Grand Banks is a celebrated oyster bar aboard the historic wooden schooner, Sherman Zwicker. Inspired by the floating oyster barges that lined Manhattan’s waterfront in the 18th and 19th centuries, Grand Banks features sustainably harvested oysters, nautically inspired cocktails, and awe-inspiring views.
This seasonal oyster bar on the deck of a historic fishing boat serves seafood entrees & drinks.
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Overall, a highly recommended spot✨! The ambiance is lovely, the service attentive, and both the food and drinks are top-notch . I visited a while ago, so now that it’s colder❄️, it might be less comfortable. A friendly reminder: reservations are required , and no-shows incur a fee.
The experience wasn’t as dizzying as I had imagined, and the views are beautiful, with a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty —perfect for a small gathering with friends ♀️. The drinks are consistently good , with no disappointments, and the lobster roll and oysters are definitely worth trying.
Overall, a very enjoyable experience , reasonably priced, and I would gladly return .
… moreIssy M
This place is fantastic! I have been here a few times for lunch with my coworkers and it is always a really good experience. The boat dos have days that it sways a lot, so if you are a person that’s sensitive to motion sickness, then this is not the place for you. This is a seasonal restaurant, so they open in April and close towards end of October, depending on the weather. We ordered the lobster roll, scallops, spritz, and the chocolate dessert. All were really tasty! And don’t forget the view!
… morePauline Clayton
This place is absolutely awesome! The food and drinks made my day everything was so delicious that I couldn’t get enough. The view was stunning, and the whole experience felt nostalgic, reminding me of the floating cottages in the Philippines. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing, perfect for anyone who enjoys dining by the sea. The staff were polite, easy to talk to, and made me feel really comfortable throughout my visit. However, I wouldn’t recommend it for people who are sensitive to motion sickness, since the restaurant is on a boat and can sway a bit. If you love great food, refreshing drinks, and a beautiful waterfront view, I highly recommend making a reservation here. You won’t regret it!
… moreSasha MG
glad we tried this place because they are super dog friendly, everyone was so welcoming. it’s super busy so you definitely need to reserve. the view is beautiful and the boat is nice, though it does rock and make you queasy. the drinks were delicious but took 45 mins to arrive, oysters came first and quickly. food took forever to order and even longer to arrive and it was mid tier at best. good lobster roll and good scallops but so overpriced. service was nonexistent. server took forever though she was really nice. had to flag someone else down to try and get our server and they said no words just walked away. price exorbitant given the quality you receive.
… moreNicole Montanini
Grand Banks is truly one of the most unique dining spots in NYC! Floating on the Hudson with unbeatable waterfront views, it’s the perfect place for a summer evening. The oysters were incredibly fresh, and every dish we tried had that perfect balance of flavor and elegance — simple, but done so right. Cocktails were top-tier and paired beautifully with the whole coastal vibe.
The ambiance is laid-back yet refined, and the staff was welcoming and attentive, I’d only pay attention when reserving bc it can get really hot and uncomfortable to seat in the sun at noon so make sure you get a table with shadow or at the bar if you want to enjoy lunch not sweaty!!
Whether you’re visiting the city or a local looking for something special, Grand Banks is a must. Can’t wait to go back!
… morePatrick
Unique restaurant with great views of the city and Jersey. Good food and ambience!
Had a resy for 10:30 on a Saturday but to be honest it probably wasn’t needed as many seats were open. The brunch food was great! For me the avocado toast was standout although it was quite spicy (I thought it was perfect but it’s hot for others). French toast was also good. The meatballs were certainly unique for brunch. I thought they were pretty good though.
One thing to note is that the boat does rock a bit so maybe those prone to sea sickness may want to be aware.
Overall, I’d definitely come back as I thought the food was great and cool setting
… moreJeffrey Lanman
Sat at the Oyster Bar with our private shucker Steven. He was the man! He made our anniversary very special and shucked our oysters perfectly. Superb oyster knowledge and appreciated his welcoming nature. We tried all the oysters and they were delicious. Definitely will be back.
… moreMartina Ruseva
Love this spot and try to come at least once in the summer. You definitely need a reservation. The boat is a little shaky, so check in with your date in case they get sea sick! Overall the vibe is great and if you sit at the oyster bar you get to see the chef opening the oysters. We tried the Southampton oysters, the scallops and the lobster roll and love it! Recommend checking out this place if you live in the area or visiting from out of town, it’s worth the trip.
… moreObidur Rahman
Grand Banks Review — Best Waterfront Dining with a Statue of Liberty View
If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable NYC experience, Grand Banks on the Hudson delivers it all — amazing seafood, unbeatable sunset vibes, and a front-row view of the Statue of Liberty.
Located on a historic wooden schooner docked at Pier 25, this floating oyster bar gives you that rare mix of casual elegance and postcard-perfect scenery. Whether you’re sipping a cold cocktail or enjoying their fresh oysters, you’ll literally be dining on the water with Lady Liberty glowing in the distance.
The atmosphere is chill but classy, perfect for date nights, special occasions, or just treating yourself. The staff is super friendly, the drinks are strong, and the seafood is fresh and well-seasoned. Try the lobster roll — it’s a favorite for a reason.
… moreDamien Malatino
Great outdoorsy oyster bar experience. The boat dining space offers a unique experience on the water, with many fun seating options. I liked being by the oyster bar watching fresh assortments being prepared, in an ideal spot for 2 people among the busy setup due to the popularity of the restaurant. Cocktails are summery and refreshing, and everything pairs well with the oysters.
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