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Pier I Cafe
Category: Restaurants American (Traditional) American (Traditional) [Edit]
W 70th St & Riverside BlvdNew York, NY 10069
Neighborhood: Upper West Side
(212) 362-4450
- Nearest Transit:
-
72 St (1, 2, 3)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 12 pm - 11 pm
Sat-Sun 11 am - 11 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
111 reviews for Pier I Cafe
Review Highlights
"Unlike Boat Basin, this place feels comfortable in its own..."
(in 18 reviews)
"Pier I is a great Hudson River spot on the bike path."
(in 8 reviews)
"I had the white wine sangria and found it just okay."
(in 4 reviews)
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111 reviews in English
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Review from Cathy M.
Brooklyn, NY
8/22/2011
2 words: the burger! So good, so big, so juicy, so affordable! I am so impressed by this hidden cafe. First, it's got killer river views. Second, the food is really, really good. Third, you can get booze here. I have to say that this place is a home run. So grab a friend, ride you bike, run or walk over so you have an appetite and dig in.
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Review from Dimitrios D.
New York, NY
9/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
After a nice walk along the Hudson with my girlfriend this morning, we stopped at Pier 1 Cafe for some water and some rest.
$2 for a bottle of water, unfortunately, is expected in Manhattan- particularly at such a picturesque location.
The cafe itself, which is more or less just an over glorified snack bar along a body of water, is simply designed and looks modern and hip.
I'll be back the next time I need a drink! -
Review from Pamela M.
Manhattan, NY
8/22/2011
I liked this riverside cafe very much but after a horrible experience there this weekend, I will never patronize this place again. People who ride bikes and wish to bring them there, especially beware. Although you are allowed in with them, you do so at your own risk.
Riding my bike along the Greenway on Saturday afternoon, I stopped in just to pick up an iced coffee, as I have done before. It was crowded with three lines of people waiting to be served, so I stood in the far left line, furthest away from the crowds of people with my bike off to the side, a few feet to the left of the line in a long empty space, and out of the way. A woman (another patron) approached to get some cold water from a nearby water cooler on the counter. She then proceeded to verbally harass me for 5 minutes for being there with my bike, telling me I wasn't supposed to be there with it and trying to bully me into leaving. When she didn't get her way, she threw the large cup of ice-cold water that she had just poured herself straight into my face.
The cafe staff was right there, saw the whole thing, and did and said nothing, although the other customers around us were shocked and concerned and asking me if I was okay, while the water-throwing curmudgeon stalked away. A moment later, it was my turn to order. Dripping wet from head to midsection, I said to the server "I'll have an iced coffee, please, with half-and-half." The guy behind counter said in an uber-snotty tone: "We don't serve coffee here."
What? A cafe that doesn't serve coffee? A cafe where two days previously I ordered, received, and drank an iced coffee? I didn't bother arguing, I just left. Never to return again. -
Review from Rachel J.
8/11/2011
Hot summer night. Need to be outdoors and craving air, but not the suffocatingly stuffy kind.
Perhaps a cool breeze from the water...?
Yes, please.
A giant pitcher of white sangria, brimming with fruit and spiked with peach schnapps?
Pour it over my head and down my throat, thank you.
A savory burger to go with that heady buzz while the sun sets over the Hudson?
Order it with cheese, please, and don't look at me funny when I devour every last french fry.
Play with the dogs eyeing you hungrily at the nearby tables, try not to crash into too many chairs while wending your way back to your seat, and try to snag a spot as close to the pier as possible. Tip your head back and drink in the sky. Happy summer!Listed in: Best of the West - the Upper…
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Review from Tadzio A.
Manhattan, NY
7/10/2011
It really should be 41/2 stars. A perfect summer spot to relax and enjoy the view.
The food is surprisingly good for a self service place! Best to come a little early before it gets too busy, and relax in one of their lounge chairs tucked under a large umbrella enjoying the view of the Hudson river and the pier. I go there regularly and so far have not had a bad meal.
On the weekends, during lunch time the mood does get a little noisy and frenetic. But if you can avoid those particular hours, it's terrific. -
Review from Susie N.
New York, NY
6/18/2011
Meh is right. The food and drink is overpriced and I almost feel like they are taking advantage of us poor patrons because there is absolutely nothing else around! The lines are always too long and the only reason I go there is because I want to be by the water.
I also hate the fact that you literally have to play vulture if you want a seat. Any sign of people gathering their trays, and you have to swoop in and stand over them to make sure no one else swoops in before you! I always feel so silly doing this - especially for such crappy tasting food! -
Review from Elaine K.
New York, NY
6/15/2011
This is my fav Hudson outdoor drinking spot/eatery. I like it better than the boat basin because you can actually see the river from your seats (unlike the boat basin where the wait for a riverside table is like 2 hours). It's cozier too and less well known (I think).
I've come here at night for drinking, which can be quite crowded and finding a table can be a challenge. There are sometimes loud band playing but the atmosphere is fun. They have quite a few types of beers and have pitchers.
I came here today during the day which was quite pleasant, with a few bikers, families and dogs. The food here is actually quite decent and they have some yummy looking salads on the menu. I had a hot dog and corn. I also had quite a few bay fries which were seasoned and delish.
The bathrooms are very clean for being in a park. They are almost nice.
The loudspeaker calling out numbers is very loud and obnoxious. But whatever, there are worse things in the world. -
Review from Stefanie B.
Manhattan, NY
5/31/2011
Let me start off by saying the hours currently listed on Pier I Cafe's Yelp profile are wrong. This place is open Monday-Friday from noon till 11PM, and Saturday & Sunday from 11-11.
I just love Pier I. What can be better than sitting outside on the river with a bucket of Coronas on ice (six for $35) and chowing down on a cheeseburger, hot dog or lobster roll? Mmmm. The burger is amazing- the meat is juicy and tender and has little to no fat- just pure beef. It comes with a side of fries for just over ten bucks. Great! And for the more health-conscious, they have a few different salad plates, sides of grilled veggies, a salmon dish, and (on my most recent visit) a quinoa-red pepper-black bean salad over mixed greens, which was amazing.
Adding to the laid-back-nosity of this place is the fact that you order at the counter, where they give you a ticket and call out your number over the loudspeaker when your food is ready. No waitstaff.
As for seating, I recommend the divide-and-conquer method. Come with a group, split up, and circle the patio like a hawk. When you see your prey (people starting to stand up), beeline for it before someone else does- it's always crowded! People bring their dogs, their kids, their friends, their dates, whatever. It can get a little loud with everyone's conversations, but who says you need to talk to enjoy the sunshine? -
Review from Lissa V.
8/1/2011
I refer to this great little spot as "my beach club." It is literally in my backyard and in this hot sticky weather I wish Riverside Park had a beach... although the idea of actually swimming in the Hudson quickly changes this idyllic scenario to total nightmare...
Anyway, this is a great summer spot right on the water. It has a wonderful neighborhood feel that doesn't attract a lot of random characters unlike it's northern neighbor (ahem, Boat Basin).
3 words - Old Bay Fries!! The burger is probably my favorite thing on the menu and they make a mean lobster role too (not super mayo-y). The food is decent but not outstanding, it's the atmosphere that is the real winner here.
Sunday nights there's live music at the Pier which paired with their Sangria is a lovely way to end the weekend and watch the sunset. -
Review from Carol L.
Manhattan, NY
6/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
One of the best place to hangout during summer. The atmosphere is relax and very mixed, if you like to people watch or pet watch, you will get alot from here.
The menu is limited but still decent and reasonably priced. I usually go for their burger and fries. On summer weekends they have free salsa dancing lesson too from 6-9pm!
Simply love watching the sunset from here and enjoy the cool breeze! -
Review from Andrea S.
7/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'll be that person and give them a 3.75 rating instead of the low 3.
I came here last night for drinks while watching the sunset after a seriously horrific day. The humidity was such that you could scoop it with your hands and the air was down right hazy. BUT! The breeze off the water was really nice once the sun went down.
My friend and I got a pitcher of the white sangria ($33) and later some snackies. The sangria definitely got the two of us buzzed and I didn't think the price was that high when you figure we each got two cups out of it. Snacks were just sort of 'eh' but that's fine with me. It's cafeteria style so you can sit and chill for hours without worrying about some server missing out on turning your table.
The people watching is grand when it's still light out! But boy does it get dark. They bring little votives to the table, but other than that not much lighting. Expect to not see your friends facial expressions too well. -
Review from Hideki K.
5/26/2011 1 photo
Pier I Cafe is a hidden gem for bicyclists.
Each time I take my bicycle out for a ride with the gf, along the Hudson River, I pass by this cool riverfront cafe near 72nd St. It seems like a safe haven for bicyclists and is next to a rusty abandoned dock loading facility and under the elevated Westside Highway / Henry Hudson Parkway. It's just a really cool area to have a cafe.
I finally tried it with the gf on Sunday. We ordered a salad w/ goat cheese, beets, & golden beets, and a burger that came with fries. The food was decent, but the staff isn't too good at catering to the specifics of people's orders. We asked for Old Bay fries with our burger. Also, without even asking how we'd like our burger, they decided to undercook it severely. We then asked for them to heat it and cook it from rare to medium rare or medium, and brought it to us well done.
I did see that they provide beers in pitchers. When gathering with a group of friends, this would be a nice option to partake in.
Pier I Cafe is a great place to hang out at when the weather is nice. It's no Frying Pan, but at the same time, you don't need to deal with the crowds here. It's much more of a relaxing environment.Listed in: NYC - Summer and the City
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Review from Michael W.
New York, NY
6/23/2011
At least it didn't say "Jumbo" shrimp cocktail.
5 "medium-large" shrimp buried beneath a pile(bed sounded too nice) of heavily dressed mixed greens with a side container of cocktail sauce. The shrimp tasted like it was kept at too low of a temperature (read cold with ice shards in tail) and I'm really not a fan of generic mixed greens doused in dressing.
$12
The atmosphere and availability of alcoholic beverages are the only redeeming factors. Skip the mediocre-bordering-on-bad food. -
Review from Julie A.
5/26/2011
Pier I made me feel like the happiest cicada on earth.
Now, if you don't know what a cicada is, I'll explain. It's an insect that stays underground for an inordinate amount of time, only to emerge, live fast and loose for a few days, and then die. The last part does not apply to me, or Pier I. This place, on a gorgeous day, was perfect for a pathetic bunch of law students in the midst of final exams who hadn't left the library during the daytime for a period of weeks.
The beer was cold and crisp (first Sam Summer of the year! hooray!), the food was shockingly delicious, and the view was to die for.
Now that I'm back in the library, hibernating again, I can look back on my glorious afternoon at the Pier I Cafe with much fondness and delight. -
Review from Kristin M.
New York, NY
6/10/2011
How I have not known about this place before this weekend makes me mad. It's awesome. Outdoors. Pitchers of beer. Babies and puppies everywhere. The dock had a live band when we were there and the people are civil and not obnoxious. Need I say more?
Also - great for a large group and it looked like you could reserve some space for a birthday party if you call ahead. -
Review from Bunnie B.
Manhattan, NY
6/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Pier 1 Cafe should be considered a city-wide treasure in my honest opinion. I am not stating this for any one reason, I am stating it for several.
Generally speaking the food is honestly no big whoop, but the atmosphere is. Situated on the Hudson River on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, the cafe offers plenty of outdoor seating to nature starved New Yorkers.
It's strong suit are it's fries and the fact that they sell beer. It's super plus points are the restrooms, which is amazing considering that the restaurant basically in a park.
Super easy to get to, you can access the restaurant even if you want to spread out with a picnic blanket by the water. AND you can ride your bike there and lock it up at the bike stands located just off the bike path.
Only cons I can think of is that you should remember to brink sunblock, because you will most likely want to spend the day there. -
Review from Melah T.
Upper West Side, Manhattan, NY
6/27/2011
Great atmosphere and surroundings although after a while hearing customer order numbers being called was an obtrusive noise.
Food nothing special. Salad greens were from a bag and some were mushy. Stick to drinks only. At least the self-serve style meant I did not have to tip for sub-par food. -
Review from Jessica L.
New York, NY
5/4/2011
My favorite place in the summertime. Bike up the bike path along the Hudson River and make a stop at Pier I just cross 70ths Street at the water. Plentiful outdoor seating and special events all summer long (concerts, movies, kid friendly activities, etc) Def make this a to do on your summertime list. Below a review of one of the best items on the menu, their classic burger. The steak salad by the way is also worth trying.
Pier I Cafe (Upper West)
- talk about bang for your buck! sit out in the sun, overlooking the beautiful Hudson River on a bright sunny day and nosh to your hearts content. paired w some yummy fries for $10.10. this dining experience has the whole package. it's super casz (casual) - order at the bar and pick it up at the window when you hear your number. no need to worry about how many are in your party or getting a bad waiter that will ruin your day. order a bucket of coronas from the bar and enjoy the afternoon in the sun! -
Review from Elaine L.
New York, NY
5/3/2011 2 photos
Good spot to hang out during the summer days and just gaze out in the water with some breeze.
But the food are way too overpriced. Ordered a burger, pulled pork sandwich and chicken nuggets. And the chicken nuggets came in dinosaur shapes..reminds me of a little kid's meal. And it was $7 for like 9 pieces! The burger and pull pork was good but stay away from the dinosaur nuggets!! -
Review from Cadi W.
Not embarrassed at all to go here alone and buy myself a $20 lobster roll that comes with fries and salad, all of which is totally delicious. The atmosphere varies from day to night but is always enjoyable in my opinion.
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Review from RUTH R.
Merced, CA
6/8/2011
What a little hidden treasure! I was introduced to this restaurant on the Hudson by a friend who was eating there last Friday. If you are with someone special I would recommend going there for a glass of wine or a beer before sunset. Finding seating can be a challenge, but people are constantly coming and going, so be patient. The view of the river was fantastic and the prices weren't bad.
A couple of friends and I shared a pitcher of samuel adams (not my favorite beer) for $22. The amazing view and over ambience of the cafe were worth the price. I also bought a burger and it wasn't very good (hence the 4 stars). The bread was the problem here because it was stale. The fries were great, but it's difficult to get those wrong.
If you have a few days in NYC and are visiting during their open season stop by for a drink and maybe a bite to eat! -
Review from Matt G.
8/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love the huge seating area; we got our group of 20+ enough tables for everyone to be comfortable with no trouble. I don't know why the beer is priced so strangely ($5.51?) and be warned, those drafts are smaller than pints at pint prices. But to be fair, it is an awfully nice place to spend an afternoon. My burger was pretty much what I expected; it was cooked nicely and the fries were good too. Come for the beer and the atmosphere though, especially if you have a big group.
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Review from Veronica E.
Austin, TX
9/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is a great place to go when the weather is perfect and you are looking for some fresh air.
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Review from Lu H.
I ordered a black bean quinoa salad, added grilled chicken, thoroughly enjoyed the view and atmosphere. This is one of my favorite outdoor places to eat and take in the view. They have a food selection that is much more interested and appealing to me than most outdoor spots. I also sampled a friend's veggie burger, which was huge and seemed to be primarily potato with a curry kick. Food can be pricey but not beyond what is expected of outdoor spots. Another plus is free kayaking nearby! Will be stopping by anytime I'm in the area. A friend raved about the salmon here so I will have to try it next time.
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Review from Ryna D.
Pretty cool place. I've been here a couple times before for drinks when they are open during the summer. It's a great laid-back place to hang out with friends in the neighborhood and especially so if you get to catch a nice sunset. The food is surprisingly not bad at all. The salads are good and the burger is pretty decent. They tend to over cook though so ask for medium rare if you want a medium. The lobster roll is pricey but if you're looking for a not so greasy option that's a tasty choice.
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Review from Scott H.
10/25/2010
Farewell for the season my dear friend! I LOVED the summer at Pier I Cafe! I would frequently ride from my apt in Chelsea up to the GWB or to Inwood. As I would pass the cafe on my ride up, I would envision the ice cold Sam Adams and tasty bites, and the PEOPLE WATCHING and comfy tables and chairs. This place has it all. Stopped by yesterday on my ride back from Inwood and enjoyed a most decadent and most chilled Sam Oktoberfest and a hot dog and kraut. A delicious post-ride treat. Watched the sun start to say farewell for the day, but was sad to bid this summer gem goodbye for the season!
I think they're still open as a coffee bar for a while, if not for the whole winter - I really don't know. But last night was their final dinner.
A gem - makes me happy to be a Ny'er! -
Review from Jordan D.
Astoria, Queens, NY
6/20/2011
While everyone wants to compare this place to the Boat Basin, I think Pier 1 offers a little something different. If you want a more chilled out vibe and scene, without all the hustle and bustle of Boast Basin, this is your spot. My girlfriend and I stopped by on a lazy Saturday afternoon and just hung out, had some appetizers and just soaked up the sun and Hudson breeze. Although it seemed like the day we came every UWS mommy came with their kids, it was still an enjoyable time. I was even surprised about the quality of the shrimp cocktail and hummus we had! They were both really good. Add a Sam Adams Seasonal to that equation = perfect afternoon.
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Review from Vania R.
5/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
I very rarely make it all the way down here, because Boat Basin is closer to me and I'm lazy. I really should make more of an effort because the food here is much better than Boat Basin, and the crowd just seems a little more chill. Most recently, we had a pitcher of their white sangria, some hummus and Old Bay fries. The fries were perfectly crisp and not drowning in Old Bay - just enough of the seasoning to keep it interesting. The hummus was delicious, as were the chips it comes with. The real treat is the sangria - it is easy to drink, not overly sweet, and the fruit it is served with is fresh and delicious. The staff are friendly and the view of the river is stunning. Definitely a great way to relax and enjoy the lovely spring and summer weather.
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Review from Jorge R.
Manhattan, NY
9/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
So glad that there isn't a huge crowd here. The view and music make this a perfect mini getaway from all the cities usual soundtrack and smells. Food is ur basic American you would normally encounter with a decent dinner menu although this is more if a drinking and burger joint.
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Review from A S.
New York, NY
6/20/2011
Great location, but the staff is some of the rudest I've ever experienced just now. I was in the middle of ordering and the girl interrupts me to tell me she's taking her break and another girl will help me, but no one came, the other girl was too engrossed in her converstation. I stood around for a few minutes, several staff passed by, and eventually I started waving my arms and asking if there was anyone who could take my order, and another girl standing there ignoring me started mocking me back. I just walked away, I hope some of the management reads this and gets their staff in shape, because I haven't experienced such rudeness in years.
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Review from Ian M.
Manhattan, NY
7/30/2011
After a long day of bike riding on the west side, I needed a burger. Pier I was a welcome respite. The food came quick and the view and proximity of the water was great. The burger was okay; moderately juicy but lacking any significant flavor, and adorned with the usual trappings - lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle. The fries were insanely salty, but otherwise inoffensive. If you're famished or exhausted and find yourself on the west side bike path, this is a great stop, otherwise, you can do a lot better than $13 for an average burger and fries with a Snapple.
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Review from Lisa P.
New York, NY
9/28/2010 1 Check-in Here
Simply put: like the Boat Basin, only better.
I love this place! Great view of the water, pretty umbrellas and cafe tables, and really great food for an outdoor cafe (especially compared to the Boat Basin). Everything is self-service- grab a table, then go order food and drinks at the counter. We had lobster rolls and chicken nuggets, and were very impressed with the food. I hope to make it back before they close for the season... -
Review from Angel C.
7/2/2011
The menu is surprisingly limited so we went with the straightforward burgers. WOWZA. It was super yummy and just the right portion. Coupled with the latin music on the pier and sunset over the horizon, we were thrilled with the experience from start to finish.
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Review from Chantalle D.
New York, NY
7/24/2011
Great view and location perfect for summer... just don't order the food... got a mediocre to bad salad and a snapple and no table service just order and carry... which is fine - 4 stars for ambiance and location - 1 star off for food quality just order alcohol... and there was a nice little concert going on sunday sunset!
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Review from Rosa S.
Brooklyn, NY
8/13/2011
Beautiful little cafe, but it's definitely got its problems. First off, for the price of the dishes, the whole "take a number and pick up your food yourself" thing was not appreciated. Had to clear our table when we were done too, which was also lame. Pigeons everywhere, very hard to get to, and my salad was only okay. Not amazing, and definitely nowhere near the best Caesar I've ever had. The view and breeze was amazing though, and worth a trip just for that. Cute place worth an initial trip, but I don't think I'd go back anytime soon.
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Review from Jin C.
New York, NY
7/30/2011
The view is great, and the food comes out quickly, but sadly their burgers just aren't that good. The bun was excessively thick, and the meat was dry and overly compressed. I like my burgers sinful and oppressive: think 5 Napkin.
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Review from Elissa S.
7/21/2010
Cyclists and runners!
They have free ice water here! No, it doesn't come from a water fountain that was slurped by a dog or a hose with pesticides. It's ice cold NYC water that they provide for free. So, if you're running along the water or if you had some sprints through Riverside, you can count on Pier-I to provide you with some free refreshments. It's sitting on the counter next to the cashiers.
So, I have to admit, I have yet to actually eat here, but I will. They serve La Frieda burgers here. -
Review from Jane R.
6/16/2010
I'd definitely come back here ... though make sure to eat under a table with an umbrella overhead, otherwise you'll lose against the sweltering heat of summer. I went on a delightful walk up here for a pitcher of Sam Adams and a pulled pork burger with American cheese. It was just the right size to cut in half and share w/ my eating partner, and perfectly flavored. The menu itself provides plenty of seasonal and options if you like good ol' American food. Definitely get the old bay french fries -- you can never go wrong w/ that seasoning in my opinion. There was a little child's birthday party going on which was cute background entertainment so I'd say this place is conducive to groups.
I'd definitely take people here again. And to think we were on our way to Boat Basin but decided to eat here instead ... -
Review from George L.
New York, NY
6/28/2010
This place is great in the summer. (i never been there in colder climates so I can not judge) The food is good. I had the burgers and fries (love the fried) and their lobstah! (sandwich). Food not bad they offer sangria whch is okay and lots of beer.
Every thing is a little on the pricey side and service is okay.
But it is a great place to just relax drink some beers and talk with your friends. I would say it could be a decent date spot at night before you go off dancing or something.
Love being near the water and just eating and drinking. Something about just makes you feel good. -
Review from Alyvia M.
5/2/2010
I didn't eat there today, but cannot wait to go back for food/drinks. They really did an amazing job with the pier. It is stunning. I can tell that it will be MUCH better than the boat basin uptown! The walk out by the water is designed beautifully, not like your usual plank walk in a straight line.
I'd say it's a great spot for a date, and on a nice night, would be great for drinks with friends. I saw the menu- it's awesome, and well priced!
