06/21/09

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

by chocobunny64

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

05/31/09

Terrible experience

by chadgracia

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

09/09/08

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

by grnptgrl

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.

08/29/08

Great venue ruined by unprofessional security goons

by TomasNYC

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

07/29/08

Views and Brews

by johnthefish77

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.

• Pros: Views, beer and a djay.. Man made Beach
• Cons: porta potties, line and steep cover charge

06/23/08

Its a Fun place

by tadgh

So i have been to this taxi beach a few times this summer now and i have to say i do enjoy it. 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. The security, i get the rules and i understand but there is a way to treat people i guess you dont get it ( even though some people are nuts). 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 food i love the burger what ever sauce goes on there love it. Prices well lets look at it $6.00 for a beer not a bad price in the new york area. As for the cover charge i never like surprises like the rest of you. Its a fun place and take it for what it is. See you there this weekend.

• Pros: Location
• Cons: Security

06/19/08

Horrendous staff, lousy expensive food

by RAParker

Went to FoodMovie Festival there last nightome great movies. 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. That was on the way in. Later after sampling a food item, I had a severe allergic reaction (counldn't breath) and obtained water from the bar and then tried to leave the place. No, I couldnt leave with my little cup of water in hand. There I am weezing and gasping for breath and some kid moron security guy was swearing at me about his liability if I left with a cup in my hand.

The best name for this place would be knucklehead beach. They should lose their franchise and somebody with a degree of professionalism should take over the wonderful location.

I will write to Water Taxi to complain about these people.

• Pros: Great location
• Cons: Awful staff.

06/17/08

Horrible, rude security at gate

by arch2417

My girlfriend and I rode our bikes to water taxi beach on saturday, right as it started to downpour. While we were locking our bikes up, we noticed that the guy at the gate(who couldnt have been more than 20 or so, was IDing these guys who appeared to be in their 40s. We thought it was strange but thought maybe he was kidding around or something, but then as it started to rain, we made our way quickly for the gate so we can get in and to the tent, but were stuck behind a (had to be) 60 something year old woman who was spending a long time searching for her ID (she probably hasnt been ID'd for a bar in decades)because he wouldnt let her in without one. He simply would not let her in and said everyone must show their ID no matter what. My girlfriend and I were pointing out how hard it was raining and to please let her in as this was a little ridiculous, and he got really aggitated made her get wet while he finally received her license and inspected it. The fact that this person was being so rude and authoritive and is in charge of who gets in and who doesnt makes me never want to go back ever again, the only reason I didnt leave then and there was becasue of the rain.

• Pros: view
• Cons: very rude staff, overpriced

06/13/08

Terrible place. Lame music. Unfriendly staff. Way overpriced. And no, not really a beach.

by amolsarva

Lousy in unounctable ways. More of a Queens meathead place than a hip or quirky destination.

For that, you need to go to the Bohemian Beer Garden in Astoria...

• Pros: View
• Cons: Price, Service, People

06/13/08

Misleading Cover Charge

by laliq

Cover charge mentioned on your website for May 25 Memorial Day - $5, -- -- was instead $10. Misleading info,