Tribeca's best outdoor bars

Summer in New York can sometimes feel like the farthest thing from a vacation. It’s a good thing that bars like Drift In offer relaxing vibes and even more refreshing cocktails. Resting on the banks of the Hudson, Drift In is an elevated version of the poolside snack shack of your childhood - serving delicious drinks and food from the counter of their beach hut.

Take in a riverside sunset while enjoying a tropical cocktail like a Tropicalia, made with vodka, watermelon, and lime, or spice things up with a Get On Up with flavors of habanero and strawberry. When you get hungry, you can choose from their primary seafood menu with classics like oysters and fish and chips.

Drift In can take reservations for parties of up to 10 guests.

Whatever era comes to mind when you hear "historic bar in New York" you're probably going to have to add a few decades to get to the year P.J. Clarke's was started. Since 1884, this New York institution has been serving oysters and burgers to everyone from Buddy Holly to the Kennedys. Their Hudson River location features their iconic checkered tablecloths and bistro chairs overlooking the water.

The bar serves cocktails paying tribute to its history with classics like Manhattans and whiskey sours, but also keeps up with current trends, serving spicy cucumber margaritas and frosé. The menu of time-tested recipes includes elevated comfort food like baked macaroni and cheese, parmesan chicken, and a variety of hearty sandwiches.

The outdoor cafe bar can host private events of up to 120 guests for seated meals and 250 guests for standing cocktail parties.

With live jazz musicians every night and chic 1920s-inspired decor, the Roxy Bar creates a timeless, sophisticated atmosphere amid the hustle and bustle of Tribeca. Enjoy a cocktail or appetizer al fresco at their charming cobblestone patio lined with twinkling lights - the perfect place to people-watch as the sun sets.

The drink menu includes creative cocktails like the frozen raspberry negroni and The Roxy, made with dark rum and sour cherry cordial. If the party carries on into the evening, they serve a late-night food menu of snacks, burgers, and "Roxy Road" ice cream. If you still can't get enough of Roxy Bar, they'll be open for brunch the following morning, serving French toast, English breakfasts, and classic New York bagels.

The outdoor seating area can host up to 40 guests for private events.

Although looking across the river toward New Jersey is not exactly the same as gazing at the ocean from the cliffside villages of Santorini, Mezze on the River invites you to use your imagination and let their vibrant Mediterranean menu transport you to an island paradise. It's not that difficult to picture yourself in Greece while relaxing on their outdoor patio, draped in white linens and floral arrangements.

If you're still a little too aware that you took the subway to get here and not a catamaran, the drink menu is sure to fix that with refreshing cocktails like the Mediterranean Flame and the Almalfi, made with lemon and blackberry. When you get hungry, order from their selection of Greek small plates, like feta fries, crispy zucchini, or spanakopita. If you can't decide on just a few, they also offer a tasting menu so you can try a little bit of everything.

Mezze on the Water offers private event packages for cocktail parties and seated, family-style meals. The bar can accommodate up to 200 guests.

With rustic interiors and quaint sidewalk tables, Terra brings the simplicity of Italian dining to Tribeca. On a warm sunny day, this space opens the windows to connect the indoor and outdoor dining areas to create a breezy Tuscan atmosphere.

Whether you're enjoying a glass of wine in the sun or a plate of homemade pasta by the window, Terra's selection of wine and Italian dishes pair perfectly with the relaxing setting. With wines from every region of Italy, you're sure to find a new favorite. Hand-rolled gnocchi and house-made pesto will make you forget about New York traffic and subway delays and transport you to the Italian countryside.

Terra can take reservations for events of eight or more guests.