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Every New Yorker has one or two particularly perfect weekend day-drinking haunts - in the summer, nothing seems nicer than a cool cocktail on a boat on the water. However, since not all of us are ready to purchase our own yachts, and fleet week past almost a month ago, it can be hard to find a nautical vessel where you can make this dream a reality...
Let me introduce you to some of the most well known boat-turned-bar/lounge/restaurant New York City has to offer (as well as a few hidden gems).... So go on, next weekend make time to get your drink on "Sea Style" - no sailors or swear words required, promise.
1. BOAT BASIN The Boat Basin Café is a casual outdoor restaurant, arranged in three sections & located in Riverside Park at the end of 79th Street on the Hudson River. There is an Open air patio that overlooks the Marina and the Hudson River with nice views of the sunsets over New Jersey. There is also a Covered Rotunda section in the middle of the restaurant which can come in handy during the weather pending summer months. Prices can be a bit steep but the views and venue are well worth the price tag - and drinks tend to be fairly cheap.
W 79th Street on the Hudson River (Upper West Side, Manhattan)
2. FRYING PAN The Frying Pan includes a former Lackawanna railroad barge, the Pier 66 Maritime Bar & Grill, the Lightship Frying Pan, a historic rail float bridge, and an authentic 1900’s caboose. The Pier 66 Maritime Bar & Grill is located on the floating railroad barge that is docked at Pier 66. The Lightship Frying Pan and the John J. Harvey Fireboat are moored alongside. It's great spot to spend a casual afternoon with friends and watch the boats sail down the Hudson River before sunset.
Pier 66 at W 26th Street (Chelsea, Manhattan)
3. THE WATER TABLE A U.S. Navy Yard Patrol boat turned maritime bar and restaurant, the Water Table cruises down the East River on Friday and Saturday and offers a three-course meal for $80 as well as a special Sunday supper for $55. Both cruises offer sunset views, along with sights like the Statue of Liberty, the remains of the Domino Sugar Factory and the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges.
Docks: 10 India Street Pier (Greenpoint, Brooklyn)
4. GRAND BANKS Set on the historical F/V Sherman Zwicker schooner, this floating ship of summery libations remain parked, but still offers salty air, ocean views, and nautically-themed cocktails. This summer they will also be adding a second bar area to accommodate New Yorkers' insatiable lust for floating alcohol.
Pier 25, Hudson River Park (Tribeca, Manhattan)
5. NORTH RIVER LOBSTER COMPANY A triple decker boat that leaves from Tribeca and cruises around the Hudon River 45 minutes intervals before returning to the dock – the specialty is all things lobster, and it comes at a fairly steep price (think $25 Lobster Rolls and $8 beers) however you can sit on the boat all afternoon as it makes its daily rounds for free as long as you are buying food or drinks.
Pier 81 at West 41st Street (Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan)
6. AMBERJACK V Kitchy and charming, this Sheepshead Bay floating restaurant, that also does private events, serves a mixed menu of Russian and Turkish cuisines, like simple grilled fish and steak salad. They offer a full bar and while they typically stay docked, the boat can set sail for private events.
2100 Emmons Avenue (Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn)
7. BROOKLYN BARGE BAR Located in Greenpoint, this floating bar/restaurant has changed owners and opens this year with a new menu, which promises to offer more than average burgers and fries seen in the last incarnation.
97 West Street (Greenpoint, Brooklyn)
8. THE CROW'S NEST One of the few East River Options on the Manhattan side, this Yacht doesn’t set sail but is a nice spot to lounge and take in the less often seen views of Queens from the water. The food isn’t anything to write home about, but the drinks and the location make it worth the visit…You can get a bucket of six beers for $35, which isn't bad considering the boat is conveniently located right by the East River Ferry stop at 35th Street.
Docked at The East River between 28th & 32nd Street (Murray Hill, Manhattan)