First time visitor to Drift In yesterday and it was a great experience. A friend and I met up for drinks and a snack and couldn't have had a better time. Service was excellent albeit with the odd wobble which was resolved quickly and professionally. It's not cheap but not crazy either - frankly you get what you pay for - it's downtown on the water with good food and great cocktails. I totally DISAGREE with a previous review that it's a tourist place. The crowd was predominantly local with groups/pairs of friends enjoying the sunshine and views of the Hudson. Much more intimate and inviting atmosphere than City Vineyard down the road. Don't be put off by the deposit to book and time limit per table here. In transparency, I was when I booked it - until I got here and understood why they do it. You'd want to stay and loiter here for hours. But it's a business that needs to keep the tables moving. I wish them lots of luck and I'll be a regular visitor for sure. Try adding a few more vegetarian options would be my only feedback. read more

The best thing about this restaurant is its location. It's on the river, outdoors, and by the bike lane. But, if you're biking and want to stop and relax over a drink or light lunch, forget about bringing your bike in. Even having loads of space to place your bike without interfering with anything, they won't allow it. That's what happened to me even though they allow dogs and scooters in and by their tables. The Manager's answers to this was that it was policy and that's the way the owners want it. I was told to leave it outside and sit near it. No sense at all in all of this. The Lobster Mac & Cheese was just the claws and not macaroni, but shells. Forget the lemonade, it was horrible, small glass full of ice and expensive. I won't stop there again and if I were you, would think twice about going there. Unhappy Biker read more

I liked the views. We were casually walking along the river and stopped by for a drink and small snacks. Waiter was nice. Wine was a wine. I didn't like that they charge $1 for tap water calling it "water service" and also covid fee is 7%. I didn't see all these charges because I paid a digital bill and only noticed it after I asked for an actual check. $5.80 extra fees which I wasn't aware of. Left me feeling like I got into the "tourist trap". Fees should be clearly stated upfront and not presented to customers as a surprise. read more

Drift In - Some kind of ragout with beans. - Seafood Near Me - New York, New York

The vibes at Drift In are immaculate, as is the food. Right on the water near Pier 45, I highly recommend this establishment which will transport you to a salty-air place you wouldn't typically get in NYC. The lobster Blt was delicious as were the drinks. read more

Drift In - Lobster BLT, Mexican Street Corn, and Bluepoint Oysters - Seafood Near Me - New York, New York

Fish dip? Basically just canned tuna. Salad? Just lettuce with oil. Cocktail? No alcohol. Fries were good and service was good, but prices are insane for what they have. Lobster roll was good, but tiny for $33. The ambience and scenery was so great, but unfortunately the food and drinks stink. read more

It's a great location, but it's loud and grossly overpriced. Manhattan tends to be overpriced, but I was stunned when I received a $22 bill for an iced tea ($6.50 and from a can -- they didn't have fresh) and lemonade ($8). What a shock to learn I was charged a $3 fee for tap water! The waiter, who was great, immediately offered to remove the fee and did so, but the bad impression remained. read more

Came here with a co worker to grab a quick brunch. We ordered the shrimp, oyster, watermelon salad and a small sandwich. The service was not too good. I read in a review about the shrimp. But my coworker wanted to try. So we ordered it and boy did we regret it. It was overcooked and old. The waiter when taking the oyster away. Spilled it over my coworker food and legs. Didn't even apologize. When they came and asked how food was. We mentioned the shrimp was horrible. So later, maybe the manager or boss came grabbed a chair and sat next to us and apologize about the shrimp and it was just over cooked. Which was very odd sitting next to us and telling us to tell him what else was wrong. When we left we regretted coming here. Since we both got a stomachache 10-15 mins after we left. Never coming back. Always regret coming to the waters. View is nice but not many restaurant are good by water. People just come for the view. Never coming back. read more

I love taking friends and visitors to Drift In. The location is perfect, especially after dark when the views are magical. Host and our server both were very friendly, relaxed, knowledgeable and always helpful. I never experienced this any other way. The food and drinks are very good as well. And there are always a few options for our vegetarian friends. Right now during the pandemic the choices are a bit more limited. Tables and chairs are spaced out generously so we feel safe eating there and lingering for a little, even during the pandemic. Plus, there is always at least a little breeze from the river. read more

I had the lobster BLT with a watermelon frose and let me tell you it was delicious!! I'd recommend make reservations a head of time for a faster check in. Overall a great experience, nice set up, good music and great food. read more

No wait time, sat early for reservations Nice staff & awesome ambiance. Took forever to get drinks and food. Food was subpar. Waitress basically forgot about us. read more

Wanted to check out this seasonal pop-up to enjoy some outdoor dining with a view of the Hudson River. When we got there around 4:30 PM, we were told that there was a 1.5 hour wait for a table for 2 if we did not have a reservation. I went into the website and was immediately able to make a reservation for the day for 5 PM for two people so that we were promptly seated in 10 mins. Kind of odd - but glad it worked out! We got the fish sandwich and lobster mac and cheese. Both were really delicious! The fish was well-cooked and tasted fresh. The mac and cheese had the right amount of bread crumbs adding the crunch and wa generous with the pieces of lobster meat. I got a watermelon frose that was yummy. read more

Drift In - Seafood Near Me - New York, New York

When you cannot get your Wellfleets from Wellfleet - get them from Drift In! Drift in and Grand Banks are my go tos AND a savior for special occasions, business lunches or those "just because moments" thanks to their amazing outdoor spaces, oysters that never disappoint, fantastic staff and service - and unique dinning experiences. Spent birthday lunch at Drift In this week enjoying the noise of the Hudson River waves, the breeze under the trees, the perfect Tropicalia cocktail. (the half a dozen oysters and drink special before 3pm Lunch Special is the perfect way to start for business or pleasure). And if you have not had the Lobster BLT with a side of french fries - you are missing out. read more

Watermelon swizzle is on the sour side, tastes more like lemonade. However, lobster mac and cheese is pretty memorable here, 8/10! Outdoor seating is very spacious, also a great spot to grab to go and eat on the piers. read more

Drift In - Lobster mac and cheese - Seafood Near Me - New York, New York

This place is such a fun vibe right on the Hudson River! The sit down section can get booked up quickly but the bar is standing room and there are corn hole games nearby. Great spot to spend time with friends, enjoy some sun and a beautiful view or sunset! read more

Drift In - Seafood Near Me - New York, New York

Came in for 311 show and went wild. The food is amazing and the caviar dish is off the chain. We also fed a bird.

Amazing, been several times from the moment it opened! Drinks are great and atmosphere is perfection during a Summer sunset or Fall evening. Now that residents are back, make a reservation. The frozé is addicting, SO good. read more

Drift In - The view - Seafood Near Me - New York, New York

Really good food. Somewhat expensive for what you're getting and the drinks are very expensive. Frose is the best we've ever had. Fish sandwich was our favorite and were likely to come back and get that. Fries are excellent. The burger was also good. Great location and view. read more

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Lovely food, sweet staff, beautiful views. Love this gem and will be back! Can't wait! I highly recommend the Cesar salad with shrimp- delicious! read more

Came here tonight with with a group of friends and what an awesome experience!! Matt the manager greeted us so warmly and made us feel at home. The waiter was friendly and gave us great service. The lobster roll blt was fresh and delicious. The sunset over the Hudson River was spectacular. Will come again and highly recommend Drift In read more

Drift In - Seafood Near Me - New York, New York

Ate lunch here last week, just finished dinner tonight. Laid back ambiance on the Hudson, great playlist. Terrific food -- the scallop roll on menu last week was amazing. Oysters better tonight than last week (but both good, and given everything, fairly priced). Fish and chips good, but not up to other food -- though gigantic portion, easily enough for 2. Service great. What more do you need? (Great cocktails, too.) read more

I've come here for two late September gatherings in recent years. In both cases, it's been perfect. We have a group that might be four, or might be 12, and either way, Drift In has the space (at this time of year) to accommodate. The food was amazing, particularly the lobster roll and the fries. Special shout out to Rose, who dealt with our party of charismatic but late arriving folks with diplomacy, indulgence, and a smile. read more

This is an absolute must stop while walking along the Hudson River Park. We started our trip with a walk to Little Island and then walked or shall I say "drifted in" to this gorgeous outdoor bar and restaurant that made you forget you were in New York City. We didn't have a reservation, but we were lucky enough to get seated during late lunch. I started with the Permanent Vacation and my boyfriend had the I'm the Captain Now. Both drinks were super strong, so be prepared for that. I also wouldn't recommend if you're looking for something fruity or sweet. We came in the late afternoon so we didn't want anything too heavy. Instead we split the fish tacos, and order of French fries and the big pickle. The fish tacos were super crispy, fresh and delicious. The French fries were light and tasty with two delicious sauces--a spicy ketchup and a garlic aioli. The big pickle packs a delicious bite too. We ended our lunch by sharing the key lime mousse. It was rich, creamy and refreshing. The atmosphere and service were awesome which is why it pushes this review to five stars. Our waiter was super friendly, kind and attentive. The trees had strung lights throughout and the location gives a gorgeous view of the Hudson River. We can't wait to come back for another date! read more

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Food and drinks were fine, you're definitely paying for the vibe/views! The burger was expensive and doesn't come with fries. There's also not much to it. The fries were good! Just wish they'd come with the burger. read more

Drift In - Brisket burger and side of fries - Seafood Near Me - New York, New York

Extremely slow service. Extra "Water fee" charge- claiming they have a partnership with Charity Water Nonprofit and yet that is no where in their materials or on their website. 7% charge for "recovery fee"- I am happy to support the restaurant industry during and after covid, but it is inappropriate to add this to the check, especially when the waiter only has it on a digital screen. This should be an option for people or it should be spelled out before they make a reservation. Our bill had an array of extra charges- for a burger, a lobster roll, fries, and a couple drinks/ this was $125 + the $60 deposit for the table. The food isn't that great and the service was terrible. The servers weren't very nice. Great scenic spot but such a disappointment. We had the table for 2 hours and our waiter came over 1x we had to constantly flag people to get our waiter. read more

On a beautiful evening recently, I enjoyed dinner at this wonderful restaurant "Drift In"! From the young woman who greeted me at the front of the restaurant to our wonderful server, it was an excellent experience. The food was great. I had the fish and chips and it was very, very tasty. My friend had the lobster roll that he remarked was full of lobster and was delicious! I hope there are many more beautiful nights ahead, so I'll get a chance to go back and enjoy this restaurant once again. read more

Matt and Alex deliver a stellar experience. The food is delish ... the cocktails fresh and lively and the outdoor space restores your soul. New Yorkers flock to this precious place to relax and enjoy the stunning view and beautiful flower boxes. Welcome to post pandemic dining! read more

Although we have walked past many times, this was our first visit to Drift In. We had no idea that the food was so good. My fish and chips were delicious! We will be back! read more

Great setting right off the pier with a fantastic view. Amazing food and a great service to match. Everyone from the chef to the server were attentive 100% will be back. read more

A neighborhood gem right on the majestic Hudson, steps from a charming pier with notable views. Sheltered among the trees yet affording a view, my socially distanced yet delicious late lunch/early dinner was delightful: 1) Fork-tender octopus (!) 2) Chowder with both quahogs and countnecks in the shell Both of these took summer favorites, and raised them well above a certain level of quality. THIS is the kind of cozy, characteristic spot that deserves infrastructure to let it operate year-round. read more

Such a lovely outdoor space and the food was surprisingly delicious! We had lobster BLTs, Caesar salad, french fries, Wellfleet oysters and corn...and the dessert of Keylime pudding was especially amazing. Not thrilled that you have to pay a $20 per-person non-refundable deposit to hold the table, but if you're sure you going it's deducted from the check. Service was great also. Very fun spot! read more

My wife and I dined here for the first time tonight. Our immediate reaction as we arrived was concern: a lovely outdoor restaurant right on the water on a perfect night at 8PM and it's mostly empty... what's wrong? Well, our first round of drinks added to the doubts: a glass of sparkling brut chenin blanc arrived flat and bubble-less, while my "slightly dirty" vodka martini (no brand names available, only the house vodka) tasted mostly of chilled water and olive juice. Fortunately, the staff was prompt and pleasant about making things right--and they were attentive throughout our meal--although I'd hesitate before ordering a cocktail here again. And from that point, the rest of our dinner improved greatly. The oysters were chilled, delicious and well-shucked--we ordered a 2 dozen mix of three types available: Wellfleet, Navy Point and Kushhi. A double order of fried fish tacos followed, which were fresh, greaseless and good, although somewhat lacking in overall flavor. We've had better at Los Mariscos and the Greenpoint Fish & Lobster Co. The hit of the hot foods was the side dish we shared called Caviar Hash Brown. It was composed of rectangular hash brown patties fried crisp and served with toppings on the side of creme fraiche, pickled red onion and a one ounce jar of Caviar Russe Steelhead Trout Roe. We loved the high brow/low brow of this creative combination and it was delicious. So, getting back to our original question of why the restaurant was mostly empty on a perfect night for outdoor, waterside dining? Well, things add up here more than you might imagine, and the casual meal described above came to almost $300 for two people. read more

Have been here a couple times and it's a great experience especially on a day with good weather. The cocktails are great --- We got the Permanent Vacation which was a delightful rum punch as well as the Shrimp Roll and Lobster roll which were both delicious. The staff was really attentive and it's dog friendly. Our dog decided to sprint around the table while on a leash and knocked over (and shattered) all of the plates and glasses on the table and the restaurant couldn't have been nicer or more understanding. Definitely will be back! read more

Went here for dinner on a Monday night. Extremely overpriced for what you get. Had the shrimp roll and there were maybe 2 shrimp on it. My friend had the chicken club which had little to no chicken. When asking the waiter about how little chicken it was he said sorry that's just the amount they give. Would not recommend eating here. Just getting drinks than maybe. read more

DO NOT EAT HERE! This is the disgusting. waited over an hour after my party finished eating. I finally just said we had to leave it's ok I can just take my burger to go. This is what they brought back to me. How degrading to know you have to go boxes and the manager chose to mash my $20 burger into a soup container. This is DISGUSTING BEHAVIOR- should be fired! Never returning! read more

Drift In - Disgusting behavior by the manager who gave my food in this container after I saw to go boxes for food. DO NOT EAT HERE! - Seafood Near Me - New York, New York

When I arrived, they told me a table would be available in around 30 minutes, but that they didn't have a waitlist. I asked how I would know that the table was available, and whether I would have to check back every 5 minutes. He said he had no idea. Not sure whose idea this was, but it's not much of one. We went to their bar only area. I ordered "Unsweetened Iced Tea" (the only iced tea option on their menu). It arrived and was very, very much sweetened. When I inquired, they said the only option was actually sweetened. What is going on here? read more

They are finally back! Best bar/food location with views of Jersey and Hudson River traffic, people watching. Lots of shady tables. Food is decent, perhaps bolder hand with spices? I had octopus which came with what looked like a few slices of small white potatoes, not fingerlings listed on menu. Drinks a bit expensive. read more

Went to the Drift In the other night with a friend and his little dog. Had a beautiful view of the sunset, food was delicious and all the staff were friendly and gracious. I highly recommend this place!!! read more

My husband and I came here on Tuesday evening and had the most fantastic dining experience! From the friendly staff and management, to the beautiful scenery and the excellent food and cocktails, it was such a lovely date night. Hallie was our server and she was terrific! She was very knowledgeable about the menu and made some great suggestions! I was nervous that I would not have much to eat as I am vegan but to my surprise, I was so happy when Hallie told me they had beyond burgers on the menu! The french fries were also the best I've ever had. My husband got oysters and a lobster BLT! He loved every bite. The cocktails were AMAZING! I must have had 4 Tropicalias! They were so delicious! The manager came over to our table to check in which is always nice. And all of the rest of the staff were all very friendly as well. Everyone had smiles on their faces! Great atmosphere, great food and great vibes! Such a pleasant dining experience! Thanks Hallie for an awesome date night! We will certainly be back in the near future! read more

I've been to this spot multiple times, especially on the way back from the dog park at Leroy street...during a heat wave, the hostess said that there was no way I could just sit and have a quick beer, not even standing. I've worked as a hostess before and I know there's always a way to be squeezed in. On a hot day like today, they are losing business by having the walk-in bar closed, and losing return customers by not being more accommodating. I like the ambiance, location and food and drinks, but the strict reservation policies allow for no wiggle room which is a big shame on a hot day, especially, but really on any day. :( read more

We weren't sure what to expect but this place was great. Beautiful setting right on the river. The service was prompt and friendly and they have a great menu. We tried all the sides, a few sandwiches and oysters. We liked everything but the burger and big pickle truly stood out as amazing. Loved the frose and drinks we had. Definitely would recommend. read more