First time going to The Rooftop Pier 17 to watch James Arthur perform and sing and will never return to this place/venue again. Not because of James Arthur, his performance and set was great, but because of the rude staff. One staff member I am specifically referring to is one that works at the food and drinks stand.
I walked up to the counter to place an order for my friend and myself which consisted of: a hotdog, chicken tenders and orange juice. I then asked the cashier if the juice they served there was sweet. He (the cashier) looks at me deadpan for about 3 seconds then laughed and explains that he is laughing because 3 other people asked him the same thing. Well, I’m thinking, if several people have asked the same question, that should indicate that customers care about the sweetness level in their drinks, especially those with dietary restrictions or health concerns. I guess consumers do not deserve to know what they ingest in their bodies. Rather than answer respectfully, I was met with mockery and an attempt at humiliation. He seemed annoyed and even questioned why I used the term “fruit juice,” despite it being listed that way on the menu.
He then precedes to ask where I was from, insinuating that my question was “otherly,” “dumb” and meant that I must have come from somewhere other than New York City. I still do not understand the relevance in him asking that question at all. It was also a blatant microaggression.
He continues talking on and on to the point where he forgets my order and I had to restate it to him again. I relay it to him again, while at the same time, trying to understand their point in doing all of this.
Overall, I felt as though they went out of their way to make me feel inferior, and I left the stand feeling unnecessarily uncomfortable. I tried to enjoy the show afterwards, but could not stop replaying this interaction in my mind. It tainted what would have been a heartfelt and enjoyable experience. I’m embarrassed that this transaction will appear on my next bank statement. Ironically, I have never been made to feel so out of place in my...
Read moreVisiting South Street Seaport & Pier 17 offers a unique blend of New York City’s maritime history and modern waterfront entertainment. Nestled along the East River in Lower Manhattan, this revitalized historic district is a vibrant destination for dining, shopping, cultural experiences, and scenic views.
Strolling through the cobblestone streets of the Seaport, I was captivated by the contrast between the preserved 19th-century buildings and the sleek, contemporary structures that now house boutiques, art galleries, and eateries. The area’s rich history is palpable, especially when visiting the South Street Seaport Museum, which showcases NYC’s deep maritime roots through exhibits and guided tours of historic ships like the Wavertree, a fully restored 1885 cargo vessel.
The highlight of my visit was Pier 17, a modern glass pavilion offering stunning panoramic views of the Brooklyn Bridge, East River, and the Manhattan skyline. The rooftop at Pier 17 is a must-see, hosting seasonal concerts, outdoor movies, and pop-up events, making it a lively hub for entertainment. Whether enjoying a show or simply relaxing on the rooftop with a drink, the atmosphere is both energetic and relaxed, offering a perfect escape from the city’s hustle.
The Seaport’s dining scene is diverse and impressive, with waterfront restaurants offering everything from fresh seafood to artisanal cocktails. I particularly enjoyed dining at The Fulton, known for its seafood and unbeatable views of the river. The Seaport District also hosts seasonal markets, including holiday fairs and summer food festivals, which add to its charm and liveliness.
For the best experience, I recommend visiting in the late afternoon to explore the shops and museum, then staying for sunset to watch the city light up against the river backdrop. Whether you're interested in history, looking for great food, or simply enjoying the scenic waterfront, South Street Seaport & Pier 17 offers a perfect mix of old-world charm and modern...
Read moreOne of the coolest concert venues I've been to and my favorite in the city. My husband and I went to see Taking Back Sunday in August and had a great experience.
To start with, the website for this space is really easy to navigate and tickets were bought easily as well. Rules and policies are both clearly outlined, as well as how to request ADA accommodation.
Day of the show- it's pretty clearly laid out regarding where concert goers need to be. Since I need accommodation, we headed directly to the box office for those wrist bands (Box office closes at 6pm). At this time, staff also let us know where we would wait for the ADA section, with very clear instructions.
All staff that we encountered were fantastic to deal with. Kind, accommodating, and great to talk to as we waited. Doors opened a bit late I believe on our show, but everything still went very smooth, there was no rush or anything. We went through security scanner/bag check, then were lead to an elevator that took us up to the rooftop. The ADA section is one of the best I've seen, very close to the stage and you don't have to fight to really see because it's in a good position (this is not always the case everywhere).
Bathrooms in the venue were very clean and well stocked, there are family restrooms as well as regular stalled ones. The entire venue space was very well kept and clean.
The view is honestly incredible, especially as the city lights up as the night goes on. It adds to an already great experience for sure. Keep in mind, you're on a rooftop, so even if it's warm during the day, you may want to bring something to cover up with in the evening hours because it can get pretty chilly up there.
The stage was definitely big enough and the sound was great too.
Leaving the venue was actually okay, I always hate that part of the evening but the steady flow of people kept moving and there was no issue at all, and we were out in no time.
We will definitely be returning to this venue...
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