Grand Banks

Taking advantage of a warm spring day by relaxing with a cocktail at an outdoor bar is always pleasurable, but when that outdoor bar happens to be a floating vessel it becomes a divine delight.  I knew the weather would be perfect on my overnight to NYC so I researched local blogs to find the best outdoor bars and Grand Banks did not disappoint.  From their website you learn:  "Grand Banks is a celebrated oyster bar aboard the historic wooden schooner, Sherman Zwicker. Inspired by the floating "oyster barges" that lined Manhattan's waterfront in the 18th and 19th centuries, Grand Banks features sustainably harvested oysters, nautically inspired cocktails, and awe-inspiring views."

This grand old lady sits docked at Pier 25 right on the Hudson River. In the distance you can see Lady Liberty, the New Jersey coast and the NYC skyline in a 360 degree surround all for the cost of a drink. So skip the overpriced tourist boat tours along the Hudson and instead visit here.  The clientele consists of well paid, over worked twenty year olds suffering from FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). Just offer to take their selfies' for their Snapchat or Facebook posts and you'll instantly have new friends. 

Drinks are in line with Manhattan pricing plus the added bonus of being on the water. If you're drinking wine, buy the bottle for which they'll take an empty clear glass bottle put it under a tap and pour until filled, $64 later you walk away with your wine in an ice water filled pottery wine cooler. Chose to sit at the crowded bar, or along the roped ledge of the ships stern or port railings or on just about anything else you find.  Keep in mind the boat is tethered to the dock and there is considerable swaying side to side especially if its a windy day.