Located at: Pier 66 (West 26th St) at Hudson River Park Discover the ultimate seasonal dining destination nestled along the Hudson River at Pier 66 (West 26th Street)—Frying Pan (aka The Big Red Boat). This picturesque waterfront restaurant offers an unforgettable experience for lunch, dinner, weekend brunch, cocktails, group gatherings, and sunsets. Embrace the essence of NYC with our seasonal restaurant, where the outdoor ambiance is as delightful as the cuisine. Our location exudes timeless charm, situated amidst historic relics, including a former Lackawanna railroad barge, the iconic Lightship Frying Pan, a vintage rail float bridge, and a charming 1900s caboose. Immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of the Hudson River as you watch b
From April to October this docked Coast Guard lightship is home to a vibrant bar scene.
Address and Contact Information
Address: Red Boat In Park, 207 12th Ave, New York, NY 10001
Phone: (212) 989-6363
Website: https://www.fryingpan.com/
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Frying Pan | American Bar & Grill in New York
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Frying Pan – Hudson River Park
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Reviews
Prices: Mid-range. Not cheap not expensive but you pay for what you get. And really, you’re paying to be on the boat and its worth it. Most beers start at 7-8 dollars and mixed drinks around 10 and up. This probably isn’t the place you want to get trashed at anyway, so the prices will have you more conservative with your spending.
Atmosphere: As I stated, the views, the river breeze, the boat just can’t be beat. And the crowd who come here are a mix of everyone but everyone who knows how to behave. I’ve never seen anything stupid go down.
Size: PLENTY of space and seating. Things get tighter if you want to go upstairs but otherwise, plenty of room.
The bathrooms are very spacious but be careful, you do have to go down some steep steps. So make sure you don’t over do it with the drinking.
Final Verdict: If you’re looking to drink outside, on a boat, you probably can’t beat the Frying Pan.
The food and drinks are great, which is almost an afterthought considering how enjoyable the experience of just being in the restaurant is. It has a vibe of feeling like you’re out on the water, but while still easily accessible to land. Sort of a cross between a boat and a pier. It’s a truly unique spot to hang out, whether you’re sipping cocktails, enjoying a meal, or just soaking in the view of the Hudson.
The upper level of the Frying Pan is more of a sit-down, reservation-only area, where you’ll find cozy tables with umbrellas and great views of the river. The setup gives off a chic, maritime vibe with nautical accents, including fishing nets and old ropes, but it’s not overly formal, making it a great spot for a relaxed, yet stylish dining experience. The outdoor seating makes it feel like you’re cruising along the water, and the breeze off the Hudson adds to the whole experience.
The lower level is more casual and walk-up, but still offers plenty of space with picnic-style tables and benches, perfect for larger groups or just hanging out. It’s more of a bar vibe here, with a lively atmosphere and people chatting while enjoying drinks and snacks. The bar area is fun and well-stocked, with an quality range of cocktails, beers, and wines. Plus, there are a few TVs mounted around, which makes it a great spot to catch a game, especially if you’re sitting in the more open space at the back. The whole area feels like a mix between a beach bar and a classic New York hangout.
We didn’t have reservations, and since the upper section with waiter service is only for reservations, we’ll have to be back and try that next time! But the walk-up bar area still provides a great view, and it’s fun to watch the boats and ships pass by as you dine.
The actual Frying Pan boat sits next to the restaurant, and if you’re into history, the boat has a ton. The Frying Pan is a retired US Coast Guard vessel that was built in 1929. Originally known as the Frying Pan Lightship, it served as a floating lighthouse off the coast of North Carolina for many years, guiding ships through hazardous waters. It had a particularly notable stint during World War II, when it was stationed in the Panama Canal Zone.
In 1965, it was decommissioned and eventually moved to New York City, where it became a popular part of the waterfront scene in Chelsea.
If you’re into boats, piers, history, railroads (there’s a railroad element to the restaurant with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Float Transfer Bridge used for access and a railcar when you first walk in), good food, good drinks, and good vibes, I highly recommend checking out the Frying Pan!
Service isn’t the most forthcoming, and a word of caution that the restaurant sways a bit because (obviously) it’s on the water.
But, overall, one of the best bar experiences I’ve had here in the city!
THE BOAT MOVES. Be aware and maybe bring Dramamine. We weren’t prepared and felt a little seasick the whole time.
If you do get seasick, just be aware that you can occasionally feel the pier moving up and down slightly. There is also a helipad 1 pier over and the helicopters can be loud, but it didn’t bother us too much.
Overall a really great place for catch ups, events, or hangouts if you are looking for something more unique.