In the constant bustle of city living, it’s easy to forget that Manhattan is, in fact, an island. Sure, the tides by Battery Park might invite not a casual swim, and the shores of the Hudson may not be sandy white, but we’re completely not immune to the benefits of island living. As we cross over into the second half of summer 2k15, the TripleMint team invites you to embrace at least some small part of your tropical fantasies.
We’ve compiled a list of sea (or, you know, river) side eateries perfect for taking in those last rays of summer sun. Spread along three boroughs, two rivers, one ocean, and every price point, these atmospheric eateries are sure to satisfy all of your end-of-summer whims.
Perfect for: Relaxed Dinner Out, Catching Up With Friends, Burgers and a Beer
Once named the city’s ultimate dive’ bar, the Pier 66 Maritime Bar & Grill serves up delicious food and drinks from the retrofitted bones of a floating railroad barge. Securely docked at Pier 66, this May through October self-serve restaurant strikes the perfect balance between cool nighttime ambiance and homestyle casual eating.
Perfect for: Creative Dates, Farm-to-Table Fare, Craft Drinks
A self-proclaimed New England tavern on the water, this sea-faring eatery will tour you around Southern Manhattan, Lady Liberty, and other notable sights as you relax in front of a beautiful and gourmet on-deck meal. Complete with a protected indoor dining area for when tides get rough, this renovated vessel dates all the way back to World War II. Be sure to book your table early for this 35-person capacity cruise, spots fill up fast!
Perfect for: Light Food, Mediterranean, Private Events
Come for the views, stay for the delicious food. Located on the southernmost tip of Manhattan, Battery Gardens offers up a tasteful, chic way to enjoy panoramic views of Ellis Island, Lady Liberty, and more. While there, enjoy a sampling of light Mediterranean dishes, as well as a few more classic American staples.
Perfect for: Wine and Deserts, Romantic Views
According to their company website, the most desired goal in building a great restaurant is to place it in the most beautiful setting possible. The folks over at The River Café have definitely met that goal, plus some. Nestled right under the Brooklyn Bridge, the River Café offers up much more than a simple meal; they offer an experience. To complete that experience, indulge in some wine from their award-winning selection.
5. SHI
Perfect for: Creative Cocktails, Sushi, Fusion Cuisine
Try SHI for an edgy, upscale get together with incomparable views of Manhattan. Perfectly blended into the first floor of a stunning luxury high-rise along Central Boulevard, SHI offers up fresh and cutting edge pan-Asian cuisine in a beautifully decorated, waterfront enclave.
Perfect for: Grabbing a Cold One, Cheap Eats, A Dose of Americana
This classic Upper West Side hangout comes in three sections, including an open-air patio right along the Hudson. Nestled right below the West Side Highway, eating here feels like an escape from city lifea true experience beyond our urban bubble. So grab some friends, a kid or two, and even a pet if you like (bonus: it’s right next to a pretty great dog run), and get ready to relax in style.
Perfect for: New England Seafood, Rooftop Bars, Special Occasions
While the traditional seafood at this NYC establishment certainly holds its own, the true draw here is the environment. Enjoy sweeping East River views through beautiful, oversized windows that hang over the water. Keep warm next to a stately fireplace as the river lights up at night. For an added summer bonus and reasonably priced, classic drinks, try The Crow’s Nest, the Water Club’s seasonal rooftop bar perched just atop the main restaurant.
Perfect for: Brunch, Out of Town Friends, New American
A true New York classic, no list of summer staples would be complete without the Boathouse. Sure, it’s technically sitting on a lake. But lounging on their beautiful columned terrace, watching venetian-style gondolas floating by, it’s easy to imagine yourself seaside in some faraway locale. So take a stroll through Central Park, rent yourself a rowboat, and indulge in a picture-perfect New York day.
Perfect for: Fresh Seafood, Casual Dining, Family-Style Eating
A true neighborhood gem, this east Brooklyn eatery has grown over a century from a one-man lobster stand into a 300-person institution. True to their original mission, Nick’s continues to offer up only the day’s freshest catches, making for a delicious, casual meal with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
10. Water’s Edge
Perfect for: Local Food, Rich Meats and Seafood, Upscale American
This beautiful Long Island City restaurant serves up high-end, classic American fare, with riverside views nothing short of spectacular. True to their surroundings, the kitchen at Water’s Edge specializes in fresh seafood, as well as seasonal dishes and produced sourced locally from the Tri-State area. Favorites include the Diver’s Scallops and the Long Island Duck.
