The best spaces to throw a summer party in Manhattan

Manhattan is an island, but not that kind of island. Gilligan’s, however, sees it a little differently. Weathered wood, white bamboo, and lush palms decorate this Lower East Side oasis from May through Late September, and you can enjoy cocktails and ingredient-driven dishes from land and sea alike.

Order elevated beach bar classics like the piña colada with limoncello or the frozen watermelon margarita, and pair it with seafood favorites like lobster rolls or oyster platters. The 4,000 sq. ft. venue can host 200 guests for a full buyout, 125 in the main dining area, or 60 in the oyster deck.

Riverfront dining doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg, you just might have to head a bit uptown. Located in Riverside Park South, Pier i Café offers scenic views of the Hudson accompanied by a casual menu. Events are available on weekdays for up to 100 people, and reservations can be made for up to 20.

Enjoy summertime seaside favorites like Cape Cod lobster rolls and shrimp tacos, or participate in a Backyard Cookout menu for $36 a person. Open bars start at $35 a person, and a children’s party menu is also available for $16 each. The catering menu offers sharable versions of the Mexican street corn and calamari, along with sliders and flatbreads.

Stay a little later to sip on their signature cocktails or housemade blueberry lemonade, and indulge in a great sunset over the water, with views from every table.

This celebrated oyster bar is inspired by the floating barges that lined the Manhattan waterfront in the 18th and 19th centuries. The owners of Grand Banks have created an ode to the city’s forgotten oyster culture – you can enjoy fresh, sustainably harvested oysters aboard a historic wooden schooner, floating right on the harbor. How’s that for a boat party?

Treat up to 175 guests to fresh seafood and nautical cocktails, like the Permanent Vacation (rum, curacao, pineapple, cherry) or I’m The Captain Now (house whiskey, Aperol, pineapple, lemon). Though you’ll find 6 different kinds of oysters sourced from around the country, you can also order lobster rolls, Caesar salad, and piña colada ice cream.

On a hot, New York summer day, there’s nothing better than a dip in the pool. If you’re craving the chlorine-filled summers of your childhood, head to JIMMY in SoHo for the adult version. The 1,200 sq. ft. roof deck has configurable seating and 360-degree views of the Manhattan skyline, overlooking Midtown, Wall Street, and The Hudson. Indoors, you’ll find eclectic interiors, a conversation pit, genuine 70s furniture, and a working fireplace.

The luxury isn’t just on the surface – you can order caviar service and champagne for your group, or opt for one of their signature cocktails (like the grilled pineapple mojito or the ginger martini) and some cheeseburger sliders. Summertime events are held after 5 pm Monday through Thursday and can accommodate up to 150 people for a full buyout.

Tap into your dream Pixie Hollow summer party in Manhattan at this lush Chelsea rooftop. Gallow Green is a secret oasis atop the McKittrick Hotel, packed with blooming flowers and vibrant greenery that inspires its unique signature cocktails. You’ll find flavors like elderflower, butterfly pea, lavender, and orange blossom, to name a few. Indulge in a classic summer menu, like refreshing salads or sharable flatbreads.

Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated garden party-like setting or a lively nighttime soirée, the event staff at the McKittrick Hotel can help you plan from start to finish. Open from April to October, you can throw your summer party even if the weather comes early or sticks around a little longer. Rent out the space for 280 guests standing or 150 seated.