The 5 best outdoor gay bars

The shady (in a good way) roof deck at this midtown outpost of the sports-themed drinkery is a relaxed escape from the Ninth Avenue madness below—at night, you can even see stars up here. You won’t have views of the skyline (it’s only one floor up), but feel free to gawk at the scantily clad beefcake cocktail servers.

On weekends, the cozy garden at this beloved Dyke Slope hangout is packed with friendly women (and usually a few boys). Barbecues—especially after a local intramural game—are a frequent occurrence.

Cute hipsters from across the LGBT spectrum flock to this Williamsburg hangout year-round, but summers are especially enticing, thanks to the bucolic back patio. Stop by every Sunday for free burgers (meat or veggie) and hot dogs, plus $8 Bud Lite pitchers and frozen drinks.

NYC’s last-standing leather and fetish gay bar can be a bit of a cave, but its sprawling roof deck is the perfect place to come up for air. The Eagle is usually a late-night spot (and the roof is lovely in the dark), but on Sunday afternoons, beefy boys pack in under the sun for the weekly Beer Blast. While you’re there, be sure to cast your eyes up for one-of-a-kind water-tower views.

Okay, so this is just a sidewalk café, but people-watching doesn’t get much better than the parade of humanity bustling through Sheridan Square all day and night. Get some liquid courage while you watch the world go by, then head inside to belt out a number at the piano bar.