When Miranda moved to Brooklyn, the quintessential Manhattan girls vowed they'd never leave the island to visit her. Sure, Manhattan may have Fifth Avenue, multiple Shake Shacks, and subways that don't turn into shuttle buses every single weekend. But those amenities haven't stopped thousands of hip young things from following Miranda across the river, many in search of what eludes non-millionaire Manhattanites–outdoor space. Coming in many forms—Backyards! Patios! Rooftops!—fresh air in which to knock one back is worth spending that 20 extra minutes of commute to attain it. Whether you have a date, a party to plan or just a good book to read, there is a picnic table out there for you.

If you or someone you know is a beer snob…try:
Spuyten Duyvil
In a 'hood that derives much of its charm from Buck Hunter, $2 cans of PBR and back patio BBQs, the folks at Spuyten Duyvil tapped into a previously under-served consumer: the beer snob. With six drafts and dozens of bottles–mostly Dutch, German and Flemish–it’s a beer connoisseur’s wet dream. The average customer, on the other hand, will have no idea what they’re ordering. No matter–it will be hard not to enjoy whatever you’re sipping while chilling in the newly-expanded backyard. Just two L stops out of the East Village, this backyard gets packed with those whose idea of summer outdoor drinking is more highbrow salon than bikini beach party.
359 Metropolitan Ave (@ Havemeyer St.), So.Williamsburg, 718.963.4140

If you need a place to bring your baggage…try:
Mission Dolores
Whether you’re toting a dog, a kid, your lunch or a bad smoking habit, you’ll be welcome with open arms at this beer garage, er, garden, a favorite of Park Slope hipsters and pinball wizards alike. The bar boasts 20 rotating craft brews ranging from Coney Island’s Sword Swallower to 21st Amendment’s Back in Black. Order up a few and finagle your way into a coveted courtyard table beside that bearded guy doing “work” on his Mac. Like we said, bring whatever you want…except for someone who doesn’t like beer…the alternatives aren’t very pretty.
249 4th Ave. (President & Carroll Sts.), Park Slope, 718.399.0099

If you’ve got a date to impress…try:
Weather Up
One of the originals in the uber-trendy “faux-hibition” movement, Weather Up offers the quintessential speakeasy trademarks—absence of signage, haunting lighting, suspendered and bespectacled bartenders—but with an additional hidden surprise. Meander out back to discover a Hoover-esque garden party, where cloche hats and paisley dresses are still in vogue. Sit back with a Brandy Alexander (brandy, heavy cream, crème de cocoa), or the surprisingly strong Ward 8 (bourbon, pomegranate, orange, and lemon juice). Just be sure to sip slowly—at $12 a pop, your next drink may have to be ordered next door, at Soda Bar’s less classy (and less pricey) back patio.
589 Vanderbilt Ave. (@ Dean St.), Prospect Heights, no phone

If the babysitter cancelled…try:
5 Burro Café
Catering to the lush inside all mamas and papas, Cobble Hill’s new Mexican restaurant-slash-“margarita garden” features a playground for the kiddies, and one for adults…and we’re not just talking about their eight flavors of frozen margaritas! Challenge your reproductively-disinclined pals to a game of Bocce—loser is stuck slurring through bedtime stories. This spot will likely become packed as word spreads, but its off-the-beaten-path waterfront locale means that at least for now, scoring a picnic table is as easy as uno, dos, tres.
127 Columbia St. (Kane & Irving Sts.), Cobble Hill, 718.875.5155

If you’re stuck planning a party…try:
Loreley Williamsburg
If you’re ready for some brau-ha-ha, head to this authentic German beer garden, the Williamsburg version of the LES fave. And like most bars that move from Manhattan to the boroughs, this outpost is bigger, with more tables, a larger indoor area, and less people, so you can sip on your kölsch without knocking elbows with your neighbor. Crowd around the communal picnic benches and forgo birthday cake for a brat and a brew, after all, that’s how zee Germans do it.
64 Frost St. (@ Meeker Ave.), Williamsburg, 718.599.0025

If you just got your pink slip…try: 
Washington Commons
The rule seems to go: the farther away from Manhattan you get, the less you must fork over for a brewski. It may take a few extra minutes for commuters to get here from the city, so the Washington Ave bar offers a few extra hours of cheap drinks—two bucks off the already reasonable prices until 8pm (even on weekends!). Cult classics play on screens inside, but the real draw is to be found out back. So grab the help wanted listings and one of 12 beers on tap and hunker down for the afternoon on a picnic table in the spacious yard. Bonus: no kitchen means you are free to order in food—or bring a brown bag if things really get desperate.
748 Washington Ave. (Park Pl & Sterling Pl), Prospect Heights, 718.230.3666

If you’re looking for an impromptu block party…try:
Habana Outpost
The line is long at this family-friendly Ft. Greene restaurant, but the prize is worth the wait: delicious à la carte Cuban specialties, frozen mojitos and margaritas, and the majority of seating out-of-doors. Sip your drinks at an outdoor table while waiting to pick up your food from the truck…that is, if you can find a table. Locals of all ages, races and styles spill out from the schoolyard-style fencing to continue eating, chatting and dancing in the streets. Added bonus: you can burn to earn those calories—a bicycle-powered blender saves you a buck if you pedal yourself.
757 Fulton St. (@ S. Portland Ave.), Fort Greene, 718.858.9500

If you’re flying solo…try:
The Gate
New York City, they say, is where you can be surrounded by millions of people and still be lonely. On the flip side, it’s also one of the few places in America where it is completely acceptable to do anything alone—go to movies, eat out or saddle up to a bar. If you find yourself craving some company on a free afternoon, head to The Gate with your dog, crossword puzzle or simply a wandering eye. This Fifth Ave institution is a dive bar with a decent-sized side patio where tables and chairs mingle to form chance meetings. Whether you decide to chat up your neighbor about the considerable beer selection or simply soak in the passersby that flood the busy intersection, a few hours at The Gate will have you feeling like maybe this apple isn’t all that big.
321 5th Ave (between 2nd St & 3rd St), Park Slope, 718.768.4329

If you’re hosting your rents…try:
Brooklyn Bridge Gardens
If there's anything less appealing on a smoldering day than dodging massive packs of tourists on yet another walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, it's dodging massive packs of tourists in the interminable line at Grimaldi's. Spare yourself and your elders and sneak next door to the newly-opened Brooklyn Bridge Gardens for your post-stroll sustenance instead. Rest your feet and reward your belly with a menu of Americana staples that is interesting without getting too risky. Sip a refreshing glass of white wine, watch the ivy crawl up the brick walls, and submit to the round of photo-taking that this little city escape will inspire.
5 Front St. (@ Dock St.), Brooklyn Heights, 718.625.5559

If you’re packing exactly seven dollars…try:
Lady Jay's
Seven big ones are enough to get you a shot of moonshine and a cold can of PBR at Lady Jay's, a honky-tonk haven in the middle of hipsterville. Country music blares and trucker hats dominate at this joint, but if you're more into Wyclef than Willie, you can take your double fisting out of doors to the back patio. The scene is shockingly serene for a chaotic strip of Grand Street, with high fences of fresh wood shielding you from the sounds and smells of urban street life. The minimalist seating makes for easy mingling, especially later on in the evening when the place gets packed with an eclectic mix of city folks and cowpokes.
633 Grand St., (Manhattan & Leonard sts.), 718.387.1029

It’s a recession, people. In Brooklyn, you get all the sun at a fraction of the price – not to mention a heavy dose of chill. So let that Jitney pass by and take a ride on the L train (or F, G, A, 4, 5, 2, 3 … you get the picture). You’ll be there before your tongue gets the hang of “Summering in Brooklyn”.

- Mishka Vertin