Where to Eat and Booze on a Boat in NYC
Once spring hits, everyone rushes to the nearest restaurant backyard or rooftop. But there’s an even better way to take advantage of the precious and short-lived al fresco season — eating and imbibing on a boat! Believe it or not, there are numerous water-situated establishments scattered throughout the city; so chow down eastern seaboard style, at spots like Frying Pan, Grand Banks, The Brooklyn Barge and more.
Grand Banks
Perhaps the most elegant of NYC’s booze n’ cruise options, this wooden schooner (the last original saltbank fishing vessel in existence) operates in partnership with the not-for-profit Maritime Foundation, and counts none other than Kerry Heffernan as its executive chef. So expect a refined, sustainable, seafood-focused menu of Montauk Pearl Oysters, Soft Shell Crabs with ramp dressing, Lobster Rolls tossed with dulse emulsion, and Seared Scallops with tomato and bacon compote, to complement cocktails like the “Diplomat,” with ginger, mint and Pimm’s.
Read MoreFrying Pan
The Hudson Park-adjacent Pier 66 offers multiple options for waterfront drinking and dining. Step aboard the historic Lightship Frying Pan (a circa 1929 vessel, which spent three years submerged in the Chesapeake Bay) for Lobster Rolls, Watermelon Frosé and Sangria, or visit the Maritime Bar & Grill on a floating railroad barge, featuring a second story viewing deck and an appealing, warm weather menu of Poke Tostadas, Fish Tacos, Crab Cakes, and Mussels Provençale.
North River Lobster Company
Experience a taste of the coast without leaving NYC on this super-sized lobster shack. Setting sail from Midtown up to four times a day, “Destiny” can host up to 450 people, eager for an a la carte feast of Clam Chowder, raw bar options like crab claws, littlenecks, Peconic Bay oysters and peel n’ eat shrimp, and entrees such as the Captain’s Special Maine Lobster — a 1 ¼ pounder paired with potatoes, grilled corn, and a bottle of rosé.
Read MoreHudson’s
North River’s three-story, 160-foot sister vessel offers multiple, in-motion dining experiences along the New York Harbor; including three-course, Mediterranean-inflected dinner cruises, a Sunday spread with unlimited mimosas, and an open bar happy hour on the floating rooftop lounge.
Read MoreThe Brooklyn Barge
You can spend the whole day exploring Greenpoint’s floating barge, due to a roster of experiential maritime programs, recreational activities such as kayaking, sailing and fishing, and of course, a full menu of Tugboat Nachos, Mahi Mahi Sandwiches, Grilled and Chilled Corn and Peel & Eat Shrimp. And be sure to order Kimi’s Kayak Colada, as proceeds from the drink help provide free water sports equipment for the community.
Read MoreManhattan by Sail
Check the schedule for all manner of food and drink-themed cruises aboard The Clipper City Tall Ship (think craft beer tastings, and a lobster and beer lovers bash) or the Shearwater Classic Schooner, which regularly hosts wine tastings, champagne brunches, happy hours and more.
Read MoreSpirit of New York
This year-round cruise line traverses both New York and New Jersey, and ensures its guests are especially well sated along the way — thanks to brunch buffets (think Sweet Maple Sausage, hand-carved Prime Rib, and Eggs with roma tomatoes and chives), a lunch lineup (Roasted Beet Salad, Creamed Corn Casserole, Oven-Baked Atlantic Cod Filet), and a dinner of Orzo and Bay Shrimp Salad, Pork Loin with Dijon mustard, and Braised Beef Short Ribs.
Read MoreHornblower Infinity
This newly remodeled, 210-foot yacht boasts an open bow, a covered sky deck, four fully stocked bars and a champagne bar, and numerous food-focused jaunts around the harbor. Choose from a Lady Liberty Lunch Cruise (with a buffet of international cheeses, roasted asparagus and baked cod provençale), a Jazzy Champagne Brunch Cruise (expect an omelet station, a carving station, and nova with capers), and a New York City Lights Dinner Cruise, featuring an hors d’oeuvres reception hour, and a three-course menu of seared duck with root vegetable hash, stout-braised short rib, and seasonal desserts.
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