The 15 best boat bars in New York City
"Experience the unique charm of "boat bars in New York City"! These floating venues offer a distinctive twist on the traditional bar scene, providing breathtaking views of the city's skyline and waterways. From casual gatherings to elegant events, "boat bars in New York City" cater to every occasion. Come aboard and enjoy a one-of-a-kind adventure on the city's waterways!"
- 1. Pier 81
- 2. Grand Banks
- 3. Pilot
- 4. The Baylander
- 5. Classic Harbor Line
- 6. The Brooklyn Barge
- 7. Pier 66 Maritime
- 8. North River Lobster Company
- 9. Frying Pan NYC
- 10. The Honorable William Wall
- 11. North River Lobster Company
- 12. La Barca Cantina
- 13. Drift In
- 14. World Yacht
- 15. SailawayNY - Private Luxury Boat/Yacht Charter NYC
1. Pier 81
Offers unique skyline and statue of liberty views during cruises

My friend and I visited Pier 81 in New York City, where we enjoyed a boat trip on the North River Lobster Company. Having lived in New York my entire life, I had never seen any of the city's piers before, making the experience a real treat for me.
At Pier 81, we dined at La Barca Cantina and enjoyed delicious tacos while taking in the stunning views. The restaurant's address is W 41st & 12th Ave, New York City, NY 10036. The combination of tasty food and beautiful scenery made for an unforgettable experience.
2. Grand Banks
A family-friendly waterfront park with various recreational activities

The venue is a great place to enjoy cocktails, wine, and other drinks, although it may be a bit pricey. The attraction of being on a boat in the Hudson River, with an amazing view and fresh air, makes it worth the visit. It is an ideal location for a date or to simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
The bar offers reasonably priced cocktails, wine, and beer, along with a stunning view of Manhattan. With bar seating on one side and tables on the other, it provides a relaxed atmosphere to unwind. The venue is particularly enjoyable during summer weekends, making it a perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon or evening.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Waterfront
- Dinner
3. Pilot
A unique way to experience the beauty and history of the Brooklyn waterfront

The Pilot is a bar and restaurant located on a stunning sailboat, offering a classy and enjoyable atmosphere with a slight premium price point. The setting on a vintage boat at Pier 6 is complemented by charming nautical decor and exceptional service.
Diners at The Pilot can enjoy a delightful experience with a particular focus on seafood, especially their high-quality oysters. The restaurant sails beyond expectations, providing a memorable and satisfying meal with a view, making it an excellent choice for a special occasion or a night out in a unique setting.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Waterfront
- Dinner
4. The Baylander
The only naval air station helicopter landing training facility on a deployable platform in the world

The 2023 menu offered on the boat provides a variety of bites and sips, allowing guests to enjoy classic ship bar fare in a peaceful atmosphere. The boat was not crowded, making it feel like a private experience, and the pleasant environment encouraged guests to stay for several hours until nightfall. Beverages can be purchased at the dock and brought onto the boat, contributing to the magical ambiance.
The dining experience takes place on a boat docked on the Hudson River, providing stunning views of the water, the George Washington Bridge, and the Manhattan skyline. The location is in a popular neighborhood and offers a range of cocktails, including non-alcoholic options. The American-style food served is mostly fast/sandwich type and tends to be greasy.
5. Classic Harbor Line
Offers unique and memorable experiences for special occasions

The boat for our schooner cruise set off from Chelsea Piers, Pier 62, and returned to the same location later. The bar on the boat offered a fantastic selection of drinks, and the staff were attentive, contributing to an enjoyable experience.
Our schooner cruise along the Hudson River was an incredible experience, with stunning sights leaving us in awe. The service was outstanding, with the crew providing drinks and seeing to all our needs. The boat's bar was a particular highlight, offering a great selection of beverages.
6. The Brooklyn Barge
A unique floating bar and restaurant on the East River

A super cool floating barge bar offers stunning views of Manhattan, making it a must-visit destination. While the food is decent, it's the incredible view that is the main attraction. The air-conditioned bathrooms are an added convenience, making the experience even more enjoyable. Moreover, the barge bar is located in a very safe neighborhood, ensuring a worry-free visit.
This super cool floating barge bar provides a unique experience with its amazing views of Manhattan. The food is satisfactory, but the scenery is the real star. Additionally, the bathrooms are air-conditioned and comfortable, and the location is situated in a secure and safe area. Overall, a visit to this barge bar is worth it for the breathtaking views alone.
7. Pier 66 Maritime
A unique maritime experience in the heart of New York City

Pier 66 boasts a fantastic atmosphere, situated right along the Hudson River and Hudson River park. The location provides stunning views of the Hudson River, Hudson Yards, and New Jersey. During the summer, The Frying Pan restaurant at Pier 66 offers a great way to enjoy the water and the warm weather with friends. The restaurant is known for its maritime martini and white sangria, as well as a variety of dishes served by the grill.
Summer fun is one of the top highlights of The Frying Pan at Pier 66, with the barge at the pier offering a great way to spend a summer day on the water. The restaurant has a casual and easy-going atmosphere that is perfect for enjoying time with friends. The menu includes offerings such as shrimp cocktail and hummus platter, making for a great start to a meal. Overall, Pier 66 and The Frying Pan are highly recommended for a great time by the water during the summer.
8. North River Lobster Company
Floating restaurant and bar experience in the heart of New York City

North River is a seafood restaurant located in New York, specifically at Pier 81 on W 41st St. It provides a relaxed and casual atmosphere, with no reservations needed. To order, guests can simply come in, choose from a variety of seafood options, and place their order with a server. The restaurant aims to transport patrons from New York to New England through its offerings.
There are several pros to dining at North River. First, there is a wide selection of seafood dishes to choose from. Additionally, the restaurant features live music on weekends, providing a lively and entertaining atmosphere. Guests can also enjoy beautiful views of the Hudson River while dining. The spacious outdoor seating area allows for a comfortable and relaxed experience. However, there are also some cons to consider. The restaurant can get crowded, making it difficult to find seating. Vegetarian options are limited, so it may not be an ideal choice for those with dietary restrictions. The prices can also be on the higher side, making it a potentially expensive option for some. North River only accepts cash, which may be inconvenient for some guests. The service has been described as hit or miss, with some guests reporting excellent service and others noting issues with their experience.
9. Frying Pan NYC
Only authorized dealer for All-Clad cookware in the New York metropolitan area

TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Waterfront
- Dinner
10. The Honorable William Wall

The Honorable William Wall is a bar floating in the New York Harbor, offering stunning views of everything around. This boat is located near Ellis Island and features a spacious upper deck covered in astroturf. The establishment is known for its fun and lively atmosphere, making it a popular destination for visitors. Guests are welcome to bring their own food, adding to the casual and enjoyable experience.
In short, the William Wall is a bar and venue situated in the New York Harbor, nearby Ellis Island. It boasts a roomy upper deck lined with astroturf and provides magnificent views of the surrounding area. The venue is known for its relaxed and entertaining atmosphere, inviting guests to bring their own food and enjoy a unique experience on the water.
11. North River Lobster Company
Floating seafood restaurant and bar in Manhattan

North River Lobster Company offers a wonderful boat bar experience. The vibe is laid-back and casual, making it an ideal spot to spend time with friends. The drinks served are strong and satisfying, while the views from the boat are breathtaking. It's a great place to relax and enjoy a fun evening.
As for the food, the lobster rolls are a must-try. They are delicious and well-prepared, adding to the overall enjoyment of the experience. The North River Lobster Company provides a fantastic boat bar atmosphere, delicious food, and stunning views, making it a perfect destination for a memorable evening.
12. La Barca Cantina
Offers a unique dining experience on a boat with stunning views of NYC

The tacos and views were both enjoyable and added to the overall positive experience. The boat bar offered a unique setting for dining and socializing, with multiple levels to explore. The lower level of the boat was particularly noteworthy, with bar seating right at the water's edge providing a one-of-a-kind experience.
The drinks served at the boat bar were top-notch and contributed to the overall enjoyment of the evening. The variety of levels on the boat allowed for different dining experiences, giving guests the opportunity to find their perfect spot. The lower level, in particular, was a standout feature, offering a chance to dine with a front-row view of the water.
13. Drift In
Newly constructed luxury building with high-end finishes and amenities
The outdoor seating area at this location offers a boat bar atmosphere, especially due to its waterfront setting on the Hudson River. The views are a major draw, with panoramic vistas of the river providing a breathtaking backdrop to the dining experience.
Diners come for the oysters and the stunning views, which make it feel like you're on a boat bar. The location of the outdoor seating area, right on the waterfront, enhances this feeling and provides a unique and enjoyable dining experience.
14. World Yacht

The boat bar at World Yacht offers a unique and enjoyable experience. The cocktails served are delicious and carefully crafted, making it a great place to enjoy a night out. The atmosphere on the boat is perfect, with friendly staff and good music that adds to the overall ambiance.
In addition to the great drinks and atmosphere, the boat bar also provides stunning views. Being on the water adds to the experience, offering a different perspective of the city. Whether you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy a drink or a unique venue for a special occasion, the World Yacht boat bar is definitely worth checking out.
15. SailawayNY - Private Luxury Boat/Yacht Charter NYC
