The best outdoor bars in Lower Manhattan

If you’ve ever been strolling the East Village on a hot summer day, you may have taken a longing peek into the street-level oasis that is The Standard’s Garden. Just off Bowery, you can escape the hustle and bustle under the shade of lush trees and tall umbrellas. Dress in your Sunday best and enjoy summer-inspired cocktails like the Lady Paloma, a spicy twist on the citrusy classic, or She’s a Beaut, which has watermelon vodka, elderflower, and basil. Fresh bites and starters are available all day, or you can enjoy a boozy brunch with the girls.

The Garden can be rented for up to 75 standing guests, 50 seated guests, or 15 at one long table.

Right on the East River, Watermark is a waterfront bar and restaurant offering unmatched views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the New York Harbor. This 10,000 sq. ft. venue is at the edge of Pier 15 and offers a great setting for a summer evening on the water.

Whether you’re hosting five of your friends at a communal table or throwing a summer bash for 1200 guests, Watermark offers party packages for private events of all kinds. You’ll find large-format cocktails, champagne showers, and 2-hour cocktail passes. There’s also an extensive happy hour menu, with, yes, an oyster hour.

Locally owned and operated, Cobble Fish is a casual outdoor-only restaurant and bar on Pier 16. Bright blue sofas highlight the pier between the historic ships of the South Seaport Museum, and Edison string lights illumine the space at night.

Host up to 1500 guests for a summer rager, or rent a tent for an intimate birthday party. Enjoy house cocktails like the Impossible Girl (Cointreau, lime, cranberry) or Fish Lips (bourbon, elderflower, lemon) along with all the classics. If you get hungry, the seafood menu is evidently the way to go — grab a lobster roll or some Baja fish tacos to share.

Funky decor, mismatched furniture, and colorful bar shelves make The Ready Rooftop feel like a Brooklyn artist’s campy backyard — minus any suggestive sculptures. Behind the reclaimed wood bar, bartenders can craft summery cocktails like the frozen Watermelon Sugar or the Strawberry Spritz (though, with their enclosed glass rooftop, you can enjoy them all year round). Order a mix-and-match cooler if you’re with friends, and get some fresh made-to-order tacos to share.

The Ready Rooftop accommodates up to 150 guests for private events.

On Pier 26 at Hudson River Park, you’ll find City Vineyard, a light-filled space serving wines from City Winery. The venue has three main event spaces: a Main Dining Room (for 80 seated, 120 standing), the Hudson River Wine Garden (for 120 seated, 150 standing), and the South Rooftop (max. 150 standing). The small South Patio and Rooftop Overlook can accompany up to 40 and 60 guests respectfully for an intimate gathering that doesn’t sacrifice a city view.

Enjoy thoughtfully paired American brunch or dinner dishes at the City Vineyard restaurant, or simply enjoy a gorgeous glass of wine straight from Napa Valley. Either way, you can watch the sunset over the Jersey shore after a long, sunny day in the city.