When temperatures start climbing, avoid those astronomical air-conditioning bills and venture to the ends of the island to enjoy refreshing summertime sips on the water. The only thing that should be climbing this season is your alcohol tolerance, so put those drinking caps on (detachable visor needed for eye protection from the sun) and enjoy the views while doing it! Grace the sandy “beaches” of The Beekman Beer Garden Beach Club with a martini or rock the boat with a cold brew on the Frying Pan. The choices are endless, but the summer isn’t! Just in time for Fleet Week, check out our picks for best waterfront watering holes!

-Jinee Son

The Beekman Beer Garden Beach Club With a menu that offers meaty barbecue goodness and fresh fish tacos from the sea, The Beekman Beer Garden Beach Club’s list of booze isn’t all it's delivering. The view of the Brooklyn Bridge can be admired from the sandy patio where you can kick off your sandals and enjoy a barefooted drinking binge or hightail it to the pool table where the giant windows open to the outdoor area. On those cooler summer nights, sit by the fire pits and munch on your slice of watermelon ($3) as you sip on your Ommegang Witte ($8). Mistaking the fabulous faux beach for a real one happens all the time. Just don’t try and jump in the water—no lifeguards are on duty! The Beekman Beer Garden Beach Club, Pier 17 Bt. North & Beekman Sts. (South Street Seaport/Financial District) 212.896.4600

Pier i Café Perched on the longest pier in the city, Pier i Café is the perfect place to get lost in a waterfront atmosphere for a party of any size. Taking a first glance at the menu, you’ll find the mostly BBQ selection is fused with seafood delights like classic Maine lobster ($18.37). Enjoy an espresso in the morning when the sun is in the east, then have some sangria as you watch the sun setting on the west side. For quiet alone time catching up with your summer reading or a night out with friends, Pier i is more than you can ask for. Pier i Café, Pier I @ W. 70th St. & the Hudson River (Upper West Side) 212.362.4450

Hudson River Café We all know Harlem’s got soul, but summer is when this neighborhood really gets swingin’. The Hudson River Café is a hot spot Manhattanites have credited as a trendy eatery with views of the river that don’t disappoint. Kick back with some Baby Back Ribs accompanied by sweet potato fries and corn bread pudding ($16) and sip on a specialty cocktail like the "Harlem Spice" (Muddled jalapeno, fresh orange, sauza hornitos reposado tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime & homemade sour mix, $12) to get your tipsy on. This spot is known for happy hour gatherings, so head over after a long day’s work to socialize in a packed house by the water. Hudson River Café, 697 W. 133rd St. @ 12th Ave. (Harlem) 212.491.9111

Frying Pan All aboard! The Frying Pan is catching (small) waves as the temperature rises. Every summer, this historic flagship raises anchors to the public for the ultimate waterfront experience…since it’s literally on the water! If “being on deck” doesn’t entice you, take a gander at the extensive menu that’s almost as impressive as the view. The "Clam Bake on the Hudson" (littleneck clams, jumbo shrimp, mussels, corn on the cob & steamed red potatoes, $17.53) can be washed down with a cold marg ($8.30,) but if you're renting out this stationary boat for a party, the raw bar (seasonal oysters on the half shell, littleneck clams, steamed & chilled mussels, lemon-dill vinaigrette-doused jumbo shrimp cocktail, calamari-baby octopus salad, $35 per person) is definitely the way to go. Pair that dish up with the perfect white wine and you’ve got yourself a treat Poseidon would be envious of. Frying Pan, Pier 66 Bt. W. 26th St. & 12th Ave. (Chelsea) 212.989.6363

The West 79th Boat Basin Café When you’re looking to hang with a variety of different people, The West 79th Boat Basin Café is a hot spot you don’t want to look past. With groups of children and dogs during the day, you can enjoy your "Electric Lemonade" spiked with Absolut Citron ($8) under the sun in a family-friendly environment. For those nights you want to head over with a bunch of pals, be prepared for some serious competition for seating. Patrons flock to this café when the sun goes down to enjoy drinks like a "Cruzan Confusion" (mango and coconut rum with pineapple juice, $8) while watching the sun set. You’re on the Upper West Side after all—it would be a waste to leave without seeing the sky turn pink with an equally colorful drink in hand! The West 79th Boat Basin Café, 390 W. 79th St. @The Hudson River (Upper West Side) 212.496.5542

Chelsea Brewing Company How to escape the summer heat in one easy step? Visit the Chelsea Brewing Company! There’s nothing like a frosty beer to hold you over when the unforgiving sun’s high in the sky. The floor-to-ceiling windows of this resto/brewery will keep you safe from the heat but still allow you to enjoy the gorgeous waterfront views. If you can bear the temperature, the outdoor bar carries the same 30 microbrews that flow on tap indoors. Try the German Kolsch beer, Checker Cab Blond Ale ($6) that’s loaded with hops and flavor. If you want something sweet, grab a Sunset Red Ale ($6) where they infuse crystal malt with hops so each glass is brimming with yummy caramel flavor. Chelsea Brewing Company, 59 Chelsea Piers @ 18th St. (Chelsea) 212.336.6440

Battery Gardens What’s so great about the Battery Gardens is that it’s so versatile. If you want a day of drinking some brews in the sun with friends, then head to the Beer Garden, or if you want to kick it up a notch with delicious specialty cocktails then grab a seat under an umbrella at The Harbor View Bar. If it’s a romantic date night, head indoors to the restaurant that boasts panoramic views of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Try the specialty "Pink Ginger Cosmo" (Belvedere Pink Grapefruit, Stirring’s All Natural Ginger Liqueur, lime juice & cranberry juice, $14) or the health-conscious cocktail, the "Battery Iced Tea" (Spring 44 Vodka & unsweetened iced tea, $10) while you’re sitting back and enjoying the picturesque views of the Hudson. Battery Gardens, Battery Park Opp. 17 State St. (Financial District) 212.809.5506

Riverpark Foodies everywhere cry “hallelujah!” when dining at the swanky Riverpark restaurant. The two-story windows that open up to the East River and trendy decor provide an upscale atmosphere that’ll fancy up any date. The menu includes gourmet meals like the Braised Salmon (Chioga beef confit, beef tartare, and ruby streaks $27) and Beef Ribeye and Brisket (black radish consomme and “shabu-shabu” $35). While you indulge your taste buds in those flavorful dishes, sip on a cocktail like the "Drunken Pair" (bourbon, pair, lemon, spiced agave, Prosecco float, $12) or try something completely unique like "Farmer’s Milk" (bacon-infused Old Torn Gin, sweat peas, maple syrup & smoked sea salt, $12). On cooler summer nights, head out to the terrace where casual communal picnic tables are at your disposal or ask to be seated on the patio where the view is that much better in the intimate setting. Riverpark, 450 E 29th St. @ FDR Dr. (Murray Hill) 212.729.9790

The Water Club For the ultimate summer-in-the-city experience, feast on fresh seafood and perch yourself on the rooftop bar named The Crow’s Nest for some frozen drinks and sangria pitchers. Respectfully, The Water Club is literally on the water, making the feeling of floating easy when you’ve had one too many drinks. The wine selection is extensive with reds, whites and roses. The Riesling, Erdener Treppchen Kabinett, Meulenhof, Mosel 2011 is $12 per glass, while the Cabernet Sauvignon, Heitz Cellar, Napa Valley 2006 will set you back 20 bucks a glass. Wine paired with "East and West Oysters" ($2.50 each) is the perfect summer snack. Dine in the classy yet casual restaurant, feel the breeze come from the water from the roof, sip on a cocktail near the lounge's fireplace…we could go on and on, but you get the idea! The Water Club, 500 E. 30th St. Bt. 29th & 32nd Sts. (Midtown East) 212.683.3333

Sequoia If you think Fi-Di is too far of a trek, then you obviously haven’t seen a sunset from Manhattan’s southernmost neighborhood, because it’s worth every MetroCard swipe. With views of Brooklyn’s Promenade and Governor’s Island, Sequoia’s second floor balcony is the prime place to catch passing ferries, water taxis and of course, the beautiful sunset. The perfect summertime sip to grab here after a long day’s work is "Superfruit Mojito" (VeeV Açaí Spirit, blueberries, fresh mint, sugar & splash of soda, $11), and when life hands you lemons, drink up a "Huckleberry Lemonade" (44 North Huckleberry Vodka, Lite Lemon Vodka & lemonade, $10) to make for a very happy hour. Sequoia, 89 South St. @ South St. Seaport, Pier 17 (Financial District) 212.732.9090