Labor Day Planner

by Citysearch_editors - 0 Reviews - 1,720 Lists

Updated: August 11, 2008

Labor Day was born when, a century or so ago, some generous soul decided to give the working man an official day off once a year. Even the hardest working New Yorkers take a break to celebrate this federal holiday that marks the end of summer and makes us put our whites away. Use our guide to optimize the weekend fun with local events, activities and the best outdoor restaurants and bars.

On this page:Labor Day Events and Outings, Outdoor Restaurants and Bars, Labor Day Shopping.

Labor Day Events and Outings

  1. 1 3.5 Star Rating: Average Central Park: Loeb Boathouse
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    Central Park Lake off East Dr, New York, NY 10003 (map)

    This urban oasis is filled with cool weekend options--best of all is the gondola ride.

  2. 2 3 Star Rating: Average Wolfe's Pond Park and Beach
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    Hylan Blvd and Cornelia Ave, Staten Island, NY 10308 (map)

    Taking the ferry over to this Staten Island gem is a nice way to spend the morning that marks the end of summer.

Outdoor Restaurants and Bars

  1. 3 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Nathan's Famous
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    1310 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224 (map)

    There's still time to enjoy a hot dog at this quintessential beachside restaurant that smacks of summer.

  2. 4 4 Star Rating: Recommended Blue Water Grill
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    31 Union Sq W, New York, NY 10003 (map)

    This now-classic seafood palace sails on victoriously with its ocean-traveling menu.

  3. 5 2.5 Star Rating: Below Average Harry's At Water Taxi Beach
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    2-01 Borden Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101 (map)

    Beach bar party along the East River, with a bar, loud music, and some of the best hamburgers around.

  4. 6 3.5 Star Rating: Average Alma
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    187 Columbia St, Brooklyn, NY 11231 (map)

  5. 7 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden
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    29-19 24th Ave, Astoria, NY 11102 (map)

    The last of its kind, this old Astoria landmark beer garden soldiers on.

  6. 8 3.5 Star Rating: Average Frankies 457
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    457 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231 (map)

    The restaurant's Italian cuisine is light years beyond Little Italy's red sauce joints, and features backyard dining as the F train rumbles by.

  7. 9 4 Star Rating: Recommended River Cafe
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    1 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (map)

    The famed waterside restaurant serves classic American dishes, and offers special menus on holidays.

  8. 10 3.5 Star Rating: Average Boat Basin Cafe
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    W 79th St, New York, NY 10024 (map)

    City noise is blown away on the breeze at this casual outdoor atrium overlooking the Hudson.

Labor Day Shopping

  1. 11 4 Star Rating: Recommended Opening Ceremony
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    35 Howard St, New York, NY 10013 (map)

    Downtown spot showcasing hip duds made by young, emerging designers from the world over.

  2. 12 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Bloomingdales
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    504 Broadway, New York, NY 10012 (map)

  3. 13 1 Star Rating: Poor John Varvatos
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    315 Bowery, New York, NY 10003 (map)

  4. 14 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended H&M
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    640 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019 (map)

    The go-to for fashionistas looking to save their tuition money.

  5. 15 4 Star Rating: Recommended Apple Store
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    103 Prince St, New York, NY 10012 (map)

    Now that iPhone madness has (somewhat) subsided, shopping for a new laptop or iPod should be much more peaceful.

  6. 16 3.5 Star Rating: Average Atrium
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    644 Broadway, New York, NY 10012 (map)

    Stock up on the latest trends at this Soho staple, where street wear meets the runway.

  7. 17 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Woodbury Common Premium Outlts
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    498 Red Apple Ct, Central Valley, NY 10917 (map)