Restaurant Review: Pier i Cafe

When looking where to grab a bite to eat, you always have to weigh cost with value.  Since New York is a little more expensive than other cities, this is even more difficult.

Sometimes places cost more because of the location, food quality, or atmosphere.  Pier I Cafe is located outside along the Hudson River, only open during the summertime.  This is one of New York's best kept secrets.

Locals dine here for a relaxing meal along the water.  With its casual setting, many come here after a day of biking or running down the river's esplanade.  It is also one of the few places that allows the consumption of alcohol in the park, so it is a great place to watch the sun set, eat good food outside, have a glass of wine, and come to dinner dressed in your workout clothes.

It is geared towards adults, but is welcoming for all ages. Think of it as an "adult picnic", where the adults sit alongside the water, drinking a glass of wine and having a salad, while the kids run around and play. It is the perfect "daycation" getaway, feeling as if you have escaped the bustling and noisy city, and landed in a tucked away paradise. Food is great. Atmosphere is like nothing else. And it is full of locals.

What more could you ask for?

How about a price reduction? It is a little bit expensive, and not exactly "frugal". A burger is about $10, and a beer is about $6, but for the value, it is frugal. You have a relaxing, front seat view of the water, eating and drinking, watching the sun set. Honestly, McDonald's runs about $8 for a value meal, so how much more are you actually paying? Trust me, it's worth it.

Consider this: Spend a day on the Upper West Side. Walk around Central Park, Columbus Circle, Lincoln Center, and Broadway. Rent a bike along the Hudson River for a couple hours, bike uptown towards Harlem and get a chance to tour yourself around for an affordable price,then conclude your journey here at Pier I for dinner, and watch the sun set along the Hudson.

Price: 3.5/5
Atmosphere: 5/5
Location: 5/5
Food: 4/5
Service: 4/5

Expect to spend: $15-20

What to order:

The "i" Burger
Maine Lobster Roll
Classic Caesar Salad