Where To Drink Outside In Park Slope
It’s finally here! The time of year that calls us all outside, where the sun is shining and people are smiling and about 90% of the pedestrians have a cup of iced coffee in their hands. And since it’s basically a crime to be inside — you’re all reading this on your smart phones or tablets in the park, right? Perfect — we figured we’d help you max out your al fresco time by letting you know which bars have some space outside for you.
Though there are definitely more places where you can get a drink outdoors, we’ve kept this list to spots that are considered bars first and foremost — so though they might have a food menu, you’ll mostly think of these when you’re thinking about a nice, cold beverage.
That said, we’ll have the restaurant edition soon, so stay tuned, and let us know your favorites in the comments below!
4th Avenue Pub, 76 4th Avenue, 718-643-2273
The backyard at 4th Avenue Pub is picturesque, with its ivy-lined brick walls and stringed lights. It’s spacious too, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble grabbing a seat at one of the picnic tables. Just don’t forget to snag some free popcorn from the machine inside.
Backyard, 388 5th Avenue, 347-227-8018
I mean it would be strange if it were called Backyard and didn’t have one, right? And it doesn’t disappoint! Enjoy some delicious sliders (pulled pork, lobster, BLT, to name a few) while you’re out there.
Bar Reis, 375 5th Avenue, 718-974-2412
Another one with free popcorn, this spot has a fairly spacious backyard, so there’s a pretty good chance you’ll get a spot — and now it might come with a bootylicious view, thanks to a new mural.
Blueprint, 196 5th Avenue, 718-622-6644
For when you want more than a can of Genny, this is a good choice, with a gorgeous cocktail menu and a selection of small and big bites to match, which you can enjoy in the backyard if you manage to nab a spot in the pretty nice-sized backyard.
Canal Bar, 270 3rd Avenue, 718-246-0011
Some might call it a dive bar, but we just call it a spot with friendly folks, cheap drinks, and a relaxing backyard that is just the place to enjoy some pierogies.
Cherry Tree, 65 4th Avenue, 718-399-1353
The 4th Avenue bar’s backyard is a pretty solid choice with its varied seating options and outdoor chess sets.
Dram Shop, 339 9th Street, 718-788-1444
Nothing says warm weather like a burger, and Dram Shop has one of the best burgers in town, which somehow tastes even better in their backyard.
Flatbush Bar(n), 76 St Marks Avenue, 718-622-3276
Adjacent to the restaurant Flatbush Farm, the bar space — which also has some bites — has a lovely leafy backyard, which gets packed during peak hours, but is worth it if you manage to get a spot.
The Gate, 321 5th Avenue, 718-768-4329
The Gate is made for those hot days: An amazing selection of cold beers on tap and a sidewalk patio almost the size of the bar itself (though it’d be better if dogs were still allowed).
Ginger’s Bar, 363 5th Avenue, 718-788-0924
The casual and friendly atmosphere of the local gay bar definitely extends to their backyard.
High Dive, 243 5th Avenue, 718-788-0401
Free popcorn, board games, a jukebox, an interesting beer selection, and a cozy backyard — it’s a great option whether you’re waiting for a table at al di la across the street, or you’re planning on staying a while with some Jenga.
Lavender Lake, 383 Carroll Street, 347-799-2154
With a moniker that’s a nickname for the Superfun[d] Gowanus Canal, you know it’s close to those toxic banks, but the lovely backyard manages to feel like a world away from that. Plus, they’ve got some bites if you’re hungry, but only from 6pm-midnight.
Mission Dolores, 249 4th Avenue, 347-457-5606
We refer to it as Mission “Doglores” around these parts, but don’t say it too loud, lest the authorities stop our puppy party at this bar with a great rotating beer selection. The front half is outside, and they’ve also got free wifi — in case you’re looking for a sunny spot to finish up your workday.
Parish, 221 7th Avenue, 646-430-2590
Thank goodness 7th Avenue finally has a bar again, and even better, it comes with a backyard. If you need a bite, they serve up small snacks (think charcuterie).
Park Slope Ale House, 356 6th Avenue, 718-788-1756
There’s seating on the sidewalk, and a menu of pretty standard pub food — though we’d recommend heading in Monday-Friday from 4-7pm, when wings are just 75 cents a piece.
The Rock Shop, 249 4th Avenue, 718-230-5740
The only thing better than eating and drinking outside is eating and drinking on a roof. The roof deck at the Rock Shop gets a big thumbs up.
The Roof at Whole Foods, 214 3rd Street, 718-907-3622
You might not associate bars and supermarkets, but of course, this is Brooklyn, so we’ve got it. And this is a great space, overlooking the scenic and toxic Gowanus Canal, with a large second-floor patio. Grab a drink from inside and food either from the market or from a menu at the bar.
The Sackett, 661 Sackett Street, 718-622-0437
Some might call the patio here intimate; others might just say it’s tiny. But if you hit it at the right time (off-peak hours), it’s a pretty relaxing spot, considering its proximity to busy 4th Avenue.
Threes Brewing, 333 Douglass Street, 718-522-2110
You can start the day with coffee here, and move right into beer brewed on the premises, all in the spacious backyard, which they’re currently trying to make even nicer with this Kickstarter. Food options are fun, with a rotating bunch of restaurants taking up residency in their kitchen.
Uncle Barry’s, 58 5th Avenue, 718-622-4980
With a couple of picnic tables in the back, who needs Prospect Park — and since you can bring in or order food delivered, you can set up your own little summertime picnic at this perfectly laid back and friendly bar.
Union Hall, 702 Union Street, 718-638-4400
The bar and venue has a well-maintained “smoker’s alley” between it and Body Reserve, but, ironically, it also works as a nice way to get some fresh(-ish) air.