Really, what blog post about Roosevelt Island can begin without talking about how little people actually know about it. How does one sell that small strip of land on the subway map, or the other end of those curious trams shuffling about midtown. All is not lost however, as there is still Pier NYC to serve as your foothold as you explore this alien territory.
This view is worth the tram ride.
On the edge of the Island, Pier NYC is less than a 5-minute walk from the subway. Walking down to the water is a shock of refreshment. A complete open space features a casual bar and grill, and even the open air cannot keep the pleasant, carnivorous aroma from blanketing the area. The BBQ itself is actually shipped in from John Brown Smoke House, the seafood shuttled in from the Lobster Place. The drinks however, are made on-site under your watchful eye.
The open kitchen and bar 
The brisket was just as one would expect, enjoyable yet expected, as was the turkey. What was a slight cut above the rest was the seafood. The rock shrimp roll was a solid showing, perfect for the summer–especially with you have faith that the mayonnaise hadn’t gone its rounds yet. The crab cake too packed a punch, no nonsense meat with the right crunch. These were of course, all on unpretentious bread buns, which matched perfectly with the surrounding and the feeling of relaxed satisfaction.
This is how to enjoy summer in New York.
I admit, it’ll be tough to coax anyone to venture off the subway a stop or two earlier. And a warning I must issue now is that in lieu of real bathrooms, one must endure the port-a-potty. Perhaps they may hear my plea to fix this problem. Regardless, there may be a time when the city gets too much, and when that time has come–know that there are people out there who are lounging across the narrow waters, cocktail-in-hand, hoping you don’t trample on their BBQ.
Jessie
We had to create a new location category for this post: Roosevelt Island. I wonder how many neighborhoods we’re still missing. The food was compliments of the restaurant, though it did not impact our opinion, nor were we obligated to write about the experience.
Pier NYC
(646) 648-2020
West Promenade, Roosevelt Island
New York, NY 10044
http://www.piernyc.com/
