NYC's 10 Best Summer Happy Hour & Drinking Events 2013
There's something about summer in the city that brings out the booze lover in almost all of us. New York is filled with bars, rooftop restaurants and happy hour menus -- but we've scoped out some of our favorite digs for drinking this summer. Cheers to great specials and events at these New York City bars. By Sarah Shaker.
More: NYC's 13 Best Rooftop Bars & Lounges
The beautiful rooftop garden bar on top of the McKittrick Hotel, home of the hit off-Broadway show "Sleep No More," has a happy hour running Monday through Thursday, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Drink specials at Gallow Green vary each night with a signature cocktail offered at $8, wines for $7 and $6 beers. There are also rotating food specials nightly. Overlooking the High Line, Chelsea and the Hudson River while enjoying your drink makes for a wonderful summer evening.
Rare View Rooftop
152 West 26th Street (23rd Floor)
New York, NY 10001
(212) 807-7273
rarebarandgrill.com
For city residents looking for a day of fun in the sun -- you don't have to hop on the LIRR or NJ Transit trains and find a beach. Instead, take the elevator up to to the rooftop at Rare, a chic yet casual drinking locale with breathtaking views of the city skyline. Every Saturday and Sunday this summer, the rooftop hot spot is firing up the grills and hosting a barbecue complete with burgers, lobster rolls and dangerously strong cocktails. With surging beats in the background -- everything from top 40 hits to throwback favorites -- your day at the bar will feel more like a day of vacation.
At Terroir's newest location in Park Slope, sherry is only $2.50 a glass before 7 p.m., select wines are $7 and Brooklyn Brewery Dry Irish Stout is $5 during happy hour. There are also food specials from 4 - 7 p.m. available: From paninis to charcuterie and cheese plates, there's a long menu of delicious dishes to pair with your wine selection.
Studio Square
35-33 36th Street
Long Island City, NY 11106
(718) 383-1001
studiosquarenyc.com
There are all sorts of fun happenings taking place at this summer hot spot all season long. Monday through Friday from noon until 7 p.m. is "Double for Nothing" -- double your drink at no extra cost. For the ladies, "Girl's Night Out" at Studio Square takes place every Wednesday from noon to close: Women receive $4 beer/wine/sangria, along with Studio Square Specialty cocktails and mixed drinks. What's more, all day, every day, NYPD/FDNY/EMT & all other city and government officials get 20 percent off drinks when they show their government/city ID.
The Taco Shop
166 West 4th Street
NY, NY 10014
(212) 675-1955
thetacoshopny.com
This authentic taqueria in the West Village boasts an awesome happy hour: $12 for three tacos and a margarita. The restaurant prides itself on bringing true taco culture to the Big Apple, serving organic margaritas and Mexican-only soda and beers. Bonus: Everything on their menu, with the exception of the fish, is gluten-free. The menu includes the Beef Barbacoa Taco, Baja Fish Taco and Pork Belly Tacos.
For those looking for great oyster happy hours there's a new one happening at Lexington Brass worth checking out. Try their "Bubbles & Brews For Two" with your choice of house sparkling or specialty beer on tap with a dozen oysters (East and West Coast) for $30. This deal is available Monday-Friday from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Joe Allen Restaurant is kicking off their "After Theater Cocktail Hour" for the summer. Unlike most happy hours, this one has a later start -- it begins at 9:30 p.m. and runs until 11:30 p.m., providing the perfect after-work discount for those working in theater and their fans. Sit by the bar to enjoy a long menu of $9 classic cocktails including The Cosmopolitan, Daiquiri and Last Word (Gin, Green Chartreuse, Luxardo Maraschino, and lime juice). There's also $7 draft beers and a few special menu items discounted to enjoy with your libations.
The Windsor Gansevoort Park has launched Wednesday Karoake Nights for the summer. The high end sports bar will be offering 2 for 1 shots for all singers and 1/2 off wine and prosecco starting at 9 p.m. Guests can also enjoy gourmet comfort food for sharing including Sliders, Tuna Tartar with Wonton Chips and Pizza with Caramelized Onions, Gruyere Cheese and Truffle Oil.
The Upper East Side eatery Crown will be offering delicious seasonal menu items from Chef John DeLucie for $10 on Monday through Friday from 5 pm to 7 pm. Dishes include Grilled Spanish Octopus with tomato sauce, potatoes, herbs and lime pickled onions and Lamb Shank Fettuccine made with olives, roasted tomatoes and gremolata. To imbibe, there are $10 wine and cocktail specials. Choose from a variety of red and white Italian and French wines, as well as seasonal cocktails from head mixologist Ben Scorah.
Abe & Arthur's is offering a special Sunset Menu this summer on Tuesday-Saturdays from 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m., which offers a complimentary pitcher of red or white sangria with the purchase of three shareable plates such as Tuna Tartar, Grilled Octopus, Black Angus Sliders, Lobster Corn Cakes, Chopped Salad, Mac & Cheese and Whole Cauliflower.
Sarah Shaker is the founder of the blog Bright Lights, My City.
