A modest park in Bushwick, Maria Hernandez has a dog run, track and basketball courts…and is near a group of eccentric little bars. Take advantage of the sun and hang here for the brief period of time that the park’s size allows and then head to one of them for a refreshing cocktail or brew.

A low-key bar where you can actually party if you stay at the park ‘til dark on a long, summer day, Tandem offers strobe lights and regular DJ sets. The bar snacks are surprisingly healthy, including pickled vegetables and brussel sprouts. (236 Troutman St.; 718-386-2369)

This bar—as all bars should—truly emphasizes good alcohol. It’s worth the whole four-block walk from the park if you’re looking to drink wine because it will be better than elsewhere in the area. (24 St. Nicholas Ave.;347-305-3344)  

This café/bar serves brunch every day, so if you decide to play hooky in the middle of the week or don’t work on weekdays, you can go here for a leisurely breakfast and then spend the afternoon in the park nearby. (24 Irving Ave.; 718-821-8806)

One of those many Bushwick area bars that looks like it maybe used to be a warehouse, The Johnson’s now has décor that makes up for its humble, less-than-kitsch origins. You’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time to the 60s, and the cocktails aren’t half bad. (369 Troutman St.; 718-417-7100)

If the ambiance you’re going for is Victorian kitsch, Lot 45 is your spot. A variety of cheap-looking chandeliers and furniture that surprisingly matches accompanies tasty cocktails for $10 a pop. (411 Troutman St.; 347-505-9155)

Montana’s Trail House
The “late night” food menu includes sausage corn dogs, fried pickles and a buddy dog, which is a corn dog and Budweiser worth $8. That’s definitely not. The Switchel cocktails, on the other hand, may or may not be. (455 Troutman St.; 917-966-1666)