If there’s no outside seating, I’m needed elsewhere.
By Jack Rico
It used to be that happy hour was synonymous with squeezing into a packed bar for cheap drinks and marathon post-work venting sessions. That classic scene isn’t going anywhere, but this summer, it’s all about embracing happy hour in the outdoors. Think retractable rooftop bars, lush biergartens and sunny waterfront piers—spaces that offer more than just an after-work release.
What’s become clear is that the post-pandemic trend of imbibing al fresco is sticking around. For a new generation of young professionals, happy hour get-togethers are no longer just about bargain-priced drinks. There’s a shift toward more meaningful connections—deeper conversations, genuine eye contact and (dare I say it?) being more present. Tequila shots are being swapped for ginger lemon kombuchas, gourmet sodas and cheese pairings while a live DJ spins and the sun sets over the city skyline.
If you want to experience this summer’s great outdoor happy hours, one of my personal favorites is Tacocina at Domino Park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The view and setting are bar-none, day or night. Located right on the waterfront, it feels like an amusement park, with outdoor vintage lights, a great mix of music and the lively chatter of people enjoying themselves. Happy hour runs from 3-6pm daily and expands to a generous 1-6pm on Fridays, with $9 cocktails that you absolutely must have with their fresh, yummy tacos.
If you want more of an uptown vibe with a Latin twist, try Santiago’s Beer Garden in the heart of Spanish Harlem. This former abandoned alley turned tropical garden party where you can enjoy $7 wines and $9 cocktails all day every Monday or 12-8pm Tuesday to Thursday. The chic vibe and the friendly diverse crowd make it a great spot to socialize solo or with a group.
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