May 6, 2015 6 min read Black Horse Pub

Where To Drink Outside In South Slope

That's the kind of view we like! Photo at Quarter Bar by complaina — That’s the kind of view we like! Photo at Quarter Bar by complaina

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!

Sidewalk seating at Black Horse Pub. Photo by jheagney25

Black Horse Pub, 568 5th Avenue, between 15th & 16th Streets
Enjoy some pub grub and a pint with some friends in the fenced off sidewalk space right on 5th Avenue — great for people-watching.

Brookvin, 381 7th Avenue, between 11th & 12th Streets
The cosy wine bar, which also serves some small bites, has a fabulous outdoor garden area, great for a quick first-meet date, or a place to linger with friends.

Nothing better than a cocktail and free popcorn on the Commonwealth patio. Photo by thehencespence

Commonwealth, 497 5th Avenue at 12th Street
One of several 5th Avenue bars with a large, nice back patio, Commonwealth also has the advantage of free popcorn.

Probably smiling because they just ate their Dram Shop burgers outside. Photo by bovrutsky.

The Dram Shop, 339 9th Street, between 5th & 6th Avenues
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.

Drinking with a shark outdoors is better than sleeping with the fishes right? Right. Photo via Freddy's. — Drinking with a shark outdoors is better than sleeping with the fishes right? Right. Photo via Freddy’s.

Freddy’s Bar & Backroom, 627 5th Avenue, between 17th & 18th Streets
Honestly, during the warm weather they should change their name to Freddy’s Bar & Backroom & Backyard, because it’s a nice, secluded area to hang out — and often during holidays, chow down on some grilled eats, though you can also always grab something off their menu.

Greenwood Park, 555 7th Avenue at 19th Street
This one goes without saying, doesn’t it? The large beer garden, complete with bocce courts and a full menu, is always hopping when the weather is nice — expect families with kids during weekend days, and then a slightly rowdier crowd after 7pm, when it’s strictly 21-plus.

Photo via Jake's Handcrafted — Photo via < ahref=”https://instagram.com/p/0aqtW4rLOd/?taken-by=jakeshandcrafted”>Jake’s Handcrafted

Jake’s Handcrafted, 559 5th Avenue between 15th & 16th Streets
Formerly known as Der Kommissar, the newly-renamed space is still dishing up creative varieties of sausages alongside cold beers on tap and a full bar, which all taste better in their backyard — where they occasionally screen movies (giving a heads up on Instagram).

Lowlands, 543 3rd Avenue, between 13th & 14th Streets
A pretty relaxing backyard with picnic tables and umbrellas for shade, they’ve got a few bites (sandwiches and a soft pretzel), and one plus for those looking to start the weekend early, they open at 1pm on Fridays.

Vinnie will pretty much always welcome you to The Monro's backyard (or bar in front, for that matter) with such enthusiasm. Photo by theother5th — Co-owner Vinnie will pretty much always welcome you to The Monro’s backyard (or bar in front, for that matter) with such enthusiasm. Photo by theother5th

The Monro Pub, 481 5th Avenue, between 11th & 12th Streets
The Liverpool bar (expect a crowd during scheduled games) has a lovely backyard, where you can sip an Old Speckled Hen and nibble on one of the savory pies they’re serving up.

Prospect Bar & Grill, 545 5th Avenue, between 14th & 15th Streets
With lots of interesting beers on tap (displayed on some great chalkboard signs) and a decent menu that includes brunch, this is a nice spot to set up in the backyard and stay a while.

Leafy in the backyard of Quarter Bar. Photo by papatangosierra

Quarter Bar, 676 5th Avenue, between 20th & 21st Streets
A good choice for sipping on some pretty excellent cocktails while enjoying their back patio, which is a sweet and green little sanctuary.

The lush backyard at Sea Witch. Photo by South Slope News.

Sea Witch Tavern, 703 5th Avenue, between 21st & 22nd Streets
If you haven’t spent some quality time on Sea Witch’s back patio, you don’t know what you’re missing — hint: there’s even a koi pond (!) which may seem ironic as you snack away on their small, seafood-centric menu, but who cares, those fried oysters are delicious.

Beers and dogs outside of Skylark, yes! Photo by le3dmax.

Skylark, 477 5th Avenue at 11th Street
Another 5th Avenue spot that’s good for people-watching, the tables and chairs are set up on the 11th Street side, which offers some protection from the sun in the afternoon.

South, 629 5th Avenue, between 17th & 18th Streets
Another nice oasis on 5th Avenue, South extends its southern hospitality beyond the outdoor space, serving up Shiner (of course) alongside a rotating selection of beers on tap and a full bar, plus a fun little menu of awesome (and, to some, weird) grilled cheese sandwiches, and queso that will satisfy a Texan.

Supercollider, 609 4th Avenue, between 17th & 18th Streets
A nice little patio awaits upstairs from the cavelike space, and it’s a pretty decent remove from the busy avenue outside. A cafe in the morning and a bar at night, they’ve got some small snacks, and look out for a summer movie schedule, when they project an interesting selection of films on the wall of the patio, and the occasional holiday BBQ.

Beer (and pizza) not bombs at Toby's. Photo by moishysmith — Beer (and pizza) not bombs at Toby’s. Photo by moishysmith

Toby’s Public House, 686 6th Avenue, between 20th & 21st Streets
Though it’s definitely a bar, you might know Toby’s mostly for their excellent pizza — which you can enjoy outside under umbrellas on their fenced in sidewalk area. Or skip the pizza and just grab a friend or two and enjoy a pitcher of the house beer.