Last Week, La Barca Cantina, the only Mexican Restaurant on a Boat in NYC, Reopened to the Public. Featuring Mexican-Inspired Street Food, Tequila, Mezcal and Cocktails, the New Summertime Hotspot Offers Cruises on the Hudson River With Breathtaking Views of the Manhattan Skyline.
Based at Pier 81, next to its sister-restaurant North River Lobster Company, La Barca spans three levels with an expansive outdoor top deck with a bar and table seating, a bi-level interior space with two bars, table seating and booth-like tables—perfect for large groups.
Even better, it takes short cruises multiple times per day, five days a week, offering up sweeping views of the NYC skyline.
“Mexico is one of the most exciting culinary destinations in the world with a rich and complex food culture and history,” said Craig Kanarick, the CEO if New York Cruise Lines. “Having spent the last three years learning everything I possibly can about agave-based spirits, including mezcal and tequila, it’s a thrill to cast a spotlight on a beverage category that is just as diverse and terroir-driven, yet not as well-known, as wine. We are so excited to bring this culture to life this summer on the Hudson River.”
On that note, the cocktail menu by Kanarick and Roman Tartakovsky, the beverage director for New York Cruise Lines, features agave-based spirits, such as mezcal, tequila, sotol and racilla, with a diverse bottle list and flights for sampling. Other cocktails include “The Drunken Rabbit” (Oaxacan rum with passion fruit), a “Bandera” (three parts, each served in its own shot glass—one with tequila, one with lime juice, and another with a spicy tomato juice called sangrita, a classic margarita, served on the rocks or frozen, a Paloma and a mezcal mule. Most of these can be served in large format to be shared among couples or groups.
We’d recommend not drinking on an empty stomach, so order from the menu items like tacos (chicken, shrimp and al pastor), Tony’s Campechano (beef, pork and roasted scallions) or the Fiesta Platter (giant boat filled with finger-food dishes—whole Mexican fried chicken, onion rings, jalapeño poppers and corn chips with a variety of salsas). Of course, there are also classics like guacamole with fresh corn chips, a chicken quesadilla and queso fundido alongside. There’s a new offering for vegetarian diets—vegetarian nachos, which is a mountain of tortilla chips, melted cheese, pico de gallo, sour cream, and guacamole made with a plant-based meat alternative.
La Barca Cantina, located at Pier 81 at 41st Street and 12th Avenue is now open five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday. It sets sail Wednesday and Thursday between 5 and 10pm; Friday from 3-10pm; and Saturday and Sunday from 1-10pm. You can get a boarding pass for $10 online or in-person at the box office at Pier 81.
Travel Update : Please note that there could be travel restrictions because of the ongoing pandemic. Before travelling, please always check the latest government advice about COVID-19 travel restrictions in your destination.
Source : Time Out | Photos : La Barca Cantina
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