BBQ Season is Here: Where to BBQ or Grill Out and About in the Big Apple
June 05 2023
Summers and grilling go hand in hand – but how do you grill in the middle of one of the world’s busiest cities? One of the most difficult aspects of being in NYC in the summer is the lack of outdoor space for outdoor BBQs.
Whether you live in New York City or you’re just visiting, the chances you’ll have access to a balcony large enough to accommodate a grill is very slim, and having access to a yard is almost nonexistent - but that doesn’t mean to say a BBQ in New York is impossible.
Summer wouldn’t be summer without someone burning the steaks on the grill – so here are the best places to enjoy a BBQ in New York City.
Central Park
Central Park is perhaps the most famous park in the world, and it becomes New York’s backyard in the summer months. With 21 playgrounds, a handful of picnic spots, and even an outdoor pool – the park is a great BBQ spot for families, kids, and couples all summer.
There are a handful of spots with public and free-to-use areas within the park, the most popular located at Mineral Springs and Great Hill. You will need to get there early to secure a spot – especially if you’re in a big group. Don’t forget your fire starters – and clean the grills after use!
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Like Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park offers free-to-use BBQ grills that are available on a first-come, first-served basis – you just need to bring your own food, charcoal, and cleaning supplies. The grills at Brooklyn Bridge Park are located at Pier 5, right on the waterfront, so you can enjoy great views across the river and the Manhattan skyline with your burgers and hot dogs.
Randall's Island Park
Central Park and Brooklyn Bridge Park can both get busy quickly – even on a weekday. If you’re looking for a more peaceful experience, Randall’s Island is a hidden gem with several stations set up for grilling. The island is easily accessible on public transport but worlds away from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan with picnicking spots, cycling, and walking trails - and you can even fish on the Harlem River if you bring a rod!
Hudson River Park
As New York’s parks go, Hudson River Park is one of the most beautiful, stretching across the waterfront between Battery Park and 59th Street. There are a handful of picnic spots within the park, and you can find free-to-use grilling areas at Pier 51 and Christopher Street. When you’re not grilling, the park is especially family friendly – with an outdoor waterslide, a carousel, minigolf, playgrounds, and even a skatepark.
The Lazy Way
If you’re on vacation, you don’t necessarily want to grill under the sun – especially if it also means being in charge of the cooking, cleaning, or grocery shopping. If you’re craving real BBQ without the hard work, there are plenty of great barbeque and grill restaurants located across the city. Don’t miss the Hudson Smokehouse in the Bronx – New York’s only smokehouse, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Harlem, or Hometown Bar-B-Que in Red Hook.
There’s nothing quite like a summer BBQ in the city. If you’re visiting NYC this summer, check out the Hotel Beacon – located just moments from Central Park and Hudson River Park, the perfect family-friendly BBQ spots.
