The Boat Basin Cafe: Is It Open For Business?

The Boat Basin Cafe was a beloved outdoor dining spot in New York City. Built into an elevated stone structure with dramatic arches, it offered stunning riverside views and affordable bar food, making it a popular choice for city dwellers and casual parties alike. However, in October 2019, the cafe announced its permanent closure due to a long-term construction project in the area. With a four-year construction schedule and no plans for the cafe to reopen, New Yorkers and visitors alike will have to bid farewell to this beloved institution and look for new spots to satisfy their dining and gathering needs.

The Boat Basin Cafe has permanently closed

The closure was announced on the cafe's Facebook page, which has since been taken down. The primary reason for the closure was a four-year construction project planned by the city on the nearby site. The Boat Basin Cafe's lease was set to expire in April 2020, and the owners had no intention of bidding for the property once the construction was completed.

The construction project, which began in mid-2020, is part of a comprehensive Riverside Park renovation. It includes the reconstruction of the courtyard area and the 79th Street rotunda, providing access to the Hudson River Greenway. While this development is expected to enhance the surrounding area, it unfortunately marked the end of The Boat Basin Cafe's operations.

The news of the cafe's closure was met with sadness by many New Yorkers, who cherished their memories of dining by the river and enjoying the cafe's relaxed atmosphere. The Boat Basin Cafe will be remembered as a beloved fixture of the Upper West Side, leaving its mark on the city's dining scene and in the hearts of those who frequented it.

Closure is due to a four-year construction project

The Boat Basin Cafe, a beloved outdoor dining spot in New York City, has permanently closed due to a four-year construction project set to begin in mid-2020. The closure comes as a result of the city's plans to renovate the 79th Street rotunda, which is operated by the New York City Parks Department. The rotunda, built to provide easy access to and from the highway, features a courtyard and perimeter views of the Hudson River. While the structure is intact, it has worn down over time and is in need of repairs.

The construction project will include the reconstruction of the courtyard area and the rotunda to provide access to the Hudson River Greenway. This is part of a comprehensive Riverside Park construction initiative. The Boat Basin Cafe, built into an elevated stone structure with dramatic arches, was a popular destination for city dwellers and tourists alike, offering affordable bar food and a riverside view.

During the warmer months, people flocked to its open-air location off West 79th Street on the Hudson River. It was well-known for its affordable bar food, including fried appetizers and sandwiches, and its casual, dog-friendly atmosphere. The cafe was also a popular filming location for movies such as "You've Got Mail."

The closure of the cafe was announced on its Facebook page, which has since been taken down. Once the construction is completed, the city will open a bidding process for restaurant operators interested in leasing the property. However, former employees have stated that the owners of Boat Basin Cafe do not plan on placing a bid.

The Boat Basin Cafe had a rich history, opening its doors in 1997 and becoming a well-loved institution in the Upper West Side of New York City. While its closure due to the construction project is unfortunate, the city's efforts to improve the area will hopefully bring new opportunities for dining and recreation to the community.

The cafe had a riverside location

The Boat Basin Cafe was a beloved destination for al fresco dining and drinking, with a unique riverside location. The cafe was built into an elevated stone structure with dramatic arches, perched right on the edge of the Hudson River. With stunning views, it was a popular spot for New Yorkers to enjoy casual dining and socialising. The Boat Basin Cafe was also a famous filming location, featuring in the movie 'You've Got Mail'.

The cafe was situated in an enviable position, just off West 79th Street in Manhattan, with easy access to the highway. The 79th Street Rotunda, operated by the New York City Parks Department, provided a convenient entrance to the cafe, with the beautiful courtyard inside and gorgeous river views from the perimeter. The Boat Basin Cafe was a seasonal spot, open during the warmer months, and was a favourite for its affordable bar food and relaxed atmosphere.

The Boat Basin's riverside location was a big draw for city dwellers, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Diners could enjoy the open-air setting, taking in the fresh air and the calming presence of the river while indulging in delicious fried appetizers and sandwiches. The cafe was built into a stone structure, adding to the overall charm and providing a fancy feel to the dining experience.

Unfortunately, the cafe's days by the river came to an end in 2019 due to a construction project. The city planned to renovate the courtyard area and the rotunda to improve access to the Hudson River Greenway, and while the Boat Basin Cafe's contract was due to expire in April 2020, the owners had no intention of reopening. The riverside location, which had brought so much joy to patrons, was now reserved for a future fine dining venue.

The Boat Basin Cafe's riverside location was integral to its identity and charm, and it will be remembered fondly by many New Yorkers who cherished their time spent dining by the water.

It was a popular spot for outdoor dining

The Boat Basin Cafe was a popular spot for outdoor dining. Built into an elevated stone structure with dramatic arches, the cafe offered stunning views of the Hudson River from the Upper West Side of Manhattan. It was a beloved destination for New Yorkers seeking to enjoy their meals al fresco by the waterfront.

During the warmer months, people would flock to its open-air location off West 79th Street. The cafe provided a delightful setting for casual parties and get-togethers, with affordable bar food and a vibrant atmosphere. Its riverside location made it a sought-after choice for those wanting to dine outdoors and take in the fresh air and scenic surroundings.

The Boat Basin Cafe had been a fixture of the Upper West Side since its opening in 1997. It was a seasonal spot, operating during the warmer months and offering a unique dining experience with the river breeze and the sound of lapping waves. The cafe was also known for being dog-friendly, making it a favourite among pet owners who enjoyed bringing their furry companions along for a meal or a drink.

Over the years, the cafe had also gained some fame for being a filming location for popular movies such as "You've Got Mail." However, despite its success and popularity, the Boat Basin Cafe met its demise in 2019 due to an upcoming construction project in the area. The city planned to renovate the nearby rotunda and courtyard to provide better access to the Hudson River Greenway, marking the end of an era for this beloved outdoor dining spot.

The owners do not plan on bidding for the property post-construction

The Boat Basin Cafe, a beloved outdoor dining spot in New York City, has permanently closed due to a long-term construction project. The cafe, which first opened its doors in 1997, was known for its riverside views and affordable bar food. Unfortunately, the city's plans for construction near the city-owned site have forced the cafe to shut down for good.

The construction project, which is estimated to take around four years, will include the reconstruction of the courtyard area and the rotunda to provide access to the Hudson River Greenway. While this development may improve the area's infrastructure and accessibility, it has sadly led to the closure of this well-loved establishment.

Once the construction is completed, the city will open a bidding process for restaurant operators interested in leasing the property. However, it has been reported that the owners of the Boat Basin Cafe do not plan on participating in this bidding process. This decision seems to be confirmed by a former employee, who shared that the cafe had no intention of reopening, even though their contract was not due to expire until April 2020.

The closure of the Boat Basin Cafe has left a void for its loyal customers, who cherished its casual atmosphere, delightful location, and affordable menu options. It is always challenging for small businesses to navigate significant changes in their operating environment, and in this case, the impending construction proved to be an insurmountable hurdle for the cafe's owners.

The owners' decision not to bid for the property post-construction is a clear indication that they are moving on from this chapter. While it is unfortunate for those who held dear memories of the cafe, it also leaves room for new dining establishments to emerge and cater to the community in their own unique ways.

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