Summer Guide: Undead of Summer—FOOD & DRINK

230 Fifth We’ve been turned away from 230 Fifth more times than we’ve been let in, but it’s the rare spot where it actually feels worth the $15 for a cocktail. Do not make the mistake of staying for more than one, though—this place is meant for soaking up the view and closing the deal. 230 5th Ave. (betw. W. 26th & W. 27th Sts.), 212-725-4300.

Aurora Williamsburg The garden dining room at this Williamsburg restaurant serves tasty Italian grub in an intimate, secluded outdoor dining area. In case of a summer rain, you can still eat outside beneath a stunning glass roof. 70 Grand St. (at Wythe Ave.), Brooklyn, 718-388-5100.

Bia Garden We all know about bahn mi, but at this traditional Vietnamese bar you can sample more then a popular sandwich. Make a night of it and order a six-pack (or 12-pack) of Singha or Taj Mahal to complement your spicy pho at one of Bai Garden’s al fresco community tables. 154 Orchard St. (betw. Rivington & Stanton Sts.), 212-780-0010.

Bar 13 Forget the dance nights that you already know about at Bar 13 and head up two flights of stairs and party on the roof deck. Not only can you chug cold beer in the fresh summer air, but this place is chockfull of NYU students on break and looking for fun. 35 E. 13th St. (at University Pl.), 212-979-6677.

Baraonda This Upper East Side eatery dishes up an authentic Italian menu with a side of modern elegance. Dine inside or alfresco (the outside café seats 60) and have your way with hefty, moderately priced dishes like the Spaghetti Lobster or the Mediterranean Orata—then head over to the Sunday night party where dancing comes after dinner at midnight. 1439 2nd Ave. (at E. 75th St.), 212-288-8555.

The Black Rabbit Happy hour all night on Monday? Awesome beats spinning on the bartenders’ iPods and the best bar snacks this side of the East River? Sometimes it feels like we’re the pets in this relationship. 91 Greenpoint Ave. (betw. Manhattan Ave. & Franklin St.), Brooklyn, 718-349-1595.

Boat Basin Café Despite a habit of attracting obnoxiously wholesome Uptown types, there’s something about this place that lures us back each summer. Perhaps it’s the readily available snacks, the huge-for-New-York space or the view of the setting sun burning off the toxic Jersey air—whatever it is, it’s worth the trip. West 79th Street & West Side Highway, 212-496-5542.

Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden This is the beer garden that trumps all beer gardens. While these kinds of bars have been popping up all over the city, Bohemian Beer Garden has been serving up brews for 100 years. It’s old hat, sure, but also totally worth the trek to Astoria to get a dish of history with a side of sausage and beer. 2919 24th Ave. (betw. 29th & 31st Sts.), Queens, 718-274-4925.

Cavatappo Wine Bar Corks off to Cavatappo for giving us a wine bar that doesn’t intimidate the varietal-challenged. With at least 75 wines (labeled under easyto-understand headings like “Soft, Supple and Easy Drinking”), Italian cheeses, meats, finger sandwiches and a small outside seating area that accommodates 12 , Cavatoppo is a full-bodied taste for wine enthusiasts or beer pongers trying to upgrade their style without donning dress shoes and a tie. 1728 2nd Ave. (at E. 90th St.), 212-426-0919.

Central Park Boathouse You’re going to need to go here eventually, whether with parents who need their fears that you are wasting your life assuaged or for some sort of event that requires a tie. You might as well get used to it now and stop in for a glass of white and some seasonal snacks. Central Park, enter park at East 72nd Street & Park Drive North, 212-517-2233.

Cha Cha’s Sure, sitting on the beach at Coney Island and watching old people in small bathing suits is good for boosting your body image, but even that gets old. What doesn’t, however, is drinking beer in Cha Cha’s on the boardwalk. 1229 Boardwalk (betw. Stillwell Ave. & W. 12th St.), Brooklyn, 718-946-1305.

Chez Lola Brooklynites may have more room in their apartments than Manhattanites, but many still lack a backyard. Enter this quaint French bistro, which boasts a delightful garden and specials like the all-you-can-eat mussels on Thursdays and fondue Tuesdays. 387 Myrtle Ave. (betw. Vanderbilt & Claremont Aves.), Brooklyn, 718-858-1484.

(NEW) Choptank This new Chesapeake Bay-inspired seafood joint is calling to us with its 40-seat garden and menu including rock shrimp tacos and “Boardwalk Fries.” 310 Bleecker St. (at Grove St.), 212-675-2009.

d.b.a. This is one of our favorite East Village beer and whiskey bars. Go out back with your pals to sip a $10 shot of Redbreast Irish whiskey and watch the people. The Williamsburg location is equally charming and, for some reason, almost never crowded. 41 1st Ave. (betw. E. 2nd & 3rd Sts.), 212- 475-5097 and 113 N. 7th St. (betw. Wythe Ave. & Berry St.), Brooklyn, 718-218-6006.

The Delancey With lush greenery, water features and plenty of seats, you can drink high above the Lower East Side at this rooftop bar. There’s normally something interesting happening inside of The Delancey as well, if you’re into that sort of thing. 168 Delancey St. (betw. Clinton & Attorney Sts.), 212-254-9920.

(NEW) Double Windsor Despite the heavy wooden interior, big, open windows brighten this gastropub up. Grab a stool by the window and feel the breeze as you sip a brew. Or, even better, come at night and you can rest in peace—no babies are allowed in past 5:30. 210 Prospect Park West (at 16th St.), Brooklyn, 347-725-3479.

Fatty Cue Summer and barbecue already go together pretty damn well, but to make the relationship just that much sweeter, Williamsburg’s newest haute dining institution has decided to open a patio, newly laid with slate tiles, for 20-30 lucky diners to relax on while they munch red curry-rubbed duck and take in a view of the Williamsburg Bridge. 91 S. 6th St. (betw. Bedford Ave. & Berry St.), Brooklyn, 718-599-3090.

Firehouse Tavern If you don’t want to burn through your budget, frequent this Upper West Side tavern (with sidewalk seating for 25) for cheap margaritas, tap and bottled beers, and a selection of quesadillas, sandwiches, gourmet-style pizza and Buffalo wings. A fun firehouse-themed décor (sans live Dalmatian) welcomes everyone from pint-sized patrons to New York’s Finest. 522 Columbus Ave. (at W. 85th St.), 212- 787-3473.

Franklin Park Bar and Beer Garden With DJs, live music, beer flowing like water, a new in-house burger joint and sweaty Brooklynites, what’s not to love about this Crown Heights bar and its enormous patio? 618 St. John’s Pl. (betw. Franklin & Classon Aves.), Brooklyn, 718-975-0196.

The Gate With over 20 beers on draft (including a gluten-free option for the wheatards) you have enough choices to help distract you from the stroller gangs of Park Slope as they pass The Gate’s secluded front patio. You don’t even have to feel guilty for spending your weekend in a bar, just gaze at the park across the street and you can at least say you saw one. 321 5th Ave. (at 3rd St.), Brooklyn, 718-768-4329.

The Harrison The French fries cooked in duck fat aren’t going to do anything to help you look better in a swim suit, but if you’re taking up one of this Tribeca café’s 40 outdoor seats, you’ve probably got enough money to get away with being unattractive. 355 Greenwich St. (at Harrison St.), 212-274-9310.

(NEW) Hot Bird This spot used to be known for the iconic “Hot Bird” sign on its wall, but now, thanks to a new beer garden in the old chicken joint, it may be known for something else. Rumor has it that soon there will also be a gourmet food truck to make it so you almost never have to leave. 546 Clinton Ave. (betw. Fulton St. & Atlantic Ave.), Brooklyn, no phone.

Hudson Beach Café If you closed your eyes, you’d swear you were at a neighborhood barbecue, with better service and better tasting food. Part of the P.D. O’Hurley’s chain, the outdoor Café is perfect for appetizers or entrées from sea or land, while watching New Yorkers get their sport on in Riverside Park. Riverside Park, enter park at West 103rd Street & Riverside Drive, 917-370-3448.

Hudson Terrace Now open for its second year, Hudson Terrace will be hosting more than just its infamous late-night action. The rooftop club will have a summer full of theme nights—hello, Taco Tuesdays and Beer Garden Fridays— underneath its new retractable roof, insuring that your gluttony won’t be ruined by rain. 621 W. 46th St. (betw. 11th & 12th Aves.), 212-315-9400.

Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden Escape the tourists milling about the Metropolitan Museum of Art and take the elevator all the way to the roof. In addition to the Big Bambú installation, you’ll find a great view and a small bar that serves margaritas, mojitos, mixed drinks and ice cream. 1000 5th Ave. (at E. 82nd St.), 212-535-7710.

(NEW) Lina Frey Come this June, channeling a warm Paris afternoon will be a lot easier thanks to this new crepe stand. If you’re looking to linger, we recommend taking a seat inside, where, with a retractable roof, you still get the sense of dining al fresco. 201 E. Houston St. (betw. Ludlow & Orchard Sts.), no phone.

Madiba Anything goes at the popular South African restaurant in Fort Greene. Snag a sidewalk table to sip potent cocktails and munch on Ostrich Carpaccio while chatting up the other diners—who have that Fort Greene habit of being gorgeous and international. 195 Dekalb Ave. (at Carlton St.), Brooklyn, 718-855-9190.

The Mermaid Inn Some of the best seafood in the city swam over to this petite sister restaurant of the Mermaid Oyster Bar. With a decent-sized outdoor café, you can munch on oysters and sip white wine while watching East Villagers march down the street. 96 2nd Ave. (betw. E. 5th & E. 6th Sts.), 212- 674-5870.

(NEW) Mission Dolores So maybe the Internet is killing print, but one thing it does not do is hinder our excitement at checking out this new Gowanus bar’s ever changing beer list, which is posted online. With 20 draft choices including one cask, and an open, airy space made from recycled materials, we say viva technology! 249 4th Ave. (betw. President St. & Carroll St.), Brooklyn, 718-399-0099.

P&G It’s time for another summer of basking in the sun outside this Upper West Side bar. P&G might have lost its iconic neon sign when it moved, but the current location is bigger and, with an upgraded terrace, better for the warm weather. 380 Columbus Ave. (at W. 78th St.), 212-874-8568.

Papacitos Pretend you are in a tropical location (not hard to do in the humid nightmare of August) and perch under a palm tree at this Greenpoint Mexican hub. Stuffing your face with spicy burritos and tacos and chasing them with a cold margarita helps to beat the outside heat away—and a three-times-daily happy hour keeps it from costing as much as an actual vacation. 999 Manhattan Ave. (at Huron St.), Brooklyn, 718-349-7292.

The Pier i Café Take in scenic Hudson River views while enjoying burgers, freshly squeezed blueberry lemonade, or fresh fruit sangria in this alfresco café. For a full day, time your visit with any number of summer events happening in the ever-improving Riverside Park South. Riverside Park, enter at West 70th Street, 212-362-4450.

The Private Roof Club and Garden The Gramercy Park Hotel is glamorous and supposedly impenetrable, but the rooftop boite, featuring a retractable roof and food prepared by Nick Anderer, the executive chef of Danny Meyer’s Maialino, is actually open to the public. Still, try dressing up if you don’t want to be turned away. 2 Lexington Ave. (at E. 21st St.), 212-920-3300.

Prohibition The only thing illegal at this Upper West Side restaurant (with live music) is not having a good time. Enjoy live rock, blues, jazz and hip-hop (with no cover), menu selections that accommodate the serious diner (try the grilled salmon in a balsamic glaze) or the casual sampler (mini cheeseburgers). Dine inside with a 1920s swagger or on the 22seat sidewalk café. The backroom, with pool table, can be booked for private parties of up to 70 people. 503 Columbus Ave. (at W. 84th Street), 212-579-3100.

Quarter The backyard of this cozy bar is illuminated with soft strings of lights and intimate tables, perfect for downing one of their tasty cocktails, like the spicy Chili Lime with vodka drink or the fresh Greenport Cooler with cucumber, lemon and mint muddled with vodka. There are also pastries from D.U.B. pies and a barbeque ready to use. 676 5th Ave. (at 20th St.), Brooklyn, 718-788-0989.

(NEW) Rare View Chelsea Starting this Memorial Day, get your kicks looking down on Chelsea from the new rooftop bar of the Fashion 26 Hotel. Unfortunately, no one from below can see how stylish you look sipping a frosty, fruity cocktail and gazing longingly at the awesome view of the Empire State building and the grit of this part of Broadway. 152 W. 26th St. (at 7th Ave.), 212-807-7273.

Reif’s Tavern Tradition trumps trends at Reif’s Tavern. Drink beer, play pool, throw darts, or if you call ahead, you can BYOM—Bring Your Own Meat—for the outdoor grill on the backyard patio. The tight-knit regulars welcome a new face but it might be wise to keep your Red Sox shout-outs to yourself at this sports bar. 302 E. 92nd St. (betw. 1st & 2nd Aves.), 212-426-0519.

(NEW) The Rock Shop Though this newborn little sister of the Bowery Ballroom and Mercury Lounge isn’t quite ready to become a grand music venue like its siblings, you can still enjoy the rooftop deck of this new Park Slope sports bar. Once it matures, owner Michael Winsch plans to offer music and food to add to its already solid summertime pull. 249 4th Ave. (at Carroll St.), Brooklyn, 718-230-5740.

(NEW) The Sky Room With its 360-degree view of Manhattan and the Hudson River, we’re excited for this venue’s early June opening. Aside from being 34 floors above Times Square, we look forward to ordering drinks from the New York skyline framed bar. 330 W. 40th St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-380-1195.

Spuyten Duyvil While this Williamsburg haunt might be ground zero for boat shoes and whatever facial hair we’re going to be subjected to this summer, the newly expanded backyard makes it easy to grab a table and down a few pints. Bring your own snacks from St. Anselm, the owner’s recently opened restaurant—it serves homemade scrapple! 359 Metropolitan Ave. (at Havemeyer St.), Brooklyn, 718-963-4140.

The Standard Beer Garden There are a few ways to make the Meatpacking District bearable, and the most effective of those is by drinking. Do it here, under the old train tracks, with a cool German brew in your hand. 848 Washington St. (at W. 13th St.), 212-645-4646.

Studio Square Even if this year-old beer garden looks a bit sterile, it’s well worth the journey to Queens to chow on the cheap German sausages, burgers and a weekend brunch of kegs-n-eggs. Of course, there’s the beer too. Rivers of sweet, golden, delicious beer. Just do yourself a favor and skip the sangria on tap. 35-33 36th St. (betw. 35th & 36th Aves.), Queens, 718-383-1001.

Sweet Revenge Who ever thought there would be a beach in Bed-Stuy? This retrofitted bar has turned its backyard into a sandbox, and while it might not work in the rain, it’s perfect in the sun. With cheap specials, this Brooklyn bar kicks a little sand into Manhattan’s pricey cocktail craze. 348 Franklin Ave. (betw. Greene & Lexington Aves.), Brooklyn, 718-398-2472.

(NEW) The Tangled Vine If over 160 bottles of mainly sustainable and organic wine don’t excite you, the rich food menu and airy bar table seating will. Open only for a few months, this new wine bar will soon feature an outdoor café to add to the luxury of summer tippling. 434 Amsterdam Ave. (at W. 81st St.), 646-863-3896.

The Underground Lounge A reasonably priced menu features fresh Turkish-style hummus, Corona-battered fish ‘n’ chips and paninis. Get gritty with live comedy shows with no cover, an after-work Latin Party, and live musicians and bands. The outside café seats about 30 but remember, what happens underground stays underground. 995 West End Ave. (at W. 107th St.), 212-531-4759.

Union Pool Not far from where the G and L trains intersect sits the granddaddy of all Williamsburg hangouts. With a large backyard, tasty taco truck, live music, a photo booth, cheap-ish drinks and an always-rowdy crowd, you’re sure to run into someone you know or someone you’ll get to know, if you catch our drift. 484 Union Ave. (at Meeker Ave.), Brooklyn, 718-609-0484.

Uptown Restaurant and Lounge Get down at Uptown with a live acoustic band on Monday nights, a three-piece jazz trio on Tuesday nights, or DJs on Fridays and Saturdays. Select from a diverse menu that includes coconut shrimp and goat cheese pizza, while you enjoy daily happy hour specials in a cozy nook or on the sidewalk café for about 20 people. 1576 3rd Ave. (betw. E. 88th & E. 89th Sts.), 212-828-1388.

Washington Commons We love this year-old bar because it has a sweet $2-off-beer happy hour (and the selection is awesome). And not only does the backyard seat dozens of people, but the WiFi is stupendous should you need to work or stream YouTube videos for boozy friends. 748 Washington Ave. (at Park Pl.), Brooklyn, 917-407-3144.

(NEW) The Woods The name of this new Southside Williamsburg hangout might remind you of summer in the country, but it’s the back patio that makes you really appreciate being in Brooklyn. That, of course, and the shots of Jameson with a pickle-juice back and rubbing elbows with the charming locals. 48 S. 4th St. (betw. Wythe & Kent Aves.), Brooklyn, 718-782-4955.

SUMMERTIME BOOZE

Making frozen drinks at home usually ends up ruining a pile of dish towels and disappointing everyone involved, but Jorge Guzman, co-owner and beverage director at Ofrenda in the West Village—known for inventive drinks like the “Mayan Cocktail,” with chocolate tequila, coffee syrup and grapefruit bitters—offers some tips for making your own margaritas and not screwing them up completely. [Mike Spence]

Use Fresh Ingredients and Use The Right Amount “The biggest mistake is that most people don’t use fresh ingredients,” he says over drinks on a recent afternoon. “Make sure you measure everything, because it really is all about the balance.”

“The most important ingredient to use, obviously, is a decent tequila. I would recommend using fresh lime juice and agave nectar instead of sugar.”

Think Outside Of The Blender “People are liking Micheladas more and more…That’s a Mexican drink with beer, Tabasco sauce, lime juice, salt and pepper. It’s a little spicy but it’s also really fresh.”

Use Ingredients That Will Cool You Down “I think the perfect ingredients are really light fruits: watermelon, cucumber, tangerine or pineapple. We have a drink called the Rojo Fizz that has pomegranate juice and sparkling wine, which is also nice in the summer.

“I like to mix different flavors, like a new drink I’m working on with watermelon and jalapeño, using the sweet and hot tastes to work off each other. It’s all about knowing your base liquor.”