To experience the best of summer, most people leave New York City for the beaches in Long Island. But there are spots in the city where you can enjoy summer all year long. Lobster Joint in Greenpoint is one of them.

Head to their all-season backyard to get a taste of Sag Harbor or Cape Cod without the long journey. I go in both summer and winter to sit under the umbrellas and order lobster rolls and crab cakes. I usually visit for brunch; the prix fixe menu includes an entree and your choice of a mimosa or Bloody Mary. You can tell from that photo that the Bloody Mary is my favorite.

Try to visit during the happy hour every Monday–Friday from 16:00–19:00. Two-for-one raw oysters are US$3, and cocktails are US$8. Even in Brooklyn, these deals are hard to beat. Plus, it’s always more fun to feel like you’re at the beach than in a bar.