Where To Spend Summer Fridays In NYC
Bring on the oysters and rooftop views
If you're lucky enough to work for a company that offers Summer Fridays, you know how precious those weeks between Memorial and Labor Day are. They allow you to get an early start if you're headed to the Hamptons, or a prime seat at happy hour and jump on the weekend if you're staying in the city. It's also the perfect time of year to take advantage of fewer people and score a hard-to-snag table at one of the city's dining hot spots.
From rooftop bars to iconic restaurants, here are six of our favorite places to spend our Summer Fridays.
① Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar (Battery Park)
A list about the best Summer Friday spots wouldn't be complete without a rooftop bar. While there are many to choose from, this popular hangout on the 16th floor of the stylish Conrad hotel has one advantage: ice pop cocktails. This signature cocktail comes with an ice pop from NYC-based company People's Pops dunked in Prosecco or sparkling rosé. You can sip on your drink as you take in the beautiful views of the Hudson River.
② Loosie's Café (Brooklyn)
This gorgeous café located in Williamsburg is the Summer Friday oasis you've been looking for. The decor and hammocks play into the laid-back vibe, and happy hour starts at noon. Drinks like kale-matcha margaritas are only $5, so get comfortable and put that paycheck to work.
③ Balthazar (Soho)
Getting into this iconic restaurant for dinner during the week or on weekends is not the easiest, but head in for lunch during off-hours, and the place is yours. You can still enjoy the dishes that make Balthazar famous like steak frites, minus the wait.
④ Boat Basin Cafe (Upper West Side)
Head to the west side to unwind in style as you take in gorgeous Hudson River views. Starting at 4 p.m., guests receive $2 off all beers, wines by the glass and cocktails, and can grab an order of wings, nachos or pizza for a mere $5. It's great for groups, so take your coworkers and enjoy a relaxing start to the weekend.
⑤ Miss Paradis (Soho)
If rosé is your drink of choice, then Rose Hour at this Mediterranean-inspired resto should be at the top of your list. It even offers infused rosés, which are super light, a touch floral and perfect for summer. Pair those $6 glasses of wines with small-plates specials.
⑥ Wayland (East Village)
If you want more than just beer and wine for happy hour, head to this spot in the East Village. Between 4 and 7 p.m., guests can choose from cocktails like the Sazerac or Cucumber Collins, and oysters are only $1.