Surrounded by water, the island of Manhattan offers many aquatic eateries. From casual raw bars on moored barges to sumptuous dinner cruises that sail around the city, there are many options for those diners hungry to feast on New York City’s symbiotic and romantic relationship with the water.
Here are several waterborne dining options along the shores of Manhattan.Grand Banks
Grand Banks is an acclaimed oyster bar in the tradition of Manhattan’s floating oyster barges which lined its shores in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is set inside the Sherman Zwicker, a 142-foot hand-built schooner – the largest wooden vessel in New York City, and the last salt bank fishing boat in a fleet that once fished along the Grand Banks of the North Atlantic.
Through October, the Sherman Zwicker is docked along Pier 25, offering great views of iconic spots such as the Freedom Tower and the Statue of Liberty, and panoramic vistas of New York Harbor and the Hudson River. Aboard this historic schooner, you’ll also experience some of the freshest locally-harvested seafood, including East and West Coast-variety oysters, specialty cocktails with a nautical twist, craft brews and wines, and more. Location: Pier 25, Hudson River Park.
North River Lobster Company
For a touch of New England right in Hell’s Kitchen, head over to 41st St., where the North River Lobster Company’s floating “lobster shack” (of sorts) is docked at Pier 81. Whether you dine while the 600-square-foot vessel is moored, or on one of its 45-minute tours along the Hudson River, you’re in for a real treat.
Taking center stage is their impressive raw bar “boat”; this is an actual boat filled with iced oysters, clams, shrimp, and anything else that’s in season. There are other crowd favorites such as “chowda”, lobster rolls and other lobster specialties, fresh fish, burgers, buckets of beer, and their fun, signature cocktails served in mason jars. Order a “Pop-Sea-Cle” or a “Life Saver” to get in the spirit, and kick back for a fun and adventurous meal. Lunch, happy hour, and sunset dinner cruises are available throughout the day. Location: Pier 81 at 41st Street.
Pier 66 Maritime Bar & Grill
For some casual “al aguo” fare mixed with a dash of history, check out the Pier 66 Maritime Bar & Grill, and adjacent notable vessels at Pier 66 in Hudson River Park.
Permanently docked on a floating barge near West 26th St., the Maritime Bar & Grill offers great burgers, fish ‘n’ chips, steamed clams, wings, and other tasty bar food. It’s a relaxing place to have a quick bite and relax over a delicious glass of rosé or sangria, or your favorite beer.
Moored alongside the Maritime Bar & Grill is one of the country’s few lightships still in existence, The Frying Pan, and the Erie Lackawanna Car Float. The former is one of the country’s few existing historic lightships, and the latter was a rail barge used to ferry railroad cars. Both vessels are open to the public to browse, and also feature scheduled educational programs. Location: Pier 66 at West 26th St., Hudson River Park.
Shearwater Sails
For a luxurious feast for the eyes and appetite, treat the family to a Champagne Brunch Sail they won’t soon forget. Take in the city’s remarkable skyline and dine in style aboard the Shearwater Classic, departing from North Cove Marina every Sunday at 11:00 am.
You will feel like a millionaire as you sample scrumptious brunch favorites served buffet-style. Nibble on quiche, delicate pastries, smoked salmon, seasonal fruit, brioche sandwiches, wraps, yogurt parfaits, and more as you sip fresh juices, unlimited champagne, and mimosas. This gorgeous two-hour voyage offers some of the best views of Manhattan and Lady Liberty. The Shearwater also features other dining/drinking cruises such as Sunset Sails, Happy Hour Sails, Wine Tasting Sails, and more. Location: The North Cove Marina at Brookfield Place (formerly World Financial Center).
Bateaux
The Bateaux’s beautiful glass-encased dining room is a perfect vantage point to enjoy three-hour dinner or two-hour lunch cruises showcasing many New York City landmarks. Embark from Chelsea Piers and make your way down the Hudson River to see the World Trade Center, Battery Park City, Ellis Island, The Statue of Liberty, Governor’s Island, The Brooklyn Bridge, and more.
As you enjoy the panoramic views, enjoy a sophisticated ambiance with live music and sumptuous, plated “chef-curated cuisine” featuring seasonal seafood, elegant appetizers, and tempting desserts. Along with dinner and lunch cruises, the Bateaux also offers Brunch Cruises, Specialty Cruises, and Holiday Cruises. Location: Pier 62 at West 23rd St., Chelsea Piers.
Private Charter Cruise for Special Events
For that special occasion or out-of-the-ordinary business event, charter a private yacht to cruise around Manhattan to make your outing unforgettable. Why settle for a traditional banquet hall or stuffy office building when you can celebrate on the water with New York City’s skyline as your backdrop?
Events from anniversaries, birthdays, weddings, rehearsal dinners, retirement parties, networking events, and other business get-togethers transform into one-of-a-kind experiences you and your guests will remember for a lifetime.
Choose The Marmara Park Avenue for your next stay. Book now!