As summer arrives and brings longer days and shorter work hours, it is the ideal time to explore some of NYC Hotspots. I am thrilled to share a curated list of must-visit locations, including the trendy Seyamañana, the charming Sereneco, and others you will not want to miss. These venues are introducing thrilling new cocktails, seasonal bites, and an unmatched ambiance, promising city dwellers an unforgettable summer experience.

Picture yourself indulging in gourmet adult happy meals paired with innovative frozen refreshments, or savoring the unique flavors of a coffee piña colada cocktail. These NYC hotspots are not just about great food and drinks. They provide a perfect escape from the city’s summer heat, offering cool atmospheres and delightful experiences. So, whether you are a local or just visiting, check out these fantastic venues to elevate your summer days and nights.

NYC HOTSPOTS IN BROOKLYN

Brooklyn Kura: Innovative Cocktails and Locally-Made Sake

At Brooklyn Kura’s taproom in Industry City, guests can make the most of their Summer Fridays by enjoying American craft sake and inventive shochu cocktails in a sun-drenched, open-air setting.

The cocktail menu features unique creations like the Weekend Lover, a piña colada-inspired delight with ube, coconut, sake kasu, MSG, sweet potato shochu, Oaxacan rum, lime, and mango leaf. Another standout is the Salamontha, a savory margarita with blood orange, Sotol, cilantro, Kokuto sugar shochu, Empirical smoked shochu distillate, and lime, drawing inspiration from the vibrant acidity of ceviche.

Every Thursday from 5 to 7 PM, the taproom hosts a happy hour offering seasonal shochu highballs, mini versions of their signature Freezer-tini [a blend of gin and shochu, housemade sake vermouth, and house-cured lemons], and glasses of sake. The food menu, crafted in collaboration with Brooklyn Larder’s Fred Maurer, includes delectable bites like Kurobuta Lil’ Smokies, Chicken Fried Oyster Mushrooms, and Sake Kasu Donut Holes, providing fresh twists on classic comfort foods.

Tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Explore the beverage menu [here] and the food menu [here].

34 34th Street—Sunset Park

Sereneco: Enjoy a Summery Spritz and Prime People-Watching

Whether you are a Brooklyn local or planning a visit, spending an evening in Greenpoint, especially at Sereneco, is a must. This hidden gem features a fresh summer menu focused on sustainability and vegetable-forward dishes, paired with irresistible happy hour deals. Highlights include the Cavatelli with young savoy spinach, pistachios, and feta. The Local Hake with sautéed greens, pipian, and white onion. And the Roasted Sweet Potato with harissa yogurt, dandelion greens, and walnuts.

Pair these dishes with refreshing summer cocktails like the Bergamot-Thyme Spritz, made with Askur gin, Italicus bergamot liqueur, lemon, thyme, honey, and prosecco. Or the classic Last Word, featuring gin, green chartreuse, Luxardo, lime, and a brandied cherry. During happy hour [Monday to Friday, 4:30 to 7 PM], you can enjoy discounted light bites, signature cocktails, wine, and beer, all while people-watching from Sereneco’s charming wraparound patio.

Reservations can be made through Resy. Explore the full menus [Here].

113 Franklin Street—Greenpoint

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Chela Park Slope: Mexican Cuisine with a Twist

If you have enjoyed the culinary delights of Bar Bruno, then Chela Park Slope should be your next stop. Step into a vibrant Mexican retreat where traditional flavors are reimagined with a modern flair. Each dish reflects a profound appreciation for Mexican cuisine, offering an unparalleled gastronomic experience that transports you to the heart of Mexico.

Although reservations are recommended to ensure a guaranteed spot, walk-ins are warmly welcomed on a first-come, first-served basis, particularly in their dedicated outdoor section.

Secure your reservation via OpenTable and explore the full menu offerings [here].

408 Fifth Avenue—Park Slope

NYC HOTSPOTS IN MANHATTAN

Patent Pending: Showcasing NYC’s Finest Speakeasies to Summer Visitors

Embarking on a weekend adventure exploring New York City’s most unique bars and speakeasies would not be complete without securing a spot at Patent Pending. This stylish venue offers a dual experience. By day, Patent Coffee delights with single-origin coffee, while by night, guests discover Patent Pending, a discreet underground cocktail bar accessible through a hidden door.

Catering to every cocktail enthusiast, their menu features delights such as the Strange Magic with vodka, strawberry, Madeira, grapefruit, lemon, prosecco, and seltzer. The AC/DC with Blanche Armagnac, peach, fennel, genever, lemon, egg white, and seltzer. And the Cosmic Rays featuring pisco, American gin, dry vermouth, green apple, elderflower, and kaffir lime.

Secure your reservation via Resy and explore their full menus [here].

49 West 27th Street—Flatiron

seeyamañana: Where Tequila and Taco Cravings Meet

Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of Baja California at seeyamañana, an inviting cocktail bar and restaurant in NoMad. Guided by the innovative Chef Carlos Chavarria, the menus here celebrate the heart and soul of Baja Californian Mexican cuisine. Enjoy seasonal, vegetable-forward small plates and a delectable raw bar, all complemented by various artisanal cocktails.

Indulge in crafted delights such as the Coconut, a blend of mezcal, rum, cashew, and toasted coconut. Or try the new Cold Brew Colada, a frozen coffee piña colada with rum, tequila, and Patent Coffee cold brew. For something different, savor the Hibiscus, a frozen mix of mezcal, hibiscus, lemon, and chile de arbol.

With seeyamañana’s exciting new menu, there is something for every occasion, whether you are seeking a leisurely dinner or a late-night feast [available until 1 AM on weekends]. Highlights include elote, birria quesadillas, spicy birria smashburgers, aguachile, and pork belly tacos. Each dish is meticulously crafted to elevate your dining experience.

Secure your reservation via Resy and explore their full menus for dinner [here] and late night [here].

49 West 27th Street—NoMad

The Happiest Hour: Chill Out with Frozen Cocktails

Escape the heat and unwind at The Happiest Hour in Greenwich Village, the ultimate destination for staying cool this summer. This season, treat yourself to three enticing new frozen cocktails. Savor the invigorating Paloma crafted with tequila, Combier, grapefruit, and Pamplemousse. Or delight in The Big Chill a tantalizing mix of blackstrap and white rum with passion fruit, guava, and grapefruit bitters. For a taste of the tropics, try the Seaside Slush a delicious blend of vodka, Italicus, watermelon, coconut water, and lime.

Drop by for their weeknight happy hour from 5 to 7 PM, perfect for those relaxed summer Fridays. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere while indulging in their newly introduced Happiest Meal, which includes a burger, side dish, and beverage, all for just $22.

Secure your spot via Resy and explore their full menus [here].

121 West 10th Street—Greenwich Village

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Agency of Record: Groove to Vinyl DJs and Intimate Lounge Vibes

Escape the scorching summer heat with a visit to Agency of Record, an elegant cocktail bar nestled in Midtown’s historic Renwick Hotel. Whether you are a local mixology lover or a traveler passing through Grand Central, this stylish venue offers a refreshing retreat with cool vibes and inventive cocktails.

Explore creative twists on classic drinks, like the Four Ps—a mai tai-inspired blend of three types of rum, pistachio, turmeric, almond, and lemon. For a tropical treat, try the Opting In, a piña colada variation featuring Venezuelan rum, fernet, coconut, pineapple, Croatian herbs, and lime.

Pair your drinks with mouthwatering bar bites such as Lobster Cocktail and Japanese-style Fried Chicken, perfect for an evening of sophisticated indulgence. Make your reservation via Resy and dive into their full menus [here + here].

118 East 40th Street—Midtown

Concluding NYC Hotspots For a Summer Visit

This beautiful city boasts a variety of vibrant NYC hotspots perfect for enjoying the Summer. From the refreshing cocktails and inventive dishes at Seeyamañana in NoMad to the cool vibes and creative drinks at Agency of Record in Midtown. At these New York City hotspots, there is something to satisfy every palate and preference.

Whether you are a Brooklyn local savoring the new offerings at Sereneco. Or exploring the stylish ambiance of Patent Pending, New York City’s dynamic culinary scene provides unique experiences and unforgettable flavors.

Do not miss out on the exciting menus and inviting atmospheres that these standout venues provide. Make your reservations today, and savor the best of what the city has to offer this summer.