Boat Basin Cafe
New York, NY 10024
Phone: (212) 496-5542
- Cross Street:
- Hudson River
- Directions:
- 1 at 79th St
- Hours:
- Apr 13-Oct 31, Mon-Wed 12pm-11pm, Thurs-Fri 12am-11:30pm, Sat 11am-11:30am, Sun 11am-10pm
Editorial Review for Boat Basin Cafe – by Karen Hudes
The Scene
Climb down the stone steps of the 79th Street Boat Basin to grab a bite at one of the Upper West Side's true finds. An open circle of cafe tables leads to more tables and a bar--next to open barbecue grills and stacks of burger buns--beneath a vaulted stone ceiling, and finally to open-air seating overlooking the bobbing boats on the Hudson River. The dog-friendly, boardwalk-reminiscent scene attracts laid-back friends and families from the neighborhood.
The Draw
Respectable burgers, ribs and salads are joined on the menu by salmon and tuna, as well as PB&J for the kids. Plastic cups and cutlery--practical choices for the windy surroundings--keep the mood casual and picnicky, as do drink selections including strawberry margaritas and electric pink lemonade with Absolut Citron (served with crushed electric blue ice).
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Insider Tips
The ExtrasDuring happy hour, Mon through Fri (4pm-7pm) get any drink for $2 less than the regular price.
User Reviews for Boat Basin Cafe
06/17/2008 Posted by jackryan
I wasn't here for the normal food/rest piece of it. Friend of mine had a wedding here and I have to say the venue is great for those looking to have 150 or so people at the wedding. Views of the pond and skyline in the back can't be beat on a early summer nite.
07/12/2007 Posted by cobraman332
Perfect for late spring, summer, or early fall drinks, The Boat Basin is a real treat for New Yorkers. As a bar, this place has more space than most and offers drinks that don't burn through the wallet (more than other bars, that is). Yes, you'll pay $6-$8 for a beer, well drink or margarita, but it's worth it to experience an outdoor bar with amazing views of New Jersey and sunsets over the Hudson River. I strongly recommend the margaritas, which are frozen and actually contain a pretty decent amount of tequila... hooray! Our group ordered shrimp cocktail and a few other appetizers to nosh on while we hung out here -- beware, the shrimp (which were delicious, by the way) are served with the tails still on! I've been here a few times and I have never felt overwhelmed by a crowd (big plus), nor have I had a bad experience. The bartenders have always been friendly and the scene plays to an upscale crowd without coming off overly chic. Try Boat Basin for lunch on a weekend... it can be tough to get a table but the wait is usually pretty short and totally worth it for the view you'll have while eating. A crosstown bus drops off passenger only a few blocks away... you won't wait long for the bus after you leave The Boat Basin, though, since it closes by 11:30pm. What a shame!
Pros: Sunsets, Great Space, Never Too Crowded, Good Drinks
Cons: Very Far West, Closes Early
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