These are hard times.

And no, that was not a reference to the economy.

It was a comment on the weather.

As winter engulfs the East Coast, the annual temperature drop tends to be a spoiler for the usual outdoor social festivities that may proceed without hindrance during the spring and summer seasons.

While motivated joggers and those with canine responsibilities may continue to brave the cold, the rest of the population can be seen wrapped up in scarves and fur-trimmed coats moving toward shelter. Popular rooftop venues are currently unappealing, and outside dining is not an option, as most people seek to find a cozy atmosphere warm-up.

However, you need not stay locked in your apartment (which mostly likely lacks a fireplace anyway) until April because, in New York, the social scene never stops. There are public places to find refuge during these hard times, if you know where to look. It doesn’t matter if you’re hanging out solo, meeting up with a few friends, or looking for a party — there is a warm spot for you.

It all starts downtown with chocolate.

Whether you like it on your plate or in your cup, at Max Brenner, you can have both. Throughout history and various cultures, chocolate has always been associated with luxury and indulgence. This place is no exception. Low lighting creates a relaxing ambiance while the menu consists of a variety of delectable foods and chocolate drinks — hot, cold, or alcoholic.

Patrons can also purchase chocolate treats and chocolate-inspired gifts. With two locations, you can have a café experience at 141 2^nd Avenue, or go for a restaurant feel at the Union Square spot at 841 Broadway. The best part is, if you decide to head down to this house of chocolate, the entourage can stay home. Max Brenner is great for independent downtime, or even a first date. If things are going well, you can sit for hours…or, if the date is going not so well, you can down your beverage and make a run for it in 20 minutes or less.

If your sweet tooth is on hiatus until Halloween and a European experience is what you truly crave, then make your way up to Harlem. Here you can enter Floridita Tapas Restaurant for traditional Spanish cuisine. Featuring Spanish appetizers (tapas) that can be mixed and matched to create full meals, this venue is perfect for indecisive types who like to try a little bit of everything.

Located at 3219 Broadway, on Friday nights starting at 9:00 p.m., you can enjoy traditional flamenco dancing that is as captivating as the food. A complementary show, it is accompanied by the sounds of a live guitar that transports customers to another era and a new culture through the unfamiliar hypnotic rhythm and beats.

Keep in mind that in Spain, midday siestas are a must, and life in Europe is generally more relaxed compared to NYC. Sitting in this restaurant will certainly make any executive with a “crackberry” addiction forget to check their watch. Feel free to take your time as you sip Sangria and browse the menu. The one thing this place does lack is a hovering wait staff rushing to get you and your order in and out.

However, there is one thing you can prepare yourself to get in an out of this winter.

The pool.

While relaxing low-key cafés and restaurants are always appreciated, there is a reason why 5:00 p.m. is the happiest hour of them all. If you want to get your South Beach party on during the winter cold spell, then the Hotel Grace at 125 West 45th Street is the spot for you. The lobby features a lounge area with a shallow pool connected to the bar where you can actually order up drinks as you bounce up and down in water that is three feet nine inches deep.

After 5:00 p.m., this place opens up to the public and makes the workday fade into a distant memory. A great venue for parties, the DJ will spin music to the water-loving crowd, and the pool/bar combo is just the beginning. The sauna and steam room are where it really gets hot, if you desire to take a break from the pool party and wind down in the heat.

If you’re heading to midtown to check out Hotel Grace, don’t forget to bring your bathing suit. For Max Brenner and the tapas experience, just arrive with a healthy appetite. Regardless of where you choose, make it a priority to get to one of these spots immediately. You need not bare the brunt of winter’s vicious yet expected assault without joy.

Stop being cold and start heating up the season and your social life.