Why spend any part of a beautiful weekend indoors when you’ve got all week to stare at a screen? We recommend trying a staycation or picking up some of these essential summer items and eats. But if that’s not enough for you, we’ve put together our favorite spots that allow us to spend an entire weekend in the sun.
Saturday
Morning: In Crown Heights, pick up a bagel or bialy at Lula Bagel and take a stroll down Eastern Parkway to Grand Army Plaza for the farmers’ market, where you can just check out the dogs or plan some meals. If you don’t want a bagel, head to Cheryl’s Global Soul for their brunch.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon on the roof at Zona Rosa, where chef Ivan Garcia makes some of the best tacos around. Or if you’re in the mood to lay in the grass at Prospect Park, Riverdel will pack your picnic basket for you, complete with vegan sandwiches, drinks and snacks.
Evening: Still hungry? Go over to MIDNIGHTS right off the L’s Bedford Avenue stop, where you can choose from oysters, vegetarian calamari and much more to enjoy in their backyard—but no matter what you do, order the excellent salt and vinegar fries. Rider, also in Williamsburg, just added outdoor seating to go along with one of the best brunch menus in the city (and their weeknight happy hour is also a draw: $1 sausages, $1 oysters, and $8 glasses of wine from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.). If you just want a drink, go up to the top of the William Vale for a drink at Westlight, their bar that provides some of the best views in Brooklyn.
Nightcap: In Bushwick, El Cortez always has a party to go along with their frozen drinks and upstairs patio. If you’re not in the mood for a rager, head over to the underrated Lo-Res Bar at Nitehawk Cinema, where they’re serving a bunch of new draft cocktails for the summer. Try the Crooklyn, which has Breuckelen New York Wheat Whiskey, dry vermouth, Forthave Amaro, Luxardo Maraschino. Sip it on their patio—the wi-fi works there, too.
Sunday
Morning: Live near Ditmas Park or want to take a nice bike ride? Go to Lea for brunch, where you can do avocado toast or some sourdough pancakes. If you need more coffee, Cafe Madeline will be able to give you what you need.
Afternoon: Tummy still rumbling? Hit up The Farm on Adderley for either an omelete or a kale salad or a burger—it’s up to your appetite. If you just want a drink, Sycamore Bar & Flowershop provides the summery vibes, good drinks and has a host of special events, including an upcoming dim sum party with food from Nom Wah Tea Parlor.
Evening: Head to Sea Witch and feel like a mermaid or pirate, whichever sea maven you prefer, for both food and drink. Or go up to the Crown Heights–Bed-Stuy border for a Penichillin at Diamond Reef, the chill bar from the dudes behind the very serious Lower East Side spot Attaboy. Their backyard—complete with a food truck—is everyone’s new favorite place, and as you’d expect considering their pedigree, all the drinks are the best in the neighborhood.
Nightcap: Haven’t had enough? Go drink some rum at Lovers Rock and dance. Okay, it might not be outside, but you will be transported to somewhere much more pleasant than a New York City sidewalk.
