Summer brings picnics, games of Frisbee and romantic midnight strolls to Central Park. Instead of sneaking booze into your cooler to sip on your lazy Sunday blanket, take your crew over to one of the best bars near the famous outdoor attraction. By Sarah Shaker.

Why leave the park to cool down with a drink when you can imbibe al fresco with a view of the lake? Expect a wait with all the locals and tourists in line, but it will be worth it once you’re seated to enjoy the scenery along with your wine and cheese.

The Boat Basin Café is a casual outdoor restaurant on the Hudson serving up your cookout favorites from burgers and hot dogs to summery salads. Enjoy a beer while dining on the terrace overlooking docked boats on the water or head to the covered bar for a few rounds with friends.

 

 

Want to make your weekend classier than your usual Friday night in with ‘Two Buck Chuck’? Get cultured at The Met, while elegantly sipping wine at the Petrie Court Café and Wine Bar in the museum. Set against the backdrop of Central Park, this European-style restaurant transforms into an intimate wine bar on weekends, featuring international cuisine and a list of local, domestic and imported wines. Feel like the grown-up New Yorker you’ve always dreamed you’d be.

Located on the fourth floor of the Time Warner Center, Stone Rose Lounge offers an intimate atmosphere with breathtaking views of Central Park. The lounge feels very posh (read: expensive) serving signature cocktails and a small-bites menu by chef Marc Murphy.