Bars near Governors Island: Where to go for summer drinks

A menu dedicated to Empire State–made tipples and East Coast small-batch craft brews is one big draw for this casual beer hall, which is outfitted with cafeteria-style communal tables; the fact that the tavern doubles as a community center is another. Barhoppers come to indulge in 16-ounce Southampton and Victory brews ($6–$8), and often stay for one of their many. 27-minute walk. Travel: B25 bus.

You’ll be tempted to snag a chair as soon as you glimpse the serious cocktails patrons enjoy on the front patio of this pre-Prohibition–style drinkery. At the bar, bartenders in neckties pull from a fresh spread of syrups, liqueurs and fruits to create superior tipples such as the False Alarm (pisco, Campari, raspberry syrup, lemon, prosecco; $13). 32-minute walk. Subway: F to Bergen St.

If the bartender here doesn’t know your name when you walk through the door, they likely will by last call. The no-frills decor is limited to a burgundy paint job and a lone mounted deer head, but it’s the friendly atmosphere and roughly 30 bottled beers that bring suds-savvy enthusiasts who also enjoy drafts such as the citrusy, Wilco Tango Foxtrot from California ($6). The front room transforms into an ideal summertime hangout when the French doors are thrown open. 34-minute walk. Subway: F to Carroll St.

This low-key Carroll Gardens den was named after the stiff walk that plagued people who consumed toxic Jamaican Ginger during Prohibition, but the drinks served here today will make you walk funny only if you throw back enough of them. While the bartender prepares an Electric Mayhem (Buffalo Trace, yellow Chartreuse, Aperol, lemon, bitters; $11) or Five Island Monk (Banks rum, green Chartreuse, lime juice, maple syrup, black walnut bitters, cayenne-salted rim; $12), slyly scope out the scene from the massive tilted mirror behind the bar. Or order a bottle of Cane and Ebel red rye ale ($7) and soak up the breeze coming through the big bay windows. 36-minute walk. Subway: F to Carroll St.