Boat Basin Cafe
(Now Closed)Café$$$$
Upper West Side, New York
The folks at The Corcoran Group and Eater like this place. Would you agree?
205 Tips and reviews
Sort:
- Popular
- Recent
New York HabitatDecember 1, 2011A real hidden gem in the Upper West Side and it gets our vote for the best place to watch the sunset. Right on the Hudson River with sailboats passing by, relax, have a drink, and enjoy the view.
drew tarvinMay 25, 2015A great spot for those cool summer nights. They close early so be ready for a backup spot if you're looking to stay up till the cows come home.
KatieMarch 19, 2012absolutely delightful outdoor bar, right on the hudson river. very similar to the frying pan, but it was far less crowded... although that might be because people didn't know it was open yet!
You're here with friends to drink outside with a view of the water, but don't leave without getting the onion rings; super crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and it's a generous portion.
Courtney R.December 29, 2014One of my favorite summer spots. Great views and a fun place for drinks. Skip the food there and enjoy one of the many UWS restaurants nearby.
Erin WolffJuly 16, 2012Edamame, grilled aspargus, and all salads are awesome! Also they have san pellegrono blood orange-major plus! Awesome views, but you have to walk outside for the bathrooms so not good when it rains.
Psychedelic MessJuly 7, 2015the frozen margaritas are great! the view is the amazing and there are no bug problems as I previously read on here. Thankfully I didn't experience this even though I ate outside. Beautiful @night too
Great place to watch the sunset. Tables on the deck are reserved for those eating food. Put your name on the list early and grab a few beers. Happy hour till 7pm but only at the bar.
Nicole ChecoMay 16, 2015Chill and dog friendly place. Such a nice view <3 strawberriew daiquiries are awesome! Good service too. Drinks, sun and the hudson river view, what else could you want?
The Corcoran GroupAugust 5, 2013Come here for happy hour during the early evening - the sunsets are gorgeous, as are the views. The food is decent, but we come here mainly for a beer or a margarita.
Sarah BachmannAugust 24, 2013Best Date Night, thanks to the welcoming host (bigger guy) hooked my boyfriend and I with THE BEST table. What a fun place for drinks with friends. DEF coming back & bring everyone I know!
Ashley RoseJuly 26, 2015Summer staple- standard fare bar food (I opt for the Turkey Burger), buckets of beer, or a Dark and Stormy.
StayNYC RentalsAugust 27, 2018Should you find yourself in the mood to ogle New Yorkers’ yachts and slightly less-enviable sailboats, grab an outdoor seat at Boat Basin, a cafe and bar on the west end of Riverside Park
- Michelle CoudonOctober 10, 2011The beautiful view of the Hudson can lead to a romantic evening however...LOUSY food (Pier 1 Cafe owns). Good place to meet up w/ a group of friends for summertime drinks. - MichelleC.tv
refinery29August 3, 2014Sitting below ground with open-air seating looking over the Hudson, the restaurant is known as one of the best spots to catch a New Jersey sunset. Read more
HarryJune 5, 2015Excellent location with views of Hudson River. This "café" could be great, but instead it is in desperate need of a renovation. "Eco-friendly" napkins at a place full of plastic seems like an oxymoron
Ashita MehtaJune 13, 2011Enjoy great views of the Hudson from the patio or go indoors for an upbeat ambience. The crowd is typically composed of the young and the yuppies. Oh, and try the nachos and sangria! :)
Ryan GallagherJuly 11, 2017Great views of the Hudson and NJ. Food is poor but the view makes up for it.
Laura KathSeptember 9, 2014Dine with the views of the west river! Simple food but really tasty and cheap! Worth every penny! There's a basket of fries for $5 !
Heather OkeefeJune 22, 2014They officially open at noon on Sundays, but begin serving a bit earlier. Come early for a table with a view
Red Sea PedestrianMarch 30, 2013Great place to grab a few drinks by the river. Keep in mind you all need to get food in order to get a table outside overseeing the water, but contrary to what most say the food is OK.
Becka SimonMay 14, 2014Best place to relax on the UWS during the summer. Take shade underneath the stone arches and enjoy the outdoor bars along the water. Many people bring their dogs!
DanAugust 16, 2012come in the afternoon - its the greatest place in the world to have a pepsi and listen to hotel california and american pie played back2back! ;)
Mike SmithAugust 29, 2014Food is a bit overpriced but the drinks are reasonable during happy hour. Come here during sunset and enjoy the view
Jack GashiApril 15, 2014The forgotten 4th sunny day drinking spot (after Standard, Frying Pan, and Beekman) is actually 2nd best (only after Standard)
Victoria NatenzonMay 3, 2014It's the trip all the way over here, but totally worth it. Sit outside and you get a stunning view.
Tony GandiaMarch 27, 2013Water-front views of the marina and Hudson River in this open-air restaurant at Riverside Park serving burgers and others.
Wilmer SAugust 29, 2011Beautiful view. Great, surprisingly strong, frozen margaritas. Service is a little slow, but the view makes it all worth it. Dog friendly place.
MichaelAugust 10, 2015Skip it! A bit too much of a scene. Walk 10 blocks down the river to Pier i instead and enjoy the sun(set) with beers, burgers, and fries.
Tim RAugust 14, 2014Food wise: burger is the way to go. We also tried the chicken sandwich, nachos, and Turkey sandwich but found them all a bit meh.
Charles SmithJuly 19, 2012For competitors in the New York City (Olympic Distance) Triathlon this is a great place for a meal after Bicycle drop off Saturday and Pick up Sunday.
MeCritic.comNovember 26, 2011Nice outdoor bar, good happy hour for after work. Sit next to the water and see beautiful views of northern nj. Food is average at best.
Bring your kids / dog / bike... This crowd-friendly outdoor UWS staple is a summertime favorite and good for casual private parties. Beware of the electric lemonade though - super strong!
Wen Seng LieSeptember 2, 2015I was half drunk. The wine and beer are cheap. Their burgers are so so. But the ambiance is what they sell. Cool place to chill out with friends
Pedigree BrandNovember 7, 2011A covered outdoor eatery with wonderful Hudson River views that welcomes dogs. After enjoying a casual meal with your dog, stroll over to the nearby Riverside dog run near the Boat Basin.- Charles SmithJuly 19, 2012One of the best locations for family, friends and supporters of New York City (Olympic Distance) Triathlon competitors to watch their racer exit the water and waddle to their bikes.
Will CutroneJuly 17, 2015Solid beer selection. Food standard pub fare. Killer views. Can get WAY hot in the summer.
Elena HoodJanuary 4, 2015Great place for outdoor drinks. There's always a breeze coming off of the river.
Meg FarmerMay 12, 2015Come with good company on a warm summer night to enjoy the sunset and a few drinks on the water.
Lauren HeffronJuly 28, 2011Wonderful outdoor location for drinks in the summertime. Great alternative to the frying pan scene...sit overlooking the water and enjoy the breeze
Great place to have lunch and drinks with friends. I love the view of the Hudson River. The chicken sandwich is really good.
Monica SumaSeptember 22, 2013Great sunset views off the Hudson River. Cool outdoor cafe, casual summery vibe. Food sucks though, especially the burgers.
Emily RyanAugust 22, 2011Watch the sunset from this HIDDEN gem...underneath the West Side Hwy. Right on the Hudson Marina...great bar and food!
1,162 Photos
Foursquare © 2025 Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA
Permanently closed (Show more)
- Mon–Sun
- Noon–11:00 PM
(212) 496-5542
Features
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Restroom
Yes
Food & Drink
Drinks
Beer, Wine
See More
You might also like
- 8.8
"great workspace in the mornings - wifi, coffee, a few pastries and a breakfast menu that includes avocado toast, an omelet, etc."
Chad Horner
- 9.1
"I had a lovely visit to Panorama Cafe recently. The cafe offers a panoramic vista that makes for a relaxing backdrop. The service was friendly, though a bit slow during peak hours."
Donna Warner
- 8.8
"Falafel bowl was amazing. Staff super helpful, the chef took extra precaution for my peanut allergy. Such a nice place..."
Alexis SENENTZ
Places people like to go after Boat Basin Cafe
- 8.6
"This place is often overlooked due to Boat Basin Cafe, which is only a few blocks up, but it's a great place to enjoy a bucket of Coronas with a few friends and enjoy the sunset. Good burgers too!"
The Corcoran Group - 7.1
"Solid Irish Pub with great lunch fare and plenty of TV sets for sporting events."
Karl With A "K" - 6.7
"Amazing deals every night of the week! Tables fill up quickly on the weekends for watching sports"
Lily Graham
Appears on 810 lists
Least Known but Most Rewarding Places in NYC
Created by Jorge Ortiz
21 items • 1,379 followers
NYC Restaurants With Outdoor Seating
Created by Phil Toronto
54 items • 676 followers
Created by Noah Weiss
22 items • 577 followers