As architect and designer of Fish Bar at North River Landing, the firm Andrew Franz Architect worked with client New York Cruise Lines, Inc. to reimagine the vessel as a "dynamic yet intimate experience of dining and drinking on a distinctive modern yacht, evocative of the lifestyle represented aboard leisure vessels found on the Côte d’Azur and throughout the Mediterranean,” says Franz. 

 

Inspired by the classic styling of vintage yachts, the designers and client conceived of a contemporary nautical atmosphere featuring hammered brass bars, richly upholstered banquettes, reclaimed teak floors, and semi-private outdoor cabins. The new venue's expansive outdoor top deck is ideal for taking in sunsets and city views, and there and in two interior levels patrons will enjoy artisanal cocktails, craft beer, wine, champagne, and sharable large and small plates.

 

The three-story indoor-outdoor venue is located at Pier 81 on the Hudson River at West 42nd Street, near the burgeoning Hudson Yards and midtown west neighborhoods. Fish Bar at North River Landing will adjoin New York Cruise Lines’ North River Lobster Company, the award-winning floating lobster shack they launched recently.

 

Housed within a 10,000-square-foot yacht located at Pier 81 on the Hudson River, at West 42nd Street, the Fish Bar will be adjacent to the burgeoning Hudson Yards and midtown west neighborhoods, Pier 81 represents the culmination of developments along the Hudson River serving this new and growing neighborhood of young professionals, residents and visitors alike. Fish Bar will adjoin NYCL’s North River Lobster Company, the award-winning floating lobster shack they launched in 2014.

 

Emulating the world’s best urban rooftops and waterside hospitality venues, Fish Bar's open decks and warm nautical interiors “merge the upscale ambiance of a Manhattan cocktail lounge and the relaxed, convivial scene of a seaside Mediterranean tapas restaurant,” says Andrew Franz, AIA, LEED AP, founding principal of the design firm. The new venue will feature an expansive outdoor top deck for taking in sunsets and city views, and two interior levels for enjoying artisanal cocktails, craft beer, wine, champagne, and shareable large and small plates.

 

“Our design offers a dynamic yet intimate experience of dining and drinking on a distinctive modern yacht, evocative of the lifestyle represented aboard leisure vessels found on the Côte d’Azur and throughout the Mediterranean,” says Franz. Inspired by the classic styling of vintage yachts, the designers conceived of a contemporary nautical atmosphere featuring hammered brass bars, richly upholstered banquettes, reclaimed teak floors, and semi-private outdoor cabins.

 

"We're excited to be part of the growing leisure and dining scene at North River Landing and along the Hudson River," says Franz. "By offering such a unique perspective on the city along with the unbeatable experience of eating and drinking on the water, the addition of Fish Bar will help establish a new identity for Pier 81 as a waterfront social destination. And unlike other waterfront dining experiences in NY, this vessel will offer the opportunity to sail the Hudson on its multiple daily voyages.”

 

“We chose Andrew Franz Architect after an extensive search because not only did Andrew and his team get rave reviews from past clients, but he clearly had a unique understanding and emotional connection to what it means to be dining and drinking with friends on the water,” says Daniel Boockvar, Chief Executive Officer of New York Cruise Lines.

 

With a diverse and noted architecture practice, Andrew Franz Architect established a strong reputation in the New York restaurant market few years ago with the award-winning La Marina, an innovative destination set on the banks of the Hudson River in Upper Manhattan. The riverside complex, with its informal bar, sandy beach and intimate dining pavilion with retractable glass walls, has become a favorite for locals as well as visitors and celebrities.