Baylander Steel Beach is a unique floating restaurant that is on the deck of a historic aircraft carrier ship in Harlem. The ship is the the USS Baylander, which served in the Vietnam War, and is now docked at West Harlem Piers on 125th Street on the Hudson River. It is easily accessible by public transportation, and makes for a unique evening out. especially if you catch one of New York’s spectacular sunsets on the Hudson River.
The Baylander restaurant is open for the season in April, and is closed in winter. The floating restaurant’s 4,000-square-foot outdoor deck has plenty of seating for guests, with picnic tables, high tops, and a bar. The restaurant has a really fun vibe, and I love to visit for the expanse of the Hudson River you get to experience all the way from George Washington Bridge to Downtown Manhattan from the top deck.
The Harlem Boat Restaurant Experience
The Baylander is a casual restaurant that is popular with guests of all ages, and it is not uncommon to see families with their babies and dogs.
The restaurant is closed in winter, and opens in April for the season. It offers both indoor and outdoor seating. The highlight of any visit to the Baylander is its outdoor seating, which offers sweeping views from the George Washington Bridge all the way to downtown Manhattan. Its 4,000-square-foot deck provides stunning views of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline, especially if you catch a beautiful sunset.
Baylander offers American food and a variety of cocktails that are well suited to its location, adding to the experience of eating out in the middle of the Hudson River.
The sunset elevates the whole experience of being out on the water, and the view just keeps getting prettier as the evening wears on.
The restuarant has very pretty lighting that makes it very festive by night.
History of the Ship
The Baylander (IX-514) is a former U.S. Navy vessel that was launched in 1968. The ship was initially commissioned as a harbor utility craft and served in the Vietnam War.
In 1986, the Baylander was converted into a helicopter landing trainer for the Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and National Guard. During its time as a landing trainer, the ship achieved over 122,000 landings.
In 2011, the Baylander was decommissioned and put up for sale. Private buyers purchased the vessel and began a restoration project to transform it into a floating restaurant and bar, which opened in 2020.
Today, the Baylander is moored at the West Harlem Piers in New York City and serves as the location for the Baylander Steel Beach restaurant and bar. The ship’s rich history and unique design have made it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Location
The Baylander Restaurant is located in Upper Manhattan at West Harlem Piers on the Hudson River at 125th Street. The restaurant is situated on a historic aircraft carrier ship, the Baylander IX-514, which is docked at the pier on the Hudson River Greenway, which is a popular spot for walking, jogging, and cycling, offering a unique dining experience in NYC.
Visitors can get there by various means of transportation, including public transportation, car, bike, or on foot.
Public Transportation
The Baylander is conveniently located near several public transportation options. Visitors can take the 1 train to 125th Street and walk west to the waterfront. Alternatively, they can take the A or the C subway trains and connect to the M125 bus.
Car
For those driving, street parking is available, but it can be limited, so a parking garage may be the best option.
Bike
The Baylander is accessible by bike, and there are several bike racks available for visitors to park their bikes.
On Foot
For those in the area, walking to the Baylander is a great option. Visitors can stroll along the Hudson River Greenway, which offers stunning views of the river and the city skyline.
