The 20 best waterfront restaurants in NYC

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What is it? This West Village waterfront spot serves up sustainable oysters, including their very own variety straight from Southampton.

Why we love it: Seafood-centric bar bites, such as caviar-topped tater tots with pickled red onions and fish and chips with seaweed-salted fries, paired with fruity, easy-drinking cocktails, are the fastest way to put you in vacay spirit. 

Time Out tip: Some of the menu (including salads, cheeseburgers and a pair of hot dogs) is available to go, so you can walk down Pier 45 with an impromptu picnic. 

Address: 389 West St, New York, NY 10014

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

Expect to pay: Entrees start at $19 

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What is it? This massive spot brings Tulum vibes to Manhattan, serving up stunning views alongside hamachi tostadas, 12-hour slow-roasted lamb birria, and churros with mezcal caramel. 

Why we love it: Formerly a seasonal pop-up on Governors Island, they’ve used their permanent party-inspired space as an opportunity to hang what they claim is the world’s largest disco ball. 

Time Out tip: Want to rub shoulders with celebs? See if you can sweet-talk your way into the exclusive club upstairs. 

Address: 89 South St, New York, NY 10038

Opening hours: Mon–Thu, 5pm–midnight; Fri, 5pm–2am; Sat, 11am–3pm, 5pm–2am; Sun, 11am–3pm, 5pm–midnight

Expect to pay: Entrees start at $34

What is it? This spot along the East River boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a stunning waterfront view. 

Why we love it: Stop by Riverpark for happy hour to score $12 cocktails and $8 draft beer and wines. Toast to the sunshine, the water and each other as you gaze over Midtown from your perch in the sky. 

Time Out tip: In the warmer months, find a spot on the patio to really impress your date. 

Address: 450 E 29th St, New York, NY 10016

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 11:30am–9pm

Expect to pay: Entrees start at $23 

What is it? Just a one-minute walk to the actual ocean, a meal at the Rooftop at The Rockaway Hotel transports you to a tropical vacation. 

Why we love it: With views of Manhattan, Jamaica Bay and the Atlantic, it’s one of our favorite spots to catch a real sea breeze. The raw bar adds to the waterfront experience, as does an ice-cold bucket of White Claw at the table. Crack one open, close your eyes and you’ll swear you’re on spring break.

Time Out tip: Don’t go in for hard seltzer? The Shark Bite, with ghost pepper tequila, watermelon and lime will bring the beach vibes, too.

Address: 108-10 Rockaway Beach Dr, Rockaway Park, NY 11694

Opening hours: Thu–Sun, 3–9pm; Fri, Sat 3pm–midnight

Expect to pay: The signature dish—a “whacked up” tomahawk steak—is $175. For a more affordable option, go for the bao buns or crispy rice, which start at $18.

What is it? Lawn games, barrels of seafood, buckets of beer, frozen margarita fish bowls and 250 seats span three stories at one of Red Hook's most popular summer haunts.

Why we love it: Brooklyn Crab strongly resembles a massive ramshackle ship (with great Instagram opportunities), plus several separate seating configurations and room for groups.

Time Out tip: They don’t take reservations on the weekends, so be sure to plan ahead to score a table. 

Address: Daily noon–10pm

Opening hours: 24 Reed St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Expect to pay: Mains start at $26

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What is it? One of the most romantic restaurants in the five boroughs, The River Café has a secluded open-air deck, heart-swelling views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan and live piano music inside.

Why we love it: Its $195 prix-fixe dinner menu, which includes items like foie gras, soft-shell crab, duck and lobster secures its designation as a special occasion destination. 

Time Out tip: The restaurant has been recently renovated, so even if you’ve eaten there over the last 40 years, stop by to see what’s new. 

Address: 1 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Opening hours: Wed–Sun, 5–10:30pm

Expect to pay: $195 per person

What is it? Though the Panorama Room won't put you as close to the waves as some waterside spots, it has one of the most beautiful views your dining out dollars can buy. Its brief menu is seafood-centric primarily, and a full complement of drinks is available. 

Why we love it: The view inside the restaurant is almost as good as the one outside, so be prepared to take plenty of photos of the decor itself. 

Time Out tip: Want a bonus view of the city from above? Take the Roosevelt Island Tram back home. 

Address: 22 N Loop Rd, New York, NY 10044

Opening hours: Wed–Thu 5pm–midnight; Fri, Sat 3pm–1am; Sun 3pm–midnight

Expect to pay: Don’t expect cheap drinks just because you’re on Roosevelt Island; cocktails cost about $20 a pop.

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What is it? Peruse overhead menus longer than cable news tickers featuring oysters, clams, lobster tails, frog legs and frozen drinks at this more than 60-year-old restaurant on City Island. 

Why we love it: Soak up the Long Island Sound at a picnic table on the patio and pretend you’re on vacation. 

Time Out tip: Make sure to bring bills, because it’s cash only. It also fills up fast on beautiful spring and summer weekends, so come prepared with a seating plan. 

Address: 2 City Island Ave, Bronx, NY 10464

Opening hours: Daily, 11:30am–9:30pm

Expect to pay: Score a dozen little necks for $14. 

What is it? Tip back a few sustainable oysters and craft suds at this casually stunning seasonal walk-in spot. 

Why we love it: We love bivalves on land, but they’re even better at sea. 

Time Out tip: It’s well worth taking the $2 ferry from Brooklyn or Manhattan to Governors Island for a whole new view of the city. 

Address: 146 Carder Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Opening hours: Wed–Fri 11am–8pm; Sat, Sun 10am–8pm 

Expect to pay: Wellfleet oysters are $46 per dozen

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What is it? Gaze upon the lower Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty from the deck of this historic schooner turned oyster bar docked at Pier 25 in Hudson River Park. 

Why we love it: Grand Banks affords a maritime escape without having to pay those pesky yacht club fees. 

Time Out tip: While Pilot is closed for renovations, its “sister ship,” Grand Banks, is open and ready to party. 

Address: Pier 25, West St, New York, NY 10013

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

Expect to pay: Oysters start at $45/dozen

What is it? The 22nd floor of the William Vale hotel has a wraparound terrace ideally situated for outdoor snacking, drinks and cynicism-smashing views. 

Why we love it: Visit on a not-too-hot day, order an effervescent cocktail and lower your shades for a nourishing look at the NYC skyline.

Time Out tip: During the summer months, stop by the 23rd floor of the William Vale to experience Turf Club at Westlight, with lawn games and seasonal cocktails. 

Address: 111 N 12th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 4pm–midnight; Fri 4pm–1am; Sat noon–2am; Sun noon–midnight

Expect to pay: Snacks start at $10

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What is it? Said to be the oldest bar on the Coney Island boardwalk, Ruby’s has character for miles. 

Why we love it: Beyond its fire engine red exterior, weathered sepia prints line the walls, burgers, dogs, clams and fried shrimp populate the menu, and boozy slushies and beer slosh precariously to the edge of plastic cups. 

Time Out tip: When the line at Nathan’s Famous is looking just a little too long, Ruby’s hot dogs are just as good—and in your hands (and mouth) in no time. 

Address: 1213 Riegelmann Boardwalk, Brooklyn, NY 11224

Opening hours: Daily 11am–9pm

Expect to pay: Hamburgers are $9.99 (when paying with cash!)

What is it? This bar terrace on the sixth floor of the Wythe Hotel overlooks the East River and the NYC skyline. 

Why we love it: A waterfront restaurant with abundant space inside, seafood-leaning menus and plenty of beer, wine, cocktails, frozens and zero-ABV drinks.

Time Out tip: Stop by for afternoon tea with a prix fixe $55 menu of tea and sweet and savory snacks. 

Address: 80 Wythe Ave, 6th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11249

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 3pm–midnight; Sat 2pm–midnight; Sun 1pm–midnight

Expect to pay: Snacks, including toasts and falafel, start at $11

What is it? The 10th floor of the 1 Hotel beside the Brooklyn Bridge has rooftop cocktails, snacks and panoramic views. 

Why we love it: Want to splash out? Champagne bottle service starts at $300 for a bottle of Veuve. 

Time Out tip: The pool, which is open seasonally, is just for guests, but you can still soak up the views from dry land. 

Address: 60 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Opening hours: Daily 11am–11pm

Expect to pay: Shareable plates start at $14

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What is it? This sprawling Little Paris on the Hudson has al fresco dining on its terrace along the Battery Park City esplanade, where you can sip French wine and watch yachts set sail out of North Cove Marina. 

Why we love it: Stroll the adjacent market space for a bit of a taste of the City of Light right in lower Manhattan. 

Time Out tip: Stop by for happy hour from 4–6pm for some affordable ambiance. 

Address: 225 Liberty St, New York, NY 10281

Opening hours: Mon–Fri, 7am–10pm; Sat, Sun 10am–10pm

Expect to pay: Dinner entrees start at $25

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What is it? A sparkling riverside Mediterranean-influenced restaurant in the shadow of the Manhattan Bridge, Celestine is close enough to the water to hear the waves dancing with the shore.

Why we love it: Its terrace frames the bridge in a beautiful tableau, plus a nice wide expanse of the Manhattan skyline. 

Time Out tip: Check out their impressive natural wine list to find the perfect drink to toast to the view. 

Address: 1 John St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 5pm–10pm; Sat–Sun 11am–3pm, 5:15–10pm

Expect to pay: Mains start at $27

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What is it? Another Seaport spot, Industry Kitchen has room for 300 along the East River. 

Why we love it: Spy the Williamsburg and Brooklyn Bridges from your seat on the patio outside, and choose from seafood starters like crab cakes and ahi tuna nachos and mains including duck confit risotto, New York strip steak and lobster ravioli.

Time Out tip: In addition to the expected cocktails, wine and beer, Industry Kitchen also has frozen drinks for the season. 

Address: 70 South St, New York, NY 10270

Opening hours: Mon–Fri, noon–11pm; Sat, Sun noon–midnight

Expect to pay: Entrees start at $26

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What is it? This restaurant in Riverside Park, located at West 105th Street, offers numerous outdoor seating options and a diverse menu that’s ideal for groups. 

Why we love it: Sip a Lillet spritz with pizza, sandwiches, burgers and dogs with a view of the Hudson River. 

Time Out tip: Be sure to check their Instagram for alerts about closings due to inclement weather. 

Address: Riverside Dr & W 105th St, New York, NY 10025

Opening hours: Daily 11am–9pm

Expect to pay: Score a snack like street corn, fruit cups and quesadillas starting at $7

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What is it? Previously, the world’s smallest aircraft carrier, Baylander Steel Beach, is now stationed at the West Harlem Piers in Upper Manhattan off 125th Street. 

Why we love it: Hit the 4,000-square-foot spot for loosely-themed cocktails like the Captain’s Colada and rummy pirates punch with “Torpedo Dogs,” “Pilot Wings” and “Stealth Tacos.”

Time Out tip: Stop by during Happy Hour for $11 frozen cocktails. 

Address: Hudson River Greenway, New York, NY 10027

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 3–9:30pm; Fri 2–10pm; Sat noon–10pm; Sun noon–9pm

Expect to pay: Menu items start at $13

What is it? Approaching a century old, this 133-foot lightship (like a lighthouse of the seas) has had a lot of lives. 

Why we love it: The former service ship was eventually decommissioned, abandoned and sank before the late 1980s restoration that turned it into the West Side’s watery party destination by the end of that decade. 

Time Out tip: Stop by on summer Sundays from 6–9pm to catch live music as the sun sets. 

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

Opening hours: Mon, Tue, Thu 11:30am–10pm; Fri, Sat 11:30am–11pm; Sun 11:30am–9pm

Expect to pay: Mains start at $26

Have a cocktail high above the city and take in spectacular views at one of the best rooftop bars NYC has to offer