The West 79th Street Boat Basin Café on the Hudson River

Getting There: Take The 1 Train To The 79th Street Station

The 79th Street Boast Basin Cafe is truly the Upper West Side’s summer meet up location. It’s a place where families and friends bask in the sunshine all season long. The space is gigantic for its location, and reaks of New York City history. The rotunda is candy for the eyes, with limestone arches decorated in simple Christmas style lighting.The open air patio overlooks Riverside Park and the Hudson River

The overall laid-back attitude at the Boat Basin is great- for a second you might actually forget you’re in NYC. You and your party can take up residence at one of the many tables present, some of which have breathtaking views of the water. If you choose not to grab a table, there is plenty of room to just hang out in the main rotunda area, and the bar, which features a nice selection of light summery beers and beach cocktails.

When you’re out in the hot sun all day and drinking beers, you need to eat. The Boat Basin has you covered with a grill style menu featuring some of your favorite outdoor favorites. Burgers, in my opinion are always a best bet. For some reason, they pair brilliantly with summer weather. The meat for the burgers at the Basin come from Pat La Frieda, a New York City staple for all things beef, so you know you’re getting a quality product. Vegetarian options like garden burgers are also available. Hey, no one wants to be left out, on some good eats.

Getting to the Boat Basin is easier than you might think. Take the 1 train to the 79th street station. Then, walk as far west on 79th Street as possible, cross Riverside Drive on either side of the street. You’ll see a green highway overpass bridge, walk underneath the bridge, and you’re there!

So, what are you waiting for? Take the trip to the historic Upper West Side, and find out why so many people call this their go to place all summer long. The beer is cold, the food is great, but the view is the true draw. Going to the Boat Basin is like taking a trip, without leaving the city. And, with gas prices being so high, it sounds like a winner to me.

-Alan Smithee