It’s gorgeous out in NYC, and frankly the perfect temperature for some outdoor fun.
From eating on historic boats with insane views of the sunset to checking out secluded seafood hotspots on NYC’s smaller surrounding islands, these are some of our favorite spots for a breezy cocktail and bites.
Enjoy our list of the best waterfront dining in NYC here:
1. Grand Banks, Pier 25 in Tribeca
Located on Sherman Zwicker, a historic wooden schooner docked at Pier 25, Grand Banks is modeled after the oyster barges found on the waterfront in the 19th century. Their oysters are gathered sustainably from the East & West coast in partnership with the non-profit Maritime Foundation who raise money for sustainable fishing, plus yellow and white awnings make for a bright, summery atmosphere!
Where: Pier 25 Hudson River Park
Hours: Monday through Friday from 11am till 12:30am, and Saturday and Sunday for brunch from 10am – 2pm, followed by continuous service until 12:30am; reservations here
2. Watermark Bar, Pier 15 in South Street Seaport
This stunning events venue is now an amazing spot to grab food and drinks with beautiful views of the East River and the Brooklyn Bridge (hint: it’s even more magical at night when the bridge is lit up!). They’re usually known for their epic Oktoberfest event, but it’s just as good for frozen margs. You can also play ping pong and corn hole, the perfect place to escape your apartment.
Right now, they have these adorable glass greenhouses up!Where: Pier 1, 78 South Street
Hours: Monday – Friday 5pm – 10pm & Saturday – Sunday 12pm – 10pm; make reservations here.
3. Baylander Steel Beach, Harlem
The Baylander Steel Beach, which opened on July 9, is a brand new restaurant and bar at the West Harlem Piers that is aboard a historic air craft carrier ship. The eatery comes from the owners of Prohibition Lounge on the Upper West Side, who came into ownership of the decommissioned ship in 2017. The menu of course boasts yummy seafood and bar grub — like fish & chips, fried clams, and lobster rolls. And of course, there are plenty of nautical themed cocktails like the Dark ‘n Stormy, and a “Port Side Paloma.”
Where: Hudson River West Harlem Piers on 125th St.
Hours: 3-10pm Tuesday-Friday, and 2-10pm on Saturday & Sunday
4. City Vineyard, Pier 26 in Tribeca
Enjoy stunning views of the Hudson River while sipping on wine that is made right here in NYC at City Vineyard! You have multiple options for seating here: the socially-distanced patio and the rooftop, which both have gorgeous views of the water and are covered in romantic vines. No matter where you sit, there’s plenty of frosé to be had!
Where: 233 West St.
Hours: 12pm-10pm daily
5. The Frying Pan, Pier 66 in Chelsea
This Coast Guard lightship-turned restaurant/bar boasts seafood bites like lobster rolls, fried calamari, fish ‘n chips, and more, along with amazing views of the sunset over the Hudson. You’ll feel like you’re out to sea even though you’re completely docked, of course! They also have loads the refreshing summer drinks on deck, like sangria, vodka lemonade, rum punch, and spicy watermelon margaritas!
Where: 207 12th Ave
Hours: *Open on select spring days…check their Instagram*
6. Anable Basin, Long Island City
Anable Basin is a bit off the beaten path in Long Island City, but once you walk there you’ll realize how it’s one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Its spot on the East River offers unencumbered views of the Manhattan skyline you won’t get at the restaurants and bars on the city’s piers, plus it’s not as well-known. Enjoy local beers, craft cocktails, and light bites.
Where: 4-40 44 Drive, Long Island City
Hours: Friday from 3pm, Saturday and Sunday from 12pm
7. Johnny’s Reef, City Island, The Bronx
Johnny’s Reef has been serving City Island—the tiny 1.5-mile long island off the northeastern part of the Bronx—for a whopping 60 years. It’s casual and affordable, with fresh seafood from the market each day that can be eaten off picnic tables right on the water. Enjoy a wide range of fish, shellfish and more either steamed or fried.
Where: 2 City Island Ave, The Bronx
Hours: Sun-Thu 11:30am – 9:30pm, Fri-Sat 11:30am – 10:30pm
8. Nick’s Lobster House, Brooklyn
Lobster, anyone? This historic restaurant has been serving Mill Basin, Brooklyn since 1955! Enjoy views of the boats zooming around while on the outside deck, and indulge in lobster multiple different ways: whole, roll, or surf ‘n turf with steak!
Where: 2777 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn
Hours: 12-9 Mon-Thur | 12-10 Fri-Sun; Brunch Sat+Sun 12-2pm
9. Island Oyster, Governors Island
When you’re sitting at the Island Oyster bar on Governors Island on a sunny day, feeling the sea breeze flow from the Hudson River, you will surely forget you are even in the city (except for that gorgeous view of the skyline, of course). You’ll feel like you’re on vacation on a tropical island—and you only had to take a $2 ferry from downtown Manhattan. Munch on oysters (of course), fresh salads, fish tacos, and vacation-ready cocktails.
Where: 146 Carder Rd., Governors Island
Hours: Wednesday through Friday from noon until 6pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 11am until 7pm
Bonus: 15 Fascinating Things You May Not Know About Governors Island
10. Fornino, Brooklyn Bridge Park
Fornino has a huge space overlooking the iconic bridge with outdoor seating for 100 currently available. Take in the sunshine and chef and owner Michael Ayoub’s wood-fired pizzas, salads and sandwiches and alcoholic beverages. They also have a rooftop happy hour Monday – Friday from 4pm – 7pm with $5 beer, $8 wine and a $10 daily drink special. Reservations cane be made on their website here.
Where: Pier 6 Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn, NY
Hours: Saturday & Sunday 12-8pm, weather permitting
featured image source: Island Oyster