Editors Note: I am probably the last person to tell anyone that they need to go to a bar, because I don’t drink!  However I realize that position might leave me being a bit judgmental sometimes.  Why not join in the fun, but do it your way?  Grab a friend and explore what the West side in NYC has to offer, whether you are a bar person or not, exploration is always a chance way to grow. ~Nitika~

I’m a firm believer that you don’t have to skip town to enjoy summer as a New Yorker. By definition, the island is surrounded by water, and while I don’t encourage you to take a dip in it, I do think that you can get your social groove on in the general region as a way to decompress and rejuvenate.

I’m not the first, and I won’t be the last to discuss the allure of Boat Basin Café at West 79^th Street and the West Side Highway. Whether you’re a Wall Street banker with a loose tie hanging around your neck or a teenager who just finished up an extra shift as a lifeguard at your local pool, you can vibe with the energy at this tried-and-true summer haven right on the Hudson River. The food is totally edible (despite potential claims to the contrary), the drinks are plentiful, and the massive space is almost unheard of by New York standards.

On a personal note, I took an unintended six-year hiatus from enjoying this local gem, and once I revisited it earlier this spring I felt compelled to name-drop it in any conversation where people were debating where to gather to enjoy the weather. Also, if you’re under the impression that it’s a trek to walk over there then let’s dispel that myth immediately. It’s close to civilization (also known as the Upper West Side), very close. Besides, this is New York. When aren’t you walking?

As any budget-conscious New Yorker knows, Manhattan is bursting at the seams with posh restaurants and bars. Thank goodness Hudson Beach Café is not one of them. This joint conjures up memories of backyard barbecues when you were in high school, and your main concern was who would invite you to the junior prom. The bi-level facilities are minimally decorated, and that effectively contributes to the super chill vibe. If you’re not one to get your sweat on then you can still feel like you’re in on the action by watching others sport it up in Riverside Park. People head here for the views so don’t necessarily plan on chowing down on the city’s finest cuisine. But when you’re breathing in the sunset while enjoying a steamy summer night in our city then what does it matter anyway? (Note: While the address may be listed as Riverside Park at 105^th Street, the café actually is located in the park.)

Let’s swing further downtown while I tell you about our third and final pick for sipping peace in a bottle on New York’s west side. For years I didn’t even know The Frying Pan existed until I recently heard three people mention it within the span of one month, and I unknowingly walked by it on a Saturday morning in mid-May. I decided it was my divine path to check out what I had been hearing was the “it” spot for dive barring while reenacting Gilligan’s Island before the ship was wrecked.

Located at Pier 66 at 26^th Street and the West Side Highway, the boat boasts a tiki bar that serves alcohol and bar food, an excellent selection of music, a musty interior, and an observation plank with unparalleled views of what’s hot and happening on the river. It’s an all-around New York experience complete with a mystery boat to the left of the main stage area. I refuse to ruin the surprise, but if you ever found yourself even slightly fascinated by “Goonies” then I suggest you live out your childhood fantasy by searching for pirates and hidden treasure at The Frying Pan.

I don’t often recommend searching for happiness in the external, but in our city it’s helpful to know where you can go to escape the heat and find peace in a bottle and the company of good friends.