Just because we’re surrounded by water in New York doesn’t mean any of us are living that island life… the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle makes it easy to forget that we should be embracing the beauty in the juxtaposition of so many vistas connecting skline and inevitably, embracing a beverage along with it.
I’ve picked out all of my favorite ways to get out on the water all over town. Get out there.
North River Lobster Company in Hell’s Kitchen
This “floating lobster shack” is super charming and takes you up the Hudson, leaving from 41st. So if you’re looking specifically for those iconic downtown views, this isn’t ideal but the food is great and their sunsets are damn beautiful. $10 to board, lobster rolls are predictably both pricey and delicious. Info here.
The Honorable William Wall near Ellis Island
This place seems like one of those places that doesn’t exist. Kind of like when the seniors tell you there’s a pool on the roof your first day of high school… but unlike that pool, it does exist, and you can go there. It’s a “yacht club” boat that is anchored near Ellis Island that you can only access by their chartered boats. It’s $20 per person; drinks are available for purchase, bring your own food if you want to eat. You can leave from Brookfield Place or Jersey City; in both places, an official William Wall captain will greet you and take you to the boats and then the bar. Info here.
The Brooklyn Barge in Greenpoint
It’s a floating barge bar in Greenpoint that is similar to the Frying Pan in Manhattan but not (quite) as douchey. It does get super crowded on the weekends though, so I would say it’s a little low on the romance factor, but the sunset over the city is stunning. Info here.
Anable Basin in LIC
This sort-of hidden gem in Long Island City is a very low-key waterfront bar that offers amazing views of the city. And because of its location, you’ll get that coveted view of the sun nestled right between the skyscrapers. It’s hidden behind some warehouse buildings, but just trust me and keep going down 44th. It will be there. It’s cash only but they have an ATM. Info here.
Grand Banks Oyster Bar in Tribeca
This fancy schooner is super charming and has great (and kind of pricey) cocktails and oysters. It’s anchored at a pier in Tribeca, so the “skyline” views are a little limited, but it’s still beautiful. Find it at Pier 25. Info here.
North Brooklyn Boat Club in Greenpoint
Kayaking through the creek that was the site of the biggest oil spill in US history, that spills out into the East River may not sound romantic, but this is New York. Nothing is clean or safe or smart, it’s an adventure. NBBC does free kayaking trips through Newtown Creek and up to the entrance to the East River. You can also canoe instead of kayak, if you’re a dork. They have a guide with you so you won’t be completely on your own. This would be a great option to then have dinner in Greenpoint, say, at Le Fanfare where yours truly works 😉 Info here.
Ferry + Park + Wine, anywhere
If you want more of a DIY experience, just jump on the NYC Ferry. Each one has a bar and a rooftop and you can hop on at sunset and ride however long you want. A good option would be to start in Queens or North Brooklyn and ferry down to Brooklyn Bridge Park where you can sit along the waterfront and overlook lower Manhattan, and that Statue that used to stand for something before everything went to shit. Also, Transmitter Park in Greenpoint is right on the water, overlooking all of Manhattan. This is easily one of my favorite spots in the city. Just bring wine
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