One of the best times to be in New York is summer. If you love to people watch with your favorite drink in hand, Manhattan has some great outdoor spots to meet friends for a great start to the weekend.

PRESS Lounge on the 16th floor of the Ink48 hotel, serves specialty cocktails and sumptuous food. The rooftop bar has a laid back, casual atmosphere with scenic views of the Hudson River and Manhattan. For cool evenings, the lounge offers a lounge that’s glass-enclosed and seating outdoors on the deck with a reflecting pool. The hotel is on 653 11th Avenue.

Harlem Tavern on 2153 Frederick Douglass Boulevard features live music on week nights and has a huge outdoor space. The tavern serves a big selection of draft and bottle craft beer, imports, beer cocktails, wine, specialty Sangria, and house cocktails including the Trifecta and the Banana Sidecar.

The Terrace at Riverpark has views of Kips Bay Garden Plaza and Long Island City. Picnic tables offer casual seating. Bar food is made with ingredients from Riverpark Farm. House cocktails include the Mark Twain and Richard Stark. Cocktails are $12 to $14, and beers are $6 to $8. The bar is at 450 E 29th Street, Manhattan.

Loreley on 7 Rivington Street, Manhattan, features an authentic Biergarten, serves traditional German food, and offers a fun, party atmosphere. The bar offers a selection of imported beers from Germany and specialty drinks including Honey Rye, a concoction of Barenjager Honey Liqueur, Apfelkorn, and Rye Whiskey. The restaurants serves a selection of delicious German cuisine, with an all-day brunch.

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