The Top 5 Beer Gardens In NYC To Check Out This Summer

by Christina Makoyawo · June 17, 2011

    It can't be a coincidence, "biergartens" or beer gardens have been popping up all over the city in higher numbers and closer proximity in open dates than ever before. You wonder about beer gardens? What's so great about beer gardens you ask? We got answers and your guide to the best in the city! -

    Why do we love beer gardens?  Is it frolicking around green and colorful floral pastures while the aroma of fresh brewed goodness hits your nostrils? Yes and no. Well its summer and its hot as blazes outside. And there is available fresh beer flowing out of cool breweries for the taking. We want to give you a guide to some of the freshest and best beer gardens in the city.

    Lot on Tap, 529 West 20th Street

    This space just opened this week so its the newest amongst the beer gardens and will be open for the remainder of the summer. Its already known for its great vibe and affordable but tasty eats and brewskies. Also known for being less touristy than the others on this list. Upon entry into the Lot, one can purchase tickets for the food and drinks inside the "orange box".

    Beekmans, 89 South Street

    Another fairly recent beer garden to spring up into New York has been the Beekman Beer Garden Beach club. This bar is water-front so if water and booze isn't your thing then back off now. But why would you want to, its so boozy-chic. The space is clad with the appropriate games; ping-pong, pool or foosball. The eating area's perfect for large groups thanks to its large wooden tables lining the venue. At night, its plush white chair illuminate the darkness for an awesome visual. Take advantage of the new music provided by indie bands who perform every sunday.

    La Birreria, 200 5th Avenue

    A massive roof-top brewery is an understatement for this Flatiron District hot spot. Sitting on top of popular italian eatery, Eataly, this beer garden boasts a space of 8,000 square feet with 300 seats available. Its old-world Italian style is alive but not in a way to alienate younger guests. The venue offers a retractable roof to cool guests down not to mention their unfiltered house brews made on the premises. Check out more photos from their opening party here!

    The Standard, 848 Washington Street

    The Biergarten at The Standard Hotel not relatively new but it's allure still sparkles as if it was. It opened last summer and since its open has been a cool fixture onto the summer city scene. Its most likely, already one of your favorite outdoor drinking spots. Their all-German and Austrian lineup of beers, Ayinger Weisse and Köstritzer Dark Bier are crowd favorites. Enjoy that while savoring their currywurst and other very German eats.

    Studio Square, 35-33 36th Street, between 35th & 36th Sts (Long Island City) (top Image)

    Located in Long Island City, this 30,000 sq feet of outdoor space can be the perfect summer spot if you want to inch away from the city for a bit. Known for its array of German and American brewed elixir, their bubbling half-pitchers, liters and pitchers go for $7, $13 and $18, respectively. Aside from the beer, the venue hosts live performances almost every weekend!

    For more ideas on which venues to visit in these summer months, check out our Summer Bars Guide HERE!