Summer scenes 2012: Hot spots in NYC to check out

This offshoot of the ever-expanding Hester Street Fair (recent spin-offs include a brick-and-mortar shop, the Hester, and an L.A. market) is a boon for nine-to-fivers eager to start the weekend early. The Eventi Hotel’s 12,000-square-foot, tree-studded, open-air plaza, lit with strands of twinkling lights, hosts food vendors every Thursday evening. Midtown workers chow down on grub like lobster rolls ($6) from Luke’s Lobster and fresh lemonade ($5) by Lizzmonade. For stronger refreshments, head inside the hotel to the Tiki Bar in the Brighton food court, which slings cocktails ($12) and beer ranging from Friday-morning-meeting-friendly Bud Light ($6) to duvet-day-inducing Left Hand Milk Stout Nitro ($7). Groups can assemble around metal tables, while pairs can easily find a space on the wooden or granite benches. Keep an eye out for monthly music performances: The band the Ugly Club played a set in early July. Finish your night by watching a free movie in the Eventi’s screening room at 9pm while munching on complimentary popcorn.—Natalie Gavilanes

851 Sixth Ave, entrances at 29th and 30th Sts (hesterstreetfair.com). Thu 5–10pm; free. Through Thursday October 25, 2012.