After 5 Years, The Staten Island Ferry Is Bringing Back Alcohol Onboard Starting This Friday
Starting this Friday, March 27th, NYC commuters can once again enjoy beer and cocktails during their trip across the harbor as alcohol sales return to the Staten Island Ferry.
One of NYC’s most popular commutes just got a little more spirited. In other words: your ride home and evening happy hour can now take place in the same spot: aboard the Staten Island Ferry.
According to a recent NYC GOV. press release from the New York City Department of Transportation, in partnership with the New York City Economic Development Corporation, alcohol sales are making their return to the legendary Staten Island Ferry starting Friday, March 27th.
Cheers, commuters!
🛥️ A Return to the Harbor
For the first time since 2019, riders can once again enjoy a “ferry beer” (and then some) during their 25-minute voyage across the New York Harbor, beginning this Friday.
While the return of refreshments started with coffee and snacks in late 2024, this latest update completes the full concession experience that many commuters have missed for over five years.
NYCEDC Interim President & CEO Jeanny Pak said:
Whether you’re a Staten Islander commuting home after a long work day or a visitor taking in the harbor views, the Staten Island Ferry is not just a critical piece of city infrastructure, it is an experience. Following the successful return of onboard concessions, NYCEDC is proud to celebrate another milestone with our partners at NYC DOT as alcohol sales return to the ferry, continuing to elevate the rider experience for the more than 16 million passengers it serves each year.
Unsplash / David Jones
🍻 What’s on the Menu?
The expanded beverage and food lineup includes:
Alcoholic Drinks: A selection of beer, hard seltzers, and canned cocktails.
New Snacks: Hot pretzels and popcorn to pair with your drink.
Classic Staples: Existing options like coffee, soda, and various pre-packaged snacks.
🚀 Launch Details and Fleet Rollout
The service will debut on the MV SSG Michael H. Ollis, the flagship of the newest class of ferries. Riders on other vessels won’t have to wait long, as the city plans to expand service to the Sandy Ground and Dorothy Day ferries in the coming weeks.
🗓️ Why now, though?
Officials are framing it as part of a broader effort to enhance the rider experience—because when you’re serving millions of people a year, a little extra comfort goes a long way.
Or, in simpler terms: if you’re going to commute across one of the most iconic harbors in the world, you might as well do it with something cold in hand.
