New in Brooklyn Bridge Park, NYC: Fireboat, a Floating Bar on a Retired 1961 FDNY Vessel

At the northwest end of Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park, a retired FDNY firefighting vessel from the 1960s has been turned into a floating, Caribbean-inspired bar called Fireboat. It comes from Crew, the hospitality group behind a string of waterfront spots in New York, including Grand Banks. The boat is the 1961 Governor Alfred E. Smith, and its fire hoses have been converted into taps for pouring drinks.

The drink list is built for the waterfront: spritzes, crisp sparkling wine, island cocktails, summery wines and cold beer on ice. The food leans Caribbean bar snacks, including salt cod hushpuppies, fresh ceviche, BBQ prawn skewers and a signature jerk chicken sandwich. Piña colada ice cream is on the menu for dessert.

Fireboat runs in the summer months, open 4pm to 10pm on weekdays and 11am to 10pm on weekends. There are no reservations for regular visits: all seating is held for walk-ins, first come, first served. Larger groups on the upper deck and private events can be arranged through the inquiry form on the Crew website.

The bar sits inside the park, within easy walking distance of DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights, with harbor views and a breeze off the water. It has closed for the season, so it is one to plan for as a summer evening stop with friends.