Boat Basin Cafe

06/17/08

Great Wedding Place

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.

07/12/07

Great Bar To Relax, Enjoy The Sunset, And Have A Drink

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

06/17/07

Horrible Food, overpriced, all for a nice view

by dosita

Honestly some of the worst food I've ever had, and overpriced to boot. The drinks are watered down and also overpriced. The only reason to go here is for the beautiful view, which is specially gorgeous at sunset. It is a place that family visiting from out of town would love, if you are willing to spend way too much money on bland food. If I am going to say anyting positive, it's the staff. The service was fast and the people were very, very nice.

• Pros: A beautiful view
• Cons: Bad food, watered down drinks, drunken frat guys and their girlfriends

05/09/07

I thought Boat Basin was great.

by ckovac75

We went there on an off day, so we ended up with a nice table and great view. Food was good, but that was not why we were there. I wrote a review on ManhattanBars . com. I will be going back soon!

08/29/05

I LOVED it!

by weddinggal

Maybe b/c I went around 8p.m. on a Sunday night - almost empty, food came STAT, so much so I was shocked. Reminded me of that scene from Roman Holiday where Hepburn and Peck dance away. Being a dog momma, I was ecstatic with my reception - bar people were super nice. Regarding people who don't want dogs around - true, all dogs should be restaurant-trained (no excreting indoors) or at least put a diaper on it. And nonstop yappers need to stay home. The view is INCREDIBLE and I will definitely go back with friends. The prices are also surprisingly reasonable for Manhattan. For people who dislike dogs - I suggest you frequent any of the 6,000,000, OTHER, dog-hostile places in Manhattan! Give us dog people this gem of a refuge, please! This place is PERFECT for easygoing, unpretentious types (i.e. DOG PEOPLE)!!!

• Pros: VIEW, VIEW, FRIENDLY, VIEW, VIEW
• Cons: Not comfortable for , Single Dining

07/14/05

Long wait for bad table

by stephanie heintzeler

As nice as the location is- beautiful sunset, next to the river...its not worth going there anymore. You can't reserve a table which means waiting time is looong. They said its 45 minutes and after that we heard again its 45 minutes. Food is average, has become more expensive and is served in plastic baskets. If you are lucky you have a table with a river view but if not- LEAVE! The smell under the roof is disgusting and its way too loud to talk there.

• Pros: great view, mixed crowd
• Cons: no reservations, expensive

07/05/05

Great place to bring the pooch!

by divegirl

They will even bring a plastic bowl of water for your four legged friend! The food is OK but the atmosphere is really great. Our particular server was very attentive and brought everything out in a timely manner. She even brought water for the dog.

• Pros: Dog Friendly

06/16/05

Beautiful Sunset on the Hudson

by tiena311

Great for drinks after work, very lively ambiance. The sunset was beautiful .

08/09/04

Great Views

by funitalian67

This review is a little skewed since we did not eat here and we only stayed about 2 hours, but the views (particularly the sunset), ambiance, and drinks were quite enjoyable. We stumbled across this place and are looking forward to the next time we can ahng out for a bit.

• Pros: Great Views, Nice Ambiance, Los of Space

07/20/04

Seasonal outdoor dining spot where the views and the pub-grub eats just don't get any better.

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).