Drift In Introduce
Nestled along the scenic waterfront of the West Village, Drift In offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of New York City. This popular restaurant and bar provides a perfect blend of a relaxed coastal vibe with the sophistication of a Manhattan dining destination. Drift In is more than just a place to eat; it's a social hub where friends can gather, couples can enjoy a romantic evening, and solo diners can feel right at home. Its prime location at 389 West St provides a stunning backdrop of the Hudson River, making it an ideal spot to catch a sunset while sipping on a perfectly crafted cocktail.
The atmosphere at Drift In is a unique blend of upscale and laid-back, creating a welcoming environment for a diverse crowd. The menu is a celebration of fresh, high-quality ingredients with a focus on seafood, offering everything from fresh oysters to classic American fare with a coastal twist. Whether you're craving a casual lunch, a lively happy hour with friends, or a memorable dinner, Drift In has something to satisfy every craving. The commitment to creating a comfortable and inclusive space is evident in its welcoming atmosphere, which is both LGBTQ+ friendly and a designated transgender safe space. It’s a place where everyone can feel welcome and enjoy a fantastic meal.
---Drift In is perfectly situated at 389 West St, New York, NY 10014, USA, placing it directly on the waterfront in the heart of the West Village. This location offers more than just convenience; it provides an incredible dining backdrop with views of the Hudson River and the surrounding park. The restaurant is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. For those using the subway, it’s a short walk from several major lines, making it an easy destination for New Yorkers from all over the city.
The restaurant's design and layout are also built with accessibility in mind. Drift In features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, ensuring that all guests can navigate the space comfortably and safely. The option for outdoor seating is particularly appealing, allowing guests to enjoy the fresh air and stunning views. It's also a destination that caters to a wide range of needs, including being dog-friendly, with dogs allowed in the outdoor seating area. This makes it a perfect stop during a walk along the river with your four-legged companion.
---Drift In offers a variety of services to cater to different dining preferences and occasions.
- Dine-in: Enjoy a full-service experience with seating available both indoors and outdoors. The atmosphere is perfect for a casual lunch, a romantic dinner, or a fun night out with friends. Reservations are accepted, which is a great option for planning your visit.
- Takeout: For those who want to enjoy Drift In's food at home, a convenient takeout option is available. This allows you to savor their delicious dishes wherever you are.
- Brunch: A highlight of the weekend is the dedicated brunch menu, available on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm. It's a popular choice for a leisurely weekend meal with options like "Pancakes" and "Breakfast Tacos."
- Happy Hour: Drift In offers a happy hour with drink specials, making it a great spot for a post-work cocktail or a pre-dinner drink.
Drift In stands out for several key features that contribute to its unique and appealing character.
- Great Cocktails and Beverages: The bar is a central part of the Drift In experience. The beverage menu includes a wide variety of offerings, including cocktails, beer, hard liquor, and wine. The "Happy hour drinks" are a popular feature, and the overall drink selection is a major draw for patrons.
- Organic and Vegetarian Options: The menu includes healthy options and a variety of dishes that cater to different dietary preferences. Guests can find "organic dishes" and "vegetarian options" that are flavorful and satisfying.
- Oyster Bar: A major highlight is the oyster selection, with popular varieties like "Wellfleet" and "Pink Moon" available. The "Oysters Champagne" and "The Grand Banks" offerings provide a perfect way to start your meal or enjoy a light, fresh bite.
- Dog-Friendly: One of the most unique features is that Drift In is welcoming to dogs in their outdoor seating area, which is a significant plus for pet owners in the city.
- Family-Friendly Amenities: The restaurant is "good for kids," offering a "kids' menu" and "high chairs," making it a great option for families.
- Diverse Menu: From "Surf & Turf" classics like the "Lobster BLT" and "Cheeseburger" to small plates and salads, the menu is diverse and appealing to a wide range of tastes.
- Inclusive Atmosphere: The restaurant is known for its friendly and inclusive vibe, being both "LGBTQ+ friendly" and a "transgender safespace," creating a welcoming environment for everyone.
For inquiries, reservations, or to place a takeout order, you can reach Drift In at the following:
Address: 389 West St, New York, NY 10014, USA
Phone: (646) 860-0964
Drift In is more than just a meal; it's a destination that promises a memorable experience by the water. The combination of a fantastic location, a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, and a menu that balances classic comfort with fresh coastal flavors makes it a top choice for locals and visitors alike. While some might have different experiences, such as the solo diner who noted a slow closing of their tab, the overwhelmingly positive feedback highlights the restaurant's strengths. Many customers, like the group of friends who were impressed by the bartender Aaron, rave about the excellent service and the welcoming "vibes" of the place.
The food itself is a major draw. The fresh oysters are a highlight, and the "Surf & Turf" offerings, like the "Lobster BLT," are perfect for a satisfying meal. The brunch menu is a particular favorite for weekend outings. The option of outdoor seating with a beautiful view of the water is a significant plus, especially on a nice day. The fact that the restaurant is dog-friendly and LGBTQ+ friendly also makes it a truly inclusive and community-oriented space, which is a big factor for many New Yorkers when choosing a dining spot.
While there may be minor points of contention, such as the charge for tap water, the overall value and quality of the experience at Drift In are what keep people coming back. It’s a place where the food is good, the drinks are great, and the atmosphere feels just right. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner with a view, a lively brunch with friends, or a quick bite and a drink after a walk along the river, Drift In offers a slice of coastal charm right in the heart of Manhattan.
Drift In Menu
OYSTERS
- Wellfleet $23.00
Wellfleet, Massachusetts. Shellfish
- Pink Moon $25.00
New London, Prince Edward Island. Shellfish
- Shibumi $26.00
Skagit Bay, Washington. Shellfish
- Oysters Champagne $25.00
East Coast oyster of the day dressed with shishito, cucumber, and Champagne mignonette. Shellfish
- The Grand Banks $75.00
The complete Pan-American oyster experience served with ramp, red wine, and Champagne mignonettes, cocktail sauce, and lemon. Shellfish. two dozen
TO START
- Spinach & Artichoke $17.00
Marinated artichoke hearts, baby spinach, parmesan, crisp lavash. Milk / Wheat
- XL Shrimp $23.00
Poached XL shrimp, aurora and cocktail sauce. Shellfish / Soybean
- Caviar Tater Tots $26.00
Smoked Pacific Steelhead roe (1 oz), tater tots, crème fraîche, pickled red onion. Fish / Milk / Soybean
SALADS
- Tomato & Watermelon $16.00
Heirloom tomato, watermelon, Thai basil, shiso. Soybean / Tree Nut
- Caesar Salad $18.00
Romaine, kale, heart of palm, shaved parmesan. Add shrimp +15. Egg / Fish / Gluten / Milk / Soybean / Wheat
SURF & TURF
- Lobster BLT $27.00
Maine lobster with herb, fennel, lemon, dulse emulsion, bacon, lettuce, and tomato on a griddled potato bun. Egg / Gluten / Milk / Sesame / Shellfish / Soybean / Wheat
- Fish & Chips $29.00
Fried North Atlantic pollock with dill, caper, and cornichon tartar sauce, vinegar dip, and seaweed-salted galley fries. Egg / Fish / Milk / Soybean
- Surf Club $21.00
A triple-decker of turkey, bacon, lettuce, and tomato on toasted Pullman bread. Egg / Gluten / Milk / Wheat
- Fried Chicken Sandwich $20.00
New Orleans fried chicken, Captain's sauce, dill pickles, lettuce, pepperoncini. Egg / Milk / Soybean / Wheat
- Cheeseburger $19.00
Black Angus, muenster cheese, tomato, leaf lettuce, quick pickle, and gochuchang aïoli on a griddled potato bun. Add bacon +3 Egg / Gluten / Milk / Soybean / Wheat
- Lobster Salad $35.00
Maine lobster with herb-dulse emulsion on a bed of arugula and kale greens with red wine vinaigrette, shaved fennel, and pickled red onion. Egg / Shellfish / Soybean
SIDES
- Big Pickle $6.00
Dill, garlic, coriander seed, white vinegar, salt, peppercorns
- Marinated Olives $7.50
Kalamata olives marinated in extra virgin olive oil with rosemary, citrus zest, garlic, and Aleppo chili
- French Fries $9.50
Galley fries, seaweed-salt, sage aïoli, spiced ketchup. Egg / Soybean
- Fried Artichoke Hearts $15.00
Fried artichoke hearts, lemon aioli, shiso, chives, cucumber. Egg / Soybean
DESSERTS
- Ice Cream $8.00
Toasted coconut and pineapple ice cream on a bed of flaked coconut. Egg / Milk / Tree Nut
- Gâteau $19.00
Rich chocolate cake, vanilla bean ice cream, crème anglaise, and rum plumped raisins. Egg / Gluten / Milk / Tree Nut / Wheat
- Rainbow Sherbet $8.00
Two scoops of rainbow sherbet, mini sugar cone. Gluten / Milk
- Key Lime Pie $12.00
Key Lime Pie, New England blueberry compote. Gluten / Milk
BRUNCH (Saturday & Sunday 10am - 2pm)
- Breakfast Tacos $18.00
Scrambled egg, hash brown, pickled onion, bacon, whiskey cheddar, calabrian chili aioli, corn tortilla. Egg / Gluten / Soybean
- Pancakes $23.00
Buttermilk pancakes, blueberries, whipped butter, chamomile sweet cream, maple syrup. Egg / Gluten / Milk
- Short Rib Hash $21.00
Crispy short rib, jerk spiced Idaho potatoes, sweet onions, fried egg, herbs fines. Egg / Gluten / Soybean
- Yogurt & Granola $16.00
Toasted coconut granola, blueberry chamomile compote, honey vanilla yogurt
- Breakfast Sandwich $25.00
Braised short rib, sherry BBQ sauce, pickles, fried egg, garlic toasted hoagie. Egg / Gluten
Drift In Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Organic dishes
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Pets
- Dogs allowed
- Dogs allowed outside
Drift In Photos










Drift In Location
Drift In Reviews
atmospheresandwichbartenderlobsterfish and chipssunsettacosrivercaviarthe menu
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1My friends and I went to Drift last week and had such a great experience! The vibes were unmatched—a perfect blend of upscale and relaxed. We sat at the bar, and Aaron, the bartender, took excellent care of us. He was kind, attentive, and gave thoughtful recommendations. He really made the night memorable. We’ll definitely be back!
April 30 · Kristin SmithThe atmosphere was cute, and the location by the water was definitely nice. The service was great at the beginning, but as a solo diner—who usually prefers to spend less time than a group—it became difficult for me to close out my tab. I wasn’t sure if my server had left, so I eventually had to ask a host to help me finalize my bill. The food was good overall, but I found it a bit strange that they charge for tap water. I understand it’s for a charity, but as someone who ordered a drink and barely touched the water, I questioned why I should have to pay for it.
July 12 · Skylar RoseFirst time at Drift In and won't be my last. The service was great, and the staff was attentive and friendly. The cocktail was delicious and wound up having two. The shrimp was good, and I love both sauces that came with the shrimp.The fried chicken sandwich and fries were cooked and tasted perfect . I wanted to try some other menu items. However, I was full between both drinks and food. Much love to the staff and the manager Jason for making my experience at Drift In memorable.
July 03 · Trevor BonnerDrift In is a seasonal outdoor bar on Pier 45 in Hudson River Park, offering stunning views of the Hudson River and New Jersey skyline. The setting is especially beautiful at sunset, with string lights, white umbrellas, and a breezy, nautical design that feels laid-back and inviting. It’s not a fancy place, but that’s part of its charm.The crowd leans young and good-looking—if that’s your scene, it’s a solid spot to mingle. Despite its size, service was quick and friendly. Our waiter was attentive without being overbearing. Overall, it’s a great place for an after-work drink or to catch the sunset by the water.
May 04 · Kai TomzigFirst time here, I was blown away, the service, the food, the surroundings are top notch! Amazing friendly staff & very helpful with food decision making! The drinks are also really fab! Really good for date night out, or drinks before parting to catch up with friends/family
July 03 · Carlo Aragon
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