Harry's At Water Taxi Beach

This riverfront tiki shack basks in manmade glory. A generous, fenced-in plot of sand (brought in from Jersey) packs a volleyball net and picnic tables, where Manhattanites escape to California--or their closest attempt at it--if only for an afternoon. You'll find $2, 24-oz. Pabst Blue Ribbons, tropical blends and grilled hot dogs and burgers that are the work of Harry Hawk, the creator of Brooklyn's late lamented Schnack. The burgers are no afterthought, either--they're freshly ground and painstakingly cooked, and as a result some of the best in New York. But it's still all about the beach…

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Editor's Tips

Know Before You Go:: Hopping on the water taxi is the easiest way to get there--it's right next to the Hunter's Point ferry stop. From Manhattan, your fastest route is from the 34th Street dock, and the ride costs $5.50. Beach attire is perfectly acceptable.
Save Money:: New in 2007 are cover charges. Admission is usually free before 8pm, but in July and August, there's a $3 to $5 fee on Fridays and Saturdays after 8pm, as well as on some holidays. On Sunday, May 25 (Memorial Day Weekend), there will be a $5 cover.
When to Go:: Harry's usually closes for the summer in October and opens in May. Check the website for exact dates. http://www.watertaxibeach.com/hours.html
Fun Fact:: Beach chairs--but not coolers--are welcome, so set 'em up and let loose with the party.

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User Reviews (29)

ambiance	85.64000129699707% positive	“By far the best view of the city I have seen.” “The sand and the view are excellent.” “From having to trek to get there - to sitting in some cheap sand with sub-par views (sorry I live in Brooklyn, where the views are 1000x more amazing than staring at midtown), to expensive drinks, to an obnoxious crowd.” “They should lose their franchise and somebody with a degree of professionalism should take over the wonderful location.” “Still the best burgers on the planet and fun!” “It is always a go- to for great food and fun.” “the place is awful from food/drinks to atmosphere to the lack of service.” “The views are nice, and the music was good, but I wouldn't pay to go back and I wouldn't pay a cover charge.” “The location is the best when even i have friends in town i will always bring them there for the day or some drinks before heading out to the city.” “Best Burgers great view” “Great view, great set-up, drinks, games - yet no matter what - a truly awful experience.” “like the atmosphere.” “Then it was just a few people, a couple of picnic tables, some cheap beer and hot dogs, an incredible view and a sea of potential.”
drinks	54.86999988555908% positive	“The Music is not that bad, the bar staff ,wow the blond older lady is out of her mind relax lady there are a few good bartenders the order guys & sean & jim the irish guy i think.” “The best nights to go (if you don't mind waiting a bit longer at the bar or for table service) is post PS1-WarmUp Saturday's when a DJ plays under the big yellow tent, dancers dance, groups flock to the sand and a good time is had by all.” “The location is the best when even i have friends in town i will always bring them there for the day or some drinks before heading out to the city.” “Great view, great set-up, drinks, games - yet no matter what - a truly awful experience.” “Laughably serious security (they take their jobs so seriously it actually made me laugh out loud which made the guy really mad), rude bartenders and management (an entire drink transaction without a word uttered on their side) and the feeling that you are” “Very laid back cool place to put back a few beers and see an amazing skyline.” “the place is awful from food/drinks to atmosphere to the lack of service.” “Bottled water for a buck, cheap beer, yummy BBQ food, beach volleyball and good tunes, as well as waiters walking around happy to take your order!” “Prices well lets look at it $6.00 for a beer not a bad price in the new york area.” “But the worst was yet to come -- while saving seats for my friends who were on the ridiculous drink lines, I was accosted by someone who works there.” “Then it was just a few people, a couple of picnic tables, some cheap beer and hot dogs, an incredible view and a sea of potential.” “Get this one the bar charges like 5 bucks for a bottle of water, but at the food stand only 1.50 heres the real kicker the line for food took me a half hour to get through, my friends thought I got lost or something, and the place isn't that big!” “From having to trek to get there - to sitting in some cheap sand with sub-par views (sorry I live in Brooklyn, where the views are 1000x more amazing than staring at midtown), to expensive drinks, to an obnoxious crowd.”
food quality	62.5% positive	“Horrendous staff, lousy expensive food” “The food i love the burger what ever sauce goes on there love it.” “It is always a go- to for great food and fun.” “Get this one the bar charges like 5 bucks for a bottle of water, but at the food stand only 1.50 heres the real kicker the line for food took me a half hour to get through, my friends thought I got lost or something, and the place isn't that big!” “Bottled water for a buck, cheap beer, yummy BBQ food, beach volleyball and good tunes, as well as waiters walking around happy to take your order!” “the place is awful from food/drinks to atmosphere to the lack of service.” “The guy taking the food orders was having a hard time of it, with only one kind of food to order: hot dogs.” “Still the best burgers on the planet and fun!”
overall	100.0% positive	“If you like house music this is a great place music wise.” “Great for big groups, but also a great place to meet new people (when you can see them in the dark).” “It was great weather, nice bartenders, and cool people hangin out at the place.”
return potential	100.0% positive	“The views are nice, and the music was good, but I wouldn't pay to go back and I wouldn't pay a cover charge.”
service	56.25% positive	“Bottled water for a buck, cheap beer, yummy BBQ food, beach volleyball and good tunes, as well as waiters walking around happy to take your order!” “It was great weather, nice bartenders, and cool people hangin out at the place.” “Laughably serious security (they take their jobs so seriously it actually made me laugh out loud which made the guy really mad), rude bartenders and management (an entire drink transaction without a word uttered on their side) and the feeling that you are” “Horrendous staff, lousy expensive food” “Then it was just a few people, a couple of picnic tables, some cheap beer and hot dogs, an incredible view and a sea of potential.” “The Music is not that bad, the bar staff ,wow the blond older lady is out of her mind relax lady there are a few good bartenders the order guys & sean & jim the irish guy i think.” “It's a shame because I like the place and the people.” “Really bad vibe all around, from the cheesy, tatooed staff to the worn down cement walls and broken fence that surround you.” “Horrible, rude security at gate” “know you probably have staff who clean it up when the place shuts down but what about all those cups and trash that I stumble over when the place is open (did I mention the lighting issue?)” “But I had the same id entry problems as others (I'm over 60 but they insisted as if they had the No Fly list to check me against), this from some rude, unidentifed, amateur-night security kid.” “The best nights to go (if you don't mind waiting a bit longer at the bar or for table service) is post PS1-WarmUp Saturday's when a DJ plays under the big yellow tent, dancers dance, groups flock to the sand and a good time is had by all.” “This is the worst staff I've ever come into contact with in all my life's experiences.” “I've been in the service industry on and off for 7 years and I know that a business run like this may do ok but why not put the extra effort in and make the place great.” “Great for big groups, but also a great place to meet new people (when you can see them in the dark).” “the place is awful from food/drinks to atmosphere to the lack of service.”
value	29.170000553131104% positive	“Bottled water for a buck, cheap beer, yummy BBQ food, beach volleyball and good tunes, as well as waiters walking around happy to take your order!” “Get this one the bar charges like 5 bucks for a bottle of water, but at the food stand only 1.50 heres the real kicker the line for food took me a half hour to get through, my friends thought I got lost or something, and the place isn't that big!” “Prices well lets look at it $6.00 for a beer not a bad price in the new york area.” “Horrendous staff, lousy expensive food” “Way overpriced.” “From having to trek to get there - to sitting in some cheap sand with sub-par views (sorry I live in Brooklyn, where the views are 1000x more amazing than staring at midtown), to expensive drinks, to an obnoxious crowd.” “Drinks seemed a bit overpriced; sangria was $7, which wouldn't be bad except it was served in small 8oz solo cups.” “Then it was just a few people, a couple of picnic tables, some cheap beer and hot dogs, an incredible view and a sea of potential.”

06/21/09

Still the best burgers on the planet and fun!!!

by chocobunny64 at Citysearch

I love water taxi beach. It is always a go- to for great food and fun. The point of the strict security is that it is on NYC property and it is likely that Harry's had to have thorough security to get the contract. Just throw on a sundress and flip flops and chill. The food is worth the trip and the crowd is alwys fun and friendly. The D.Js are always fantastic.

Pros: great burgers, bbq., snagria, music, people, and views
Cons: none

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05/31/09

Terrible experience

by chadgracia at Citysearch

Was invited by a friend, and had high hopes. After a long trek, we joined a line of people waiting to go through security (!?) on a sunny Sunday afternoon. We were searched and our wallets rifled through, apparently in a search for weapons and illicit substances. Then we encountered a makeshift table that had been set up to collect $40 from everyone for the pleasure of being subjected to thumping loud DJ music. When we protested that it didn't mention anything on the website about a cover charge, we were told we could sit over in a corner (with no access to food, drink, or restrooms) for free. We left. Really bad vibe all around, from the cheesy, tatooed staff to the worn down cement walls and broken fence that surround you. Perhaps it's tolerable at night.

Pros: View
Cons: Unexpected fee, heavy security, depressing environment

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09/09/08

It is like they WANT you to have a bad time!

by grnptgrl at Citysearch

Everything that everyone says. Laughably serious security (they take their jobs so seriously it actually made me laugh out loud which made the guy really mad), rude bartenders and management (an entire drink transaction without a word uttered on their side) and the feeling that you are just not welcome. What is going on here? Great view, great set-up, drinks, games - yet no matter what - a truly awful experience. The only hope for this place is if they sell it and new management takes over. And come on - the "security" is so over the top. I tell everyone I know who mentions going here to avoid at all costs!

Pros: View.
Cons: Everything else, but mostly every single person who works there.

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08/29/08

Great venue ruined by unprofessional security goons

by TomasNYC at Citysearch

The Water Taxi Beach is a great summer venue and a great way for the company to showcase their water taxi fleet. However, the security company they hired has too many unprofessional staff who miscommunicate their 'security policies' with promotors and event organizers and intentionally throw people out of the venue. Very scary and makes the whole experience unenjoyable. I will never be going back there.

Pros: large space, late night outdoor parties, food, bar
Cons: security

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07/29/08

Views and Brews

by johnthefish77 at Citysearch

I was first at harrys 2 years ago and couldnt believe my eyes. This place had finally gotten it right. Great set up, man made beach, picnic tables, great tap ber and a DJAY. Beers are cheap, i think they had PBR and Rhinegold. You can walk right up to the edge of the fence and the river is below you. By far the best view of the city I have seen. Didnt have any of the food but i did see some bugers and hot dogs. I was going to go back last week but thats when i heard people talking about the $20 cover charge. I dont know if this is true, but i would find out before i arrive. Also get there around 6pm if you want to make sure your in and if you wear anything but sandles or flip flops your an idiot.

Harry's At Water Taxi Beach

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What People Are Saying About Harry's At Water Taxi Beach

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Katie Heffernan

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User Reviews (29)

06/21/09

Still the best burgers on the planet and fun!!!

by chocobunny64 at Citysearch

05/31/09

Terrible experience

by chadgracia at Citysearch

09/09/08

It is like they WANT you to have a bad time!

by grnptgrl at Citysearch

08/29/08

Great venue ruined by unprofessional security goons

by TomasNYC at Citysearch

07/29/08

Views and Brews

by johnthefish77 at Citysearch

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