8 Buffet Experiences in New York Worth the Subway Ride

1.City Cruises Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Buffet Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 417 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $84Our pick

Board the Spirit of New York at Pier 61 for a 2 to 3 hour brunch, lunch, or dinner cruise. Eat a buffet meal, hear the onboard DJ, and take in Manhattan from enclosed decks or open-air observation areas. Brunch includes bottomless mimosas; other drinks are available for purchase.

“My first experience and I recommend it 100% I had a lot of fun and the service was amazing. They were very kind and respectful I would say costumer service was the best and the experience was amazing”

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2.4th of July Fireworks Party Cruise with Buffet & Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 122 reviews · 4 hours · from $269

Circle Line’s four-hour July 4 cruise pairs a Hudson River tour with Macy’s fireworks, a barbecue-style buffet, beer, wine, soft drinks and a specialty cocktail. You’ll pass Manhattan landmarks and the Statue of Liberty, with DJ music on board. Boarding starts at 6:15 PM at Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, and the boat departs at 6:45 PM.

“I wish we were closer to the fireworks, it started out very touristy and I thought it was going to be lame but after awhile it got better the food was ok and it was hard for me to get drinks because I only drink soda and water we may consider it again or look for a more exclusive venue”

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3.City Cruises New Jersey: NYC Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 100 reviews · 2 hours - 150 minutes · from $84

Board City Cruises’ Spirit of New Jersey at Lincoln Harbor Marina for a buffet lunch or dinner, a reserved table, and views of Manhattan, the bridges, and the Statue of Liberty. You can move between the climate-controlled dining room and open-air deck, with a DJ, games, and nonalcoholic drinks included.

“the views were amazing. atmosphere was great. food was lovely”

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4.New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner Fireworks Harbor Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 37 reviews · from $552

Spend three hours cruising New York Harbor on New Year’s Eve with City Cruises. You get a reserved table, a three-course buffet, an open bar, and DJ entertainment, with views of Manhattan, the bridges, and the Statue of Liberty. Fireworks are included weather permitting. The meeting point depends on the option you book.

“The decoration and the atmosphere were amazing. Everyone was super friendly, the food was good. The music could have included more new songs, unfortunately only oldies were played, which meant that the dance floor was getting a little emptier. But overall it was a great experience, although it could have gone on a little longer, 3 hours went by way too quickly.”

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5.Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 29 reviews · from $146

Board the Spirit of New York at Chelsea Piers for a two-hour brunch or 2.5-hour dinner cruise on Christmas Day. Expect a seasonal buffet, a reserved table, DJ music, and views of landmarks including the Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty. Brunch includes unlimited mimosas; dinner drinks are available to buy.

“Very pleasant atmosphere, excellent food, very good briefing, and friendly service. The music could have been more appropriate (only music from the 90s was played, while Christmas music would have been more fitting on December 25). There was ample space for taking photos, and the ship's crew was very friendly and attentive.”

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6.Christmas Eve Buffet Lunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 · 26 reviews · from $199

Board City Cruises’ Spirit of New York at Chelsea Piers for a holiday cruise on the Hudson and East Rivers. Choose lunch or dinner, dine at a reserved table, and look for the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Manhattan skyline. A DJ plays onboard, and drinks beyond coffee, tea, and iced tea cost extra.

“We picked the activity to spend Christmas Eve. We're celebrating in the best way Since we got on the cruise, the service was great, and so was the food and the night views. Recommended.”

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7.July 4th Fireworks Cruise + BBQ Buffet on Grand Mariner

★★★★★★★★★★3.2 · 19 reviews · 5 hours · from $399

Spend five hours aboard the Grand Mariner, cruising past Manhattan, the Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty before the Macy’s July 4 fireworks. The ticket includes a BBQ buffet, beer, wine, juice, soda, and a live DJ. Expect a festive, crowded boat, and arrive early if you want a seat or a good spot on deck.

“Positiv: - Tolles Erlebnis das bzw die riesigen Feuerwerke vom Boot aus zu sehen. - Wir hatten das Glück frühzeitig am Schiff zu sein, dadurch konnten wir uns noch einen Tisch mit Stühlen sichern. - Auswahl auf dem Buffet war groß - Die Musik und Stimmung war auch sehr gut an Board - Party direkt vor der Freiheitstatue ;). - Essen und Trinken vom Ablegen bis zum Anlegen (4,5h) inklusive. Negativ: - mit 30min Verspätung erst abgelegt - nicht genug sitzmöglichkeiten für Gäste (daher frühzeitig da sein!) - das buffet stand schon mdst 1,5-2h bevor es eröffnet wurde - da waren dann die Fries, Hotdogs und andere warme Teilchen schon…”

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8.July 4th Fireworks Party Cruise with BBQ Buffet & Bar

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 5 reviews · from $359Top rated

Board the Cornucopia Princess at Pier 81 for a July 4 night on the water, with shared reserved seating, a BBQ buffet from 7 to 9 PM, an open bar from 7 to 11 PM and a live DJ. You can move among three decks and watch for the city’s fireworks from the boat. Boarding starts at 6 PM; the cruise returns at 11 PM.

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