"If you need—not want, need—to drink a beer by the water, head to Strong Rope in Red Hook. The brewery has a massive patio with picnic tables, views of the Statue Of Liberty, and groups comparing flights on Saturdays in the summer like they get paid to debate the intricacies of sour IPAs and summer ales. Plan a Red Hook excursion, and then spend several hours here. Strong Rope also has a bring-your-own-food policy, so pick up some Defonte’s sandwiches on your way, or go eat some seafood at Brooklyn Crab." - neha talreja, will hartman, molly fitzpatrick, willa moore