[sadly, this place is currently closed] There are just some spots in NYC that are real treats. Pier A, located on the very tip of Manhattan, has an interesting history, and has been transformed into a fantastic place to slurp oysters, sip beer and cocktails, and watch the sun set.
Who To Take: a bunch of pals for happy hour or someone who needs to escape the hustle and bustle and be near the water
For those looking for a city escape, look no further. Pier A has enough space to accommodate those seeking a wild, boisterous, meandering venue for drinking beer and eating oysters, an outdoor space with a view for dinner, and a fine dining mecca upstairs with 2 bars.
Listed as a designated New York City landmark, it originally opened in 1886 and has had three lives. One as HQ for the NY Harbor Police, the VIP entrance for European Ambassadors traveling to Ellis Island and then as the main station for the NYC Fire Department.
It has been beautifully restored with cobalt blue tile and lots of woodwork. Before sunset, the crowd will be at the tip of this huge space clamoring to catch the last rays. Later in the evening, you will feel the nice breeze coming off the water from the same spot.
We opted for fine dining and were also rewarded with uncrowded bars on both ends of the second floor. Super friendly bartenders graced both spots, and made some nicely balanced cocktails. Our dinner took place in the middle, in an elegantly outfitted room, that felt like something out of the past. We gorged on oysters, soft shell crabs and chicken. Fantastic getaway. [THE SECOND FLOOR IS NOW OCCUPIED BY BLACKTAIL, AN UPSCALE CUBAN RESTAURANT AND COCKTAIL BAR]
PIER A, 22 Battery Pl (just above Battery Park, below Robert F Wagner Jr Park, west of the bottom of the West Street); you have to walk through a little park to get to it.
