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Harry's at Water Taxi Beach

Critics' Pick

2-03 Borden Ave., Long Island City, NY 11101
at 2nd St. See Map | Subway Directions Hopstop Popup
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Reader Rating:
5.0 out of 10
|
2 Reviews | Write a Review
Scene: DJ, Hot Spot, Outdoor Area, Restaurant & Bar, Romantic, View, Waterfront

Photo by Joe DeLessio

Map Rate & Review

Official Website

watertaxibeach.com

Hours

Mon-Tues, 6pm-10pm; Wed-Fri, 4pm-midnight; Sat, noon-midnight; Sun, 1pm-midnight; closed during winter season

Nearby Subway Stops

7 at Vernon Blvd.-Jackson Ave.

Payment Methods

Cash Only

Profile

Long Island City is full of quirky surprises, and this is no exception. New York Water Taxi trucked in Jersey sand and a couple dozen picnic tables and installed them in a fenced-in perch overlooking the East River, right next to the Hunters Point ferry stop. Harry Hawk, chef/owner of Schnack, runs the on-site tiki hut slinging basic blender drinks and dirt-cheap PBR tallboys, and a grill serving the usual along with delicacies like elk burgers, fish tacos, and Black Angus hot dogs (vegetarian options, too). Five nights a week during the summer and early fall, extended families and PS1 defectors play volleyball to a thumping sound system or recline in the beach chairs that they bring to avoid the fight for table space. Service can get slow and scattered at night, when big candles come out and the party turns into a miniature desert rave, but all is forgiven upon admiring the best view of midtown Manhattan this side of The Donald's chopper. — Daniel Maurer

No Phone

If you simply have to contact someone at Harry's, you'll have to make your emergency call via the New York Water Taxi to do so during weekday business hours: 212-742-1969.

There is so much potential at the beach bar -- the location couldn't be better and it is a great concept. However, instead of embracing the beach vibe and playing chilled out music or classic rock in the background as you sit at picnic tables in the sand while the sun sets, they BLARE techno music starting at about 6 p.m. and turn on flashing palm tree decorations. There's no need for any of that -- the view of the Manhattan skyline is the only decoration necessary. There were about 40 people chilling out on the picnic tables when I was there, and they still wouldn't change the music after requests. It was one of the strangest "scenes" I've ever encountered in Manhattan, and we left early. Incredibly disappointing.

Fun LIC Bar

Vesna from | Posted on 8/26/05

Overall Rating: 8 (Recommended)

Visit Water Taxi Beach if you're looking for a no-frills bar w/ amazing views of the Manhattan skyline and a truly relaxing atmosphere. The entrance to the parking lot seemed a little deserted, but everything changes as soon as you get closer to the water and hear the island, reggae or 80's music streaming out of the bar. There were plenty of seats available the night I visited (although you can bring your own) and there was even a small private party going on. It's a place I'd visit again ... especially before it closes for the year in mid October.

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