Check out our guide on what to eat and where to go this Labor Day weekend!
Whether supplementing our juice diets or complimenting our vodka, a killer beverage mix is a competitive commodity in these city summers. We're already parched for Saucy By Nature's Agave Mint Lemonade and Salud's Park Slope Pink Smoothie, with watermelon, aloe vera, and lemon at Brooklyn Flea's Smorgasburg Market this weekend.
What To Try: Whatever cocktail tickles your fancy, but make sure to get some water in there, too.
Where: Smorgasburg Markets, 45 Main Street (near Water Street); Brooklyn.
When: Saturday, September 3, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Labor Day Beach Party at Beekman Beer Garden & Beach Club
Sink your toes into the sand, enjoy some great BBQ, and even better beer overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge. There's also a mechanical bull for you to try your luck on, if you've had enough to drink (uh, you don't have work on Monday).
What To Try: Smoked BBQ ribs, pulled-pork sandwiches, wings, and sausages are all on the menu for the night.
Where: 89 South Street (between Beekman and John streets); 212-896-4600.
When: Monday, September 5, 3 p.m to midnight.
Hester Street Fair
This hipster-filled market is coming to a close oh-so-soon, but the new grub offerings just don't quit. Don't worry, you have an extra gym day in there to make up for those calories!
What To Try: Check out Chozen Ice Cream for flavors tha'll make you scratch your head, Athini's Greek Food for baklava and spinach pie, and don't forget to grab a jar of fresh roasted peppers to bring home with you from Jim's Pepper Roaster.
Where: Hester Street (at Essex Street).
When: Saturday, September 3, 10 a.m to 6 p.m.
Big Gay Ice Cream Shop Truck: Store Opening
Final warm weekends mean it's perfectly acceptable to lose our svelte summer figures in ice cream heaven. The much-stalked Big Gay Ice Cream Truck is shacking up in the East Village, slated to open this weekend. Rumored to feature a 6,000 Swarovski crystal-adorned unicorn mural, the new shop marks the first off-wheels location for the brand. Sriracha Sundaes have us melting for the vast arrays of toppings—think cardamom, wasabi-pea dust, olive oil, and pumpkin butter. Get out, right? Get. Out.
What To Try: If you're a little on the plain side, start with The Salty Pimp (vanilla ice cream, Dulce de Leche, sea salt, chocolate dip). If you're leaning more towards an adventurous bite, go for the wasabi-pea dust or Siracha.
Where: 125 East 7th Street (between 1st Avenue and Avenue A).
When: Due to Open September 1, for updates follow @biggayicecream on Twitter.
Burgers and Barbecued Oysters At The Maison Premiere Labor Day Party
More BBQ you say? Way. Maison Premier, which channels a '20s Parisian cocktail den, might just take you back a century with their impressive list of premium absinthes at this Labor Day bash to remember (or forget). Try the oysters for a little snack and maybe snuggle up a bit with the Green Fairy, but make sure to leave room for the oyster-eating contest, hosted by the oyster-eating world record holder, Jim Ryan.
What To Try: Burgers on the grill, and make sure to try the barbecued oysters.
Where: 298 Bedford Avenue (between South 1st and Grand streets), Brooklyn.
When: Monday, September 5.