GRAND BANKS

Manhattan outdoor dining has been taken to a whole new level, sea level that is! Grand Banks is an upscale oyster bar built on the deck of a historic Sherman Zwicker wooden schooner. Originally, a Nova Scotian fishing boat, Grand Banks now pays homage to the oyster barges that once lined Manhattan's waterfront in the 18th and 19th centuries by serving up delicious east and west coast oysters on the half shell. Their menu goes well past oysters, with the seafood lover's favorites from soft shell crab to lobster rolls. 

Board the schooner turned restaurant, but don't be worried, if you are running late for your reservation (which you can make below) it won't take off without you. This boat stays docked. That said, it's not always smooth sailing (docking?)—there is still a fair share of rocking so make sure you have your sea legs about you. I'm just saying, the restaurant even took precautions. On the oyster platter, they serve the mignonette in a tiny salt shaker instead of an open cup so that it doesn't spill all over the place as the boat rocks—so smart and adorbs!

This is a dining experience to be had! Sitting under the yellow and white striped canopies looking out on an inlet encompassed by towering city buildings while sipping rosé, or a cocktail of your choosing, is hands down one of my favorite summer Friday pass times.  I seriously can't think of a better way to ebb out of the work week and flow into the weekend. Go and tell me if you agree (in the comments section below)!

Ahoy! (wait, is that not like aloha where it works for "hello" and "goodbye"?)