What better way to beat the heat on a hot summer day in New York City than by seeking refuge in one of our favorite spots for a refreshing beer or cocktail, a sweet treat, or an atmospheric dining experience? Read on for our picks for the must-dos for summer in NYC.
1) Have the world’s best cannolis, cheesecakes, tiramisu, and Italian pastries, topped with an iced cappuccino, at Caffe Palermo, right in the heart of Little Italy. 148 Mulberry St., 212-431-4205, caffepalermo.com
2) Enjoy an incredible steak or super-fresh seafood, al fresco on the front patio of Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House. 1221 Avenue of the Americas (entrance on 49th St.), 212-575-5129, delfriscos.com
3) Savor the best Irish Coffees anywhere at New York’s top Irish pubs: Pig n Whistle, PJ Moran’s, Foxy John’s, Eamonn’s Bar & Grill, and Gleason’s Tavern.
4) Try an assortment of craft beers at the three Heartland Brewery locations, including Summertime Apricot Ale, a succulent wheat ale with a light, fruity sweetness and a pleasant bouquet of fresh apricots. 5% alc/vol. Heartland Brewery and Rotisserie, 350 Fifth Ave., 212-563-3433 & other locations, heartlandbrewery.com
5) Enjoy the best views of the Empire State Building and luscious craft cocktails at Spyglass Rooftop Bar, the luxe bar atop the Archer Hotel. 47 W 38th St., 212-730-0538, spyglassnyc.com
6) Bask in the sun at the David Burke Garden at The James New York, an unparalleled outdoor space with its own bar and seating for 130. Classic American cuisine combines with a focus on regionally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere reflects a more casual vibe and the drink menu is a downtown favorite, featuring beer, wine, and inventive specialty cocktails made with fresh top-shelf ingredients. 23 Grand St., 212-201-9119, davidburkekitchen.com
7) Luxuriate over a Dragon Brunch Prix Fixe (one starter, one main, juice and coffee, and the option to add limitless mimosas or one of the popular Bloody Mary concoctions) at the legendary China Grill. 60 W. 53 St., 212-333-7788, chinagrillmgt.com
8) At Hell’s Kitchen's fabulous farm-to-table destination The Marshal, start with a cooling watermelon gazpacho soup before moving on to locavore winners like braised lamb shank, bourbon-planked monkfish, and wood oven-roasted meat loaf or braised sirloin tips. Everything is sourced from nearby farmers, with wine from local wineries and liquor from local distilleries. 628 Tenth Ave., 212-582-6300, the-marshal.com
9) If you crave Italian and want to dine outside before or after a show, look no further than Theatre District favorite La Masseria. Take your choice of 11 delectable pastas, 12 meat and fish dishes (including branzino, Mediterranean sea bream, grilled t-bone veal chops with fresh herbs), on top of super-fresh salads and daily specials. 235 W. 48th St., 212-582-2111, lamasserianyc.com
10) If cabaret is more your thing, there are none finer than Feinstein’s/54 Below, where you can enjoy world-class entertainment while feasting on classic American cuisine that has set a new culinary standard for New York City entertainment venues. 254 W. 54 St., 646-476-3551, 54 below.com
