The best boat bars in NYC for sips and snacks on the water

What is it? Crew hospitality group’s original boat bar is a darling schooner, docked in Tribeca on the Hudson River.

Why we love it: Beckoning guests with the cheery yellow and white awning over its long, U-shaped bar is the 1940s sailing vessel turned oyster bar, Grand Banks. The OG boatstaurant is quite serious about its oysters, as six currently sit in rotation, including the briny boy, the Sailor Baby, cultivated by the Crew team. Pluck and slurp a few down before swimming through lobster rolls and butter-basted scallops to cheeky yacht tots with just the right amount of roe on them. Grand Banks welcomes all aboard throughout the day as this boat is open during brunch, making for an excellent morning on the water. But then again, watching the sunset with Lady Liberty in view is kind of hard to beat. 

Time Out Tip: Drinking on the water? Try the seafoam colored cocktail the Permanent Vacation, made with a blend of two rums, coconut and pineapple juices.

Address: Park, Pier 25 Hudson River, New York, NY 10013

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 11am–midnight; Sat, Sun 9am–midnight

What is it? A floating yacht club that floats near Lady Liberty from May through October. 

Why we love it: The Honorable William Wall? If you've visited, you can call him Willy Wall. The barge anchored by Ellis Island is truly one of the best ways to party on the Hudson. Manned by a friendly and attentive crew, the bar doles out a no-frills selection of drinks—beers, wine by the glass and bottle and cocktails; yes, spritzes are included in that equation. But the real appeal is that you are floating smack dab in the middle of the Hudson River, surrounded by the NYC skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and New Jersey (if that's your thing). There is no food here, so bringing your own is a must. But it makes for a potluck at sea, as sailors haul on sandwiches and sushi to full trays of catered food. Weekdays bring sailing races, while nights that edge closer to the weekend channel a club-like groove, putting a light projector and disco ball to good use. If you happen to stick around for the last ferry of the night, you'll be sent off right as the soulful sounds of Frank Sinatra usher you back to land.

Time Out Tip: The boat bar hosts full moon viewing parties, jazz nights and concerts. Check their FAQ for upcoming dates.  

Address: Harbor, New York, NY 10007

Opening hours: Tue–Fri 5:40pm–9:45pm; Sat 12:30pm–9:45pm; Sun 4–8pm

What is it? A former harbor utility boat that once served in the Vietnam War is now a dockside haven in Harlem. 

Why we love it: Funnily enough, this enormous West Harlem piers venue was previously the world’s smallest aircraft carrier, once used to help pilots practice helicopter landings at sea. Now, it serves as a sweet landing pad for you and your best buds. Choose from a long list of shareables, like guacamole and chips, saucy chicken wings and firecracker calamari, before moving on to mains like lobster rolls, Cuban sandwiches and foot-long hot dogs. Naturally, a round of drinks for the table doesn't hurt either. And, this may sound a little strange, but before you go, you gotta check out the bathroom to look at all the old radio equipment inside. 

Time Out tip: At Baylander, it’s not uncommon to overhear the phrase, “Excuse me, what is that drink in your hand?” More likely than not, they are talking about That Patron Drink, a 24-ounce margarita filled with Patron reposado tequila and Patron citronge, fresh watermelon purée and lime juice.

Address: West Harlem Piers on 125th, New York, New York 10027

Opening hours: Tue, Wed 3–9pm; Thu 3–9:30pm; Fri 3–10pm; Sat noon–10pm; Sun noon–9pm

What is it? A decommissioned fireboat that once belonged to the FDNY before the Crew team (you know, those guys who run Grand Banks and Frying Pan) took it over and docked it in Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Why we love it: The golden taps aboard the 1961 fireboat once dispensed water to put out fires. Those very taps now spray wine and beer. Docked at Brooklyn Bridge Park as of this June, Fireboat is one of the more casual boats from Crew's fleet, as there are no reservations, and this is more of a place to float and knock back cocktails over eating. However, if you do get a little hungry onboard, you can find nibbles in the form of fries sprinkled with seaweed, skewered prawns slathered in a zippy and spicy BBQ sauce and swirls of pina colada ice cream. 

Time Out tip: The double-decker ship leaves plenty of room to park you and your crew. But we think the stern of the boat is the best, as it overlooks the skyline on the horizon.

Address: Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 4pm-midnight; Sat, Sun noon–midnight

What is it? A historic Coast Guard lightship that floats near the Chelsea neighborhood. 

Why we love it: In 1929, this very structure was constructed as a lightship—like a lighthouse with one obvious difference. It was stationed off the coast of North Carolina until 1965. It was eventually abandoned and even sank before it was raised once more and repurposed as the Frying Pan as we know it in 1989. It now lives a second life as one of New York's more raucous party boats, given that there's a beer garden onboard. But after a few rounds of cocktails and booze, you'll want to eat, and Frying Pan's current menu all the expected boat bar bites and then some to get you your land legs back.

Time Out tip: The Cape Cod Lobster Roll with chilled claw and knuckle, dressed in a tarragon and chive aioli, is just what the captain ordered. 

Address: Red Boat In Park, 207 12th Avenue, New York, NY 10001

Opening hours: Sun, Mon 11:30am–10pm; Tue–Sat 11:30am–11pm