Outdoor bars: 15 spots in Westchester, Rockland for a drink in the sun or moonlight
A cooling cocktail and a breeze are hallmarks of summer. But even better is an outdoor bar, especially when it's near a pool, by the water or on a rooftop. Lucky for us, Westchester and Rockland have 15 places to enjoy with seasonal sips and often, fabulous views. With August here, these spots should be checked out sooner rather than later, though they're just as nice in early fall.
Westchester
G Bar at Gigante, Eastchester
Set amidst thatched umbrellas and an outdoor patio festooned with greenery, this new outdoor bar feels like a cross between a Miami resort and a Caribbean getaway. You can hear the sounds of kids splashing in the water at the adjacent Lake Isle Country Club. There's even a photo machine for taking selfies. There are technically three bars here so when the weather's nice and the doors are open, they all feel alfresco, making this Italian restaurant a spot that should be tops on your list. Don't leave without trying the crab cake (trust me) or the crab meat avocado tower. 660 White Plains Road, 914-961-1001, giganterestaurant.com
The Greenhouse, Harvest-on-Hudson, Hastings
This recently opened glass enclosed structure, with openings on all sides, offers the best of all worlds: A river view, a greenhouse vibe and the option to dine at a patio table nearby. There's even a fireplace on one end for nights when it gets cooler. Whatever you do, try the Greenhouse pizza (roasted spring vegetables, fresh mozzarella, burrata and lemon zest) and the Stardrop Spritz (tequila, Aperol, watermelon, white peach, and bubbles). 1 River Street, Hastings, 914-478-2800, harvesthudson.com
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Barley on the Hudson, Tarrytown
A view of the Hudson and a margarita? What can be better? Oh, I know ... maybe sunset. There's plenty of seating at this fast casual spot where you can also add a lobster roll, a fish taco or popcorn shrimp. Check their social media as there's also often live music. 226 Green St., 914-909-5724, facebook.com/barleyonthehudson
Red Hat on the River, Irvington
Drink in the view literally and figuratively at this rooftop perch where loungey cushioned seating entices you to stay all night. Whether you're sipping a spicy watermelon margarita or a gin and matcha lemonade, this vista, which on a clear day includes Manhattan, is one of the best in Westchester. 1 Bridge St., 914-591-5888, redhatontheriver.com
The Boathouse, Ossining
When's the last time you were on a boat? Consider this the next best thing: A parked sailboat with a view of the Hudson where you can sit on a stool and enjoy a lobster roll. There's also a Boatmobile food truck (Friday to Sunday only) or you can order from the restaurant and bring your food to the outdoor patio. Either way, at least until it gets cold out again, you're rocking the boat (house). Just keep in mind: The Boathouse bar is tended Wednesday through Sunday (weather-permitting) from 5 p.m. to close and open weekends from 4 p.m. 46 Westerly Road, 914-923-6466, ossiningboathouse.com
Hudson Social, Dobbs Ferry
The motto at this trainside restaurant is "eat, drink, be social" and it's easy to do all three at the restaurant's outdoor bar. If you work in Manhattan or have a friend who's visiting, there's nothing easier as you walk off the train into this alfresco paradise. On Thursdays, there's live music from 6 to 9 p.m. Try the Aperol-on-the-Hudson (Tito's vodka, Aperol, lemon, simple syrup) or the Frosé, made with their signature mix. Pair it with a po'boy, a burger or flash fried shrimp, then walk off your calories in the park across the street as a perfect way to end a summer night. 11 Station Plaza, 914-478-3634, hudsonsocial.com
Tiki Beach Pier Restaurant, Rye
You may want to burst into a Jimmy Buffet rendition of "Margaritaville" while seated at this tiki bar, as the thatched roof and umbrellas make you feel like you're on a surfside vacation. The surfboard on the wall nearby highlighting the cocktail menu only adds to the sunny vibe. Try the sangria, a frozen pina colada or the Oceanside Bay Breeze (my fave) with coconut rum, pineapple juice and cranberry juice, while taking in the majestic Long Island Sound view. With Rye beach on the right and Playland on the left, it's easy to de-stress, enjoy some coconut shrimp or a lobster roll and let the beach vibes roll in. 1 Playland Pkwy, 914-305-3518, tikibeachrye.com
River Outpost Brewing Co., Peekskill
Nothing like a water view with a cold beer. At River Outpost, you get both including brewed-on-the-premises IPAs, pilsners, ales and stouts. There's also plenty of cocktails such as a Cranberry Mule (vodka, lime, cranberry and ginger beer) and the Razzle Dazzle with raspberry vodka, gin and lemonade. You'll also find a selection of East and West Coast oysters, popcorn shrimp, calamari, pork nachos and a brisket sandwich. 5 John Walsh Blvd., 914-788-4555, riveroutpostbrewing.com
Freebird Kitchen and Bar, White Plains
It's shaded and cool (er) at this rooftop bar where, if you're seated at one of the tables outside, you can see some of the White Plains skyline. It's also a great spot for a burger, smoked wings or a brisket po'boy. 161 Mamaroneck Ave., 914-607-2476, freebirdkitchenandbar.com
Tee Bar & Grille, Shrub Oak
There's a retractable roof, firepits and a tiki vibe in the outdoor area of this modern American bistro, located at the Glendower Golf Club. Two open-air windows, with a few seats by each, make this a casual, comfy outdoor bar. 795 US-6, 914-302-2850, teebaryorktown.com
Half Moon, Dobbs Ferry
The bar here is so close to the water you can always catch a breeze. Recently refreshed, as in a little paint, and it's the perfect perch for a martini and oysters. 1 High St., 914-693-4130, halfmoonhudson.com
Hudson Prime Steakhouse, Irvington
Look for a new 13-seat outdoor bar with a mural of a bull running up Irvington's Main Street, opening soon. 5 N. Buckhout St., 914-231-6800, hudsonprimesteakhouse.com
Rockland
Hudson Water Club, West Haverstraw
A view of the water is enticing enough, as is the spacious outdoor patio, but the icing on the cake is the Happy Hour featuring $12 speciality cocktails, $6 drafts and $8 well drinks from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday. There are also $8 selected appetizers, which change weekly. 606 Beach Road, 845-271-4046, hudsonwaterclub.com
Pier 701 Restaurant & Bar, Piermont
This riverfront bistro, with its roomy deck, large outdoor bar and small beach where you can dine and dig your toes in the sand, has long been known as a summer must. The tiki fringe on the bar alone makes it worth a visit. So, too, does dusk with the lights of the Tappan Zee in the background and a cold beer and a lobster roll. There are also plenty of specialty drinks along with sangria and wine, as well as occasional live music. Check their website for specials and events. 701 Piermont Ave., 845-848-2550, pier701ny.com
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The Farm, Nyack
Don't think you have to be a hotel guest to enjoy dining or drinking at the 12-seat outdoor bar at The Farm restaurant. The farm-to-table spot, at the Hotel Nyack, features a sizeable outdoor patio complete with a bar where you'll find an aptly named Hudson Breeze (with pinaccle cucumber vodka, cucumber juice, lime juice, and agave), a Blackberry Collins (with Orange County's Black Dirt bourbon, lemon juice, and agave) and La Femme (Empress 1805 gin, St. Germain, fresh lime and prosecco). 400 High Ave., 845-675-8700, farmathotelnyack.com
Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @lohud_food or via the lohudfood newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: 15 outdoor bars in Westchester, Rockland NY for summer
