Cool Down at These Summertime Pop-Up Bars in NYC

by Jessica Klein on Jun 1, 2016 in Roundups

Even though summer in the city means nearly constant 85-degree weather, New Yorkers flock to outdoor bars and eateries. The novelty of eating outside cancels out the misery of the heat, so if novelty is what you’re looking for this summer season, check out some of the following spots that open only for these warmest of months.

Haven Rooftop
Having just opened up for the summer, Haven sort of provides what it name promises in the center of Times Square—you’re high enough above the tourist-filled crowds to actually appreciate being in one of the worst parts of the city. It’s located at the top of Sanctuary Hotel. (132 W 47th St.; 212-466-9000)

Located in Dream Downtown, the beach actually has a sandy bottom (well, at least underneath some of the lounge chairs), a pool, a bar, and food service. You can indeed spend a summer day there even if you’re not a hotel guest, and it’s a worthwhile, if rare, escape. (355 W 16th St.; 212-229-2559)

Smorgasburg
Located by the East River in North Williamsburg, Smorgasburg brings a mess of food and drink vendors to this weekend destination neighborhood “rain or shine.” You’ll certainly be able to find something to drink as you wander amidst the various food stands, and it will definitely be something geared towards getting you through another stiflingly hot summer day in the city. Smorgasburg is open on Saturdays from 11am to 6pm. (East River State Park, 90 Kent Avenue)

McCarren Pool
Maybe, just maybe, you can sneak into this oasis of a pool by McCarren Park by pretending to be a guest of the McCarren Hotel, where it’s located (just be discreet and don’t try it more than once in quick succession). If you can’t, you can at least buy a pass, either upon your arrival or days in advance. For drinks, frozen daiquiris and margaritas should get you through any hot summer day—these ones are basically like slurpees in terms of flavor and consistency. (160 N 12th St., Brooklyn; 718-218-7500)

Sabbia
Switching over from a beer garden vibe to an Italian seaside mood, the restaurant atop Mario Batali’s Eataly in Flatiron has officially transitioned for the summer. You’ll observe this shift in both the decor (umbrellas, lots of blue and white stripes) and the cocktail menu, which includes drinks like the “Sorrento Spritz” made with Prosecco, mint, cucumber, and lemon juice alongside several sparkling wine cocktails. Sabbia is open only May through October this year. (200 Fifth Ave.; 212-229-2560)

The Pavilion
Open April 15 through October 15, The Pavilion, located right in Union Square, boasts some seriously delicious fine food and cocktails to match. Since you’re outside in Union Square, the people-watching will always make the drinks easier to savor. This is the kind of place where you can expect a craft cocktail with multiple garnishes, or even a design drawn into the foam. (20 Union Sq. W; 212-677-7818)

Z Roof
At the top of a Long Island City hotel, this bar overlooks Manhattan without subjecting you to Manhattan prices. It’s probably not the most glamorous place to drink on a rooftop, but if glamour isn’t what you’re looking for, then you’ll find that the food and the drinks here more than suffice. (11-01 43rd Ave., Long Island City; 212-319-7000)

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