounging areas, a dance floor, cabana-side bartenders and a menu of gourmet snacks (such as nachos with caviar, $14) — along with daily drink and music specials. Inside, you’ll find burgundy banquettes, wood accents and a marble bar. (Open)
Ravel Hotel, 8-08 Queens Plaza South, btwn 9th St. and Vernon Blvd., 718-289-6101
Long Island City’s first luxury boutique hotel offers killer views of the Manhattan skyline from its Miami-themed, 6,000-square-foot rooftop lounge. “The Rooftop at Ravel is a venue with endless possibilities,” said owner Ravi Patel. We agree, since the space offers creative cocktails (The blueberry mojito, $12, is our personal fave), a banging sound system and a rotating list of DJs and live music acts. Daily specials include movies on Mondays and a prfoessional cigar roller on Tuesdays. (Open)
The Second Floor Bar at The Cooper Square Hotel
25 Cooper Sq., btwn 5th and 6th sts., 212-475-5700
The sleek, minimalist Second Floor Bar at the Cooper Square Hotel features light-wood floors, floor-to-ceiling glass, modern leather banquettes and book-lined shelves (courtesy of Housing Works). The lush, 50-seat terrace is the perfect venue for sipping classy cocktails, which complement a new lounge menu (burger, short-rib grilled cheese) from Chef Govind Armstrong’s Table 8 (also at the hotel). (Open)
35-33 36th St., at 35th Ave., Long Island City, 718-383-1001
Giving Bohemian Beer Hall a run for its money, this 30,000-square-foot beer garden features a self-serve, cash-only menu ($8 for everything but $3 for sides), with grilled Bratwurst, burgers and chicken kebabs, along with nearly 20 beers on draft (including German suds such as Spaten and Fransiskaner). For those who prefer fruitier drinks, the sangria ($6/glass) is served from a custom-made tap system, said co-owner Steven Tallides. “The house made sangria is a big hit,” he said. The open-air space also offers communal picnic tables, an iron fire pit and a cobblestone courtyard. There’s also an indoor bar in case the sun — and sauerkraut — get to be too much. (Open)
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