NYC Restaurants

Oysters. Cocktails. Sunsets. Who needs more? At Grand Banks, an oyster bar on the deck of the historic schooner F/V Sherman Zwicker, you will find it all along with a rather rambunctious crowd. Let's just hope they don't all lean to one side. The restaurant is the brainchild of lifelong sailors, Miles and Alex Pincus, and restaurateurs Mark Firth and Adrian Gallo, who drew inspiration from the oyster barges which once lined the Manhattan waterfront during the 18th and 19th centuries. A share of the profits also goes to support maritime conservation and develop oyster habitats.

Much of the menu is dedicated to oysters from the East and West Coasts; Tomahawks from Shinnccock Bay, Mermaid Cove from Prince Edward Island, Great South Bay from the Long Island Sound, and Kusshi from Deep Bay, Vancouver. Small plates are also served, including Jonah crab claws with smoked paprika and lemon; ceviche made with Montauk Sea Bream, avocado and kaffir lime; and a Maine lobster roll served with boat-made pickles on a toasted bun. Soft shell crabs and sea scallops are also available. Grand Banks is also a great spot for cocktails inspired by the sea, like the Painkiller made with white rum, pineapple and coconut cream, and the Yacht Club with tequila, lime and Pcyhaud's bitters. There's also a nice selection of beer on tap and wine, making this a perfect spot to drop anchor! Also, check out their schooner, Pilot, at Pier 6 on the Brooklyn waterfront.

- Thomas Rafael