From LIC to the Historic Seaport: A Ferry-Hop Food Adventure
Queens and Lower Manhattan share the same river—why not share the same day? This itinerary lets you graze Long Island City’s brunch scene, catch the NYC Ferry for a breezy 25-minute ride, and finish with cocktails amid the cobblestones of the Seaport. Total transit cost: $4.00 each way, panoramic skyline views included.
9:30 AM – Grab an Eye-Opener on Vernon Boulevard
Start steps from the Hunters Point South ferry landing. Locals line up at Sweetleaf (10-93 Vernon Blvd.) for pour-overs and crackly pistachio croissants. Need something heartier? Walk one block north to LIC Market, where the bacon-and-egg brioche is legendary and seating spills onto the sidewalk on sunny mornings.
10:30 AM – Art Fix & Photo Ops Along the Waterfront
Stroll north on the riverside esplanade:
Pepsi-Cola Sign – an Instagram rite of passage.
Gantry Plaza State Park – restored rail gantries frame midtown’s skyline.
Hunter’s Point South Park – kayak rentals (summer) and wildflower meadows if you need a pause before lunch.
12:00 PM – Queens-Style Brunch (Global Edition)
Long Island City packs global flavor into a few blocks:
| Craving | Go here | Must-try dish |
|---|---|---|
| Modern Mexican | Casa Enrique | Pork belly tacos with salsa verde |
| Balkan comfort | Šturm’s | Ćevapi sliders + ajvar |
| Aussie café vibes | Little Chef Little Café | Ricotta hotcakes with honeycomb butter |
Tip: Call ahead—LIC brunch spots fill fast once Manhattanites roll in.
1:45 PM – Board the NYC Ferry to Pier 11 / Wall Street
Route: Astoria Line southbound
Duration: ~25 minutes
Fun seat: Top deck, starboard side for Governors Island views
Swipe your OMNY or buy a $4 ticket in the ferry app. As you glide under the Williamsburg and Manhattan Bridges, you’re tracing a historic shipping lane that once fed the same markets you’ll explore next.
2:15 PM – Dock, Walk, & Wander Water Street
You’ll disembark at Pier 11, one block from the East River Esplanade. Head west on Wall Street, then south onto Water Street—the spine of New York’s original mercantile district.
Tap this Lower Manhattan neighborhood guide for café picks, hidden public art, and the quickest detours to the Seaport promenade.
Snack stops nearby
Industry Kitchen – waterfront pizza with shishito peppers
Leo’s Bagels – hand-rolled classics since 2007
Café Patoro – Uruguayan meat pies if you skipped brunch dessert
3:30 PM – Seaport Side Quests
A three-minute walk lands you on the Seaport’s cobblestones:
South Street Seaport Museum – peek into a 19th-century printing shop.
Tin Building by Jean-Georges – upscale food hall; grab mochi-filled doughnuts for the ride home.
Pier 17 rooftop – rotating art installations and unbeatable Brooklyn Bridge selfies.
5:00 PM – Golden-Hour Drinks
Slip into Cobble & Co. for Queens-brewed Finback IPA on tap, or sip a Thai chile margarita at The Sill & The Parrot pop-up bar overlooking the masts of the Wavertree. Whichever you choose, time your last sip for the 6:07 PM ferry—the sunset return trip is pure postcard.
6:45 PM – Ferry Back & Dinner Options
Hungry again? Queens delivers late:
Budgie’s Aussie Diner – open till 9 PM for meat pies and Lamingtons.
Mothership Meat Company – slab ribs and smoked cheddar mac till they sell out.
Or call it a night and stroll Vernon Boulevard’s boutique wine bars. You’re a five-minute walk from Court Sq-23 St subway if the ferry schedule doesn’t match your vibe.
Quick Reference
| Segment | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee & LIC stroll | 9:30 – 11:30 AM | Sweetleaf → Gantry Plaza |
| Brunch | 12:00 PM | Casa Enrique / Šturm’s / Little Chef |
| Ferry to Manhattan | 1:45 – 2:15 PM | Astoria Line to Pier 11 |
| Water Street & Seaport | 2:15 – 5:45 PM | Snacks, museum, rooftop |
| Return ferry | 6:07 PM | Sunset skyline views |
| Nightcap in LIC | 6:45 PM onward | Vernon Blvd. wine bars |
Final Tips
Carry a MetroCard or OMNY—ferries can be delayed and the J/Z at Broad St. is a backup ride.
Weekends: The Astoria Line skips some midday runs; check the NYC Ferry app.
Weather plan: Tin Building’s indoor market keeps the itinerary rain-proof.
One river, two boroughs, endless bites—enjoy the hop!
