If you think you’ve had quite the experience at local Mexican restaurants in Hoboken and Jersey City, wait until you experience the international cuisine aboard La Barca Cantina. Known for being the only floating Mexican restaurant on the Hudson River, La Barca is a three-story yacht that offers daily excursions for anyone looking to enjoy tacos and margaritas on another level, literally. The one-of-a-kind boat has a little bit of something for everyone. Read on to learn more about La Barca Cantina, the Hudson River’s only floating Mexican restaurant.
Photo credit: La Barca Cantina Facebook
About The Experience
La Barca Cantina re-opened for the summer season in May. It initially launched in 2020 as a summer experience, but, as of this year, will remain open in the fall. The October schedule is coming soon. In the meantime, guests can board the yacht this September every day of the week, except for Monday and Tuesday when it’s closed.
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The yacht departs from Pier 81, located at 41st Street and 12th Avenue in New York City, three times on Wednesday through Friday (4PM, 6PM or 8PM), four times on Saturday (2PM, 4PM, 6PM, and 8PM) and three times on Sunday (12:30PM, 5PM or 8PM). Sundays at 12:30PM is All You Can Eat Mexican and American Buffet, which is $99 for adults and includes food and unlimited mimosas or bellinis.
The price is $49 for children ages 3 to 12 years old. Depending on the time a guest chooses, the boarding pass will cost $10 or $20 and the cruise will either be one hour or two hours, which is the additional time needed to travel to the Statue of Liberty.
Photo credit: La Barca Cantina Facebook
Inspired By Mexico
According to the website, “La Barca Cantina is a modern and fun tribute to the rich culture, history and textures of Mexico. By honoring its food, drink, and art, La Barca is a bit of Mexico in NYC. The vibe is relaxed, the food is flavorful, the drinks are passionate.”
So, what’s on the menu? The enticing menu aboard the yacht offers a variety of tacos such as skirt steak, chicken Verde, crispy cod, Macha shrimp, and dos mushrooms. To upgrade the tacos, there is a Tower of Tacos Fiesta that costs $229 and includes three of each of the taco varieties.
Photo credit: Courtesy of La Barca Cantina
There is also a diverse selection of Mexican cuisine such as grouper ceviche, four-cheese quesadilla, a Mexican Caesar salad and salsa or guacamole and chips. In addition, guests can munch on sides such as yellow rice, black beans, sweet plantains, and fresh jalapenos. The desserts offered include paletas, churros, Mexican flan, and tres leches cake.
In terms of the beverage selection, there are over 100 agave spirits aboard La Barca “from tequila to mescal to banacora” and from El Jolgorio, Don Julio, Casamigos to Patron, Maestro Dobel and Montolobos. The drink menu includes frozen margaritas, frozen sangria, specialty cocktails, tequila flights as well as alcoholic bottles and cans (rose cider, Corona, hard seltzer) and wine.
Photo credit: La Barca Cantina Facebook
Cruising Along The Hudson
The experience doesn’t just stop at the dining options, there is, of course, entertainment that comes along with the boarding pass. “La Barca offers a breadth of dining and entertainment options — including regular dinner service, dance nights, bottomless brunch, mezcal tastings, and holiday celebrations — making it a must-do experience for locals and tourists alike,” a press release reads. “Complete with expansive outdoor decks, three full bars, and a stylish indoor lounge area, the taco boat is perfect for any type of fiesta, rain or shine.”
In fact, back in May, The Hills star Brody Jenner hosted a unique pop-up event in collaboration with popular tequila seltzer brand, Mamitas. Attendees had the opportunity to sample and indulge in the refreshing flavors of Mamitas and even take pics with the reality star for an unforgettable evening.
Photo credit: Courtesy of La Barca Cantina
Following that, La Barca Cantina hosted an “After Darka” series, which was a three-hour cruise around the Statue of Liberty. On August 20th, there was a Bad Bunny and Karol G-themed night with beats by DJ John Indigo. A week later, there was a 90s Latin Night, which featured music from Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Ricky Martin, and more.
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La Barca Cantina’s sister company, North River Lobster Company, in connection with New York Cruise Lines, offers a similar experience — also at Pier 81 — but with lobster as the focal point.
For more information and to purchase tickets to La Barca, visit the website here.
