The Boat Basin

The 79^th street Boat Basin was one of my first New York Experiences, and for me, it still signifies the beginning of summer. On Saturday night my boyfriend and I decided to drop in for a burger and a beer. We soon learned that we were not the only ones with this brilliant plan. The steps leading up to the outdoor restaurant were overflowing with people savoring the first warm day, drinking margaritas and munching on salty potato chips. The wait was almost an hour, but we decided to stick around.

This no-frills, plaid-tablecloths and paper plates joint is not at all about the food. Views of the Hudson River await every diner, and in Manhattan, a six dollar beer with a view is unbeatable. So what if you’re practically sitting elbow-to-elbow with the table next to you, or if you have no idea who your waiter is—it’s about enjoying simple cuisine and basking in the warm weather. This is not a place for food snobs.

Read and I started with a chopped salad—romaine, cranberries, portabellas, mangos, strawberries, feta, and a light raspberry vinaigrette. It arrived in a plastic, pre-made salad container, but the salad was surprisingly tasty. A good starter to the meal.

I ordered a basket of popcorn shrimp which came with chipotle mayo. Read ordered a bacon and white cheddar burger, which arrived at a perfect medium rare. No sides, garnish, or filler adorned these plates (we had to order coleslaw separately). Like I said, this place is no-frills.

The Boat Basin is a summer staple. When the weather warms up a little more, Pier One opens up down the street at 7oth. Those looking for a chic-er experience should check this place out—glass tables, white wine sangria, hummus platters, and burgers served on brioche. But more on Pier One in a later entry….