bars

Summer Vibes in Winter

austin, drinks, food, fun, nyc

The holiday season is over, the festive lights have come down, no more tinsel and ornaments. Mid January becomes such a depressing time of year when all the decorations are taken down. The next holiday being Valentines day doesn’t seem to help things especially for the singles out there. A vacation is always a solution but we have another idea. Summer bars in the winter! There are plenty of heated patios or enclosed rooftops but we know a place in NYC and Austin that gives you beach vibes even in this cold weather.

New York City

Head over to this post-modern Polynesian inspired tiki restaurant and acclaimed cocktail bar, Mother of Pearl. This chic tiki bar serves wild drinks – a bloody shark cocktail, pineapple cider garnished with tropical flowers, and even a drink that’s on fire! Those are just to name a few. They have the ultimate fried guac and chips platter which you can find on the menu under “Tropical Guacamole.” Mother of Pearl is the best vegan restaurant to take a non vegan. As meat eaters, we didn’t even realize it was a vegan restaurant until we were told. Point proven. This East Village bar takes you miles away from the cold city and transports you to vacation mode.

Tip: Here’s our helpful tip when visiting – If you can’t get a reservation or find a seat at the bar, sit at the communal table. There will always be a seat for walk-ins.

Austin

Our Austin recommendation is Kitty Cohen’s. No, you’re not on the set of Golden Girls or visiting Palm Springs in your DeLorean. We double checked our location and what year it is and this bar is located in East Austin present day. This sun-drenched sip of nostalgia gives 70’s Cali vibes as you sit on the patio bar enjoying the wading pool. They serve spritzers and beachy cocktails with fun names to go with them. This bar is the coolest of cool with pink flamingos, palm tree wall paper and Burt Reynolds. It’s endless summer vibe feels like you’re on vacation no matter the weather. 

Tip: Make sure to check upcoming events as they host a pop up kitchen at the bar by the wading pool. Also, visit their website to become a Room 101 club member to get the exclusive (and a keychain).

Where to get a Spritz

austin, drinks, fun, nyc

Here’s where to get your fix of those sparkling red-orange drinks in pretty stemmed glasses.

Aperol is an infusion of bitter and sweet orange flavors with  a secret mix of herbs and woody notes.

Austin:

  1. Italic – An Italian restaurant on 6th street where you can enjoy pizza, gelato and happy hour like a true Italian.
  2. Gemelli – A gelato shop that serves up Italian inspired cocktails.
  3. The Line Hotel – A Casual Burger Restaurant in a trendy hotel serving up a unique frozen Aperol with pink lemonade.

New York City:

  1. Bagatelle – Known for its boozy brunch and daytime club atmosphere with a European vibe serving an original spritz.
  2. Dante – Italian cuisine, world class cocktails and an award winning bar that has Aperol on tap.
  3. Maritime – Voted as one of the ten most beautiful bars, Maritime hosts La Sirena, the creator of the frozen Aperol Spritz.