It's been, oh I don't know, maybe 100+ degrees here for about three weeks now? I don't remember what not sweating feels like. Don't even get me started on the mystery liquids raining down from buildings and hot garbage diaper smells emanating from literally every corner.
New York City can be a literal hell in the summer, but now that I've discovered the wonders of living in Brooklyn, I can enjoy the great outdoors a bit more. And by great outdoors, I mean outdoor eating and drinking. Obviously. Here are my recs for where to check out around my neighborhood and surrounding areas.
Courtesy of Time Out
Sea Witch
The last time Mike and I went here, we befriended a turtle and watched him bully a bunch of koi fish. It was amazing. Besides the decent tap list, they also have some great seafood bar snacks (like clam rolls and fried oysters)!
Courtesy of Greenwood Park
Greenwood Park
Fancy a game of bocce ball with your craft beer? Then this beer garden is for you! This former gas station even has a fireplace inside if the weather ever gets below 40 again. They also have traditional Brooklyn-style bar food like an artisanal grass-fed meatball panini.
Courtesy of Time Out
Brooklyn Bavarian Biergarden
Want a beer garden with less pretentiousness and more "dreams coming true?" You can find it all here, at the Grand Prospect Hall Beer Garden! You heard right, the historic event space now houses a Bavarian Beer Garden. Did I mention there are multiple fountains? Of course there are.
Pig Beach
I wrote about this place a few weeks ago after my parents and I visited it for some delightful BBQ and alcoholic lemonades. The space is massive -- filled with tons of picnic tables, games and a couple bars. They also boast some of the cleanest restaurant bathrooms in town. So there's that.
Courtesy of Brooklyn Mag
The Pines
Craving upscale artisanal food near a tin roof with Biggie playing out of the speakers? Of course you are! So head over here to The Pines. This insanely cute space in Gowanus reminds me of the wedding I just went to: summer camp meets formal.
Courtesy of Park Slope Stoop
Backyard
This is one of the first places Mike and I tried after we first moved to the neighborhood. Its spacious backyard has a laid-back feel and comes complete with hidden garden gnomes if you're in the mood for a weird game of "spot the gnome." I can only speak for brunch, but the food is great!
Courtesy of Mrs Sizzle
Habana Outpost
Mike and I used to live right next to their Nolita location, but never went in because it was always so jam packed. This one in Fort Greene is also usually packed but has much more space and a lighter atmosphere. With Mexican grilled corn, signature burritos and delicious margaritas, you can't go wrong.
My suggestions not enough? Well here's about 100 more. :)
Where will you be enjoying (or avoiding) summer?
-Jen