Copyright 2002, The New York Post. All Rights Reserved)

IF Saturday night's alright for fighting, then Thursday night's perfect for choosing your sparring partner.

You can have your pick of the cool crowd at outdoor happy hours - tonight and every Thursday night through the summer.Here are some breezy spots to drink, nosh and get a little action in.

* GUASTAVINO'S

With its blend of Upper East Side class and tons of space, Guastavino's is the ideal place to schmooze - especially in the newly renovated patio, with its flowers, trees and comfy lounge chairs.

DJ Stewart - who works the crowd at Pangaea on Tuesday nights - will be set up outside, spinning tunes until 10 p.m.

No cover. 409 E. 59th St. (between First and York avenues), 5 to 10 p.m.

* BOWERY BAR

This bar has survived for nine years, in a notoriously fickle city, not for its food, music or service, but for its garden.

"Our garden becomes magical in the summertime," says Andy Kelley, general manager.

With huge trees overhead and an adorable porch swing (with room for three), you'll completely forget the bar is located on a busy city street.

No cover. 40 E. Fourth St. (between Bowery and Lafayette), 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.

* JADE TERRACE

Dance under the stars on the rooftop of the China Club in the heart of Times Square. The lounge - which just removed its canvas tent ceiling to reveal an enchanting Manhattan skyline - will open to after-work crowds in mid-June.

$10 cover. 268 W. 47th St. (between Broadway and Eighth Avenue), 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.

* BRYANT PARK CAF

Its convenient Midtown location and scenic vista make the cafe an ideal place to meet friends after work, but come early - or risking standing on line as your friends are already getting slushy.

"It's very beautiful to overlook the park," says a cafe spokesperson, "and that appeals to a lot of people."

No cover. In the park, between 40th and 42nd streets (between Fifth and Sixth avenues), 5 to 10 p.m.

* HUDSON HOTEL

If you want to impress a date or simply feel like royalty, indulge in the outdoor courtyard of the Hudson hotel. As music is piped in from the main bar, you can drink cosmos while lounging on a pillow bed. Order a snack from the full kitchen - the mac and cheese is to die for.

No cover. 356 W. 58th St. (between Eighth and Ninth avenues), 3 p.m. to midnight.