Memorial Day weekend quickly approaches and with it comes the emergence, or re-emergence, of some of New York's best seasonal bars and restaurants. From the ramshackle but wonderful Gowanus Yacht Club in Brooklyn to the new Terroir cafe on the High Line, the nautical treasure that is the Frying Pan, and for the uppercrust diners, Public Fare up in Central Park, there's a lot of al fresco drinking and dining to be done this season. Here's where to go:
1) Pier 66 Maritime (The Frying Pan)
When: April 26 - October, 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. any day 65 degrees or warmer
Where: 26th Street and the Hudson River
What: A former railroad barge now used as a pier open to the public, Pier 66 Maritime is home to two decommissioned ships, the Lightship Frying Pan and the John J. Harvey. The seasonal bar and grill serves both a full drink menu and classic American cuisine like burgers from Pat LaFrieda and citrus glazed salmon. [Photo Credit]
2) Rockaway Beach Food Stands
When: Many concessions opened last week, but the beach officially opens on Friday, May 26
Where: Concentrated on 86th, 96th, and 106th streets
What: In addition to the famous Rockaway Taco, Venezuelan stand Caracas Arepa Bar and Brooklyn bar The Commodore will all have stands serving hungry beach-goers. The stands will continue operating throughout the summer. [Photo Credit]
3) Public Fare at the Delacorte Theater
When: May 24 - August 25 , Wednesday - Sunday 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. (6 p.m. Fridays)
Where: Delacorte Theater, Central Park
What: Operated by Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group, Public Fare is a seasonal outdoor cafe coordinating its season with Shakespeare in the Park. This year, Public Fare will offer specialty hot dogs, sandwiches, and salads as well as drinks. On Fridays from 4 to 6 p.m., the cafe will have a happy hour that includes $3 draft beers, $5 wines by the glass, and a 20% discount on all food. [Photo Credit]
4) Gowanus Yacht Club
When: April 20th-TBA
Where: 323 Smith Street
What: The Carroll Gardens outdoor beer garden now has eight beers on tap and still offers its famous two-cans-for-five-bucks deal. The menu includes grilled clams, sandwiches, and $1 oysters on Tuesdays. It's cash only, so stop by an ATM on your way there. [Photo Credit]
5) Hester Nights
When: May 31 - October 25, Thursdays 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: Eventi Hotel Open Air Plaza, 851 Sixth Avenue
What: The Lower East Side's Hester Street Fair expands into NoMad this summer with an exclusively food-focused open-air night market at the Eventi Hotel. Vendors include Pies 'N' Thighs, La Newyorkina, and Little Muenster. Although its opening was postponed by a week due to rain, Hester Nights will continue throughout the summer. [Photo Credit]
6) Terroir at the High Line
When: May 25 - November, 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Where: Lower Chelsea Market Passage, the High Line at 15th Street
What: The wine bar from Paul Grieco and Marco Canora will be opening up for the summer this Memorial Day Weekend at The Porch, the High Line's open air cafe. Terroir joins vendors such as Melt Bakery and Northern Spy Food Co., and the menu will feature locally sourced panini and salads. [Photo Credit]
7) Smorgasburg
When: Saturdays 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Where: East River Waterfront between N. 6th and N. 7th streets, Williamsburg, Brooklyn
What: The annual food-centric Brooklyn Flea spinoff opened for the season in early April. This year's vendors include Red Hook Lobster Pound, Blue Marble Ice Cream, and Asia Dog and will sell both packaged and prepared foods every week throughout the summer. [Photo Credit]
8) Make-Shift Milk Bar
When: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., opening date TBA
Where: 696 Montauk Highway, Montauk, NY
What: Christina Tosi and company announced this week that they'll be setting up a temporary sixth location of Momofuku Milk Bar next to the Cynthia Rowley boutique in Montauk. Serving Milk Bar classics like compost cookies and crack pie, the location will be Milk Bar's first outside New York City. [Photo Credit]
—Alison Herman
