Long Island City isn't exactly short on views. You can stand on basically any street corner near the East River and see the Chrysler Building or the United Nations. But most people end up at the manicured parks with the giant Pepsi-Cola sign or the high-end rooftop bars where a cocktail costs as much as a small steak.
Anable Basin Bar and Grill is different. It’s gritty.
It feels like a secret, even though it’s been sitting right there on 4th-44th Drive for years. This isn't a polished corporate lounge; it’s an industrial waterfront picnic area tucked away behind warehouses and construction zones. You walk down a street that looks like a dead end, pass some barbed wire and gravel, and suddenly you’re standing on a concrete pier with the best panoramic view of Manhattan you’ve ever seen. No glass partitions. No dress code. Just a bunch of picnic tables and the smell of a charcoal grill.
What Actually Makes Anable Basin Bar and Grill Work
Honestly, the charm is in what they didn't do. They didn't try to make it fancy. In a city that is rapidly becoming a series of glass towers and curated "experiences," Anable Basin feels like old-school Queens. It’s a family-owned operation that prioritizes the breeze and the beer over the aesthetics of the furniture.
You’ve got the 59th Street Bridge (the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge, if we're being official) looming to your right. The Roosevelt Island Tram slides back and forth in the distance. It’s loud. It’s windy. It’s perfect.
The menu doesn't try to win Michelin stars. It’s essentially a backyard barbecue on steroids. You’re looking at burgers, hot dogs, and a surprisingly solid selection of Balkan-influenced dishes like Cevapi—small, grilled sausages that remind you this isn't just another generic American bistro. They have a massive grill right there in the open air, and the smoke drifts across the pier, making you hungry the second you walk through the gate.
Prices? They’re reasonable for New York. It’s the kind of place where you can actually afford to stay for three hours and have a few rounds without checking your bank app in a panic halfway through.
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Why the Location Is a Little Weird (In a Good Way)
Finding the place is half the fun. If you’re taking the 7, E, or M train to Court Square or 21st St-Van Alst, you have to walk through the industrial guts of LIC. You’ll see film studios and repair shops. It feels like you’re going the wrong way.
Then you see the sign.
The "basin" in the name refers to the 11th Street Basin, a narrow waterway that used to be a hub for shipping and industrial transport. Today, it’s mostly home to some docked barges and the occasional stray piece of driftwood. But because it’s a basin, the water is calmer here than out in the main channel of the East River. It creates this weirdly peaceful pocket of stillness right in the middle of the chaos of New York City.
People bring their dogs. They bring their kids. You’ll see a guy in a tailored suit sitting next to someone in bicycle spandex. It’s one of the few places left in the neighborhood where the "new" LIC and the "old" LIC actually sit at the same table.
Misconceptions About the Experience
A lot of people think they need a reservation. You don't. In fact, they generally don't even take them. It’s first-come, first-served. If you show up on a Saturday in July at 7:00 PM, yeah, you’re going to wait. But that’s when the sunset happens, and everyone wants that "Golden Hour" photo for their feed.
Wait.
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Don't just go for the sunset. Go at 3:00 PM on a Tuesday if you can swing it. The vibe is totally different. It’s quiet. You can hear the water lapping against the concrete. You can actually hear the person you’re talking to.
Another mistake? Thinking it’s a year-round spot. This is a seasonal operation. When the wind starts whipping off the East River in November, sitting on a concrete pier loses its appeal pretty fast. They usually open up in the spring and close down when the frost starts to bite. Always check their social media or give them a quick call before you trek out there in the shoulder seasons.
The Food: What to Actually Order
Look, the burger is fine. It’s a solid, reliable burger. But if you're at Anable Basin Bar and Grill, you should probably try something else.
- Cevapi: These are the star. These Bosnian-style grilled sausages are juicy, salty, and served with onions and pita. It’s the perfect beer food.
- Grilled Octopus: Surprisingly tender for a place that looks like a loading dock.
- Corn on the Cob: It’s simple, but they char it properly on the open flame.
The drinks are straightforward. They have a good selection of craft beers—usually some local Queens brews on tap—and some basic cocktails. Don't expect a 12-ingredient mixology masterpiece. Expect a drink that stays cold while you watch the ferries go by.
The Logistics of a Waterfront Afternoon
Getting here isn't just about the subway. If you’re coming from Manhattan or Brooklyn, the NYC Ferry is actually the best way to do it. Take the Astoria line to the Long Island City stop (Gantry Plaza State Park). From there, it’s about a 10-to-15-minute walk north. It’s a scenic walk, too. You pass the Hunter's Point South Park and the massive library.
If you’re driving, parking is... well, it’s Queens. It’s better than Manhattan, but it’s still a gamble. There’s some street parking in the industrial area nearby, but keep an eye on the signs. This is a high-traffic area for trucks during the week.
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One thing most people forget: the sun.
There isn't a ton of shade. There are umbrellas, sure, but if it’s a 95-degree day in August, that concrete pier is going to hold onto the heat. Bring sunglasses. Wear sunscreen. If you’re sensitive to the sun, aim for a late afternoon arrival when the sun starts to dip behind the Manhattan skyline.
Why This Place Matters in 2026
New York is changing. It's becoming more expensive and more polished. Places like Anable Basin Bar and Grill are the "lungs" of the city. They provide a space that feels unpretentious. There’s something deeply satisfying about sitting on a plastic chair, eating a sausage with your hands, and looking at the most expensive real estate in the world across the water. It puts things in perspective.
It’s also one of the best spots to watch the fireworks if you can get a spot, though fair warning: it gets incredibly crowded during major holidays.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you're planning to head over, here’s how to do it right.
- Check the weather twice. Because it's right on the water, it’s always about 5 to 10 degrees cooler than it is inland, and the wind can be significant. If it’s a breezy day, bring a light jacket even in the summer.
- Bring the dog. It’s one of the most dog-friendly spots in the city. Just keep them on a leash because the edge of the pier doesn't always have a railing, and you don't want your Golden Retriever trying to swim to Manhattan.
- Go for the Balkan specials. Seriously. The standard pub fare is okay, but the grilled meats from the region are where the kitchen actually shines.
- Don't rush. This isn't a "quick bite" place. The service is relaxed (read: sometimes slow when it's busy). Go when you have a couple of hours to kill.
- Cash or Card? They take cards, but having some cash for a quick tip at the bar never hurts.
Anable Basin isn't trying to be the coolest bar in New York. It just happens to be one of them because it stayed exactly what it was meant to be: a place to grab a beer and look at the river.
Go before the secret gets out even more, or before another condo tower tries to claim the air rights. It’s a slice of Queens that everyone should experience at least once.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Confirm the current seasonal hours on their official website or social media pages, as they change based on sunset times and weather conditions. If you're traveling with a group of six or more, aim to arrive before 4:00 PM on weekends to snag a full picnic table together. Pair your visit with a walk through the nearby SculptureCenter or a visit to MoMA PS1 for a full day of LIC culture.