As the sun dips low in the sky, casting a warm, golden hue over Manhattan’s boroughs, the scent of slow-cooked barbecue permeates the air, coaxing both residents and visitors alike to gather around sizzling grills. New York City is a sprawling canvas of diverse neighborhoods, each boasting its own unique charm and culinary offerings. For barbecue enthusiasts, the city’s parks serve as quintessential communal backdrops for these savory feastings. Explore this list of ten delightful barbecue parks in New York, each a fragrant oasis where charred meats and laughter intertwine.
1. Fort Greene Park
163 Park Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205
Contact: (718) 398-3000
Website: fortgreenepark.org
Nestled within the heart of Brooklyn, Fort Greene Park is a historic gem adorned with lovely greenery and shaded picnic areas. This park serves as a gathering place, drawing families and friends who converge to enjoy al fresco dining, particularly when grills are ignited. With ample space and vibrant community events, one can easily indulge in marinated ribs while basking in the eclectic energy of the neighborhood.
2. Van Cortlandt Park
Broadway & W 246th St, The Bronx, NY 10471
Contact: (718) 430-1800
Website: nycgovparks.org
Emerging like a verdant oasis amid the urban sprawl, Van Cortlandt Park offers BBQ aficionados a formidable canvas against which to paint their culinary masterpieces. The sprawling countryside-like layout with its rustic charm features designated grilling areas surrounded by lush trees. Here, one can luxuriate in the sweet aroma of barbecue wafting through the air, merging seamlessly with the symphony of laughter and chirping birds.
3. Prospect Park
450 Prospect Park W, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Contact: (718) 965-8960
Website: prospectpark.org
Prospect Park, often hailed as Brooklyn’s crown jewel, provides an idyllic backdrop for stress-free cooking and leisurely feasting. With the lush waters of the Prospect Park Lake and sprawling meadows, it’s easy to kick back and savor delectable barbecue delights. Enjoy a variety of events organized within the park’s boundaries while enjoying flawlessly grilled sausages or zesty kebabs against the scenic views.
4. Morningside Park
West 111th St & Morningside Ave, New York, NY 10025
Contact: (212) 650-8000
Website: nyc.gov
In a tapestry woven with rich history and cultural vibrancy, Morningside Park stands out for its rustic charm and intimate gathering spaces. Nestled between neighborhoods steeped in academic brilliance, this park offers scenic views and beautiful spots equipped for barbecuing. Uncharacteristically serene, the environment encourages to savor every bite while soaking in the artistic inspiration that surrounds.
5. Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Queens, NY 11368
Contact: (718) 760-6565
Website: nycgovparks.org
A visual feast for the senses, Flushing Meadows Corona Park is best known for its iconic Unisphere and sprawling grounds. The park is a diverse melting pot, mirroring the rich flavors of the borough itself. Settle down with friends under the gentle shade of century-old trees and unleash your inner pitmaster as you grill marinated vegetables or tri-tip steak amidst the park’s lively, multicultural atmosphere.
6. Harlem River Park
Harlem River Greenway, Bronx, NY 10454
Contact: (212) 360-3000
Website: nyc.gov
Overlooking the gentle waters of the Harlem River, Harlem River Park is a refuge where city dwellers can leave the concrete jungle momentarily behind. The park offers an enchanting pathway lined with opportunities for barbecuing. With the river glittering in the backdrop, grill enthusiasts can create culinary magic while taking in breathtaking views of the skyline adorned with a shimmering sunset.
7. Astoria Park
19th St & Astoria Park S, Astoria, NY 11105
Contact: (718) 726-1545
Website: nycgovparks.org
Astro Park presents a picturesque scene with its sweeping views of the East River and the iconic Triborough Bridge. This park is a hidden treasure where barbeque enthusiasts can enjoy cooking on open grills while being surrounded by stunning water vistas. The infectious energy of Astoria, often referred to as the borough of diversity, makes every moment spent here tastefully vibrant.
8. Hicksville Park
Hicksville, NY 11801
Contact: (516) 571-7245
Website: nassaucountyny.gov
A nod to lush suburbia, Hicksville Park beckons to those seeking a delightful BBQ experience enveloped in tranquility. The park features spacious barbecue pits where creativity can flourish amidst picturesque landscapes, allowing guests to engage with the vibrant nature surrounding them. The gentle rustle of foliage compliments the juicy sizzle of grill accents, contributing to an idyllic family-friendly atmosphere.
9. Brooklyn Bridge Park
334 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Contact: (718) 802-0603
Website: brooklynbridgepark.org
Breathtaking views of the NYC skyline dance in the background as the air fills with mouth-watering barbecue aromas wafting through the picturesque Brooklyn Bridge Park. Here, the convergence of city and nature creates a true urban oasis. As families gather around to relish their grilled delights, the park becomes a tableau of laughter, culinary camaraderie, and unforgettable memories against a magnificent backdrop.
10. Union Square Park
Union Square W & E 17th St, New York, NY 10003
Contact: (212) 674-8761
Website: nycgovparks.org
Amidst the bustling heartbeat of Manhattan lies Union Square Park, a vivid tapestry of city life. The park serves not only as a gathering point but as a culinary theater where the sizzle of skewered meats entertains and delights. With an abundance of vendors nearby and a spirited community atmosphere, visiting this park for a barbecue excursion is an invigorating experience celebrated through communal feasts.
In a city as vibrant and diverse as New York, these ten parks present delightful opportunities for barbecue lovers to connect with nature, flavor, and each other. Each locale possesses its unique charm, transforming casual cookouts into unforgettable experiences, inviting you to savor not only the food but the spirit of community shared within these cherished green spaces. No matter where you wander, the sizzling essence of summer barbecue beckons you near to form lasting memories and taste adventures.
