Boat Basin Cafe

This two-tier restaurant overlooking the Hudson has the vibe of an impromptu backyard barbecue without the mosquito bites or the charcoal mess. Kids can sip on all-natural apple juice and marvel at the rocking boats, while you grab a grilled chicken sandwich ($10) or grilled salmon ($19) and toast the setting sun with an icy swig of Absolut Citron–spiked Electric Lemonade. Just call ahead if the skies look stormy—the café sometimes closes up when it rains.