The sun is out. The weather is warm. What could be better than whiling away an hour or two with a favorite refreshment among friends this weekend? You know you want to.
To help you get started, here's a list of our Top Five Favorite Places to Drink Al Fresco in the area. See you outside.
Venue:
Atmosphere: Minimalist seafood shack meets vintage pub. The rear patio features just five tables of varying sizes—one of which is a long picnic-style 8-seater in the very back—which means if you're able to snag a spot you'll never be overcrowded.
What To Drink: With the wide selection of craft beers available here, you'd be crazy to order anything else. The menu often changes, but we recommend the Captain Lawrence Kaptains Kolsch if they have it.
Venue:
Neighborhood: Boerum Hill, 320 Atlantic Avenue between Smith and Hoyt Streets
Atmosphere: Italian country villa meets Brooklyn townhouse. The expansive patio at Hopeland Food and Liquor has it all: two partitioned seating areas, twinkling lights, and excellent bar snacks. The owners are in love with their outdoor space and encourage people to sit back there rain or shine.
What To Drink: If it's a real scorcher, it's gotta be Financiere: whiskey, limoncello, amaretto, peach purée, fresh mint and ginger beer.
Venue:
Neighborhood: Carroll Gardens, 449 Court Street at 4th Place
Atmosphere: Casual Irish pub. This plentiful sidewalk seating area often features live music and attracts a steady crowd of regular joes. The people watching along Court Street is superb from this location, so aim toward the fence.
What To Drink: Guinness. Guinness. And more Guinness.
Venue:
Neighborhood: Carroll Gardens, 323 Smith Street at President Street
Atmosphere: Concrete picnic. This seasonal spot is stripped down to the basics: outdoor tables, grilled food, good rock and inexpensive ale.
What to Drink: The two-surprise-cans-for-$5 special is possibly the best—and kitchiest—deal in town.
Venue:
Neighborhood: Gowanus, 543 3rd Avenue at 14th Street
Atmosphere: Probably the best backyard representation near the Canal. This spacious plot comes complete with picnic tables, indie music and a nice large tree for shade. Plus, there's free wi-fi for those of us who can't disconnect.
What to Drink: Go for a Goose Island IPA, one of the owner's favorites.
Where's your favorite place to have a drink outdoors? Tell us why in the comments below.
