Located near so many trains, Bryant Park marks a great summer day destination. Whether you work around there (it’s not unlikely that you do) or want a place to sit and relax after doing some shopping, the park offers plenty of seating, lawn games, and even hosts some cool events, like the weekly Monday movie nights.

 

Come to Bryant Park for all that, but then stick around the area for some great booze. You can either stay in the park to imbibe, or migrate to one of the area’s many swanky hotels.

 

This option lets you remain at the park while getting your drink on. It may be tough to snag a table in the summertime, but if you can manage to get there during a weekday, you should be fine. Naturally, happy hour is crowded, but for good reason, and drinks like frozen Margaritas are always worth the purchase. (476 5th Ave.; 212-944-8215)

If you’re going to do boozy brunch at the park, Bryant Park Grill is your best bet—and it also, of course, keeps you right in the park. Brunch specials consist of solid breakfast food, and the typical brunch drinks are well made. (25 W 40th St.; 212-840-6500)

With a classy vibe and cocktails made by people who know how to make cocktails, you can’t go wrong at this hotel bar. The long cocktail list lacks gimmicks and doesn’t skimp on the high-end alcohol. (The Iroquois Hotel, 49 W 44th St.; 212-453-4287)

Jimmy’s Corner

Moving closer to the dreaded Times Square, Jimmy’s Corner isn’t too far removed to prevent you from making the trek from Bryant Park. Definitely one of the cheapest bars you’ll find in the vicinity, Jimmy’s kind of gimmicky décor and jukebox makes it a top nearby dive choice. (140 W 44th St.; 212-221-9510)

The expectedly expensive but extensive bar menu has enough to please any picky drinking companion, and sitting at the polished wooden tables will make this feel like an extra special experience. (Andaz 5th Avenue Hotel, 485 5th Ave.; 212-601-1234)

M Bar
Knocking roughly one dollar off the price of drinks you’ll find in most neighboring hotels, M Bar, too, manages to cover all the alcoholic bases and provide an atmosphere that will make you feel as if you can afford to stay at the hotel itself. You can sit and enjoy a Johnnie Walker Blue for $36 or order a Sam Adams for $7. (The Mansfield Hotel, 12 W 44th St.; 212-277-8700)