What started as a temporary emergency measure has now been signed into law.

In April 2022  Governor  Kathy Hochul made it legal for bars and restaurants to sell to-go alcohol under the provision that it was purchased alongside a “substantial” food order.

The new ruling opens up a world of possibilities. 5 things to do and see in NYC? 

Not ignoring or ruling out the iconic Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, and the Empire State Building, but you’ve likely “been there and done that”.  

When you think about NYC and things to do, you have opened your mind and possibilities to a whole world of options, especially when it comes to food and drinks. Where to go and what to see is only the beginning.

The options are mind-blowing when it comes to planning a day or night in NYC and now with the legalization of takeaway drinks, the things to do and see while enjoying good food and cocktails have just gone mobile.

NYC can be seen as one big place but it has five Burroughs consisting of dozens of various neighborhoods each with a flavor of its own.

5 Boroughs of NYC

• Bronx
• Brooklyn
• Manhattan
• Queens 
• Staten Island

5 Things to Do and See

This list is as diverse as the people that make up the city, and a deeper dive into the city guides will give you every opportunity to enjoy a variety of food and beverages, cocktails included.

Speakeasy, Dive-in, Fine dining, or fast-casual food combined with a compostable cup lid, straw, and cocktail of choice, and you are primed and ready to go, see, and do.

Side note: be compliant with the rules and regulations as you’re all out there eating, drinking, and being merry. And be safe. 

Ok, let’s go!

Markets

Exploring the markets of NYC is an awesome way to spend a day. There are indoor markets, outdoor markets, food, fashion, and flea markets. Everything you could ever possibly want from a market can be found at one of the city’s many market venues.

Since it’s a food and drinks kinda day why not stop by the Union Square GreenMarket and support local farmers and other folks who have been gathering here since 1976 bringing local fresh and seasonal goods to the city. 

Open Mondays, Wednesdays Fridays, and Saturdays 8 am -6 pm 

Music Festivals and Concerts

The summer is filled with outdoor events and festivals are as numerous as the neighborhoods with a wide variety of options that fit budgets and tastes. 

One thing that goes with good food and drinks is music, and this summer is no exception with music festivals and concerts.

• Rooftop at Pier 17
• Forest Hills Stadium
• Bryant Park’s Picnic Performances

Just to name a few.

Outdoor Theater

“To be, or not to be, that is the question.”

Well, the place to be if you like Shakespeare and want a very budget-friendly way to check out some theater in Central Park. 

Running from June 21-September 11, Monday -Saturday without only a few exceptions you can enjoy Shakespearean theater in the park. 

Not by far the only place to catch a free show you can also look towards Harlem and Marcus Garvey Park. 

Classic theater, Shakespearean comedy, and more are brought to you by various theater companies all across the city. All free and all alfresco.

To be there or not to be there and where is the question.  

Outdoor Movie Night

Want to catch a movie after dinner and cocktails?

You’re in luck. All across the city in all 5 Boroughs, you can find outdoor movies being shown.

The best part? 

They’re free!

One such park is Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan. So if it’s Monday and around 8 o’clock you could spread a blanket or bring some chairs and watch a movie with family and friends.

As a side note about Bryant Park, you might want to check out Bryant Park Picnic Performances’ free concerts.

You gotta love NYC!

More Food

What you thought “One and Done”, this is NYC baby.

It’s one of those days when food and drink are the desire of the day and what better way to feed the fires of desire than a day dedicated to it.

When you hear smorgasbord it brings to mind “all you can eat” and that’s what’s going on in Williamsburg.

Bronx Night Market is another day of decadence and feasting.

It would take some time to go through even a portion of the list of things you can do and see in NYC this summer while enjoying takeaway food and cocktails, but comprehensive lists are available. 

Enjoy your summer while enjoying your delicious “substantial” food purchases and your refreshing to-go cocktails while sipping through compostable straws in compostable cups with secured lids. I know you see what I did there.

Cheers NYC!