New York City has some of the best outdoor bars and pop-up restaurants in the world. As we begin gearing up for summer, pop-up restaurants in the city begin to temporarily open their doors to eager patrons. Pop-up restaurants are a great time, but they are not here for a long time. If you are looking for the best outdoor bars in NYC, look no further. We have compiled a list of some of the most exciting and unique pop-ups that are taking the city by storm this summer.

    1. Tipsy Scoop at Beginnings Atlantic Beach

It’s true, one of the best outdoor bars in NYC is now featuring boozy cocktails courtesy of Tipsy Scoop

Grab a bite and a boozy dessert in Atlantic Beach.

If you are in the mood for a lively outdoor atmosphere and a boozy ice cream cocktail, pay a visit to Beginnings in Atlantic Beach. Beginnings is a cozy joint stacked to the brim with books that features signature themed tasting menus and incredible cocktails featuring Tipsy Scoop Ice Cream. Launching this summer are all new Tipsy Scoop flavors that are perfect for a hot summer day at one of the coolest outdoor bars in NYC. Partnering with Blue Chair Bay Rum, Tipsy Scoop is excited to offer a full line of new summer flavors including Dirty Banana Ice Cream, Mango Daiquiri Sorbet, Piña Colada Ice Cream (with a non-dairy version), and Key Lime Ice Cream. Launching this Memorial Day, you will definitely want to try these new flavors before the summer is over. Head over to Atlantic Beach and grab themed entreé and a dessert with a little extra kick, you won’t regret it!

     2. Urban Space at Bryant Park

This NYC staple returns for the 2021 season better than ever

Enjoy happy hour in Bryant Park this summer. Image courtesy of Urban Space.

If you are not sure what you are in the mood for to eat or drink, Urban Space in Bryant park is the place to go. This large market features elevated food trucks serving gourmet meals from their kitchen directly into your hands. This year you can get anything from innovative vegan alternatives at Monk’s Vegan Smokehouse to authentic german cuisine at German Sausages. Don’t forget to stop by for happy hour too, as there are always several up and coming breweries and distilleries to choose from. If you are interested in a wide variety of food and drink in a bustling outdoor setting, you will definitely be interested in Urban Space at Bryant Park this summer.

     3. Saigon Social at Boys Don't Cry

Excellent cocktails and Vietnamese comfort food are the name of the game at Saigon Social

Sample renowned Vietnamese in a chic atmosphere. Image courtesy of The Infatuation.

Boys Don’t Cry is a trendy, foodie cocktail bar situated in the Lower East Side of NYC. For this summer only at Boys Don’t Cry, you can try some of the best Vietnamese comfort food in the city at Saigon Social. Hosting several dinners over this coming summer, this popup is more of an amuse bouche for the expected future opening of five-star chef Helen Nguyen’s permanent restaurant. Saigon Social offers a rotating menu of Vietnamese classics like garlic fried noodles with beer battered soft shell crab and broken rice with grilled porkchop, so there is always something new to try. With the addition of the excellent cocktails served up by Boy’s Don’t Cry, this pop-up is a must for this coming summer. We recommend the Bahn Mi Burger, but you have to get it before it’s gone!

    4. The Garden at The Standard East Village

This surreal garden space is one of the most visually stunning outdoor bars in NYC

Get lost in a verdant paradise at The Garden. Image courtesy of Town and Gardens.

If you are looking to escape the urban jungle for something with a little more greenery, you are in luck. Launching this summer the Standard in the East village is bringing an elaborate fantasy garden themed dining experience to NYC. This place is really all about the atmosphere, featuring lush gardens with eye catching sculptural centerpieces to complete the experience. Your eyes will go wide as you exit the busy streets and enter a world of manicured topiaries and soothing water fountains. The Garden also specializes in tea based cocktails, so you can get the full fantasy tea party experience. To top it all off, their delicious food is served in picnic baskets to add that extra touch.

    5. Holy Ground at Elsewhere Rooftop

Vegan music lover unite, this is your new favorite rooftop bar

Get your groove on at this stunning rooftop bar. Image courtesy of Elsewhere.

On weekends this summer, you can catch more than a show at Elsewhere in Brooklyn, the famous concert venue is also hosting vegan food from Tribeca’s Holy Ground. The outdoor popup is located on the rooftop of Elsewhere, making it one of the best relaxed rooftop dining experiences in the city. The rooftop has a wonderful view of NYC where you can also enjoy live music. With incredible cocktails and entertainment, Holy Ground is definitely the place to be this summer. We recommend trying their paloma to cool off in the summer heat.

If you are looking for things to do in NYC this summer, try out some of these restaurants and  outdoor bars in NYC. Just don’t wait too long or these pop-ups could be gone before you know it. Whether you are looking for gourmet food, excellent atmosphere, or killer cocktails our list of best pop-ups in NYC has you covered. And don’t forget to check out Tipsy Scoop’s new boozy ice cream flavors at any of our pop-ups or barlour locations around the city. Stop by and say “Hi!” in Atlantic Beach, Manhattan or Brooklyn. We also have our brand new location coming this summer to Long Beach. It’s always a good time to treat yourself to some Tipsy Scoop!