Exterior Shot

We remember summers past by the outdoor drinking spots that defined them. The summer of '04 was spent at d.b.a; '06 was unforgettably Gowanus Yacht Club, and last year's highlight reel was shot at The Standard Beer Garden.

This summer, we're carving out our corner of sunshine at Hot Bird.

Occupying a desolate corner on Atlantic Avenue, the bar may not look like much from the outside. But within the wooden gate that encloses this new gathering place, you'll find a former auto-body garage that owner Frank Moe has spent the past two years refurbishing; a collection of salvaged items provides an industrial, honky-tonk aesthetic. Drink options are solid, ranging from 12 rotating microbrews on tap to classic cocktails that do justice to their forbearers.

Strewn with picnic benches, the sun-drenched patio solidifies Hot Bird's recurring appeal. This spot is sure to become your summer crime scene, especially once Alan Harding (the mastermind behind Gowanus Yacht Club) debuts his retrofitted '62 Kurbmaster food truck in the coming weeks.

The opening menu will stay simple: artisanal hot dogs and wurst. But as the season progresses, Harding hopes to churn out fare such as upscale grilled cheese, lobster rolls and an all-American brunch.

Maybe it's time to cancel those Hamptons plans.

Hot Bird, 546 Clinton Ave. (between Fulton St. and Atlantic Ave.), Brooklyn