From floating oyster bars and beachside burger joints to rooftop restaurants with skyline views, NYC is packed with waterfront bars and restaurants perfect for summer dining and drinking. Whether you're along the Hudson River, the East River, or the boardwalks of Rockaway Beach, these waterfront spots serve fresh seafood, cold cocktails, and unbeatable views across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.
4-40 44th Dr | LIC
Photo: Anable Basin Sailing Bar & Grill
If you're looking for a no-frills drink on the water, look no further than Anable Basin. This Long Island City gem is home to incredible views of Roosevelt Island and the East Side and reasonably priced food and drinks.
24 Reed St | Red Hook
Photo: BROOKLYN CRAB
As casual as they come, this Red Hook favorite overlooks the New York Harbor. Play mini-golf and shuffleboard in "Reed Park", take in some sun, and chow down on some crab legs!
78 South St Pier 15 | FiDi
Photo: Watermark
Adjacent to South Street Seaport, Watermark is a massive, multi-level bar that plays host to large parties with the Brooklyn and Williamsburg Bridges as your backdrop.
207 12th Avenue | Chelsea
Photo:FRYING PAN NYC
Frying Pan, this might be the pinnacle of pier-front drinking. So, do you want to drink on the railroad barge, the lightship, or the viewing deck? There's no wrong answer.
Pier 25 Hudson River | Tribeca
Photo: Grand Banks
Swanky oyster bar Grand Banks is the perfect option for nautical indulgence. It's located aboard the Sherman Zwicker, a large wooden schooner docked at Pier 25, and is inspired by the floating "oyster barges" that lined NYC's waterfront in the 18th and 19th centuries.
233 West St | Tribeca
Like sister venue City Winery, it boasts acclaimed live music programming, plus a rooftop deck and a veritable forest of vines.
1213 Riegelmann Boardwalk | Coney Island
Beachside boardwalk dive Ruby's Bar & Grill is the oldest bar on the boardwalk, family-owned since 1972. This Coney Island tradition is a step back in time, with an award-winning jukebox and original boardwalk wood.
3939 Emmons Ave | Sheepshead Bay
Photo: Clemente's Crab House
Clemente's Maryland Crab House is everything you need in a waterside seafood joint, with all-you-can-eat crabs, plus a Tiki Bar and outdoor lounge. Newcomers to Sheepshead Bay should make Clemente's their first stop.
Riverside Park South, W 70th St | Lincoln Square
The Pier i Cafe on West 70th Street is located at the foot of one of NYC's newest and nicest piers, serving up solid and casual food. Bring a group because all drinks are available by the pitcher.
Boardwalk & Beach 86th St | Rockaway Beach
Photo: Rippers
Smack dab on the Rockaway boardwalk, Rippers is the ultimate sandy-feet, beer-in-hand beach shack. Grass-fed burgers, housemade vegan patties, chili cheese fries, cold drinks, and live music add up to the perfect beach day.
Hudson River Greenway | West Harlem
Photo: The Baylander
Docked on the Hudson in Harlem, Baylander is a decommissioned Navy ship turned floating bar and grill. Chow down on lobster rolls, fish tacos, and short rib sandwiches while sipping spritzes on deck. The photo doesn’t do it justice; you’ve got to see it for yourself.
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Thirsty for more? Check out: NYC's Best Rooftop Bars or NYC's Best Outdoor Bars.
Updated July 2026
