Sailor’s Choice: A Nautical-Themed Bar at Hudson Yards Brings Maine Vibes to Manhattan

This summer, take a trip to a classic Maine lobster boat—without ever leaving mainland Manhattan. Sailor’s Choice is a new bar on Hudson Yards’ plaza centering around a vintage-boat-turned-bar with counter seating, surrounded by additional tables shaded by nautical-inspired yellow-and-white umbrellas. A vintage Airstream, bright white fences, and walls of colorful buoys complete the laid-back, coastal vibe. 

A Unique Twist on Crew Hospitality Group’s Beloved Waterfront Bars 

Opened in early June, Sailor’s Choice is the latest among Crew hospitality group’s buzzy, nautical-inspired New York bars—Grand Banks, High Tide, and Drift In, to name a few—around Manhattan, Brooklyn, and even on Governors Island. Unlike most of Crew’s concepts, Sailor’s Choice isn’t perched along the waterfront, but still grabs its name from the brothers behind the group’s post-sailing ritual. After spending a day on the water, Alex and Miles Pincus always pour beer over cold ice and call it “sailor’s choice.”

Buzzy Summer Drinks Abound

Other drinks—served from the Airstream or main bar—include standout “Boat Drinks” with cheeky names like the Tropicalia (vodka, watermelon, and lime) and I’m the Captain Now (Captains Courageous single-barrel rye, Aperol, pineapple, and lemon). The “Yacht Rock” menu section includes summer classics like a paloma, G&T (gin and tonic), martini, and negroni. Spritzes range from a classic Aperol Spritz to the Skipper Key (rosé, lemon, strawberry, and seltzer) and Bicicletta (Campari, pinot grigio, triple sec, and seltzer). Champagnes, wines, and summery beers, as well as mocktails, coffees, cold brews, and sodas, round off the drink list. 

A Fun Take on New England Seafood Favorites

Food at Sailor’s Choice finds inspiration in New England seafood favorites, with a focus on using local, wild, and sustainable ingredients. Start with oysters shucked to order by the half-dozen or dozen, or appetizers like the crab dip, shrimp cocktail, or the standout caviar tater tots (smoked Pacific steelhead roe, tater tots, crème fraîche, and pickled red onion). Other summer-inspired options include a Lobster BLT, fish and chips, and a refreshing tomato and watermelon salad. Land-lovers can opt for a club or chicken sandwich, or a hearty cheeseburger. Top your meal off with coastal-style desserts like a housemade key lime tart or a piña colada treat with ice cream and toasted coconut flakes. 

Sailor’s Choice is open Monday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. 350 11th Ave., New York, NY 10001