Bars where you can barbecue

Most afternoons around 4pm, this party-hearty Upper East Side haunt lights its reservations-free backyard grill, allowing anyone with a hankering—and a hunk of meat, perhaps some sausages acquired at nearby Schaller & Weber(1654 Second Ave at 86th St, 212-879-3047)—to man the flames. A kick-ass happy hour ($5 well drinks, $12 Rolling Rock pitchers till 8pm daily) helps the day dissolve into a happy haze. Note: BYO charcoal. 1643 First Ave between 85th and 86th Sts (212-396-2090, dannyandeddies.com)

ECOMMENDED: Full coverage of BBQ in NYC

The Delancey
If you crave BBQ—but not the muss and fuss of tending a grill—this rock and nightclub stalwart offers a delicious alternative: Every Wednesday night from 7 to 10pm, climb to the oasis-like roof deck (complete with palm trees and a fountain) and pony up $8 for a heaping plate of hot dogs, veggie burgers, potato salad, chips and burgers from an all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet. There's also a frozen-margarita machine, which dispenses a Cuervo-powered slush ($10) that ably cuts the summer heat. 168 Delancey St at Clinton St (212-254-9920, thedelancey.com)

East River Bar
This onetime speakeasy compensates for its noisy, industrial locale by the Williamsburg Bridge with a killer patio setup: There's a sea of picnic tables, a vibrant mural of south Williamsburg and three reservable grills, where you bring your own meat and charcoal. Occasionally there's competition for cooking areas—especially on sunny weekends, when birthday parties pack the outdoor space—but a pitcher of Sixpoint Sweet Action or crisp Radeberger ($18 each) and a game of pool inside will ease the boredom of waiting. 97 South 6th St between Bedford Ave and Berry St, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-302-0511, eastriverbar.com)

Eight Mile Creek
In addition to serving meaty, offbeat eats like kangaroo skewers, this Down Under destination caters to a casual, rugby-and-cricket-watching crowd. Eight Mile Creek accepts reservations for its handsome back patio, where groups and private parties can toss shrimp—or steaks and kangaroo chops—on the barbie. The staff tends the grill, and they'll also pair your flame-cooked grub with sides, like fries ($6), and suggest Aussie wine or beers, such as malty, burger-friendly Coopers Sparkling Ale (bottle $6). 240 Mulberry St between Prince and Spring Sts (212-431-4635, eightmilecreek.com)

Reif's Tavern
While you need not be a hard-core Yankees fan to hit this narrow, wood-paneled sports dive, you'd better pretend to be one if you hope to commandeer one of two gas grills stationed on the back deck. (At the very least, refrain from announcing you're a lifelong Red Sox obsessive.) Reserve it ahead of time by ringing up the bartenders, who pour potent, sports-themed martinis on Wednesday nights, like the tart A-Raz ($8), made with Stoli Razberi vodka and blue raspberry and cranberry juices. Or maybe just go for a beer. 302 E 92nd St between First and Second Aves (212-426-0519, reifstavern.com)