Imagine this. You’re sitting on the patio with friends, basking in the warm glow of sunshine at the end of the day. An ice-cold beer or a chilled glass of white wine rests on the table in front of you, accompanied by gourmet snacks and small bites. A summer breeze blows through the air, gently rocking the picnic umbrella above you.
Does it get any better than this?
As far as summer moments go, it’s hard to beat the simple pleasure of an outdoor happy hour. Lucky for us, the Hudson Valley has some of the best pickings around. Hit one of these hotspots for refreshing sips and an inviting ambiance.
Don Coqui on the Hudson
Haverstraw
For an outdoor happy hour in Rockland County, look no further than Don Coqui. The Haverstraw restaurant embraces summer feels in a big way with two-for-one drinks from Mondays through Fridays from 4-6 p.m., excluding holidays. There’s waterfront and beachfront dining, and the dock is open for any visitors coming in by boat or jet ski. Swing by to indulge in a frozen mango margarita or rum punch with pals, and maybe split an order of Caribbean guacamole or Don Coqui wings while you’re at it.
Hudson House Distillery
West Park
Situated in a stunning edifice along the Hudson River, Hudson House is a no-brainer when it comes to enjoying an outdoor happy hour. Stop by on Thursdays from 4-8 p.m. to enjoy a drink on the deck as you play some Bougie Bingo. Pair the evening with one of the mouthwatering dishes from the kitchen, like the crispy chicken panzanella, then sit back and enjoy the sunshine.
Jet Set Tiki Bar
Newburgh
Trust the Jet Set to have a top-notch outdoor happy hour in the Hudson Valley. Kicking off at 5 p.m. on Mondays, happy hour here is all about sipping on classis tiki cocktails while admiring views of the Hudson from the expansive back patio. Whether you go for Three Dots and a Dash (rum, allspice, orange, and lime) or sip on the Catch Me If You Can (gin, spiced pear liqueur, and absinthe), don’t forget to pair your drink of choice with any of the delectable food offerings. The coconut shrimp is a must, and the crab Rangoon nachos practically scream summer vibes.
The River Grill
Athens
This Stewart House staple is a happy hour go-to from 4-5 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays and 1-2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The outdoor seating setup is right along the water, and there’s even a dedicated dock for boaters to stop by for a bite. Stop by to cheers with friends while chowing down on snackables like a cheese board and burrata with fresh tomatoes and a balsamic glaze.
Zeus Brewing Company
Poughkeepsie
In search of a happening happy hour right in the City of Poughkeepsie? At Zeus, the rooftop views of the Hudson River and Mid-Hudson Bridge are unbeatable in the summer. A turf-covered roof is made even more aesthetically pleasing with gold chairs and a creative bar. Head up to the top floor for $5 draft beers and house sangria during the all-day happy hour on Thursdays or from 3-5 p.m. on Fridays. You won’t want to miss out on brews like the Spicy Boi mango-habanero blonde ale or Zeus IPA, and don’t forget to order snacks like Korean barbecue ribs, carne asada tacos, and pickle bacon pizza.
Related: The Pools at These Hudson Valley Hotels Are Perfect for Summer
