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The West 79th Street Boat Basin Café
Categories: Nightlife Bars Restaurants American (Traditional) Bars, American (Traditional) [Edit]
W 79th St at Riverside DrNew York, NY 10025
Neighborhood: Upper West Side
(212) 496-5542
- Nearest Transit:
-
79 St (1, 2)
86 St (1, 2)
72 St (1, 2, 3)
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Music:
- DJ
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
263 reviews for The West 79th Street Boat Basin Café
Review Highlights
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"The Hudson River, the marina, the sailboats." In 24 reviews -
"Its on the Hudson and you get a great view of sunsets." In 16 reviews -
"...away under the West Side Highway, you can squint your eyes..." In 9 reviews
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263 reviews in English
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Review from Lissa V.
5/9/2012
Summertime and the living is easy... well it is up at the Boat Basin.
Although I do go back and forth on the rating and have settled on a 3.5. This is one of the better outdoor drinking spots for a crew in my opinion. More locals than B&T, although I can't speak for weekends only weeknights and Sunday afternoons. Always fun post work... especially those first couple nice days when you just can't wait to get out of the office.
Right on the Hudson, it's open air patio overlooks the Marina below. Although at times it can get pretty packed, it's got a great low key vibe and is a good spot to take in the fresh air and the sun. Don't eat here - if you're hungry the food is much better at Pier I cafe down the Hudson at 70th. I'd also stay away from "cocktails" (if you can call them that) and just stick with a nice cold beer.
I do love the anything goes vibe, as you could roll from work in a suit or stroll up from the River in shorts and a tee. Get your boat shoes ready - Summer is coming!Listed in: Kickin' it with a Crew, Al Fresco
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Review from Jennifer H.
Elmhurst, NY
5/13/2012
I admit it, I am not a New Yorker. I know nothing about New York, I always get lost in Queens (my hometown), and even though I work in the city, I get lost there too. Heck, people from other states know more about New York than me. So no wonder it's not a surprise that I did not know this place existed.
While walking here, I had the same reaction as Malia M. To get here, we had to walk through areas that not a lot of people frequent. It was quiet, and we passed a hobo or two. We also had to walk under small underpasses where you are submerged in the dark for a good half minute. Good thing my friend was there!
After walking around this bend, we started to hear life! Laughter, conversation, and music! It was like we entered another dimension. I guess the stone walls really kept the music out.
After being seated, I decided to order grilled salmon, my friend and sis ordered their burgers with bacon, and a side of fries. We also added a pitcher of sangria. The salmon was ok. I asked for it to be cooked medium, but it was cooked all the way through. The burgers were ok too. Nothing to rave about. It was huge and satisfying though. The sangria was meh. My sister thought it was good, because you can't taste any hint of wine in this one. All I tasted was juice, so I guess it was watered down. It seemed to have use very cheap alcohol because my sister threw up after downing 3/4 of a cup, and my friend got a headache afterwards. I was unaffected (well I did turn beet red, which is normal in my case. I have a bad case of the Asian glow). The sangria made us all raving with appetite, so after our meal, we proceeded to order nachos with chili and cheese. Bad idea. It was not tasty, and there was something in the nachos that left a gritty mouth feel. I am thinking that it was the sour cream or the cheese they used.
For a Friday night, it was dead. It could be because it wasn't exactly warm. 60ish degrees. But nonetheless, I enjoyed the atmosphere of this place-laid back. Every once in a while, the salty breeze blew by. The boats parked at the dock bobbed rhythmically on the Hudson, and across from the Hudson is NJ. It is a nice view, and on a beautiful, clear summer day, I would definitely love to chill out here and nurse my drinks. -
Review from Julie J.
5/8/2012
I'm really on the fence about what kind of rating to give the Boat Basin. On one hand, you get to enjoy a peaceful day outside in NYC on the Hudson, but on the other hand the food is not very impressive and the service is kind of terrible.
I came here with my man when it was a perfect 60 degrees and sunny and we somehow managed to score a table outside on the water side right away. We both ordered the fish tacos, which were grilled (so that was nice..hatehatehate when the fish is fried) but it totally lacked flavor. The only saving grace was the tabasco sauce that I had to ask for on four separate occasions and was finally delivered to our table close to 10 minutes after our food was put in front of us. After we ate we ordered another round of drinks and waited another 20 minutes after finishing our drinks to find our waiter and give us a check. I've been in the restaurant business and I get how you are busy at times, but honestly the place wasn't that insane between 3 and 5pm on Sunday. I would give them 4 stars if I was rating just on the atmosphere..but I'm not. -
Review from Malia M.
Manhattan, NY
4/23/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I started out scared for my life - why am I walking down a gravel path? Why am I apparently walking down into an underpass? I don't see any other places around here! I'm lost and am going to get kidnapped by hobos living under the bridge!
..and then I walked into this huge, awesome looking stone paradise! Ok maybe paradise is a strong word, but it was very cool. The atmosphere was laid back, but could go any way you wanted it to. There were the families with strollers, enjoying the ambiance and the fact they could bring their children there without fear of disturbing their neighbors. There were tables there just to enjoy a pitcher and watch a game. There were the romantics out on the deck, enjoying the view of the water and whatever. Then there was us - a group of friends chatting and enjoying simple margaritas and burgers. The food was fine - its sort of hard to mess up a burger. The margarita was good - nothing fancy but not disappointing. The waiter was friendly and attentive.
Overall, I would definitely want to come back because it is a really unique atmosphere and a nice change from your average crowded New York burger-and-beer place. Prices were pretty cheap, service friendly, scenery refreshing. -
Review from Julia D.
3/26/2012
OK, so I went out a lot this weekend, don't judge me.
The Boat Basin Cafe was a most wonderful surprise as my boyfriend and I were biking home on the Hudson River bike path. We were about to pass it when we were overcome by incontrollable curiosity about their menu pricing; from the bike path we got the impression that it would be extremely expensive with its beautiful patio, prime location, and cute yellow night-lights. Yet much to our surprise, it's a super affordable American food joint even despite the fact that it overlooks the Hudson River with tons of patio seating. And with a quick Yelp check that gave it an overall 3.5 stories for quality, I decided it was a no-brainer for dinner.
And you know what? It was damn good! Yes, this is a no frills kind of menu. It's standard American fare all around, but it is SO inexpensive and the product is delicious. I highly recommend the grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup combo with a side of super tasty fries. And their beer selection isn't too bad for what would normally be a tourist trap. To top it all off, they also have a huge indoor space which I think would be perfect for a Saturday or Sunday spent playing board-games; there's so much seating that I'd totally bring some friends and my favorite board or card game and chill out overlooking the Hudson while munching on yummy grub and imbibing cheap drinks.Listed in: NYC Fun for the Perpetual…
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Review from Richard S.
Brooklyn, NY
4/23/2012
the food here is sub par, when i received my bill they tried to charge me for extra pitchers that i didnt order which i quickly cleared up with my waiter that seemed like he couldnt be bothered too much or at least didnt make time to check on his tables. So once that was cleared up i paid my $65 bill and made my way home and checked my checking account to realize that they charged my card with the $65 from my bill plus a separate charge for $95!! whats going on at this restaurant? i have caught them twice from one trip trying to steal my money! I hope everyone who goes here double checks what theyre paying there and double check your accounts when you go home because the wait staff is obviously pulling scams on the patrons who go there and pay their tips!
and can anyone else get their number to work? I get deutsche bank when i call the one listed here and on their website... -
Review from Kate F.
Updated - 3/22/2012
Some advice to those of you smart enough to not follow the actual path and wander off into Riverside Park, but instead follow the beaten path and make it to one of the Top 10 Somewhat Still Hidden Gems in NYC... (It's only hidden because 79th Street sounds like "the South Bronx" to some people, but when it comes to sunny spots with room to enjoy a bev without douchey bouncers and Skrillex jams playing, the Boat Basin is near the top of my list.)
GET THERE EARLY. As with so many things, it's nicer when it's sunny and you have a prime table. Happy hour fills up quickly so bribe your underemployed friend to get there and stake one out. You can easily make a lovely day of it with a walk along the river either started with lunch or ended with dinner at the Boat Basin. Got visitors? This spot is a great place to give them a memory of NYC that involves looking out and not looking up.
YOU NEED TO BUY FOOD TO SIT AT A TABLE, so come hungry. The best parts of the menu are from the grill. In part because the outside space has smoke wafting over to you anyway and it just feels right, in part because the Boat Basin's food is best simple and not too processed, as when they go processed they go hard (read: cheez-whiz on the nachos.) The peel and eat shrimp, simple, great. The grilled fish taco, simple, great. The veggie burgers, simple, fine. Beer? Cold, great.
THEY SERVE MOTHERF*ING BRUNCH. Is there possibly a better cure for a hangover than feeling like you're sitting on a dock in mid-coast Maine? No, I thought not.
THEY ARE OPEN FOR THE 2012 SEASON. (Who needs Winter anyways? Not New Yorkers, no sir.) See you there!Listed in: Got Visitors?, Outdoor Fun in the City!, UWS? Harlem? SoHa? TomAto…, Visits By Momma Inspire…, 4:59pm
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/8/2009
Yes, you have to keep walking past RIverside Drive, no not into the park, on that little worn down… Read more »
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Review from Lili K.
3/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
Oh, how beautiful the bike path and Hudson river are! I love rollerblading and scootering around here.
Come here to grab a bite to eat and enjoy the view on a cool/sunny, breezy day. The food is not that spectacular (though I did enjoy the fries, the burger is ok) but it's more for the scenic location. Pretty quick and friendly service, and a good amount of drink options as well. -
Review from Nataliya B.
New York, NY
3/4/2012
We do love ourselves some Boat Basin in the summer. There is always a dog or two hanging out at a table nearby and the restaurant gladly brings them a bowl of water. This means *AWESOME PUPPY WATCHING TIIIIMMMMEEE!*
A bit rough during weekday happy hour, there is inevitably some corporate post-team-building group of financiers in matching t-shirts.
We really love it when it is nice and quiet and you can score a desirable seat by the river, to watch the boats go by.
I would rate this higher but the food quality is mediocre and we've had passable service most days. -
Review from JoAnna D.
1/13/2012
You know those Corona commercials where the people are going about their busy lives, surrounded by mayhem, and suddenly they're transported to a serene, secluded, white sandy beach with ice-cold Coronas in their hands?
This is nothing like that.
But it's probably your best chance at getting something close to that feeling in NYC. Gather your friends after work, come here when it's warm out, grab a beer (or 5) & some burgers, and watch the sun set over the beautiful Jersey skyline while sailboats gently bob up & down in the Hudson. It's a great experience - one you don't usually find in the city. It's a lot cheaper than any other open-air or rooftop bar in the area, and they usually feature great happy hour specials. Definitely worth going.
Sure, it's louder. Not as many Hawaiian shirts. And there's less sand. (Ok, no sand.) But they have Coronas!Listed in: Ethanol for one & all!
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Review from J B.
Manhattan, NY
3/13/2012
LOVE LOVE LOVE the atmosphere. It is the perfect place for a margarita on a summer evening. If you can get a table by the water, it is so beautiful.
Minus 2 stars for the horrible food. It's such a shame that this place can't get better food - otherwise I think I'd come here all the time! We ordered nachos and they came w/ cheese-whiz. Gross. -
Review from Jill G.
Upper West Side, Manhattan, NY
3/27/2012
Nice place for sitting out with friends on a nice day or after a run or bike ride in Riverside park . But be prepared to wait a while for food . Better order some drinks first to make the long wait seem shorter.
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Review from anthony r.
1/16/2012
Man I love this place on a hot and sweaty saturday afternoon in the Summer. Masive fan of the view over the hudson and the margaritas following on tap. Usually walk all the way across the park to get here when the weather is nice out..
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Review from G R.
San Francisco, CA
11/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a must stop if you have time on a sunny weekend. I walked along the waterfront and ran into this place along my journey, so we stopped in and ordered some wine and apps -- sat out on the deck looking toward NJ and just took in the day.
Its not about the food, it is all about the location -- so go and enjoy. -
Review from Mike C.
Manhattan, NY
9/14/2011
My dog Sophie loves to relieve herself near here. That is not to say that this place is bad; on the contrary, the place is quite nice, open-aired and a bit of fun in the summertime. Sophie doesn't just 'go' anywhere.
Weather permitting, this is a great destination to relieve oneself as well. By this I mean a place to unwind and drink. Though they do have a special place to 'relieve oneself' for humans.
The location is fantastic and the views from the dining area are a wonderful respite from that pigeon-shit covered brick wall you usually stare at from your apartment window. Despite the lovely vistas, the restaurant itself doesn't summon the word 'lovely' to mind. You'd be hard-pressed to see any men getting down one on knee to propose here anytime soon. It's not that kind of place. It could be a romantc place given the location, but alas it's anything but.
Think of it as the carport that New Yorkers clamor for when they want to get drunk outside, but don't want to stand all the way outside.
Their beer choice is fine and most certainly frat-boy friendly, although for a very brief amount of time they carried Estrella Damm Daura. For the uninitiated, Estrella is the premier lager from Barcelona. It's perfect hot weather beer (I prefer lager all year long, and would rather enjoy oatmeal for breakfast and not in my beer glass). But I must have finished the only case that they accidentally got that one time (and they made sure to not order it again.) Pity.
Still this place is a treat when the weather is right. Or even when it's not. If it rains, just huddle up and drink with strangers under the overpass.
The service is adequate and the food is fine, but that is not why people come here. It's good to put something in your stomach to soak up the pitchers of whatever you're drinking at the time.
At times it's an absolute, borderline-insufferable packed zoo, but if you are crafty, you can wander with your beer to the perimeter of the restaurant, just down the steps and right near the jogging path along the river. There, you can take in the view of Jersey in all of its resplendent glory, with oxidized houseboats in the foreground.
Summer's almost over so take in the last days of the season here. Later on in the year when it's closed, it's a veritable ghost town which is eerily interesting to walk through in the early evening. The Boat Basin, now properly cocooned, patiently waits for the following spring's awakening of loud drunks, poor judgment and beer-soaked polo shirts. -
Review from Katee L.
Brooklyn, NY
7/31/2011
Large, chill outdoor space. Just wished those ceiling fans worked better in the summer. Went here at 10:30pm-ish on Saturday and it was not overly crowded and I didn't have to wait too long to get a drink.
Decent prices for alcohol. I got some shots and they were only $7 a piece which I think is pretty good.
They let us sit here without having ordered any food. We sat on the outskirts and were not bothered by any waiters. Cool. -
Review from Shinko S.
9/11/2011
Great place to hangout and have a couple of beers with friends. Service was a little slow...even though there weren't a lot of people.
Food was good, amazing view of the Hudson. -
Review from Tom C.
8/1/2011
To simply put it, Boat Basin is a college dive bar that's outside next to the water.
What I really liked about this place is the drinks are really cheap. Shots of liquor or cocktail shots are like $6-7 which is unheard of in New York. Although the liquor is cheap it's limited. The atmosphere is real casual and you don't need to dress up. A pretty good place to go to away from the meat market clubs and bars and have a quite night chilling by the water with good friends =) -
Review from Jason C.
9/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Seriously you come here for the view. The earlier you get here the better table and view you will get.
The food is is average at best. I will say the mahi mahi tacos were pretty awesome. But my friends had mixed reviews on their burgers.
But the drinks are pretty good here. With $2 off drinks during happy hour, who could go wrong?
They get a plus for being dog friendly but I can see how that can effect some folks mood.
When it is packed it might not be the best place for a date but a cool place to grab a drink after work. -
Review from Jason G.
8/24/2011
The concept of this place is incredible. It's a spacious outdoor drinking area that's sunken inside 79th street's western roundabout. You have to see it to believe and understand it. They also have tables out by the water.
I came here for an event that had hundreds of people and we were easily accommodated. -
Review from Jane K.
5/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Is it a beautiful day outside? Then go to the Boat Basin, kick back with a burger, scoop icy frozen cold piña coladas into your gullet and get a nice tan.
The space itself is huge and open. The bar is big and bartenders friendly despite being rushed by belligerent ex-frat boys regularly. It's a bit of a trek, but a hole in one when you want to enjoy the great outdoors in NYC. -
Review from Liz K.
New York, NY
9/16/2011
I like boats. It reminds me of my childhood when I used to go out boating with my Dad, family & friends. You'll be looking at boats while here.
Been here a bunch of times - for birthday parties, happy hours, and just to chill.
Sit outside overlooking the marina - best spot. Gets crowded, so get there early to get a spot out there.
Usually the parties are placed under the arches, or in the back behind the elevated stage-thing: that area blows, but you're with friends so that evens it out, right?
Decent drink selection. Full food menu - nothing memorable, but nothing bad.
Not cheap, not expensive - just about middle-y priced.
I'm always game to go back, and is always a people-pleasing spot. Good place to bring tourists and newly minted NYC-ers. -
Review from Jason Y.
New York, NY
5/24/2011
Mediocre in just so many ways. I came with a very hungry group of 8 people, and with good company, big appetites, and a nice atmosphere, Boat Basin Cafe really was in a good situation to impress. It did not.
A few of us split orders of nachos, and we all had cheeseburgers and pitchers of beer. The nachos were, quite frankly, bad--cold, small, with (unmelted) cheese, sour cream, salsa, and a few peppers. That's it. The burger wasn't much better, with dry, overcooked meat on a completely unremarkable bun. Perhaps even worse, the menu advertised a side of chips with the burger (why not fries? I don't know; we were all very sad about this). They gave us one (1!) small bowl of chips, even though five of us had ordered burgers--enough for a filling 5 or 6 chips each. The beer was the high point of the night--which says a lot, because I can normally get those same $22 pitchers for $14 elsewhere. I suppose there's not much to mess up when you're just pouring beer into a pitcher though...
At least the view was nice, and I found a kickball on the pier after dinner. -
Review from Katharine N.
Manhattan, NY
9/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Lovely view, perfect place to have a relaxed drink outdoors (sitting in the plastic chairs by the river feels a lot like a picnic). Decent beer selection, and the brave friend who ordered a margarita on the rocks from the dangerously fratty-looking bar thought it was actually pretty good. They were playing the US Open on the several TVs when we came, so presumably it also makes a decent sports bar.
If you came to eat and were disappointed by the food, it is your own fault for not Yelping the place first ;) -
Review from Shimstu S.
Somerville, MA
10/5/2011
Popped in for a morning snack. They let us in early and served us delicious, bold
coffee. I ate the mahi tacos- I'm a huge taco fan, and a Mexican food purist, and prefer pork to fish any day- but these were DELICIOUS! Best fish tacos I've ever eaten. And the view is fabulous. -
Review from Evelyn L.
Bronx, NY
9/20/2011
so this place is a hidden jeam in the jungle of New York.....i've been living in ny my hole life and never thought such a nice out door restaurant would exist in ny.
This place has an amazing view, the food is ok. I love the turkey burger its great and the chiken sandwitch.
I love all the dogs walking around and the chill evironment is great day or night.
This is the perfect spot for the 4th of july in NY....but plan to go extra extra early to get a good table, the wait can 4 to 6 hours on that day.
my favorite time to go are the firt few cold days of summer, great place for a lite lunch with a nice hot coffee
must love dogs -
Review from Brian H.
Portland, OR
6/11/2011
This is a difficult review for me. I say that because generally 3-star reviews are for spots that I don't plan to revisit all that often.
That, of course, is not the case with the Boat Basin. I think of rating the Boat Basin almost similarly to how I might review a strip club; you don't go there for the food. That said, a strip club has another very clear focus in their offerings; as far as I know, the Basin isn't putting much work into improving their view. Because of this, I see no excuse for their food to not be better than it is. I've been there several times, and I just find it to be lazy, uninspired, and just overall disappointing.
The fact is, I'll continue to come here because the view is beautiful and the venue itself is something pretty special. When those two criteria are covered though, there's no excuse for making lackluster food. -
Review from Tracy M.
6/18/2011
A nice venue for a summer happy hour. Seating is kind of odd because they won't allow you to sit at a table unless you're ordering food hence the reason the waitress asked if we were ordering food for the group multiple times. YES, we get the point.
$6 beers, seasonal included. The calamari and chili cheese dog were pretty tasty. Wasn't a fan of the fish tacos or the nachos. The fish was bland and the nachos soggy. Plus, the cheese situation was weird because it seemed runny.
All in all, come here if you want to drink a few beers. -
Review from Mike N.
Astoria, NY
5/9/2011
Shoddy plastic furniture, so so service, pricey so so drinks- CHECK
Now you would think I would be rating the BBC 2 stars.. F -that.. I like the BBC!
Its a huge open space that is totally enjoyable in spring, summer, and early fall.
Despite the staff being a little pushy about turning tables (I get it. Its a business. They are open only a few month out of the year. They need to make money) But wait I do blow money there? ..ummmmmm...
Whatever I still like the place!...
Best thing is they are cool about bringing your dog there so in essence your dog is able to socialize with others so I dont need a babysitter...
just bring your SPF100... -
Review from Dimitrios D.
New York, NY
5/11/2011
Horrible food. Stick with drinks.
Amazing view of the Hudson river and the NJ skyline, though.
Plus it sort of has a European vibe to it; like the Greek beach side cafes that exist along the Mediterranean. -
Review from Stephanie Q.
New York, NY
6/20/2011
I was super excited about coming here but too bad it was pouring when I came. They had to put up plastic sheets at the sides to prevent us from getting wet. Also, to go to the women's bathroom, you had to take your umbrella because you had to walk outdoors a little. BLAH.
Anyways, I was here with some colleagues. Not wanting to look like a drunkard, I decided to go for a lemonade. A HARD lemonade- but nobody needs to know that. My drink was pretty good. Also had a little of the food like the fries. I can't comment too much about the food though, everything we ordered was deep fried, if you can't even deep fry food, you have a problem.
The best entertainment I saw that day was this huge fat white lab sitting near the bar. Everyone called him a "big guy" because he was huge. He spent most of the time stretched out on the ground, instead of sitting. His owner gave him a plastic cup with a tiny bit of beer in it and oh my gawd, he LOVED it. He kept licking the cup in and out, trying to get every drop of beer out.
Guess my experience here could have been better if it were not raining, so I'll give it another shot. Also, its not too far from the subway, but the walk isn't pleasant in the rain, there aren't proper concrete sidewalks, just gross sand that you walk on. -
Review from Eileen J.
Paramus, NJ
8/21/2011
Came here for an office summer party after work. We had our space on an elevated circle platform in the middle of boat basin. It would have been cool if it was near the water. My fave drinks were def. their frozen margaritas and their electric lemonades. It made the hot outdoors so much better.
It was def. fun because of the people, but the hike up to 79th street is not a hike that I would take often. The idea of the boat basin almost reminded me of the Frying Pan (a place where I have been dying to go but have yet to venture to...)and the Frying Pan would be so much closer too lol -
Review from Jordan D.
6/20/2011
One of my top 5 best day drinking/happy hour spots in the city for the warmer months.
No need to repeat what hundreds of people have said already, but if it's a beautiful day, you're down for a few drinks and grub and are on the UWS, do yourself a favor and take your ass here. -
Review from Diana C.
7/5/2011
My go-to place for a relaxing Saturday/Sunday lunch. Love the view of the Hudson and the mini Marina.
Don't expect anything fancy because everything is served in plastic cups and paper plates. Menu is also very basic - sandwiches, burgers. You come here just to chill out and have a good time.
Be forewarned! There is always a wait in the summer. I'm also going to minus one star because the service can take a really long time when they get busy. We took my boyfriend's parents here for the first time and they were slightly disappointed. -
Review from Lauren B.
Manhattan, NY
8/24/2011
I came here during the summer, hoping to enjoy a relaxing meal in the sun. Unfortunately, the wait for an outdoor table was over 2 hours. This is not unusual for Boat Basin on a sunny day. However, this means nothing to the servers who will try to serve you and get you out of the restaurant as quickly as they can.
The food is lousy and expensive. The veggie burger is bland and was served with absolutely nothing on it. I guess I shouldn't complain, Boat Basin is better suited for drinking and people-watching. Personally, that doesn't cut it for me. Fail. -
Review from Boogie N.
Manhattan, NY
8/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
There are several reasons one typically visits a restaurant...first and foremost is the food. Second, the location/ambiance. Third, and finally, the experience. The Boat Basin Cafe is in no danger of winning a Michelin star anytime soon -- the food isn't bad, but it's one step above fast food. Reasonably well-prepared and served on plastic or paper 'ware, it's not going to impress you as much as surprise you that it's as good as it is...and as your meal continues, you tend to stop worrying about where the nearest hospital is in case of food poisoning and begin worrying about where and in what condition the on-site bathrooms are (just in case)...
To the second reason, the cafe is located right on the water (below the 79th Street West Side Highway exit/circle). When seated overlooking the water (as opposed to the large interior circle or under the covered "inside" area, the location is hard to beat. Looking out over the water, day or night, while consuming summer-friendly fare -- beer buckets or any variety of frozen and/or traditional cocktails -- is a nice way to spend a day or night. Finally, the experience -- what the Boat Basin Cafe really is is a riverside bar that serves food and is serviced by guys (and girls) in matching tshirts.
We've been coming here for years, which is sort of like saying we've been eating at Mickey D's for years. Visiting the Cafe isn't something we crave or have to do; but when necessary and/or appropriate, it's there when we need it.
The bottom line: if Brother Jimmy's opened up a location on either river (the Henry Hudson or the East) the Boat Basin wouldn't serve any purpose whatsoever...but for now, and while it's still summer, we'll be back ;-) -
Review from Clara H.
6/28/2011
Fun spot when not crowded.
Came here for a party and was dropped off of the west side hwy right between Riverside & the Hudson River.
From there, you have to walk to the river and just slightly below street level, voila, the Boat Basin Cafe.
It's popular among the neighbors in the area but a hidden gem of NYC to the rest of the city.
I'd not com here for a foodie destination, but rather just a nice spot to kick it casually with friends, dates, or family.
The atmosphere is very relaxed and there is no need to dress up here at all.
Since I had the cafe's catered food, I don't think that I can review much on the typical meal experience...but again, enjoyable laidback atmosphere though slightly crowded during the summer.
*Still, if I had my pick between the Frying Pan down at Chelsea Piers and here, and crowd was of no issue, I'd still pick the Frying Pan because you actually get to be on a docked boat while you drink & dine. -
Review from Wendy L.
New York, NY
3/29/2011
I cannot tell you how excited I am for spring. Warm weather = boat basin cafe! The atmosphere is what it's all about. 20s & 30s fill up the area just under the highway, the bar is always packed (rain or shine), lots of mingling, lots of fun. I inevitably drink enough with friends that we decide it will be a good idea to stay for dinner, though the food is never actually that good. But they have cheap bites (hot dogs) and it's hard to pull yourself away once you're there and having fun.
It almost - just almost - feels like you're on spring break in Florida or Mexico while hanging at Boat Basin. The sunset is gorgeous if you time it right, and it stays warm long after the sun goes down.
I also recommend looking into this place for a group event, I once saw a Tufts University cocktail hour (or reunion?) and thought it was such a great idea to use the space for that kind of event. Lots of birthday parties, lots of sundresses, lots of fun. -
Review from Jason P.
Manhattan, NY
8/10/2011
I'm a sucker for drinking outdoors. Isn't everyone?
The Boat Basin has sun if you're into that, or shade if you feel like cooling off. The corona buckets are a good choice for outdoor drinking and you have a great view of the Hudson. Even more importantly, there are amply opportunities to mingle. It's not quite as "mingly" as Frying Pan, but a great outdoor drinking scene. Check it out. -
Review from Mary Beth S.
Manhattan, NY
8/7/2011
It's not luxury. This isn't a rooftop lounge at a hotel. We're talking outdoor, picnic, hamburger & hot dog, drinks-in-plastc-cups type of place. Dress down.
Great for hanging out on a humid summer afternoon. Especially August, and especially good for groups.
