Grand Banks Reviews

Beautiful setting on a boat in downtown NYC. Food and cocktails were great. They leave a bottle to refill your water which is a nice touch. Tip: remember that you are on a boat and it rocks a bit. We were there on a beautiful, calm and sunny day but in rougher weather it might be a bit much.

We had dinner on the boat which is really a nice experience. The food was very poor. They call five shrimps on ice a shrimp cocktail! The lobster salad said it would have fennel and onions but they were very hard to find…. and so was the lobster….And the taste?! We couldn’t find that either… and the price for this dish was above average. We took some fries with it but they arrived cold…. It seems that cooking is very hard

The Grand Banks ship was a unique venue for oysters, appetizers and cocktails. It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon when we boarded the ship and were absorbed in watching on e of the staff prying open the many different kinds of oysters from the east and west coasts. They knew the tastes of each and suggested certain toppings to put on each. Very educational besides the fact that the oysters were delicious. The cocktails are pricey, but worth it. They really hit the spot. It's an unusual spot to meet friends or go for a date, but everyone will love the ambiance, as well as the food!!!

The place is very scenic and you can rnjoy a great sunset over the river. They have a good selection of oysters but the main are not very good so I wpuldnt recommend ordering anything else but the oysters. The boat gets very rocky if there are waves, and our friend got sick because of it. Its a nice place for a drink although is not a fancy place, the tables and chairs are made of metal. The waiters are good and welcoming.

Came here on a Sunday afternoon to get some drinks on the deck. Superb view of the harbour, Statue of Liberty, Ellis island. Just a great atmosphere and good cocktails.

When you go to grand banks you're really going for the view and the cocktails. Definitely recommend for out of owners or if you're just looking for a new spot. Not the best place for a filling meal. The food was okay. I had oysters that I thought were a bit small, but tasty. I had another dish, but can't recall what it was (nothing exceptional).

Amazing Friday afternoon lounging on a wonderful boat with terrific service and food. The Grand Banks has a nice touch of class compared to the 20 somethings that all head over to the frying pan. This place is A MUST.

This is a great spot. However, they don't have a full bar, which is annoying. Always good to have a reservation.

Great location, amazing boat. This is the place to go to have oysters and cocktails. Such a great moment! You do not even think you are in Manhattan!

Terrible experience. It is such nice location and setting. However, even though we made a reservation we got to our table almost 30 minutes late and we waited for the food over 1,5 hours. When the food got there, the fries were cold and way too salty. They also did not have the wine that was on the menu or any white wine at all. The servers kept telling us everything was coming but it clearly wasn’t. Many tables left before they even got their got their food or they had to wait a really long time. But the view was pretty.

Had a lovely Mothers Day dinner. Food was delicious and servers were great, very helpful and nice . Toward the end of our meal while there was still lots of diners a manager named Oxana (who appeared to be intoxicated) was berating the employees , dropping curse words left and right. And I mean terrible unprofessional and disgusting behavior from someone who is supposed to be in charge. Very disappointing and we felt terrible for the employees. Unfortunately this tainted what was otherwise a wonderful dinner.

We booked for the New Years Eve fireworks which was incredibly expensive and therefore we had pretty high expectations! We were seated on the boat and were one of the first there and had a great view and everything seemed well as the first course came quickly. After that it was a total shambles and resulted in the serving staff basically fighting to get food and the person running the pass on the top totally lost the plot - We were sat next to him so overheard everything! We had to chase at least 3 times for every course and when it came it was missing and we didn’t get our entire menu so I would give this place a miss as even when we complained to the waitress we were ignored!

Not many docked restaurants in NYC, so my wife and I had to try Grand Banks, docked at Pier 25 in Tribeca. Since the restaurant doesn't take reservations, we went at 11:00 am, when it opens, on a beautiful Sunday recently. It's a limited menu but it was a delightful experience all around as we gently rocked witht the Hudson River currents. The food was good, the wine was chilled and it was a gorgeous day. My wife and I did have have to snicker at the couple at the next table who thought it was a good idea to bring what looked to be a 2-year old child to a floating oyster bar and were perplexed when the waiter told them that there weren't really any "kid friendly" food options on the menu. Really? Shocking.

I went on a sunday to have lunch with my family. We were seated pretty fast, and I was happy about it because I know how difficult it is to find an available table on a Sunday. We ordered the drinks and the food. The drinks arrived on time. The main courses of my daughter and my husband took some time. My main course never arrived!!! I was waiting almost 45 minutes, and it never came! In the begining the waiter told me that they were "fishing" my squid!!! I said OK, it can sometimes take longer to prepare a dish. After waiting so long, they only said that they were just sorry ! They didn't even give me any explanation, and they didn't try to offer me anything else. I left the restaurant starving after almost 2 hours. I don't recommend!!!

Worst experience ever in a Restaurant in NYC. The manager called Carlos was super rude, yelled at us to make us leave the restaurant and we were less than 1.5 hr, having dinner and drinks. It was my mother's birthday and she ended up crying because of the bad treatment. Horrible. I don't recommend to anyone unless the owners change the manager. I have a video that shows his behavior.

truly blown away by our experience at Grand Banks, and anyone thinking of opening a place in NYC, or working in the hospitality industry should have a night aboard. To have a cocktail, and tasty bites while bobbing up and down on a beautiful boat, looking at the Statue of Liberty and the Freedom Tower is an experience not to be missed. Yes, it was busy, a sunny Friday evening in NYC so I expected a wait, but the line moved swiftly. You cannot book ahead for a table, so have to be there in person (I personally respect that, and hope that other diners understand it, and don't hog tables) From the very charming gentleman at the gangplank, through every person we met on the boat, the service was swift, polite, and very understanding. We had a toddler, and a baby with us, and they were incredibly accommodating. The food was fresh, and delicious - great oysters, ceviche, and lobster rolls, pair that with some ice cold rose and you cannot go wrong. Love the place, will be back. The Good: service, service, service great food, nice wine selection they strictly limit the people aboard so there is space to breathe (this is no Frying Pan!) The Bad: (just factor this in - you'll be fine) it is popular so expect a wait

such a lovely place! like we say in spanish it is a little "cheto" and of course you better hope that someone else is paying for your drinks... but all in all a nice spot in tribeca! and you can see the beautiful sail boats around you

Tried to get here for Saturday lunch, but the wait was too long. So we booked for Monday evening. A beautiful evening on the water, and we tried every oyster they had. They ranged from delicious to fabulous and so fresh! The craft beers were great too and as the sun set and the buildings turned golden, my wife and I remarked that this place is hard to beat.

Amazing Ambiance: You really can't get much better than this. It's on a stunning wooden boat, strings of lights, and an unbeatable view. Small Portions: I really can't stress this enough!! The portions are so small you almost need to order 2 or 3 of some of their dishes. This is really more of an after dinner snacks and cocktail place. Do not come hungry!! Overpriced: I ordered the Ceviche (pictured), it was SO delicious, amazing flavor! But it was $16, and that was the entire thing. Bad Service: I made a reservation for 8:45 and we weren't seated until closer to 9:10. Our pre dinner oysters came a solid 20 minutes after dinner. When we were literally looking around wanting to pay the bill and leave (the restaurant was empty and closing at his point) our waitress forgot about us. I'd take off more stars but the ambiance really won me over. I'd come back for the atmosphere alone, but I definitely won't come hungry!

Excellent food, service and location. The oysters are delicious and the employees are very friendly. I recommend this place.

This was a great surprise. I saw them on a NY Tips Instagram page and went to their website to check it out. Thought it was be something different and fun to do with my husband during our stay in NYC. I wasn't wrong. It was a little bit tricky to find the place as there are a couple of restaurants on the same pier and the boat in anchored at the end of one of the piers. The place is amazing. We had a reservation, but got there late as we got lost (you must make a reservation as the place get really crowded), but the staff was very friendly and were able to give us a table. There were lots of people there at the bar for Happy Hour and many stay for dinner afterwards. We order 12 oysters, cevice, fries and burrata. The oysters were absolutelly amazing, and everything else was really good. We had to order 12 more oysters after as they were way too good. The view was fantastic and the whole experience was very amazing (food, service, ambiance, everything).

What a great staff. From making the reservations to stepping of the boat my experience is nothing less then 12 out of 10. Going to Great Banks with my mom was a very last minute decision and there was nothing available on resy. I called and got to speak to Veronica. Explaining how much i wanted for my mom to experience this place and how last minute these plans were, Veronica somehow arranged a spot for us and we had our reservations. As we arrived our server Stephany (absolutely the best) gave us the menu and made few suggestions which we followed. As i ordered a drink i asked if possible to make few changes/switches to my drink . Most places get annoyed or simply “decline “ to make changes, however the bartender brought out my drink and said “this is great! You are a trend setter” Be it or not, it made me feel great! The Manager, Beatrice, ( not our first encounter ) once again made us feel like we are the only guests at this place. Once we got our orders in we had two glasses of champagne ( on the house!!) to start our dinner. As we were waiting for our dishes Stephany noticed how uncomfortable my mom was (direct sun) she arranged a very beautiful spot on the boat. And then the food started to come. The oysters were so fresh, crudo-amazing! , the lobster roll (my favorite toasted buns, perfect lobster). Everything EVERYTHING we ordered, was great. I guess writing about experience at a restaurant my accent should be mostly on the food. But every single thing about this place made our experience amazing and unforgettable. Beautiful place, scenic views, (great for a first date, friends gathering,) an amazing crew, and of course great food. Thank you for making my moms day so unforgettable. Special huge thanks to Stephany, Beatrice, and Veronica.

Looked quite touristy but the palce was full of locals. Great food and fabulous views over the river and Downtown. Would go back

Where to start??? First, we ordered oysters because it's supposed to be their specialty: the size of each oyster was ridiculous, especially for the price, the taste was ok but nothing special. Then, we had the special platter where you have each of the dishes on the menu: the scallops were ok, well cooked, the lobster rolls were really nothing special. .For the price of the platter ( 100 dollars or so for 2) we were lucky enough to have some raw cauliflower :-) and a bit of salad...the desserts were fine but not memorable either. Not once in the evening were we impressed by the food.At this price, it's really outrageous. The cherry on the cake was the wine: I have never seen that. It is the house wine, no label on it, it is taken from the tap and they make you pay 60 dollars for it!!!!! By the time I saw it coming on the table, I was done, really. The waiters were playing it blase and were not even nice. Grands Banks is the quintessence of the New-York spirit: pay super high, unjustified prices for a really low value for money. I really regret booking there and my wallet even more! You are not even seated comfortably and the only highlight is the view, that you can enjoy for free on the benches, on the embankment.

What a stunning restaurant, with an even better backdrop, sat on the banks of the Hudson onboard the Sherman Zwicker schooner, lovely night, great service, my only tip is to get a seat overlooking the river not the pier, as the views are so much nicer.

We were a party of 3 on a Friday evening. You cannot make a reservation. We gave our name at the front and had a few very well conceived and executed cocktails in the bar area. About 40 minutes later, and 2 cocktails down, we inquired about the wait, which was still estimated to be another 30+ minutes. We were seated and had some yummy, if not extraordinary, food. Worth a visit for the unique atmosphere. Next time we'll stick with the bar as the food is quite expensive and nothing special.

There is nothing better than stepping onto a sailboat in NYC and getting to eat top notch food and have great drinks. This restaurant is a must if you are in NYC, and it is one of my favorite restaurants in the city - I wish it was open all year long. If you get a chance I recommend sitting at the oyster bar as well so you can see them shuck away at their fresh oysters. Come here as soon as the season opens back up!

One cocktail $27 and one beer $10. The cocktail was small and drink menu said it was made with absinthe. Since we sat in front of the bartender, oh I'm sorry mixolligist and watched him spray something on the ice cubes, one shot, with what a women would use to spray perfume with and yes it was the absinthe he sprayed. He explained it wasn't the dominant flavor. That being said my wife liked the drink. The beer was served in a thin glass no chill just plain glass which made the beer warm in no time. The view was great the boat rocked like we were out to sea, which as a boater i liked. Good for a drink and go unless you don't mind blowing a wad for lunch! if it wasn't so expensive we'd have stayed for lunch and more drinks.

Im a sucker for views and for adventures during the summer and this place gave me exactly that. Beautiful boat that you can dine and drink on with the Hudson River view with the Freedom Tower and moon looking at you while you eat/drink. Beautiful, I took many many pictures. I would go again.

Went with my best friend for her birthday to make her feel super special. Right on target! When we walked up to the ship, she was stunned and so excited for this birthday surprise. I echo annagrayevsky's review. Everything was spot on. Service, food, atmosphere, drinks, views. If you want to take someone out for a special occasion this is definitely it. The only caveat I'd add is that the bathrooms are below deck and not accessible for mobility impaired. Our meal consisted of the avocado toast, ricotta yogurt granola, 2 carafes of coffee, and a side of fries. My friend had two bloody marys. When informed we were celebrating a birthday, a complimentary mousse was brought out. Everything was just divine. Highly recommend Grand Banks for your special occasion. There's a small inside private dining room in a captain's area above board that would be super romantic to book. Looks like it seats 4.

Lovely afternoon on this boat with oysters and champagne. Great atmosphere, lovely oysters. We sat at the oyster bar where I was a little chilly due to the shade, the waiter brought me a blanket which was a lovely touch. Good service. Very enjoyable.

great place. food is ok. price is high. unfortunately the service is horrible.hostess at entrance were rude and ignorant, they told me to leave because the whole night was booked, but it wasn’t and i could book online. and when i showed up at time, i also had to wait. manners are not a thing at grand banks.

Made a lunch reservation here for my husband and kids. This place is definitely not little kid friendly. They are not able to adapt the menu much because many things are pre-made. Food was fabulous. We had oysters, ceviche, Arctic char, French fries, and come cocktails. All were excellent. Service could use a bit of improvement, but the manager was very attentive and I’m sure it will improve immediately. Fun location near an awesome playground, but probably not worth the long trip with kids on the subway from Times Square. Would be a beautiful date venue.

This restaurant was a real disappointment. We had a special celebration and I reserved a table weeks in advance and asked for a nice table wit a nice view. The table we got was not nice at all with no view at all and the service was super slow and unfriendly and for all that super expensive. Never would go there again.

We only had a drink and were served very nicely. The ambience and selection is exclusive and this is of course reflected in the prices. Rather expensive, but you pay for the view and the experience on the boat.

What an incredible dining experience. Located at Pier 25 on the Hudson River where you board a boat and are suddenly swift away to as if you're sitting at a restaurant in the Caribbean. Incredible views, great ambience and great food. Everything was top notched and one of those unique experiences here in Gotham City that I for one can't wait to experience again. A tad on the expensive side, but hey, this is NYC and every now and then you want to treat yourself. The oysters were to perfection and the lobster roll and scallops were incredible. Not an immense menu, but enough of selection to accompany fine wine and cocktail pairings. We spend over 2 hours there with great and friendly servers who took care of our every need. We arrived @ 430pm on a Tuesday afternoon, so it wasnt that crowded and the weather outside was perfect! Would definitely recommend and look forward to a return.

Located on Pier 25, we sat in the middle of the boat under a cover (For shade as very sunny). On a sunny day this is a great place for lunch, with views across the Hudson and view of the skyscrapers. The staff were friendly and efficient and there was great music playing (Caribbean inspired), we had drinks and ordered from the menu. The food was excellent.

First of all, go here early to catch a great sunset (and because you do not want to be on a boat if you've already been drinking elsewhere). Wind was up and water was a bit choppy and we had to quickly get our sea legs. But what a great concept. You are outside, on the deck of a schooner docked at Pier 25. There's a awning to block the sun. Service was good and very patient with our large group (though the hosts had strangely casual outfits that made them hard to see as staff). Oysters were great. Cocktail menu is limited (and no off-menu orders permitted) but tasty. We loved the snack of old bay spiced chips. This place is only open seasonally and even then only on nice days.

So you walk past mini-golf and beach volleyball and then arrive at the Sherman Zwicker, a hand-built 1942 salt bank fishing boat docked at Pier 25. No longer a fishing schooner, it's Grand Banks -- a unique bar and small plates restaurant. If you are lucky and/or plan ahead, there are some reservations you can make and we made our's via OpenTable for 10 p.m. Otherwise it's all walk-in and their website suggests the least busy hours are before 5 on weekdays and before 3 p.m. on weekends. Our reservation was for four people on a Monday night. A few hours before our arrival, I got a call from the restaurant telling us the year were slow and we can arrive earlier if we'd like, so we got there around 9 p.m., only to find their business had gotten busier so we had to waIt. It was acknowledged by the hostess and we were seated about 20 minutes later. Just a reminder -- this is a real boat and even though it isn't sailing away, it moves quite a lot. You for sure know it is on the water. If you are someone with mobility issues or prone to motion sickness this would be a challenging venue. Not surprisingly, tables and chairs are really crammed into the outdoor space. The chairs particularly are uncomfortable -- they are those flimsy slat cafe chairs that cut into the back of your legs. But these are the compromises one makes for the opportunity to hang out on the last original ship of its kind in existence and sip a lovely cocktail overlooking the skyline of Manahttan's financial district. In addition to some great drinks (mine was a concoction involving St. Germaine), our mission was a sweet bite as it as just after dinner we had elsewhere. There was one dessert option that night, and all four of us ordered it -- it involved strawberries and chunks of crisp gooey waffle wafers and it was phenomenal. All of the staff were very pleasant. Service was extremely slow, though. For the four of us to order and receive a cocktail each and then our desserts took about an hour and a half. After finishing these delightful items plus getting and paying the bill, we had been there over two hours at least. We had a nice time and we can appreciate a relaxed pace but this was less about being relaxed and more about the bar, servers and kitchen being overwhelmed. Nevertheless we would return to try some of the savory small plates and oysters, perhaps heeding the advice to arrive before the crowds. The menu features sustainable, wild-caught seafood and local produce. On a separate note, another really cool thing about this place is that it is in partnership with a not-for-profit foundation that supports maritime conservation, education, and preservation. So you can do some good while having a brag-worthy unusual NYC experience.

If trip advisor would let me give negative stars I would. The oysters are not good, would not recommend this place for food or service. If you want a drink on a boat go for it... nothing special.

You can spend very nice time at this restaurant/bar boat. Just choose the right sunny day but not too hot. Good service and food

Dinner for four at Pier 25. A fun night out for dinner on a boat called Grand Banks docked at the end of pier 25. The whole experience was quite nautical right down to the gentle rocking of the boat. The menu is quite limited....lobster roll, scallops, chowder (which they were out of)...etc. but the food is tasty and nicely presented. Apparently this venue is known for oysters which was probably the best part of the menu. The wine and adult beverage selection was limited as well and quite pedestrian. The decor is what one might expect from an average outdoor cafe. The highlight of the night was probably the service. Great job with a team approach. Erin made our evening when I asked him where the muscles were (referring to the absence of muscles on the menu) and he explained (in all seriousness) how he hadn't had a chance to work out for some time. In any event, it was a fun evening and a fun venue on a beautiful fall evening. If I lived in the area I would probably visit Grand Banks every now and then.

Great place by the water and away from the crowd! The boat is a nice way to escape the city life for a second! Location: It is located in Hudson River Park. The boat is overlooking Jersey. We parked on a metered parking and walked 5 minutes going to the boat. The boat is huge, and it was moving a bit which I feel like I was on a cruise. A lot of seatings and spaced out due to covid. Service: Check in process was great, she explained well the process due to covid, assisted us on our seats. The server was nice as well. The only thing I don’t like is that we are not yet finished on some of our food and one server took our empty plates already as if he was trying to get rid of us. I noticed he did that just to us and not the other tables. Food: Food was served on plates which I like cause due to covid most restaurants serve food with disposable plastics. CEVICHE: it was fresh and taste good, small for the price. LOBSTER MAC n CHEESE: cheezy and lot of lobster meat! The crumble on the top makes the texture better. FRENCH FRIES: freshly cut and seasoned well. LOBSTER ROLL: a must! Lot of lobster meat and the seasoning was on point, the bread is soft and delicious. The salad the came with it has very nice vinaigrette! WATERMELON SWIZZLE: non alcoholic drink, very refreshing! PERMANENT VACATION: the drink was great, resembles piña colada with a different kick! Price rating: 8/10, bit expensive but it is a great location and it is in the city. Definitely will come back here for the lobster roll! But most of the food are delicious and fresh!

The food and drinks were overly priced for what it’s worth and the service was atrocious. I ordered a drink whilst waiting for my friend to arrive – a small bottle of still mineral water. It was $6.53 which was inclusive of tax. However, when I received the bill, I found that this charge was automatically rounded up to $7.00! I’ve not heard of a bill being rounded up before. In addition, the bar had the audacity to suggest an 18% to 22% gratuity on top. I have no problem for paying a tip for good service, but this place was sub-standard was appalled by the unhygienic actions of the staff members. It was a glorious, sunny day and II was seated at the oyster bar. As the sun was beating down on this hot summer’s day, one of the staff shucking the oysters was wringing the sweat from his scarf by spinning it from both ends. I was in close proximity to him, and was sprayed with his sweat which went into my drink and into my food. It was disgusting. Luckily, I had nearly finished my drink and my friend had just finished her meal, otherwise would have made a complaint and requested a replacement. I can’t say that I will be frequenting is restaurant anytime soon. The only attraction was it’s scenic view by the pier on a sunny day. To be honest, I could have enjoyed the same scenic view from one of the nearly public benches at no cost and without any rounding up charges.

Grand Banks is a great New York City spot, with views across the harbor to New Jersey, down to the Statute of Liberty and of the Manhattan skyline. Relaxed atmosphere and unique venue. If you get sea sick, or do not like crowded seating and a busy bar, not for you. If you love boats and waterfront, this could be it for you.

The perfect place to end your day enjoying a drink (try their version of Americano!). The view can't be better, the ambient is super cool. Seems to be the place where many New Yorkers go to socialize after the office. Will come back every time when I'm in town.

This is a really brilliant chill out place. An old fishing boat that is permanently moored on Pier 25. We had some great oysters and scallops and were able to chill on cushions at the stern of the boat. Staff are friendly and the whole place is relaxed - perfect to while away a couple of hours (or more).

Cool concept for NYC, it's a sailboat without the sails ,tied to the dock and converted to a restaurant and bar. We opted for drinks and a snack as we are going to other places for happy hour. I recommend one of the bars there's two as of now the back bar or rather the one on the front of the boat is the only one that serves food as well as drinks we got a table which was also great but the view is not as good ,and definitely take advantage of the view. We ordered West Coast oysters we had about eight varieties to choose from between East and West the ones we ordered were absolutely delicious and ice cold. Drinks were fun, service was decent, if you get seasick I recommend staying on the dock because this boat was a rockin but so was our party.

Nice location, sunny day. I tried to order the salmon, it was out of stock. The rest was really not up to par food. Terrible service. The location alone is worth the lunch. Menu only on scan, but they don't have wifi. Kitchen not up to par.

I thought that NY rooftops are my favorite, but then I discovered Grand Banks. The view is breathtaking. It is such a cozy place. I had great experience here and recommend it for visiting. One more great place in the City of views.

A ship at Pier 25 on the Hudson River makes a great setting especially early evening. Oyster selection is good. Service was great. Steelhead dish is first rate.

We had lunch in Grand Banks on a beautiful late summer day. The sun was shining, the air was a bit cool, the atmosphere was quite... it was magic. You sit on this boat overlooking Downtown and the Statue of Liberty. We had such a beautiful lunch it was amazing. I liked all the details and the decoration. Highly recommend it!

The food was amazing! This little place is gorgeous! Not only is there a view of the water, you’re even on a boat which just adds to the idea of a seafood restaurant. Definitely a meal to remember.

We had drinks on this boat and it was delightful experience. Not only were the drinks good, the location was vacation- like, and a service was very friendly. Made a great midday stop! Reservations would be advised

A friend told us about this place and we are so glad we came! (The amazing weather helped!) Views were class. Cocktails were great. Super friendly staff. We didnt eat but the food looked amazing. We will be back .

Really enjoyed our visit to this lovely old vessel moored on Pier 25. Staff attentive and pleasant, food imaginative and delicious, we had the $100 sharing menu and were very happy plus a couple of cocktails that made us even happier. The Menu is not outstanding but most enjoyable. We liked the authenticity of the schooner and if you are looking for plush seating this may not be for you. In good weather and a view of the statue of liberty this is a great place to eat and drink. Thank you

Beautiful day. Lovely way to be in Manhattan Direct view of Statue of Liberty. Good food and drink. Cheerful service and playful customers. Kudos to restaurant for use of recyclable metal straws!!

food nice, good vibes, great location, it is exceptional place and we highly recommend it to the tourist.

We had a fabulous time at Grand Banks. We had reservations for eight on a Saturday afternoon. Waited about 15 minutes to be seated. Took advantage by trying one of the tasty cocktails at the bar. Our waiter was friendly and efficient. The oysters were some of the best I've had. The other food was delicious and well prepared. Prices ARE high but where else can you dine on a beautifully restored schooner in NYC with distant views of Lady Liberty? Can't wait to go back.

Grand Banks was the highlight of our trip! Great weather, nice selection of cocktails and beer/wine and an all around cool atmosphere. Get here before they close up for the winter (October); or when they reopen next June.

Great location, fairly good food and drinks, but … We come here regularly and the service is maximal medium. All three courses were served at the same time (oysters, appetizers, mains) - and this happened the 3rd time now. It’s a pity, otherwise this would be top of the list !!

Love the cocktails and vibe on this sailboat. Tip, they don't mix drinks at this place it's all pre set, so if you only like your cocktail a certain way, order wine or champagne. You will love the views and the people are gorgeous. Outstanding place, we would return in a heartbeat. Keep in mind this isn't the spot for you if you get seasick easily.

Overall the staff is doing a pretty good job on a sailboat on Pier 25- the service generally slow, but we found that our waiter was helpful in moving us from a table to the second bar. The boat is crowded, as you can imagine, but the best way to enjoy the experience is to go to the second bar that serves oysters and drinks.Go with a friend, but not a large group. Oysters are fresh and delicious- west coast tasted the best! Kusshi As far as lunch is concerned, the lobster roll is $30 and the HOT menu item. I had sea scallops, which were very good w/jalapeno slices on top served with orzo, but I would not go back for lunch, I'd only go for oysters and drinks. The tables/chairs are metal and uncomfortable rocking back and forth on a boat. The breeze was extremely comfortable and going on a overcast day was a great choice!

had the perfect sunny day to enjoy this place. The menu is limited but the dishes we ordered were excellent , but the bar is limited. They are fixed menu for drinks and don't make alterations The service was good and made for a pleasant afternoon meal

The weather was nice and GB looked like a perfect place for an afternoon snack. You need to order food even if you sit at the bar, especially during peak hours. Their beers average 9$ and mixed drinks 15$ and higher. Not sure I liked my strawberry mix, it was unremarkable, however, the food was very good. I tried soft-shell crab and was pleasantly surprised with the portion, prep and presentation. I also enjoyed oysters, which are always freshly shucked at the bar. Your best bet would be a bottle of wine and a few oysters. So enjoy nice breeze and gentle rocking of the historic ship. Very romantic but can be noisy at times.

At the right time of year and with good weather, Grand Banks is to die for! Gentle rocking of the boat on the water (docked always), great views, and excellent appetizers. Aperol Spritz and other cocktails, oysters (if you like them), and ceviche. Did not try entrees as it started to rain. Will go back for that!

The ambiance and the reviews did not meet my expectations. The drinks were outrageously expensive and the food average. We were a party of four for brunch. One drink each, french toast for 2 persons and one dozen oysters. Our bill was over $200.00.

What a nice escape for a night in Manhattan. Beautiful setting, great views, excellent oysters and the scallops and ceviche were amazing. Alex, our bartender, was so attentive and helpful. Definitely recommend. We went on a Tues night, had a reservation but chose to sit at the bar because there were seats.

This place is amazing: beautiful wooden schooner with views of downtown Manhattan, Statue of Liberty and the Hudson. We came for brunch; had a reservation but it wasn't busy when we arrived. By the time we left it was packed and over an hour wait. If possible, get a table on the water side so you have a better view. Our server was very friendly and attentive. The food and drinks were delicious. It was a little expensive, but well worth it for the ambiance! Portions were filling for us - had oysters, fries, avocado toast, and eggs, grits, sausage. Cocktails we ordered were Skipper Key, Diplomat, and the Cocktail of the Day which were strong but tasty.

This restaurant is built on a large ship. There is a circular bar and table seating. The service is very attentive and helpful. Food is great! They have unique cocktails which I highly recommend. A great spot for dinner on the Hudson River!

Excellent service from Vince and the crew, food excellent and the views are amazing. Spent a great 4 hours at the Oyster Bar, our own table and the drinks bar.

Lovely date with my husband watching the sunset at the Hudson river sipping some wine and enjoying excellent oysters, definitely a must while you are in Manhattan.

Great place to grab some oysters. It's great place if you are an oyster fan. They are on the boat so you have full experience including swings of the boat. They require deposit for the reservation but you can cancel it with 24 notice and get refund. Not much for meat lovers but hey... That's not the point. Oysters are the point :) I plan to go there again.

Had my 40th Birthday dinner and it was amazing. Staff were great and the food was so awesome!! We went during sunset and it definitely was a one of the highlights of our trip! Loved the boat - great atmosphere!! Definitely will be coming back!!

Really appreciated reviewers’ comments on timing. We had a wonderfully paced lunch. We managed timing by only initially ordering cocktails and oysters. Then ordering our meals later on. Our server Sam was really polished and knowledgeable. We loved everything we had - oysters, seared scallops, and trout. The creative cocktail menu was fun. And yes, the meal was on the pricey side but we were paying for an absolutely amazing experience. Can’t wait to go back again.

An exceptional place, with amazing views. It is not just a boat docked at the pier, it is a state of mind. Good aperitif, good cocktails. Fair price for the New York average and location.

Grand banks is one of those rare places in nyc where you truly have the feeling to get out of town even though you're still in Manhattan. This is a perfect spot for a sunset drink and their cocktails are great. However, it is often really crowded and they do not take reservations. Thus, it's worth to be there early. They also serve oysters on the deck; it's not worth it though (very expensive for a below expectations quality). However, we don't comer over the Grand banks for the food, but for the stunning view.

Disappointing and expensive. Yes, it’s cool to be on a boat, but keep in mind that boats rock, even if they are tied up at the pier. The good was the service was nice. The bad, is that it’s expensive for what you get. Example, if you order a Coca-Cola, expect to pay $6 for it, and $6 for each refill (which they don’t tell you). Lobster roll was good, but for $29, I would have expected more. Also, pretty crowded.

Great experience, wonderful location, super food. The setting on the Hudson is beautiful especially on a warm sunny day. The menu is pretty much seafood orientated but really well presented. Staff friendly and helpful. We went in the afternoon but apparently watching the sun go down in the evening is magical. You can't book so best to get there just before it opens (3pm weekdays)

Was told about this place when we were hungry for Lobsterrolls. So good and nice environment..on a boat. Friendly staff. However, very expensive.

Went there for dinner, waited 15 minutes to step on the boat and another hour to actually sit at a table....the food was tasty but the plates are extra small....expensive drinks and food...too bad for the views...

Went there the night of 9/11 first of all, it was such a beautiful night. The bartenders were fantastic as were the drinks and atmosphere. Will def go again

First I just want to say that the location is perfect. Over looks water and views of downtown New York. You can even see a view of the Statue of Liberty. The restaurant is actually on a stationed boat you can feel rock back and forth. I loved the décor and loved the feel. I did not love how small the lobster roll was however. I felt that for $27.00 I should have gotten more than some cape cod chips and a teenager roll sized lobster roll. Kind of disappointed in that especially because it was not amazing. What was amazing was the oysters even though its $3 for one. We bought 8. I would actually purchase more of them over that lobster roll. That is the only reason I did not give this place a 5/5. I DO recommend dining here at least once and taking in this beautiful view. It was a great night. I will return.

The concierge at The Roxy Hotel recommended this restaurant for us. It is an extremely nice boat and in a great location on the Hudson. The menu is small, due to the constraints of the kitchen, but very tasty. Eating the oysters while sipping Rose wine on the Hudson amongst lovely young people was divine. The service was very good, but make sure to bring along a cap, or hat and sunblock because there is no shade on the tables. I told the staff they should merchandise "Grand Banks" caps on board?

If you can get a reservation on OpenTable, definitely make one! It gets very busy here after work. We were a party of 6 and some of our group was lagging behind, and the hostess wouldn't seat us until everyone arrived. I understand that this is a common policy, but it was 4PM on a Tuesday, and pretty much all of the tables were completely open. We had to just stand there until everyone showed up. If they had let us sit right away, we would've started ordering drinks and spent more money! Otherwise, this is a great spot, and definitely worth checking out on a warm summer evening.

We had Saturday morning brunch here and really enjoyed it. The view is beautiful - the Statue of Liberty is in the background. I had the caviar hash browns and a Bloody Mary - both of which were delicious. I was surprised that the caviar hash browns were relatively inexpensive ($21) and packed with flavor. My husband had the lobster roll which is one of their specialties and really enjoyed it - there were huge chunks of lobster. It’s a little tricky finding it - but worth the stop!

For a great fun late afternoon/evening event in New York City - Grand Banks, a sailing ship moored at Pier 25 along the Hudson River... Celebrating my wife's birthday! Being on the water is fabulous and the evening is just the perfect time! Nice wines and champagne. The oysters were decent; that said, the food overall could be improved - well, you'd have a absolutely wonderful time! We had lobster rolls, burrata, soft shell crab and french fries. But you don't go for the food, go to enjoy the evening and the experience!

Went for lunch here on Saturday around 1 pm with my brother Gene and my dog Fiona. We got a table right away, and ordered a bottle of Rose. The views of the Statute of Liberty and New Jersey skyline were quite stunning. Also, enjoyed viewing a sailboat race happening. The wait staff were wonderful, and we ordered oysters, lobster rolls and an order of truffle infused French fries. Most attractive group of people, got more crowded as day wore on. Everything we ordered was delicious, topping our lunch off with a shared chocolate mousse. Truly a sublime time was had by all (including Fiona who ate many fries) So much fun to be aboard a sailboat on a beautiful day without leaving town

Unique experience in the city...a must do on a sunny day. Great place for an afternoon /evening cocktail..and the food is good too. Lobster roll was fantastic! Would make reservations to ensure to don't have to wait long.

Went to the Grand Banks after a show had a 1015 reservation which they kept. We had a table for 2...FYI- you need to go 1/2 through the ship to get to the host. Got a few cocktails they were pretty good $ 15-16 dollars a pop but its the city so sought of expected. They have a small menu the food overall tasted pretty good but the portions were small and expensive. The boat gets quite crowded and this is where they fall short, I will pay city prices for food and drinks but I expect service ....waiting at a table 10-15 minutes before your waiter greets you is a bit to long, and the times you them throughout the night are widely spread apart so if your drinking order smartly. It was an experience but I am not sure we'll be back.

I booked a reservation for my birthday and am delighted that I did. Although my request for a table for two near the front of the boat was initially lost, Katherine and Ashely, the hostesses, ensured that it was accommodated, setting a positive tone for the evening. The restaurant offered breathtaking views and delectable options, but what truly stood out was the exceptional service, which I would rate as five-star. Our server, Tansu, made the experience truly memorable. I would highly recommend Grand Banks and definitely plan to return, drawn by its unique ambiance and outstanding cocktails and cuisine.

Nice place for an afternoon drinks with friends. Bar service with elbow room for standing and limited seating. This boat has a lovely view of the Statue of Liberty.

Idyllic setting. Buoyant crowd. Rocking boat, literally. The Grand Banks is great theatre for drinks and living the boating life. From oysters to drinks, they're all served on a boat gently rocking on the waves of the Hudson River at Pier 25. Feels like a party and it is, the best kind of party. If you looking for the ultimate place to chill out the Grand Banks is your destination. Fresh food, great drinks and one the best atmospheres in New York.

Stunning boat! Fabulous oysters menu... Rest of the menu was a bit lean... Very friendly oyster shucker, but the rest of the staff were a little lack lustre.... Awesome view of the harbour, although the regular ferries kept a regular swell going..... Recommend for. Beautiful summer day anyway though!!!

It was our last day in NYC and the USA for that matter. We (wife and I) had to make our last day count and a friend (thank you Sandra) recommended that we go to Grand Banks as it was the opening day of their season (Grand Banks is closed during winter). So, not knowing what to expect we decided to check out the recommendation... best idea ever! On the day that we visited Grand Banks only drinks were being served, because the restaurant was not open yet. A huge plus was the fact that all drinks were free because it was ‘opening day’. They serve an array of drinks but we only indulged in the stunning craft beers and cocktails. Another huge plus is that you won’t feel bad for getting tipsy, because everyone is swaying on the boat so everyone seems a little off balance. Besides an insanely cool setting where you are enjoying drinks on an wooden ship in Manhattan with super beautiful people you also have amazing views to look forward (and left and right) to. The entire setting is just amazing. The crew were friendly and the bathrooms were super neat. They had the perfect classic tunes to enhance the already nostalgic atmosphere brought on by this old wooden lady. Be prepared for whatever weather conditions prevail as you will be mostly exposed to the elements on the deck of this ship. Also, as you are close to water it can become chilly when its windy. I WILL be returning in future.

We unexpectantly found this spot while walking around the Hudson River Park, and wow! We are sailing people, so when we came across this bar / restaurant old sailing ship docked to the pier we immediately requested permission to come on board! sitting on the ship at the on deck bar, rocking gently on the waters of the Hudson, sipping a cocktail and enjoying the amazing view was the highlight of our trip. A not to miss spot that is still not know to many of my NYC friends!

Wonderful experience- great ambiance on the ship and the food and drinks were great!! Will definitely be coming back when back in NYC! Very busy, but worth the wait!

You cannot fault the view, the staff nor the lovely sailing ship that serves as the basis for this establishment but management needs to reconsider the prices charged. 3 small drinks, a cocktail and beer excluding tips $80!! All you need is lots of money and sunshine and you got a lovely day out.

Watching the sun setting on The Hoboken and jersey skyline on a docked sailing ship,close to One world. having a drink at the bar or sitting at a table for dinner.a small,fish based menu with a wide choice of oysters. Overall,one of the best things to do in nyc.

So much fun to eat on the boat. It was quite comfortable despite a scorchingly hot day. Food was great - we started with a selection of sweet, juicy oysters then cold Maine lobster rolls with fries. Highly recommend! Make sure to allow time to get out to the boat. It’s a hike! Quickest route is to cut through the playground at pier 25.

After waiting for 30 minutes we were let in the boat for drinks, 10 minutes later when my wife arrived, a very rude guy name Renee at the door asked her to wait on the line to join us. I am a hospitality consultant and have seen quite a few places going under because of rude employees not fit for dealing with people. I feel bad for the owner who invested money and worked hard to create a beautiful place.

Went on the ship for a private party and loved it! The atmosphere was perfect with the World Trade Center as the background on one side and the New Jersey shore on the other. Great date location, dinner venue or fun night out with friends. Just remember to take a motion sickness pill if you're susceptible to motion upset because it is a boat in the Hudson. So glad I got to try this out.

A beautiful day in NYC brought us to the water. It was hot but on the boat there was a lovely breeze so we were very comfortable. The boat is on pier 25 by a lovely park with a playground and volley ball courts. This is a great place to hang out and watch the activity on the Hudson over looking New Jersey. You can also see the freedom tower from the boat and the Statue of Liberty. It is quite a lovely setting. Lunching on a Friday afternoon we were seated immediately. The server was friendly and attentive. We had the lobster rolls and octopus. The lobster rolls were yummy but pricey. We did not get the oysters which they are know for because of some bad experiences at other places. There was a lot of activity on the Hudson so the boat did sway while we ate. Although expensive we had a great experience.

This was a fantastic place for my and mine girlfriend's anniversary. Ella, our server, was wonderful. She was fun and attentive and gave great suggestions. The food was spectacular. The oysters some of the best I've ever had and sea scallops were buttery perfection. The drinks are strong and well-mixed. The environment on the boat really what made the experience special. You can easily spend a couple on the boat just enjoying the views and weather. Albeit pricy, the experience is worth it.

What a hoot. On a boat, tied to the end of the dock on Pier 25. Great oysters, east and west coast well represented. Wine, Martini's served in stemless wine glasses, of course, you are on a boat. Lots of fun. Oysters, soft shell crabs, nice service, great views, and beautiful weather. What is not to like. This is a treasure for the city. Also, you pass a mini-golf course, sand volleyball and some kind of soccer area. Lots of fun and well thought out. The restaurant has a great bar scene as well.

Nice setting on a boat with a great view in the City. Grand Banks offers a variety of oysters and the fish is extremely fresh. It's a perfect place for brunch on the weekend...without a long drive to the beaches of LI or the Jersey shore.

Oysters, soft shell crab and lobster roll Scenic, serene, scrumptious And lovely service too! This is a unique NYC spot!

Terrible experience. I mean, the location / view / being on a boat is always very special, but how you can excuse waiting for 1 hour 1/2 (yes) for just two dishes, then another 30mn for the French fries we had initially ordered too, which were brought together with the chocolate cake. What’s going on in your kitchen ? And since the prices are very high, it’s not excusable. Won’t be back and will do talk to everyone around me about this bad experience unless someone calls me, pays me back for the bill and gives me an explanation.

If you're looking for a Fun Place on a sunny day you've come to the right place! A cool boat that's docked on Tribeca's Pier 25 that has an oyster bar and a regular bar..and lots of seating!! Great selection of oysters..cocktails, wines, and the lobster roll is to die for!!! It couldn't be more festive..and great music..with a little boat dog..that is too cute! Sometime good and different..and fun with friends...plus you're on the water!

We had a Saturday afternoon lunch on the boat with 2 nine year olds. They couldn't believe we could eat lunch while staring at the statue of liberty! We tried 3 kinds of oysters supplemented with crazy good french fries with seaweed salt. Wow. Then...the ceviche stole the show. It was absolutely perfect. It is an expensive place, we didn't come to be filled up, we came for the experience. On the flight home from NY, my kids both said it was the best thing they did on the trip (and yes, we did go to FAO Schwarz!)

My recent experience at Grand Banks, located aboard the Sherman Zwicker schooner docked at Pier 25 in Tribeca, was a mix of highs and severe lows. We chose Grand Banks to celebrate my birthday, and the evening started with promise. We were seated at a prime table, a step above most options, and the ambiance was perfect for a festive celebration. However, the night took a turn for the worse when I went to the bathroom. As I stepped out, I expected a set of steps but was met with a gap between the bathroom floor and the dark passage. With no warning signs in sight, I fell hard and twisted my ankle. Despite the bustling crew members running back and forth with food trays, no one paused to check if I was okay. I had to pull myself up and painfully limp back to our table. When the manager finally arrived, she focused on documenting what happened rather than offering immediate help. Instead of providing any genuine concern or assistance, she asked if I needed to go to the hospital. Thankfully, my daughter, who is a nurse, assured me it was a sprain, and I opted for an ice pack instead of a hospital visit. Determined not to let the incident ruin the evening, we tried to continue our celebration. However, soon after, we were abruptly asked to settle our bill and leave. The manager insisted that our reservation confirmation email stated a limited time for our party, but when I showed her the email, it mentioned no such restriction. Despite this, she continued to pressure us to leave. This unfortunate series of events left us deeply disappointed. What started as a promising birthday celebration turned into a painful and upsetting experience. The lack of concern from the staff and the manager's insistence on us leaving early was disheartening. I would not return to Grand Banks and cannot recommend it to others. The beautiful setting cannot make up for the poor service and lack of basic safety measures.

This is what most New Yorkers love indulging in. Drinks on the schooner as you overlook the jetty and see the New Jersey skyline. We stopped there for a sunset drink and sat on the round bar at the centre and had some cool cocktails. The bartender is so friendly, he will even give you a tip or two. They have some very sublime cocktails, and a menu with some interesting bites. The prices are on the higher side, but the vibe is mellow, the sunset and cool wind makes it even more mellow, and a whisky on the rocks is just what makes this perfect. And you can even joint fellow New Yorkers as they guffaw away. A must-do.

The evening view is so nice from the boat. We had a lobster roll and the lobster mac. Both were very good and fresh. The hostess was hard to deal with even though I had reservations. She did not want us to sit where we wanted to sit. The waitress was nice to make up for it though. Cute for small food and drinks for adults. Expensive.

I recently went to this little restaurant on a boat with a couple friends. We made the reservation for 2, but showed up with 3 people. They were super strict about the reservation but were willing to accommodate us (although begrudgingly). After we were seated at the bar, we ordered cocktails and oysters and fries. They were backed up so food took a while, but the cocktails were strong and delicious and the oysters were soooo good! Also, the servers were great - friendly and just fun. It was all a little expensive, but a fun experience to do once in a while on a sunny day to feel like you aren't in the city anymore.

What a great surprise. We usually dine uptown or in midtown, but this experience was great! It was a hot day so dining on a boat sounded like a good idea. Not only was it a unique experience to be on the river and close to the harbor, but the staff was great and the food was excellent. The menu is mostly seafood, as one would expect, and the menu is fairly limited. By the way, if you get motion / sea sickness... not for you. Other than that, all good!

Great place for drinks with friends, fabulous view of the skyline and a chilled out vibe. May have to queue but well worth the wait

restaurant is on a schooner on the hudson, so it moves like the ship it is which is quite charming. Service on a not-so-warm night (not crowded) was below average, oysters were great, bubbly was ok as well. If you want to experience a bar atmosphere on the hudson = great, but expect to pay extra just for the location.

My wife and I arrived around 430pm on a Friday afternoon, as we approached the vessel, there was a small line to go on board. Many of the clientele were from the financial institutions down in Lower Manhattan. We got to sit at the make shift bar towards the stern, though it was a little cramped, it was away from those standing at the main bar. Though they seemed to have a full bar, you can only order cocktails from their menu, i.e. wanted a Dark & Stormy, but didn't have the ingredients, strange. Settled with their draft beer, while my wife had something similar to a Pim's Cup. The weather was rough as the Hudson River was showing rough seas in the harbor, so we all swayed back n forth during our time. Thought the sun was out and quite warm, it was a ice change from the past weeks weather. We shared several kinds of oysters and their version of a ceviche', though tasty, was quite a small portion. Our Server cannot remember his name thanked us for visiting and told us he enjoyed serving us. Which I felt was nice to hear, coming from working in the hospitality business myself. So if you go, go early enough to beat the crowds and take your Dramamine.

You're on a boat! No but seriously, I don't think there's a better place to pop in for a drink and a view of the sunset this summer. This place is really something else. It transport you to another place, makes you feel like you're on a vacation maybe to Martha's Vineyard or Cape Cod. It's definitely a fantastic place to grab a drink or dinner with friends if you're looking for something new and different to do. The drawback of course is that everyone know it and those who don't will soon! So chances are if you don't nab a reservation (and those are hard to come by) you'll be waiting for a while. I was there this past Saturday and had to stand in line for 45min just to get to the bar. I felt like I was 15 (ps. I am not). Once we were in we snagged a few seats and had a refreshing glass of rose and here comes downside #2, like a lot of Ny places, the bar tenders are stingy with their pour and the prices are hefty. So be prepared to spend $15 a glass which you'll find yourself sipping on lightly. A better alternative is one of the inventive cocktails on the drink menu. About an hour and a half later we got a table and sat down for dinner. Do not expect a lot of options here, it is pretty limited but then again you're on a boat what do you expect? We had the oysters just to cement that Martha's vibe, and lobster rolls which were nothing to write home about. Our bill was definitely not inexpensive, so downside #3 is you must be prepared to pay mid-range prices for just OK food. But did I tell you how cool the boat is and how gorgeous the sunset? Seriously I think it's worth it, not to mention the scene is lively and fun. It definitely makes for a great summer night!

My husband and I had a lovely dining experience right from the friendly greeting from the hostess, to our table facing out over the water, to our sweet & friendly waitress. The drinks were delicious and the food was great! The setting of the beautiful boat was amazing and we were lucky enough to have a beautiful evening sunset. One suggestion is to better space out the order- we ordered 3 apps and 2 mains which basically came out at the same time which barely fit on the small square table. Besides that all great!

Grand Banks is on a docked schooner which is cool. The line to get in not so cool. And once we had "boarded" we were not happy to find out that we had wait in another line to get a drink, lobster roll and oysters! But Chloe took care of us. She negotiated a seat at the bar and tada - we had it all food, wine, 7up (for our underage drinker) and a view that will knock off your socks! Service is not dead in NYC you just need to look for the Chloe's of the world - Thanks Chloe!

Sitting on a moored yacht at Pier 25 overlooking the harbour with a view of the Statue of Liberty and New Jersey skyline is outstanding. The oyster bar is ideal as is the cerviche of scallop. Go at sunset and grab a seafood chowder with fries.

Eating on this boat and having drinks you feel your on vacation. However, the chairs are very uncomfortable and I have been a few times and tried to sit at different locations on this boat. Yes, the food is expensive but your paying for the experience.

This place has the most astonishing waterfront view of the NYC. Good selection of oysters.The cocktails were delicious too. The service is as expected for such bars. We visited the onboard exhibition that explore the history and artifacts of maritime. It was awesome!

The good thing about this is the view and atmosphere - you are basically on a boat! I suggest to go there for drinks (if you don't get sea sick) as the food menu is not that elaborated. Cocktails are pricey (around 15$). Food is ok, I had lobster rolls, the lobster was tasty but the rolls looked like supermarket rolls. Atmosphere and music are super good and that's a good experience to live before partying or for a date!

We celebrated our wedding anniversary aboard the historic Sherman Zwicker schooner at Pier 25, NYC. It was a most delightful day. We drove 40 miles from a bit upstate and parked at an ICON garage right nearby. Easy drive and such convenient parking. Lovely area to walk around before and or after dinner. The wait staff was so friendly and accommodating and we loved the festive music. I had the seared scallops with delicious vegetables and they were perfection, my husband had the soft shell crabs which he loved. We each had a refreshing drink consisting of watermelon, lemon and mint that hit the spot. The views are spectacular, not to be missed. The schooner itself is very nice and comfortable, we sat in a shaded area which we preferred. There are many tables in the sun if one prefers that, also. There is a busy oyster bar with raw fish available. Their website and communication is the best I have encountered, really was impressed. I suggest making reservations to be assured of seating at one's desired time. I highly recommend this restaurant and we will be back. I would like to mention New York Kopp who is a licensed NYC tour guide and blogger had shown a video of Grand Banks on Facebook and that is where we learned of this most wonderful historic restaurant. He is on Instagram, also.

Grand Banks takes you on a standby voyage by design that will inspire you to try their awesome oysters! The food is delightful and menu is superb. Allow Captain Blake to navigate you through what I call the " Oysters of the Seas" Menu Selection! Job Well Done Captain Blake!!

great for a light dinner and great drinks. I love to chuck fresh oysters on the water and have good seafood. Beautiful view on the Hudson, Lady Liberty in the distance and New Jersey, a light breeze and good service. Great way to enjoy Manhattan.

There is so much to do in NYC with so many places to have a meal. We made reservations for 3:00 pm on Saturday April 20th. Was a busy place as we were sat down at our table. What a setting, what GREAT FOOD. Service was efficient. The menu is not overly burdened with choices, which I like. We had scallops, of which were delicious! Lobster roll, fries, salad, some caviar along with some oysters.

This restaurant, in a schooner at Pier 25, offers not only a great view of downtown Manhattan and the Hudson but a lively crowd and excellent food. The menu is largely based on seafood, and the flavours of the dishes and accompaniments are very delicately elicited without being at all fussy. Service is excellent, and really well organised in cramped, busy but delightful surroundings.

Disappointing experience despite excellent fairly priced oysters, uniaue location and busy bar scene. Limited appetizer & main menu was overpriced relative to portion size. Main dishes were good, not great. Surprised after we had finished our mains but not ordered dessert or coffee a hostess came to the table to tell us the next party assigned to our table had arrived and could we hurry things along, despite our waiting 15 minutes after our 7pm reservation time for the table. (having dined in great restaurants around the world this was a first) Eventually a manager apologized for that after we sorted out some dessert confusion not the servers fault. Overall a disappointing almost $600+ dinner for 4.

Had a beautiful dinner here. We had reservations so no trouble to get a table. The view was unreal and the weather was perfect. Good selection of oysters, we sampled them all. I had the lobster roll which wasn’t traditional but still good. The boat was really bumpy so probably not good if you get seasick. Also even though we spent plenty of money, we both left hungry.

I really liked this place and would definitely recommend it..if you don't mind the wait. I made a reservation (of course it was late at 8:45pm, but I was coming from CA so it was fine) and didn't have to wait in the line that had formed on the pier. It is mostly a "walk up" restaurant. It's crowded, but the ambience and location on the water are worth it. The boat rocks a bit, but that just adds to the charm. We were there at sunset and it was stunning. I really enjoyed my lobster roll and New Bay spiced potato chips. The addition of cucumber slices on the lobster roll was refreshing. My kids had some oysters...I'm not a fan...but they said they were delish!

This was unique. It's a boat that's docked on the pier and it's converted to a bar. I had a few glasses of wine and enjoyed the spectacular view of the Hudson. Everyone on the boat is young and good-looking and thin. I pondered why I didn't move to NYC in my youth. If you get sea sick, this boat isn't for you, as it rocks in the water. I <3 NY

Nestled at the far end of a pier, you might no realize that the gorgeous white boat with flowing yellow and white stripped awnings is a restaurant. For the two hours that my friends and I celebrated a birthday, we forgot that we were docked off of a pier in TriBeCa. The gentle rocking of the gorgeous anchored schooner will lull the harsh concrete jungle madness right out of you, and will transport you to a quieter, stress free environment where delicious cocktails and food await. Perhaps a bit pricy for our usual standards, it was a wonderful splurge, and they even comped my friend's birthday desserts. Our serve was wonderfully attentive and took excellent care of us. Highlights had to be the burrata salad, which I had, and the lobster roll, which the birthday boy and another friend had. I'm not one for lobster personally, but even I could appreciate the mound of lobster packed in to the perfectly toasted hot dog bun. You for sure got your money's worth with that roll, unlike other lobster roll meccas in the city which are even more expensive and deliver half of the meat they did today. An extensive cocktail menu ensures something for everyone's taste, and for the price they do not skimp on the alcohol. One delicious Kio Kio and I knew I needed to eat something before enjoying another. If you have some extra change and are looking for a funky meal getaway without the tourist hubbub and happy hour racket of The Frying Pan, boogie on down the Hudson to Pier 25 and feel the stress melt off of you.

I visited here on a Friday at 2pm and still waited 45 mins for a table. They have a good app so you can check your wait time and it's pretty accurate. The bar is nice to wait at so you don't need to go far. Good was fresh and tasty. Not an extensive menu and smallish portions. I had soft shell grab rolls but the oysters looked great. Good place to take out of town guests.

We had a reservation for this place. When we showed up they didn't have seats available, understandable. BUT, they seated a walk-in (no reservation) group before us! When we were finally sitting we placed our order, but they brought the order for a group who sat down and ordered after us!

Dropped by on my last day in NYC on a Sunday afternoon with my boyfriend. Although they do not accept reservations, there were no issues getting seats (we were offered a table, but decided to sit at the bar where they shuck the oysters). Service was excellent and timely, both our server and the oyster shuckers were very friendly and had good knowledge of the different oysters they offer and were happy to make recommendations. Our server also provided good recommendations for which sparkling wine to pair with the oysters. I tried 1 of each of the oysters they had available - they are served with sides of fresh lemon, 2 types of mignonette and house made cocktail sauce. Very clean shucks and very fresh, all delicious. Also tried the lobster roll - amazing! My vegetarian boyfriend didn't have any problems ordering despite not eating seafood, he had the french toast as well as the yogurt and granola which were both delicious. Beautiful view of the water and you can also see the Statue of Liberty in the distance! Will definitely be back!

Super cool location on a docked boat at Pier 25 on the Hudson River Park - raw bar is INSANE and super fresh - and the view is super good!! Drawbacks: cramped and slow service and all that fresh seafood leaves an aroma, lol. Good experience - best for drinks and some oysters then go somewhere not so fishy for dinner

Your cool factor sky rockets while having cocktails and oysters beneath a yellow striped awning floating yact in the Hudson. Yummy scallops will be remembered as a favorite for years to come.

What?! Pricing is insane even for NY. Portions are very small, ceviche is a joke—tasty but way so small. It’s a cool atmosphere being on a boat but don’t come here for dinner, it’s insane,. Maybe come by for a drink or two but wow, this place is overpriced.

New York is full of great reastaurants and there are many views from which to choose but we found both in Tribeca on Pier 25. This docked wooden schooner offers a view of the New York Harbor, Statue of Liberty and the Freedom Tower. It also has a good selection of oysters and the ones we chose were fresh and excellent. We went for lunch - there were no reservations open for dinner while we were in New York . The cerviche was excellent and so was the lobster roll. The presentations was perfect and the service was spot on. It was an expensive lunch but thoroughly enjoyable!

Amazing experience! Great oyster selection, acceptable beer and wine menu. The ambiance is the reason to hit up this spot. Just beware of the steep steps to the bathroom if you drink too much.

Hit the river this holiday weekend for some day drinking and oysters with friends. Loved the boat itself. The views were lovely. The music was a bit loud for my taste. The oysters were good, but overpriced - averaged at $3 per. The menu was very small and made it difficult to fill our party's bellies sufficiently to keep the drinks pouring. Also, one in our party asked for a Bloody Mary - pretty standard fare for oysters - but was informed that the bar only supplied what was on the menu, and Bloody Mary's were not. Strange. It was a full bar. How hard is it to make a Bloody Mary? Anyhow, we ended up going to a second location nearby to get food as most were still very hungry by the time we were considering another round of drinks. There's potential here, but for now, it was overpriced and not accommodating to pretty typical requests.

This has got to be one of the coolest dining experiences ever. We sat at the oyster bar & had amazing cocktails, avocado toast was so good and oysters were dynamite. Staff goes above and beyond. We were very pleased with our experience here & will be back soon! Tip: They do not have bloody Mary's which was surprising to me. Add that & this place would be perfect!!

My parents and I have been to this bar/restaurant to scape from all those tourist attractions full of people on a hot autumn day. We just had a beer here at the end of the afternoon because we got a little seasick, but this is one of the most interesting places to visit in NYC to get in touch with the local culture and have a nice drink. They also serve meals. I'll definitely go back if I ever return to NY. And next time I'll prepare better to not get sick.

Visited this bar - which is situated on a beautiful old sail boat - one Monday night for drinks while on a self-directed bar crawl. We sat down at the only spots left at the bar and were served after about 10-15 minutes... not quite timely, but it was a nice night and the boat was packed. The drink menu is limited and pricey ($15-20 drinks) but you're paying for the atmosphere, which for a date, is definitely worth it. I'd hazard a bet that this is a great spot for after work drinks in the summer too. I'd definitely recommend for a drink or two, but not more than that as a) drinks are medium, and b) they're really expensive and there are better places to visit in Tribeca or the West Village nearby.

Loved this place, I wanted to go back the day after already, my husband had to stop me because its a bit pricey but definetely worth to try. Well served drinks that make you very very happy, cool music, nice people and staff, fresh and delicious champagne mignonette oysters, the best lobster roll ever. PLUS, the views to Manhatan are amazing, we were there for teh sunset. The table next to us ordered the tomato and watermelon salad looked amazing, I definetely want to go back in summer time to try the other new boat in brookling, I think its called " pilot"... LOVELY , have to try if you are in NY in summer time.

It the only historic wooden schooner transformed into an oyster bar in the city that I know of, so expect crowds and steep prices. Labor Day was no different. It was flowing over with people.This restaurant is seasonal and they are milking it for what it’s worth. Ordering a drink was an ordeal and the staff looked a bit overwhelmed. But with drink in hand and butt planted on an open spot on the railing I truly felt transported and had a great time!

Go here to get away from the busteling city, you are dining on a boat., OK the food is average, the wine is average but the venue compensates massively

Located downtown near World Financial Centre, Grand Banks is a bar/Resto/oyster bar located on board a 76-year old historic fishing boat the Sherman Zwicker, that’s docked on Hudson River’s Pier 25. It’s THE place to see and be seen, especially in the summer, where you can chill, enjoy the cool breeze(note: it does get packed after 5.30pm, so try to get there early), and sip away on their cocktails.

Great place for drinks in the early afternoon. I can imagine this place gets packed after 5 so I'm glad we made it here around 1 pm. I came with a bunch of coworkers and we were surprised at how much smaller it was than the frying pan. Due to size it's definitely a lot rockier and I wouldn't recommend it if you get easily sea sick. Drinks are expensive but average for chilling on a boat bar in this city. However, they are delicious!

Located on a docked boat over viewing the Hudson River, this is probably one of the most interesting places for a drink / or dinner. Make sure that there isn't too much wind or waves on the river otherwise you might get a bit dizzy... 😉 Remember to book in advance. Very well recommended for a true romantic drink on the sunset!! Hope you enjoy it!

The food is good but the service is very basic. The oysters are small. $90 for two dozen. We were not given any other table except the one we booked even though 90% of the boat was empty for the duration of the time we enjoyed our lunch. It was a birthday celebration but no effort was made to give us a better table. On a positive note the setting is great and it’s a lovely place to get away from the heat and the crowds.

Bar tenders absolutely clueless and extremely slow, waited 45 mins for drinks. Then you can only order whats on the drink menu

Wow. Perfect setting for drinks and oysters. Incredible selection of oysters. Man. I really dig this place. Half bar half restaurant. Good scene.... Just top notch all around if u wanna drink outside ! It is fun sitting on boat on river and relaxing

The location is spectacular. The service however was just so so. Our server was slow in bringing our drinks ( our appetizers came first and we were finished with them by the time our drinks came ). Then she told us we were switching to another server. We never saw him. We had to finally flag somebody at the bar down in order to get another drink. Then a third person came by and said they were now our server. At that point all we wanted was our check. That of course arrive promptly. The good was okay... but the service issues really put a damper on the evening.

We've been customers of the Grand Banks since it opened. But the service has deteriorated. Thursday Oc. 14th we arrived for our reservation, were seated at an empty table -- no place settings, no menus. After nearly ten minutes a waitress brought water. She didn't ask if we needed menus or wanted to order drinks. In lieu of menus we used their electronic menu but if we had not brought smartphones it would have required more bother to get paper menus as they weren't offered. Nearly half an hour after we arrived and drank most of our water a waiter came to take our order for drinks and food. Twenty minutes or so later the appetizers and food arrived AT THE SAME TIME. I asked the server to take my main course back, put it in the warmer, and bring it out when I finish my appetizer. She did so but the main course was cold, it had not been put in the warmer. Oh, we also had to pester another server to get place settings. Isn't it obvious to the server when the put food on the table that there is no silverware? They're not paying attention. Meanwhile, no drinks arrived either. We had to pester two other servers to get our drinks. Over the course of the meal we dealt with 5 different inexperienced servers. Honestly, it seems like Grand Banks just hired its servers off the streets with no experience and did not bother to train them. I used to wait tables in a nice hotel so I know the protocol: First get the customers menus, place settings, and take their drink orders. Deliver the appetizers before the main course. Pay attention when you go by the table to see if the guests need anything else (but do NOT pester them to stop and ask "How is everything?). The GB young servers are mostly untrained and inattentive. I don't blame them entirely. They have not been trained. As for the food, I would say it's pretty good, not great. The portions are too small for the high prices, and since its' served outside in the breeze, attention needs to be paid to see that the food is delivered hot, not cold. All this could be corrected if management was paying attention but like the servers, they're not paying attention.

Enjoying the sunset, and stopped for a glass of wine. Wine was not a full glass, and overpriced. Although we didn't ask for it, we were served water, then found a $2 charge on our bill for it . There were tables empty the whole time, but we had to sit at the bar. Loved sitting outside in the sunset on a boat, even if it was tied to the dock, but wish I weren't feeling taken advantage of.

First the setting: wow ! How come Americans seem to do so (apparently) effortlessly what the rest of the world simply cannot seem to. After all the recipe for Grand Banks would not appear so inimitable per se: one old sail boat - with a massive deck - friendly and super efficient staff, superbly executed cuisine, and yes that does include the selection of oysters expertly chucked in front of you. Chef Kerry has created a magic formula, and judging by the line to get on board the secret is out ! Simply divine on a warm summer's evening

The place is great and the atmosphere on the boat too. Shame the service was the worst. We made a reservation and still we had to wait over an hour and 15 minutes after we got on board to finally get a seat at the bar. Then no one made an effort to look after us with an excellent service so we left off to another restaurant.

Exceptional place with a magnificent view and a pleasant concept. Despite our reservation, the hostess was not very pleasant, fortunately our waitress at the bar was very pleasant and professional. Simple food, but good, be careful, small portions for the asking price.

Had a few cocktails here but it was a windy day and the motion of the boat made me feel quite sick, don’t think I could’ve eaten here. The drinks were very nice and not overly expensive. There’s a nice view over to Jersey and to the Statue of Liberty. Nice experience being out on the water if you can get your sea legs.

I have wanted to go here since it opened but the original non-reservation policy put me off. Reservations are now taken and we were a table for two on a Friday evening. The setting is great - the views super - but our table service was really not good. When we asked questions, the answers were curt and unhelpful; requests weren't followed up; and even though we clearly each ordered only one dish, they were not brought together. This decision was taken by our server with no reference to us. When asked where the other dish was, there was no apology just an 'oh I decided to put them through separately '. The oysters were good. The ceviche portion was very small. I'm glad I've been, but I won't go back.

We have been there twice We discovered the Grand Banks at Pier 25 during our recent visit in the City. It's a great quite place to relax and enjoy cold drinks, cocktails and freshly prepared food. The view is breathtaking. You are overlooking the Hudson River and can see One World, downtown Manhattan and of course Jersey City. The service team is very attentive and looking after you on a very professional way. The manager is supporting the team and taking his time to talk to the guests and surprise them. I can really recommend that place.