Free Rides on the Staten Island Ferry 4 South St. This is a great way to see Manhattan lights at night, the perfect views of NY Harbor by day and views of the Statue of Liberty. Return trips are free and you must exit the ferry and reboard to return. Easy!
Statue of Liberty Cruises Battery Park Purchase tickets @ Castle Clinton. No tickets can be sold through street sellers so be aware! These are the only ways to get on the island.
$ less than 15 $$ 15-29 $$$ 30-49 $$$$ 50 and over
American Cuisine
Merchant River House 375 South End Hudson River Esplanade $$ Casual American Cuisine Outdoor patio and large windows inside restaurant overlooking Hudson River. Try the Mini Lobster Rolls or the Blackened Salmon.
St. George Tavern 103 Washington St. $$ Pub fare & French Bistro in former church space & landmarked bldg. Prix-fixe menu available. Try the bar-b-que sliders
Asian Fusion
Ningbo Cafe 21 South End $$ Try the Mango or Pineapple Chicken, Peking Duck, Steamed Pumpkin Pie or Green Tea Cheese Cake
Bakery
Le Pain Quotidien 395 South End $$ Artisanal breads, community tables, and beautiful dishes served in a "European Cafe" styled setting. Try the Avocado Toast, Organic Dutch Mini Pancakes, or the Toasted Ham & Cheese Croissant
BBQ
Blue Smoke 255 Vesey St. $$ Soulful Southern Barbecue and sides like Five Pepper Brisket, Alabama White Wings, and Buttermilk Biscuits.
Mighty Quinn's 225 Liberty St. $$ Old school BBQ born in New York! Pitmaster Hugh Mangum smokes those meats for hours and they are served hand-carved to perfection. Try the Organic Free-Range Chicken or the Grilled Lamb Chops!
Burgers
Bill's Bar & Burger 85 West St. $$ Accessible. Two locations in the city! This one is just around the corner from the 9/11 Memorial. Try the Burgers, Fish Tacos or Junk Fries with pulled pork, , smoked bacon chili, applewood bacon, cheese, sour cream & chives.
P.J. Clarke's 250 Vesey St. $$ Views of North Cove Marina One of the best views for patio dining! Serving New York since 1884. They "fired up their grill before Lady Liberty lit her torch." Original location on 3rd Avenue. Try the Black Angus Steaks or Crispy Skin Faroe Island Salmon.
Battery Park Battery Pl. Seaglass Carousel, bike path, harbor views, Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island tours, memorials & urban farm
Robert Wagner Park 16 Battery Pl. Just north of Battery Park. Gardens & open lawns. Public access roof deck over Gigino's Restaurant provides views of Statue of Liberty. No pets allowed.
Teardrop Park Warren St. & River Terr. Children's playground with beautiful "Ice Wall" artwork by Ann Hamilton & Michael Mercil. No pets allowed.
Pumphouse Park Brookfield Place Circular green space with benches. Busy with families and kids. No pets allowed.
South Cove Park 2nd Pl. at Hudson River The esplanade with "blue lights" at night. Lush garden setting.
Rockefeller Park River Terrace Open air lawn at the north end of Battery Park City. Public Art pieces, handball, ping-pong, and billiards & children's garden.
Rector Park 333 Rector Pl. 2 parks divided by South End Ave. Lovely green spaces for quiet restive moments.
Washington Market Park 199 Chambers St. 2 playgrounds, gazebo, tennis court, basketball court,great lawn & community garden in Tribeca on the northeast side of Chambers @ West St.