immaculate infatuation summer guide

Greetings, and welcome to our New York Summer Guide, Immaculate Infatuation style. If you somehow ended up with this guide in your hands despite having no idea who we are, let us kindly introduce ourselves. We are Chris Stang and Andrew Steinthal, two guys who have full time jobs in the music business and started a website about restaurants in 2009. Let's just say we eat out a lot, and have strong opinions. Our goal is to make sure you never waste money on a bad meal. We've got a website, an app, and now this guide - along with much more to come. We put this together to help you get the most of our few fleeting months of sunshine, all while being as gluttonous

and irresponsible as possible. Inside youll find a handful of new restaurants that were excited about, some of the best outdoor dining in town, and a bunch of places we frequent for a drink or two when its warm out. Cant read? Dont worry. There should be enough hi res photos in here to keep you and/or any four year old entertained for at least an hour or two. Hopefully having this info at your fingertips helps make this summer the best one since the one when you got your braces off and learned how to drive. See you out there. Stang & Steinthal

The Butterfly & Nicoletta Pok Pok Ny Gran Electrica Brooklyn Fare, but in Manhattan

Crave Fishbar Ippudo Midtown Brooklyn Crab

Mulberry Project Gowanus Yacht Club Spuyten Duyvil Back Forty

Union Pool Il Posto Accanto The Summit Bar Tacombi @ Fonda Nolita

Vinegar Hill House Robertas Fette Sau Maison Premiere The Grocery Pure Food & Wine Frankies 457 Walter Foods Frannys Salinas Aurora Brooklyn

Caf De La Esquina The Good Fork Van Horn Sandwich Shop Tree Crispo Royale The Farm on Adderley Edi & The Wolf Riverpark The Modern Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden La Birreria Eataly Studio Square Radegast Hall & Biergarten Zeppelin Hall Biergarten Mission Dolores & The Rock Shop The Standard Biergarten

Not all the new summer restaurants - just the ones we think are going to be awesome.

y The Butterfly & NicolettaYou shouldnt be surprised to see us fired up over two new Michael White openings in one summer. The Butterfly will be Whites cocktail focused supper club, and Nicoletta will be his addition to the crowded pizza landscape in the East Village. Weve got to imagine both will getting a lot of Infatuation business this summer.225 W. Broadway, Tribeca & 160 2nd Ave., East Village

Pok Pok NyWe aren't Portland-style die-hards, but we do love this new Brooklyn outpost of the PDX Thai food favorite. The original restaurant out west has been featured on endless food TV programs, and probably every food blog to ever exist. Needless to say, this is one of the more exciting things to happen to Brooklyn's food scene this summer, and that's saying a lot. It's also got a back garden for outdoor dining, and the restaurant is within walking distance of Brooklyn Bridge Park.

127 Columbia St., Cobble Hill

Summer Restaurants: The New Ones

Gran ElectricaColonie in Brooklyn Heights was one of our favorite new restaurants from last year, so the team behind it has officially earned some Infatuation anticipation for their new Mexican joint under the Brooklyn Bridge. Gran Electrica has a well curated menu of tacos, quesadillas, and other classic Mexican grub, along with a list of some of the best cocktails we've had in a while. We're partial to the beet juice infused Margarita de Remolacha, which tastes pretty spectacular on their back fh patio with a gordita in hand.

5 Front St., DUMBO

Brooklyn Fare,but in Manhattan*Brooklyn Fare is about as good a meal as you can get in New York City, even though you really cant get a reservation anymore. Adding a new restaurant with all of ten seats probably isnt going to make the situation much better, but at least you wont have to go all the way to Boerum Hill. Now youll be right smack in the middle of south Hells Kitchen. Right. They probably needed a grocery store anyway. *not the official restaurant name, but it should be.

39th St. b/t 9th & 10th Ave., Hells Kitchen


Crave Fishbar

fd Crave Fishbar (formerly Crave Ceviche Bar) returns to the food scene in Midtown East after the unfortunate crane collapse that forced the restaurant to close in 2008. Chef Todd Mitgang will fdgf offer market driven seafood in an array of styles along with some ceviche favorites from the old spot across the street. Seasonal cocktails and a concise wine list focused on good values will compliment Mitgang's creative cuisine.

945 Second Ave., Midtown East

Brooklyn Crab yThis place is either going to be awesome, or its going to be a seafood version of Chuck E. Cheese. Its a huge structure in Red Hook that is going to serve all kinds of crab, and will also allegedly have mini-golf on premises. Sign us up if that means we can drink beers in relative peace and then take some punk kids money on

Ippudo MidtownAt this point, this is probably part rumor and part wishful thinking, but there is allegedly a Hells Kitchen location of Ippudo on the way this summer. Our efforts to confirm this (no efforts) were unsuccessful, but we figured by writing about it, we can will it to become true.323 W. 51st St., Hell's Kitchen

the putt-putt course, but if this place is gonna be rug rat central then well pass. Only time will tell.24 Reed St., Red Hook


Were not talking about dirty sidewalk dining. Let someone else breathe bus fumes over dinner. These are some of the best real outdoor spaces at restaurants we love.

Vinegar Hill House Robertas Fette Sau Maison Premiere The Grocery Pure Food & Wine Frankies 457

Walter Foods Frannys Salinas Aurora Brooklyn Caf De La Esquina The Good Fork Van Horn Sandwich Shop

Tree Crispo Royale The Farm on Adderley Edi & The Wolf Riverpark The Modern

Vinegar Hill HouseThis is truly one of the best outdoor dining experiences in the city. Unfortunately its deep into DUMBO, and the wait for a table can be downright unbearable. Our move is early dinner on a Saturday evening. Be there when they open at 6pm, and youll be in business. And if you dont order a pork chop youve made a huge mistake. Eat: Red Wattle Country Chop, Chicken Two Ways, any pasta Drink: Matassa, Ctes Catalanes Cuve Noug, 2008

Vinegar Hill House

72 Hudson Ave., DUMBO

Summer Restaurants: Gardens, Patios, and Outdoor Eating

RobertasWe get the feeling that the guys who run Robertas party. A lot. This restaurant in Bushwick has everything you could ever want for summertime dining - an outdoor area, loud music, communal tables, craft beers, and incredible Neapolitan style pizzas. Throw in a slip 'n slide and well be here every weekend. Eat: Margherita Pizza, Pablo Escarole Pizza Drink: Trainspotter (Famous Grouse Scotch, Amaro Nomino, Lemon, Honey, Maldon Salt)

Robertas

261 Moore St., Bushwick


Fette SauThis is not only our favorite BBQ restaurant in town, but its also one of our favorite places to spend an afternoon of eating meat and drinking craft beer out of a growler. The restaurant is built inside an old auto body shop, and there are big tables outside for you and your group to settle in and stuff your face. Eat: Brisket, St. Louis Style Pork Ribs, Hand Pulled Berkshire Shoulder Drink: Captain Lawrence Liquid Gold...by the 1/2 gallon

Fette Sau

354 Metropolitan Ave., Williamsburg


Maison PremiereIn case you didnt already know this, we love drinking almost as much as we love eating. And right now theres no better place to find our two beloved pastimes working together in sweet harmony than at Maison Premiere. This place is all about oysters and cocktails. They have an extensive selection of both, and you can get really serious and dive into some absinthe if you so choose. The back garden is lush and comfortable, and provides a nice backdrop for some serious bivalve bingeing. Eat: Oysters, Shrimp & Andouille Gumbo Drink: The Bachelor (Meletti Amaro, Diplomatico, St. George Absinthe, Angostura Bitters)

Maison Premiere

298 Bedford Ave., Williamsburg


The Grocery yThe Grocery is a Carroll Gardens staple, and now that this neighborhood is a hotbed of culinary activity, its often overlooked by people new to eating in the area. The restaurant is run by a very friendly husband and wife that will treat you like family, and they have an excellent outdoor space thats perfect for a First/Early in the Game Date. Eat: Slow Rendered Duck Breast Drink: Chinon Raffault Cabernet Franc Ros

The Grocery

288 Smith St., Carroll Gardens


Pure Food & WinePure Food & Wine has a special place in our hearts, not only because eating here occasionally has probably saved our lives (thanks, nutrients), but also because the garden in back is huge and ridiculously nice. Its a sleeper spot in Gramercy to catch some rays on those pesky days when youve misplaced your key to the park. And its always good to keep that beach body in check with some healthy food and a Master Cleanse-tini. Yes, thats a thing. Eat: Zucchini & Local Heirloom Tomato Lasagna, Sweet Corn & Cashew Tamales Drink: Master Cleanse-tini

Pure Food & Wine

54 Irving Place, Gramercy


Frankies 457This is the original Frankies outpost, and its still the most significant. For some reason, the food always tastes better here, and their outdoor dining is off the hook. The barn out back might be the best place for a food focused summertime party that you can find. Eat: House-Made Cavatelli with Faiccos Hot Sausage & Browned Sage Butter, Meatballs with Pine Nuts & Raisins Drink: Gini Soave Classico

Frankies 457

457 Court St., Cobble Hill


Walter FoodsYou know a restaurant is a good neighborhood spot when the bartender and hostess hug everyone that walks in the door. Walter Foods is a Williamsburg favorite, and the people that come here seem to come here a lot. We understand why. The food here is pretty excellent, the drinks are strong, and theres a nice outdoor area in the back that can seat a bunch of people. We think its best utilized for an al fresco dinner consisting of many oysters, many drinks, and a French dip sandwich. Eat: French Dip, Crispy String Beans, Short Rib Burger Drink: Old Fashioned, Negroni

Walter Foods

253 Grand St., Williamsburg


FrannysFranny's is as good or better than any of the other celebrated pie slingers in Brooklyn, and they also have a full menu of other delicious things that will make you happy. Their back patio is a pleasant place to eat a meal in the summer, and the restaurant is highly kid and vegetarian friendly, yet still pleasing to meat eaters and people who secretly hate kids. That's impressive. You will probably wait for a table, and it will probably be a long wait. But it's worth it for the clam pizza alone. Eat: Clam Pie, Maccheroni with Pork Sausage Drink: Prima Pilsner, Negroni

Frannys

295 Flatbush Ave., Prospect Heights


SalinasWe're fond of Spanish food, but why does all of it in this city exist within ten square blocks in Chelsea? Anyway, Salinas is an excellent Spanish restaurant that we love, and its made even more excellent with their indoor/outdoor patio situation thats covered with retractable glass. They can pretty much just peel the roof back on half of the restaurant with the push of a button, and it makes the place look like some kind of perfect Mediterranean resort. Order the Rosejat Rpida, a paella-like dish with fried noodles instead of rice. Eat: Rosejat Rpida, Langostinos Al Ajillo Drink: Txomin Etxaniz Txakoli de Guetaria

Salinas



Aurora Brooklyn yAuroras solid food and charm make it a great date spot. The noticeable lack of hipsters also makes it a good option for Dinner With the Parents- just make sure to swing them by an ATM first its cash only. But the real notable feature at Aurora is the garden. A huge, partially covered, and wellgreened patio make this one of Williamsburgs best Outdoor/ Patio Situations. Eat: Agnolotti, Pasta Bolognese Drink: Bloody Mary

Aurora Brooklyn



Caf De La EsquinaLa Esquina took over this well known standalone diner on Wythe Street last year, and also opened a courtyard on the side with a taco stand. Its very much a Brooklyn version of the street level taqueria in Soho, and the food is just as good. Eat: Pescado, Bistec & Conchinita Pibil Tacos Drink: Negra Modelo (from the tap)

Cafe De La Esquina

225 Wythe Ave., Williamsburg


The Good ForkRed Hook isnt exactly an easy place to get to, unless you have a solid knowledge of New Yorks ferry system or your own personal sea kayak. But there are a few excellent neighborhood restaurants out there, and assuming this isnt your neighborhood, its worth a trip from time to time. The menu is a collection of American favorites with a Korean spin, thanks to the chefs Korean heritage. For instance, you can kick it on the back patio and dive into their Korean style steak and eggs, which is a must order at the Good Fork. Eat: Steak and Eggs Korean Style, Burger

The Good Fork

391 Van Brunt St., Red Hook


Van Horn Sandwich Shop pGreat beers, great cocktails, a killer pimento cheese sandwich, and a nice back garden. What else do you need us to tell you about this place? Eat: Pimento Cheese Sandwich, Fried Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Salad Drink: Fort Gibson (whiskey, fresh lemon juice, cherry garnish), Dark and Stormy (dark rum, ginger beer)

Van Horn

231 Court St., Cobble Hill


TreeThis is an old neighborhood favorite of ours, and its another one that rarely gets much attention. We like it that way. Its a small restaurant that happens to have a big back yard, and we hit it for outdoor dining on the regular. Eat: Steamed Mussels

Tree

190 1st Ave., East Village


Crispo pCrispo is not cool. Lets get that out of the way right now. Its been open since 2002 on a nasty stretch of 14th St., and were going to bet youve probably never read anything about it, ever. Consider this your introduction. Despite the lack of any recent press, Cripso is always bumpin. Its a solid Italian restaurant, and they have a huge, partially covered patio area in back thats Perfect For a night of wine drinking and pasta eating in the (somewhat) fresh air. Eat: Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe & Sausage, any pasta Drink: Villa Sparina Gavi di Gavi

Crispo

240 W. 14th St., Chelsea


RoyaleRoyale might be all the way over on Avenue C, but its worth the trek just for the burger. This is one of the best undiscovered burgers in the city, and there are some outdoor tables in back from which to enjoy one with a Blue Point or two. Dont mind the giant air conditioners next to your table. The white noise makes it more peaceful. Eat: The Royale With Cheese, Onion Rings Drink: Blue Point Toasted Lager

Royale

157 Ave. C, East Village


The Farm on Adderley yThe Farm on Adderley is a really good, comfortable restaurant in a neighborhood that seems to have relatively few of those. Thats probably why the place is always packed for brunch, especially when the spacious back patio is open and on full tilt. Though the place isnt named for an actual farm, the kitchen leans heavy on local and seasonal ingredients, and the food has a bit of a rustic slant. Make sure to order the Red Flannel Hash, which is an excellent combination of corned beef hash and beets. Eat: Red Flannel Hash, Kale Salad Drink: Bloody Mary

The Farm on Adderley

1108 Cortelyou Rd., Ditmas Park


Edi & The WolfWere going to file this one under "ideal for a rainy day," for two reasons. First of all, the Austrian food at Edi and the Wolf is so heavy that your only option will be to sleep after eating, and second, their outdoor area is mostly covered and looks a little bit like your weird neighbors personal greenhouse. Let the rain fall while you eat and drink Austrian things. Eat: Schlutzkrapfen Drink: Gosser Lager, Jever Pilsner

Edi & The Wolf

102 Avenue C, East Village


Riverpark pThis restaurant is in a strange location inside of an office building near Bellevue, but Riverpark has some incredible views of the East River, and is one of the most extensive outdoor restaurant settings that exists in this city. They actually have their own farm on premises, where they grow over 200 types of fruits, vegetables and herbs. For $140, you can sit at the twelve seat table outside and enjoy a tasting menu that highlights things that they grow. Or you can just go for brunch on a nice day and enjoy the weather. Either way, its an impressive set up.

Riverpark

450 E. 29th St., Kips Bay


The ModernThe Modern doesnt exactly have outdoor tables, but this about as close as you are going to get to eating outside when youre eating like this. This elegant room overlooking the MoMa Garden is where the serious tasting menu goes down, and though its definitely fine dining, its a bit less stuffy than any other Midtown prix fixe worth spending money on. Think of it as a more modern Eleven Madison Park. Its the perfect place to treat grandma to a really nice meal this summer. You know she deserves it. Just make sure to have her bring a sweater.

The Modern

9 W. 53rd St., Midtown


Don't worry about eating...just drink. Here are a few places we visit on the rare occasion that we are boozing without a meal in front of us.

Mulberry Project Gowanus Yacht Club Spuyten Duyvil Back Forty Union Pool Il Posto Accanto The Summit Bar Tacombi @ Fonda Nolita

Mulberry ProjectMulberry Project is a vibey bespoke cocktail den in Little Italy where the mixologists aim to please. Just tell them what kind of booze you want, some preferences in ingredients and style, and let them get to mixin. Then take your drink to their comfortable outdoor patio and get down on some small plates, like braised short rib sliders. Youll need them to keep you upright after a few of these drinks.

Mulberry Project

149 Mulberry St., Little Italy

Summer Drinking: Bars

Gowanus Yacht ClubThe food at Gowanus Yacht Club is nothing to get excited about, but this outdoor bar on a Smith Street corner is ironically ghetto and Perfect For gettting blasted on cheap beer in your flip flops. If you must eat something to soak up some of the booze, go for a hot dog. They're cheap and better than average, and they even have a veggie dog for you plant-eaters.

Gowanus Yacht Club

323 Smith St., Carroll Gardens


Spuyten DuyvilFancy yourself a beer connesuir? You wont after you go to Spuyten Duyvil. This Belgian Beer bar in Williamsburg will put to shame he who thinks drinking Chimay makes him an expert. They sell that sh*t at bodegas, man. The gentlemen at Sputyen Duyvil will happily teach you a thing or two about their endless selection of international beers that youve never heard of, and they have a nice outdoor area from which you can drink what you just learned in peace.

Spuyten Duyvil

359 Metropolitan Ave., Williamsburg


Back Forty yWe dont particularly love to eat here, but its hard not to love Back Fortys outdoor area and incredible selection of beer and cocktails. The Red & Black (tequila, strawberries, black pepper, lime) is one of the best drinks youll taste all summer.

Back Forty

190 Avenue B, East Village


Union PoolThis is a famously grimey bar and music venue in Wiliamsburg that we only visit when were looking to get wasted and eat from the taco truck that operates out back. Sokind of a lot. Squares and people over the age of 27 need not apply.

Union Pool

484 Union Ave., Wiliamsburg


Il Posto AccantoWe think this little Italian spot has some of the best meatballs in the city, but theres also deep wine list and huge floor to ceiling windows that open up to the street, making it a favorite place for taking a bottle of wine to the dome in the middle of the day.

Il Posto Accanto

190 E. 2nd St, East Village


The Summit BarOff nights, off hours and when its nice out - thats when you come to The Summitt Bar. The door/bouncer/crowd scenario on the weekends can be a little annoying, but we love it during the week when you can actually relax and enjoy a glorious Old Fashioned on the back patio. Yes, it looks a little bit like a sauna, but that patio is excellent on a nice summer night.

The Summit Bar

133 Avenue C, East Village


Tacombi @ Fonda NolitaUnfortunately the re-creation of a Mexican courtyard otherwise known as Fonda Nolita doesn't come with an open-air retractable roof. However, when it's nice out and the garage door is open, you can't beat this oasis of tacos, beer, and sangria. We could drink here all day.

Tacombi @ Fonda Nolita

267 Elizabeth Street, Nolita


Found at: Blue Ribbon Brasserie

We actually had this for the first time at Blue Ribbon, and now we order it every time were there, no matter what the season. Its a blend of Pinot Gris and some other stuff, but dont worry about that. All you need to know is that its awesome and very drinkable.

Found at: LArtusi

Yea, we know. On paper, a white lambrusco sounds about as appealing as a strawberry wine cooler. But this is one incredible bottle of wine. Its a little bit sparkly but not like champagne, and its not at all sweet. After the first time we had it at LArtusi, we spent about two months trying to find it in stores. We finally tracked some down at Vino on 27th St., and now we buy it by the case. Wow, we drink too much.

Found at: Salinas, Casa Mono

This Basque wine is an all-time Infatuation favorite since the first time we tried it in San Sebastian. Its a very light white wine that is slightly effervescent, and really refreshing. Good luck pronouncing it, so if you see it on a menu, just point enthusiastically. Youll get some respect just for knowing what it is.

Found at: Blue Hill at Stone Barns

Dont know what a viognier is? Us either. But we had one once in Napa and it ruled. Nowadays, we seek them out and try as many as we can. What we can tell you is that its a medium bodied white wine that we once heard described as having an oily mouth feel. That might sound gross, but its kind of true. You definitely know the wine is there, but its not at all heavy. Interesting.

Found at: Freemans

This is an excellent and unique pinot noir. Theres really no way to describe it without using some terrible wine speak like notes of wet stone and leather, so were not even gonna try. Just know that we like it for the summer because its a little bit fruity and drinkable as hell.

Found at: The Fat Radish, Il Buco

For us, this is one of the best pinot noirs you can buy. Youll see the Sinksey pinot on menus all across the city, and for good reason. Its damn near unbeatable.

Found at: Public

Our favorite ross tend to come from the south of France, but this one from Long Islands Wlffer Estate is delicious, dry, and pale in color just the good ones from Provence. Order this made in the USA bad boy with some freedom fries and tell those Frenchies to suck it.

Found at: Vinegar Hill House

We love this wine, we just hope we never have to say its name out loud. Anyone know a good translator? Despite not being able to tell you much about what those words mean, we do know that this is light, crisp, and Perfect For a summer meal.

Were too busy eating to hit every one of this citys endless beer gardens. OK who are we kiddingwere too old. So we decided to leave the drinking games and pretzel eating to two of our favorite wide-eyed youngsters, Steve Ward and Justin Schwartz, otherwise known as The Steamfest. Heres their take on what each has to offer, complete with hashtags, just like all the kids these days use.

Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden La Birreria Eataly Studio Square Radegast Hall & Biergarten

Zeppelin Hall Biergarten Mission Dolores & The Rock Shop The Standard BiergartenSchwartz Ward

A Taste of Oktoberfest:

Bohemian Hall & BeerGrab as many friends as you can round up and head out to Astoria for a little taste of Oktoberfest in your own back yard. The oldest beer garden in New York has been imitated by countless others, but never replicated. This place delivers the feel of a German festival every day of the year, and reeks of authenticity. Before you hit the rest on this list, set the bar high with the very first to grace the boroughs with its presence.

#Oktoberfest

#backyardBBQ

#sunandsuds

Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden

29-19 24th Ave., Astoria

Summer Drinking: Beer Gardens

Cocktail Party With A View:

La Birreria EatalyLa Bierria is located atop the two Italian fat guys cash register known to everyone else as Eataly. The entrance is located in a tucked away corner of Eatalys ground floor, which can easily be missed without the guidance of a trusty employee. Here a line can form to take the elevator that will bring you to rooftop location fifteen floors up. Without a reservation, they will take down your cell phone number so you can go enjoy Eataly as you wait approximately 45 minutes to get upstairs (marketing genius). This applies for sitting down to eat at a table, or even just grabbing a beer at the bar. Once you finally get upstairs, you can enjoy a gorgeous day, compliments of the retractable roof that makes this place appropriate for rain, shine, sleet, or snow. Just know that you wont be getting an authentic biergarten experience. This is more of an outdoor restaurant with a Perfect For: Networking Events feel. Take outof-towners and parents here for a good meal and brew outside, but know that this place is not to be done on a whim. It must be a planned attack with a reservation in order.

#out-of-towners

#networking

#businesscaz

#dinnerwithaview

La Birreria Eataly

200 5th Ave., Flatiron


A New Age BEER Garden:

q Studio SquareWe knew from first glance that Studio Square was going to be a little different from most biergartens. After all, they spell it beer garden, the way most of us spelling bee champions think its spelled. This is the perfect place to take a large group of friends for an afternoon of drinking and watching the Yanks or Mets. Studio Square has an enormous outdoor area centered around the largest TV screen in all five boroughs. Its also different from most biergartens in that you will not find any lederhosen or beers from the ole country here. Instead, there is a good selection of the beers we all trust and love. The crowd is young and sexy, so bring your finest set of shades for one of our favorite hobbies "afternoon people scoping." With an eye on the upcoming 2012 Summer Olympics, lets just say this might just be the perfect place to watch Michael Phelps practice his cannonballs.

#sunandfun

#Beerparty

#sportsbargarden

#latenightdanceparty

Studio Square

35-33 36th St., Long Island City


Biergarten With A Splash of Hip:

Radegast Hall & Biergarten g gWant to feel like youre in Munich slamming beers with a couple of burly Germans and sharing stories from the good ole days? This is your jam. Radegast has all the pre-requisites that qualify a spot as a real biergarten, even though it feels a bit like one at Epcot Center. Variety of Geman Beers? Check. Huge liter mugs to make sure your glass is never dry? Check. Polka band? Check. Long cafeteria-style tables that allow you to talk to everyone from a lead singer of a shitty band to a Brooklyn native of 40 years? You got it. Radegast is broken up into two large areas. The first is a large indoor area with a bar and tables sprinkled around. Here is where youll find your more romantic conversations. The adjacent room is the moneymaker. Its got a retractable roof, long sets of tables, a grill cooking up some tasty sausages, and everyone you could possibly want to hang out with. Large get-togethers should arrive earlier to secure a home base, but smaller groups can wiggle their way into any situation. Just raise your glass and cheers the neighbor next to you. Before long you will have met a drinking partner for life or at least found out about a new band youll never listen to.

#fabricatedauthenticty

#smilesandbeers

Radegast Hall & Biergarten

113 N. 3rd St., Williamsburg


Just What the Doctor Ordered:

Zeppelin Hall BiergartenDid you say Jersey City? Really? We all know that Jersey City sounds about as remote as the Balkan Islands (not even sure where that is), but if there is any reason to take a trek out here, Zeppelin Hall is it. In fact, its only about a 30 minute Path ride from Herald Square right out to Grove Street. Zeppelin Hall is an ideal combination of an authentic biergarten with a large outdoor drinking venue. Perfect for all different party sizes, we recommend packing a deck of cards to play while youre enjoying a tall Fransziskaner. If youre lucky, you may just catch the sweet tunes blasting from the Alpine Squeeze polka band. A little fun fact to the locals, make sure to yell LIGHT RAIL! every time the train flies by the outdoor area. Cheers your friends, take a swig, and let the games begin. It might just start quite the afternoon riot.

#lightrailgame

#lederhosen

#outdoorkegparty

#unlimitedbathrooms

Zeppelin Hall Biergarten

88 Liberty View Dr., Jersey City


Intimate Garage Bar:

p Mission Dolores & The Rock ShopLocals are not going to be happy that we are giving you the inside scoop on this small and intimate gem, but you'll feel right at home enjoying a drink with friends in the garage that is Mission Dolores. Pull up an old school cafeteria or beach chair (likely contributed by a fellow patron), and challenge a stranger to a game of Connect Four. Once youre filled to your hearts content with craft beer and indie rock, pet your new friends dog on the way out and slide over to The Rock Shop right next door. The inside of The Rock Shop is sprinkled with a pool table, darts, the biggest sports game of the day, and the sweet sound of Brooklyn flooding through the wall of French doors. They also have a sweet roof deck that overlooks Mission Dolores.

#BYOF

#BKfinestminglespot

#midweekpopdown

#shhhdonttell

Mission Dolores & The Rock Shop

249 4th Ave., Brooklyn


The Celebrity Biergarten:

g The Standard BiergartenDont feel like trekking out to Queens or Brooklyn for a real biergarten experience? Take a trip down to The Standard. The Standard is the place to be seen, and a place to see celebrities and hot people. Whether you are here at night or during the day, you wont be disappointed with the good-looking clientele. Found right underneath The Standard Hotel, this biergarten offers a series of German beers in your finest liter mugs. They've also got authentic sausages, sauerkraut, and pretzels to prepare the stomach for a day of drinking. Best of all, The Standard has two ping pong tables set up in the back, just in case you grab hold of that competitive spirit. Oh, and a little word of advice - dont be confused if you make your way to the bathroom and then suddenly feel as though you're in a swank club. Sh*t gets weird in there.

#biergartenswag

#seeandbeseen

#whathappensinthebathroomstaysinthebathroom

The Standard Biergarten

848 Washington St., West Village


These are the cant miss shows of the summer, so make sure you dont miss them by clicking on the date and adding them to your calendar. Oh yeah, and youll probably need a ticket too.Tuesday 5/29, Wednesday 5/30 Foster The People, The Kooks & Kimbra Rumsey Playfield Thursday 5/31, Friday 6/01 Radiohead Prudential Center, Newark, NJ Tuesday 6/12 Grouplove Webster Hall Saturday 6/16, Sunday 6/17 fun. Terminal 5 Saturday 6/23, Sunday 6/24 Governors Music Ball Randalls Island Monday 7/16 Young The Giant Summerstage, Central Park Tuesday 7/17 Best Coast Terminal 5 Wednesday 7/18 Hot Chip Celebrate Brooklyn at Prospect Park Bandshell Friday 8/31 Electric Zoo NY Randalls Island Wednesday 8/08 M83 Summerstage, Central Park Monday 7/23 Beach House Summerstage, Central Park Friday 8/03, Saturday 8/04 Coldplay, Marina And The Diamonds, Emeli Sande Izod Center, East Rutherford, NJ

A few of the better food events that arent called Turkey Leg Ball.May 26, 27 The Taste of New Orleans, Crawfish NY Stuyvesant Cove Park June 9 Big Apple BBQ Festival Madison Square Park June 16 Brooklyn Waterfront Beer Festival Brooklyn Waterfront @ CitiStorage September 8 Meatopia

Eat outside from a cart or a truck. Here are our picks for the best combinations of recreational space + food.The Highline Terroir Bark Hot Dogs Melt Ice Cream Shop Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 1 Bark Hot Dogs Blue Marble Ice Cream Central Park Rouge Tomate Cart Coolhaus Fatty Snack Pullcart Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Wafels & Dinges Red Hook Lobster Brooklyn Flea Saturday, 10am-5pm - 176 Lafayette Ave. btw Clermont + Vanderbilt Ave, Fort Greene Asia Dog Hot Dogs Cemita's Mexican Sandwiches Lonestar Empire Brisket Sandwiches People's Pops Popsicles Red Hook Lobster Pound Lobster Rolls Smorgasburg Saturday, 11am-6pm - East River Waterfront btw North 6 + 7 St, Williamsburg Danny Macaroons Coconut Macaroons Mighty Quinn's BBQ King's County Jerky Co. Beef Jerky Bon Chovie Fried Anchovies Noodle Lane Asian Noodles Skytown Salads/Vegetarian Black & Bianco Cookies Sea Bean Goods Soups Others Fatty At The Battery (Battery Park) Je And Jo Ice Cream (Bleecker St. Playground, Columbus Green Flea Market) Eddies Pizza (Richard Tucker Park) Food Freaks Grilled Cheese (Fort Greene Park)

Yes, the Hamptons can be uppity, but if you do it right, they can also be awesome. Heres the Infatuation Approved way to do it up out East.

Lunch (Lobster Roll)1980 Montauk Hwy, Amagansett

There arent a lot of things in life that make us happier than a huge lobster roll from Lunch. In our opinion, not only is this the best lobster roll in the Hamptons, its the best lobster roll in the world. Its heavy on the mayo, salt, pepper and celery, and served with slaw and crinkle cut fries. Heaven. South Edison17 South Edison St., Montauk

In the summer, South Edison serves as Infatuation home base, Montauk. Its a lively restaurant two blocks off the ocean at the far end of town,and theyre consistently putting out the best food on the East End. And we say that with a completely straight face. Theres also a nice wine list, growlers of Sixpoint and a bloody mary with a jonah crab claw sticking out of it. We know this menu inside and out, and for starters suggest anything from the raw bar, the spicy tuna chalupa, shoshito peppers and the fluke sashimi. As for the mains: tuna, salmon, chicken leg and duck are always the fan favorites.

Destination Infatuation: The Hamptons

La Fondita74 Montauk Highway, Amagansett

Every beach community needs a high quality taqueria, and La Fondita fills that void out East. Order at the counter, grab a Modelo, and set up shop at one of their outdoor picnic tables while your food is prepared. Some of our favorite go-to plates here are the chorizo tacos (or anything with their chorizo for that matter), the daily specials, the refried beans, and plantains with salsa verde. Also, the aguas frescas are great, as are the Mexican wedding cookies. Round Swamp Farm184 Three Mile Harbor Road, East Hampton

There are farm stands every five miles in the Hamptons, and they all have great produce. But no one runs an operation quite like Round Swamp. The prepared foods here are absolutely insane. Literally, every single item at Round Swamp is f*cking ridiculous. Chicken buffalo balls, chicken salad, pesto bowtie pasta, dumplings, spring rolls, grilled vegetables, the breads, the guacamole, the fresh produce its all the things that belong in your Hamptons fridge, without having to do the work. Just make sure you check with accounting (Discover Card) before going. Nothing is labeled with a price tag, which is how you know its gonna be stupid expensive. We like to play the predict the bill game while waiting in line. Spending $200 at a farm stand never tasted so good.


Estias Little Kitchen1615 Bridgehampton Sag Harbor Turnpike, Sag Harbor

The fancy people line up for overpriced healthy food at Babettes in East Hampton. The smart people go get breakfast burritos and hash browns at Estias. A tiny mom-and-pop operated restaurant on Route 114 between Sag Harbor and Bridge Hampton, Estias is our go-to brunch spot. It should be yours as well. Breadzilla84 Wainscott Northwest Road, Wainscott

Sandwiches are a necessary beach accessory almost as essential as flip flops and a 12 pack of Coors Light. The East End is stocked with bomb delis and specialty markets that make huge, delicious creations to fuel your day on the sand. Breadzilla is the king of the Hamptons sandwich game, and we've never been disappointed by anything we've had here.


The Hamptons are home to the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast, but unless you know how to manage them, things can be a bit overwhelming. For those with proper permits, three of our favorite ocean-side retreats include Flying Point Beach in South Hampton, Georgica Beach in East Hampton, and of course Ditch Plans and all its surrounding sand out in Montauk. For those who need to operate in stealth mode without a parking pass, your best bet is Napeague Beach in Amagansett where you can park on the street and walk a quarter mile to the water. The public beach in the town of Montauk gets bananas crowded, but if you're up for a stroll, you can easily park and then cruise over to the intersection where Old Montauk Highway meets Route 27 and hit the beach opposite the Beachcomber Hotel. That's probably our favorite of the bunch. It's empty, beautifully set amongst the dunes, and usually has an awesome sand bar.


Unless you have a friend with a house or are big ballin' enough to rent your own, you're stuck spending last year's bonus on crappy hotel rooms out East. The rates at the hotels during the summer are ridiculous, but it's absolutely worth the splurge a couple of times. We've had good experiences at Sole East (90 Second House Rd) and the newly remodeled Crow's Nest (4 Old West Lake Dr) in Montauk. Ruschmeyers (161 Second House Rd) in Montauk is fun if you're willing to deal with absolute madness going on outside your room on weekend nights. For a less posh, more affordable experience, turn to the Driftwood On The Ocean (2178 Montauk Highway) or White Sands (28 Shore Rd.) Resort, located steps from the ocean on a beautiful strip of beach in Amagansett.


It might not be Napa, but its a hell of a lot closer.

The North Fork Table & Inn57225 Main Road, Southold

Theres a reason why North Fork Table gets nominated for James Beard Awards every year. It is a world class restaurant, and an absolute must for any dining enthusiast. The dining room smells of burning firewood, and the menu highlights the best local ingredients from the Peconic Bay, East End, North Fork and Hudson Valley. And while it may be a four star meal, North Fork Table doesn't take itself too seriously. We like that. Think of it as a slightly less expensive alternative to Blue Hill at Stone Barns, which is nice since we are still paying off our last two meals there. Get the raw hamachi and seared foie gras dish it's literally one of the best dishes we've ever had anywhere. The grass fed porterhouse for two ain't bad either. There is also a lunch truck serving up delicious sandwiches during the day that shouldnt be missed. Noah's136 Front St, Greenport

Veterans of the Napa and Sonoma Valley, the husband and wife team behind Noah's brought those wine country sensibilities to the bay. This seafood centric restaurant has the perfect vibe for summer, and focuses mainly on local ingredients. It's packed pretty much every night, but is well worth the short wait. We can't get enough of Noah's Tasmanian red crab tacos, or the endless raw bar options. If you're a fish lover, this place is for you.

Destination Infatuation: North Fork

Frisky Oyster27 Front St, Greenport

Claudio's111 Main St, Greenport

While the name may suggest a dumpy waterside oyster shack, The Frisky is anything but. This hip, happening, and pricey restaurant is one of the more popular destinations on Greenport's main drag. It's an equally solid option for a weekend getaway Date Night as it is for Dinner With The Parents. Make sure you order their namesake, the Oysters Friskafella with garlic spinach, chipotle, and parmigiano aioli. That's where it's at. Briermere Farm4414 Sound Avenue, Riverhead

On any given day, Briermere will have upwards of 25 homemade pies available. The people's choice is strawberry rhubarb, but there's something for everyone here. From key lime pie to raspberry apple to chocolate cream, if it can be put in a crust, it's on the menu. Everything is made from or grown on their farm, which is on the premises. Other highlights include the salty chocolate chip cookies, and apple turnovers.

Claudio's is o-l-d school. It's been around since 1870, and is now in it's fifth generation of family ownership. As you might imagine, there aren't many bells and whistles here, just straight forward seafood and steaks. This is the place where you order a two pound lobster, throw on a bib, and get dirty. For the party people, there's Claudio's Clam Bar on the dock behind the restaurant. During happy hour on the weekends, it turns into spring break, Greenport style, which usually means a bunch of fifty year old guys wearing cutoff No Fear shirts playing air guitar to Bon Jovi. If neither a throwback style meal or a trip to the wild-side tickle your fancy, then hit Crabby Jerry's seafood shack and watch all the Claudio's Clam Bar ridiculousness from a safe distance.


A couple of Infatuation favorites that are worthy of a stop while visiting The North Fork include Shinn Estate and Farmhouse (2000 Oregon Road Mattituck, NY 11952), and Roanoke Vineyards (Sound Avenue, Riverhead, NY 11901). Shinn has a beautiful tasting room which is home to a nice Sauvignon Blanc and an enjoyable red blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc known as Wild Boar Doe. Roanoke has a low key patio out back surrounded by grapes, which makes for a pleasant way to taste some of their Merlot and Cabernet Blends while enjoying a day out in the sun with friends.


The rooms at the Harborfront Inn at Greenport (209 Front Street) are a bit of a snooze, but you can't beat the location. This relatively new hotel is right on top of the Peconic Bay. The quaint Greenporter Hotel (326 Front Street) isnt a bad option either. We've already discussed the food at The North Fork Table & Inn (57225 Main Road), and the accommodations at this world class restaurant are equally enjoyable. Stay here if you can. There are also all kinds of motels and bed and breakfasts at a lesser price point, our favorite being The Sound View Inn (58775 Rte 48), which is located on a beautiful piece of property right on the water, and offers a 180 degree view of the Long Island Sound.


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