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, fre...