The Brooklyn Barge
“Wish they didn't serve in plastic cups as I worry about our world.”
“There is also a restroom which is a glorified un-air conditioned port-a-john but it is surprisingly nice!”
“By the time it came down the Hudson to Greenpoint, the weather had almost turned and my cadre of friends had turned our attention to something else.”
The Brooklyn Barge
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Outdoor Seating: Yes
PokéStop Nearby: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
7 reviews
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Perhaps it was the weather, but this was not as cool as I expected. Being on a "barge" is a novelty, but everything else seemed ordinary. On the plus side, the portable bathrooms were in a trailer with AC and much nicer than I expected.
Worth nothing that the place is CASH ONLY.
Since moving to Greenpoint in January, we've been anticipating the opening of Brooklyn Barge, and finally it's open!
Around 2 PM on a blazing hot 90 degree Saturday we ventured up. There was no seating available on the barge itself, at least not under an umbrella so we settled for the "deck"!
We ordered a pitcher of the Montauk IPA for $24! The beer was good and water is available.
The view is pretty great but no different than Transmitter Park (considering not they are basically the same place haha).
There is food available via a converted shipping crate/kitchen combo and at least today, you were given a ticket for a hot dog if you spent over $10.
There is also a restroom which is a glorified un-air conditioned port-a-john but it is surprisingly nice!
Overall, on a day where you aren't willing to dip yourself into the East River to cool off, Brooklyn Barge is a great spot for drinks!!!
I really wanted to like this place but there are little to no redeeming qualities.
The bad:
– The food was horrendous. I ordered 2 fish tacos and only ate half of one because I thought they were going to make me sick. The fish was cold (ie cooked way before I ordered it and not reheated). The tortillas were also not fresh (hard – cooked awhile ago and not even reheated).
– The corn salad was meh and not worth the $4-5 based on taste and amount given.
– $12 for a plastic cup of rose. No thanks.
– cash only even though they said online that they took CC. Had to walk to ATM.
– when I went to order food initially the guy said they were not taking food orders bc the kitchen was too backed up. ?!?! I wish we would have just left instead of waiting around for the crappy food.
– watered down cocktails $12
Good:
– fries were fresh and hot with old bay seasoning
– lots of seating on the barge and pier although not all tables had umbrellas to keep us shaded.
– good view
I will definitely not be back.
They said they would be open, they are not… Very not cool of them! They're located near a small park on the water which is cool. The place is looks like a bunch of outdoor picnic tables to have a drink at. Upset I didn't get to try though it was advertised all over that they'd be open today.
Last year there were a series of false alarms, overly optimistic Facebook posts and blown timetables about when the barge would actually arrive neighborhood.
By the time it came down the Hudson to Greenpoint, the weather had almost turned and my cadre of friends had turned our attention to something else. It would be another year before we actually cast off a few feet onto the water to this sea-borne bar.
I'm sorry I waited. The view – right next to Transmitter Park – is gorgeous. I'm reminded of the too-brief reign of the beach bar in Long Island City, or the too-brief view one gets from the Gondola to Roosevelt Island. Midtown, downtown and uptown are all visible, and on this particular evening, borderline breathtaking in the warm orange glows of the setting sun.
The beer selection is better than expected, and the bartenders were able to juggle to rather large crowd with aplomb. The food has to be ordered on land – a iPad system so you can order on the barge would be better – and is totally average. But it's not as expensive as it could be and I'm glad it's on offer in case a bite or two is needed.
The seas are generally calm except for when a large cruise ship passes by. Then everything shakes for a few seconds, a reminder that you've actually left land and are drinking with the fishes.
Amazing spot once you find it! Just like everything in Greenpoint, anything worth going to is "hidden" in some way. After walking down a little ally I got to the barge bar. It is the perfect waterfront no frills summer spot. Great tacos, great Guac, and great drinks and location. Heavenly ! Shout out to John the Bartender who is awesome and super friendly. Recommend this for after work or weekend drinks with friends and a lite bite!
At Brooklyn Barge you're drinking outside on the water, so it's pretty tough to have a bad time. I didn't try the food, the barge beer was good – and a decent deal. If you want to come to Brooklyn and drink on the East River, you'll be pleased.
Seating is an issue. I was here after work at 6pm on a beautiful Friday, so it was expectedly crowded. All of the tables were taken. Instead of larger tables for people to sit at, I think they'd be better off doing small hightops out on the barge for standing room only. More people would be able to enjoy being out on the water.
Can we please change the info on this place? They DO NOT ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS.