DINING ON AIRCRAFT CARRIER THE USS BAYLANDER @ WEST HARLEM PIERS

The USS Baylander

Manhattan’s most original new outdoor drinks and dining concept has officially docked. The USS Baylander, moored in West Harlem Piers Park at 125th Street, is the world’s smallest aircraft carrier, first serving in the Vietnam War in 1968. Now, after a stint as a helicopter landing trainer in Pensacola, the ship’s crew are slinging drinks to civilians atop its flight deck – or “Steel Beach,” in Naval slang. 

 “We wanted to create a beer garden-style bar and restaurant on a boat,” said Ian Duke, The Baylander’s owner with partner Michael Trenk. “Then when Covid-19 arrived, we realized that we had one of the largest outdoor spots in Manhattan. The response has been overwhelming.” 

Open mid-afternoon to evening, The Baylander’s Steel Beach offers beers, frozen drink and classic cocktails with a nautical twist, like its “Port Side Paloma,” “Admiral’s Punch” and “Damn the Torpedoes” (Cazadores reposado tequila, Chacho jalapeño aguardiente, triple sec, fresh lime and blood orange juice). 

The ship’s mess offers a menu of waterside favorites like lobster rolls, firecracker flash-fried calamari and beer-battered fish and chips.

 To ensure safety, The Baylander has reduced capacity to 125 persons on its deck, which is large enough to land two military-sized helicopters. Before stepping aboard, guests are asked to use hand sanitizer and have their temperatures read. 

“We have ensured safety, but almost more importantly, we are creating confidence,” says Duke, who is also the restaurateur behind Hamptons hotspots like Southampton Social Club, Union Burger Bar and the new Union Sushi & Steak, as well as Prohibition and Lucky’s Famous Burgers in Manhattan. “Everything about the ship is now geared around social distancing. We really have tried to create the safest environment possible.” 

Duke adds that there is something for everyone on The Baylander. History buffs will enjoy the authentic military surplus used to preserve and deck out the ship. But everyone will enjoy The Baylander’s stunning views of the George Washington Bridge and Hudson River at sunset. 

 “You’re sitting on an actual military vessel that was used at war,” says Duke, who notes that The Baylander was one of 16 Skilak class lighters used to move men and material around the delta regions of Vietnam. “That’s not something most people get to do. Better still, the sun sets right over our bar. It’s beautiful.” For more information visit: www.Baylander.nyc | (917) 280-3934 

About Ian Duke:

 Ian Duke is dedicated to making a difference in Southampton’s social and culinary scene. He is a partner in 6 restaurants, including: Prohibition, a live music bar, restaurant and lounge on New Yorks’ Upper West Side; 2 Lucky’s Famous Burgers located in Hell’s Kitchen and Chelsea in New York City; the prohibition-style speakeasy meets Hamptons’ glam destination, Southampton Social Club; The Baylander in Manhattan; Union Burger Bar; and most recently, Union Sushi & Steaks, which opened this summer at 40 Bowden Square in Southampton. Catering to a very diverse clientele, Duke’s restaurants are designed to be friendly for families, groups, locals, singles, as well as for parties and events.

Photo Courtesy Of Lawlor Media Group