FOOD: Bonnie Vee [NYC]

Summer in the city is often a chance to escape to the beach and get some sun.  But one of my favorite things (among going to the beach) is hanging out in the city and exploring.  It feels emptier, hotter, and definitely (in my opinion) more fun to walk around and find great outdoor spots for a cold drink and some good food.
Bonnie Vee is an amazing place I discovered in the very beginning of summer and I can't wait to go back.  I went on a Friday night during happy hour (5-8pm) and sat outside on their pretty large back patio area.  It gets plenty of sun but has a string of pretty twinkle lights around the perimeter that make it a great spot even after the sun goes down.
The cocktail I had was a spicy Old Fashioned.  But it wasn't all that spicy (good for me) and was perfect for a summer afternoon.  Our server told us that they had some slushy style drinks that were part of the happy hour as well and I can definitely see myself having one of those in the high heat of August.
We got a little hungry so we decided to order some food, which was also on the happy hour deal.  I had a grilled cheese (pictured above) for $8.  It was the perfect snack to keep you full while drinking.  I can't speak for the rest of the menu but it did look pretty solid.  All in, this is a great place to escape the heat and have a cocktail and a bite to eat--not to mention it's on Stanton Street which is pretty perfect in my opinion.
Bonnie Vee
17 Stanton Street (and Chrystie)
New York, NY