Each summer New Yorkers looked forward to getting a taste of a tropical vacation without having to catch a flight–and Island Oyster was always their answer to that. The dining destination made it feel as if you had been whisked away to a beachside bar with all the island vibes to match–fitting since, well, Governors Island is an island, of course! And though the breezy bar isn’t making its return this season, something just as good is taking its place.
The Trust for Governors Island announced that Six Coasts by Smorgasburg will take over the 32,000-square-foot waterfront space. Opening May 2026, the new space will bring together six coastal identities across the Americas through seasonal seafood, tropical cocktails, curated music, and cultural programming.
🌊 A new venture for the Smorgasburg team
Six Coasts is a new concept from the Smorgasburg team–you know, the largest weekly open-air food market in America.
Smorgasburg–a mash-up of “smorgasbord” and “Williamsburg”–launched in May 2011, spinning off from the success of food vendors at the Brooklyn Flea, and has since incubated hundreds of independent businesses vending food and drink from around the world.
So it goes without saying they know their way around reaching New Yorkers’ hearts–and stomachs–through food and drinks. Gaston Becherano Cohen, CEO of Smorgasburg, said:
At Smorgasburg, we’ve always believed that food is a gateway to culture, and Six Coasts brings that to life in its own vibrant and unique way. Six Coasts is a place where visiting chefs, live music, and the flavors of six distinct coastlines come together against the backdrop of New York Harbor.
🍹 A coastal getaway minus the flight
Drawing on six coastal identities across the Americas—from Nova Scotia to Baja to Bahia and the Caribbean—Six Coasts will feature a menu of seasonal seafood and tropical cocktails.
They’re keeping us on our toes when it comes to the actual menu, but we have a feeling ceviche, lobster rolls, seafood chowder, caipirinhas, and rum punches are in our future.
Pair that with a stunning bar seating 100, an expansive outdoor space, and unobstructed views of the Lower Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge, and New York Harbor, and it’s already shaping up to be the summer’s go-to spot.
🪇 Beyond food and drinks: immersive cultural programming
Coastal fare isn’t the only thing Six Coasts will be known for, though. Immersive cultural programming for all ages will also activate the waterfront space with plenty of unique experiences–think:
- Visiting chef residencies from global coasts
- Collaborations with arts groups and Island partners
- Coastal film nights
- Sunset DJ series
- Live music
Additionally, Six Coasts will prioritize sustainability in line with the Trust’s climate goals through utilizing sustainable food sources and operating an all-electric facility.
🌞 New Yorkers’ go-to waterfront destination this summer
Designed as a family-friendly gathering place with curated music and cultural programming, Six Coasts will be the waterfront destination for an island whose traditions have been shaped by life near the sea.
And, if we’re being honest, the news couldn’t come at a better time–we New Yorkers are welcoming just about anything that gets our minds off the winter we’ve been so rudely subjected to…
Though in a perfect world it would open expeditiously, Six Coasts will be up and running some time this May. Let’s just say if you’re looking for us this summer, maybe hop on a ferry to Governors Island.
⛴️ Getting there
Six Coasts will take over a beautiful waterfront site located next to Soissons Landing, the Island’s ferry landing for vessels departing from Manhattan. Getting there involves just a short ferry ride from Manhattan or Brooklyn.
Routes and schedules can be found on the NYC Ferry website and Governors Island’s website.
Stay up to date on Six Coasts’ website.