Waterfront Restaurants in Manhattan
‘Tis the season for outdoor dining! I mean, are you really a New Yorker if you don’t take advantage of the quaint sidewalk cafes and treat yourself to some of the country’s best waterfront restaurants? New York City is surrounded by rivers, which means we have a good amount of outdoor dining options for brunch, lunch, or a dinner date with a fantastic view. Today we’re focusing on our go-to outdoor dining spots not only in Manhattan, but on the water! From Tribeca to Inwood, Battery Park to Kip’s Bay, here are the best places to sit back, order a drink, and take in the delicious smells and sights of waterfront dining!
If You Want A Casual Dinner On A Boat: Grand Banks
Is there anything better than waterfront dining? Yes… And that’s dining on a boat! Now, I’m not talking about those touristy cruises that sail around the tip of the island while you throw back expensive cocktails and finger foods. Grand Banks is a game changer. This restaurant is set up on a hand-built ship from 1942. It’s inspired by the floating “oyster barges” that lined Manhattan’s waterfront in the 18th and 19th centuries, and is permanently parked in Tribeca’s waterfront for all New Yorkers to dine on.
With inspiration straight from the marina, Grand banks’ freshly harvested oysters pair perfectly with a crisp glass of rose. You’ll take in views of the Hudson River, New York Harbor, and the Freedom Tower. Grand Banks does accept a limited amount of reservations online, but primarily this spot thrives on walk-ins, making it a perfect spot to head after a CityBike ride down the West Side Highway on a summer afternoon.
Dig Your Toes into the Sand at La Marina
When I lived in Inwood, I remember jogging by the marina on the Hudson River every morning, thinking how it would make the perfect waterfront restaurant location. After countless jogs and a few years later, someone clearly had the same brilliant idea I did, because this space has been transformed into a gorgeous outdoor deck known as La Marina.
La Marina serves as a restaurant, outdoor lounge, and also Manhattan’s only sand beach which spans for more than 75,000 square feet – making it the perfect spot for a summer meal! Along with regular Happy Hours, La Marina has live music performances and DJ’s gracing the venue all summer long. Seafood is the big menu draw, so order the fresh lobster and one of their famous Mamajuana Dominican cocktails!
For Farm to Table Freshness, Dine at Riverpark
If your adventurous side is begging to come out, especially with trying new foods, it’s time to expand your taste pallet at Riverpark! Not only is this restaurant sitting pretty on the water, but the menu imitates the “farm to table freshness” everyone can appreciate.
Riverpark is located in Kips’ Bay with views of the East River and Queens and Brooklyn. Started by restaurateur Tom Colicchio, the space is truly unique. It showcases it’s own urban farm, just feet away from the kitchen. Their modern American menu changes daily in correspondence to highlighting seasonal ingredients from local farms. I recently visited a few weeks ago with a group of friends, and all I have to say is if the fresh radishes in anchovy sauce are available, you just need to try them! Freshen up your meal by adding their lemon infused cocktail, called You Are My Sunshine, to your afternoon. Cheers!
Get a Photo Op with Lady Liberty at Pier A Harbor House
First off… I apologize if I make you hungry after talking about Pier A Harbor House. This spot is a bit fancier than the other options listed, just in case you’re planing a romantic date night out or upcoming celebration. Located at the bottom tip of Manhattan where Battery Park meets the Hudson River, this massive 28,000 square foot venue serves as a beautiful spot for dining, drinks, and private events of all sorts.
The menu is strong with seafood staples, but features great treats like warm NY style pretzels dipped in mustard, tuna tacos, and freshly friend calamari. Pier A Harbor House features different specials during the week – my favorite being $10 burgers on Mondays. Wash these dishes down with a pitcher of local New York beers and be prepared for one of the most beautiful sunsets of your life!
West Side Apartments at Hawthorn Park
Live your dream New York City life in Hawthorn Park. Browse available units today!From gazing across the Hudson River, to soaking up the sun and taking in the waves, where do you enjoy waterfront dining in Manhattan? Share with us on Facebook and Twitter!
Posted in Glenwood News, manhattan living, NYC Dining, Top Picks | Tagged best outdoor restaurants nyc • best riverfront restaurants nyc • New York waterfront • outdoor restaurants nyc • waterfront restaurants nyc • waterside dining nyc
