Blend on the Water Introduce
For New Yorkers seeking a dining and nightlife experience that combines vibrant Latin flavors with breathtaking waterfront views, Blend on the Water is an exceptional destination. Located in the heart of Long Island City, this establishment is much more than just a bar; it's a Latin American restaurant that offers a captivating atmosphere, a diverse menu, and a truly unforgettable backdrop of the Manhattan skyline. Whether you're planning a romantic date night, a celebratory brunch with friends, or a large private event, Blend on the Water provides a trendy and upscale setting that feels both special and welcoming. This article will guide you through the features that make it a standout choice in the New York dining scene, from its celebrated happy hour to its delicious, authentic cuisine.
Blend on the Water has earned a stellar reputation for its unique blend of great food, drinks, and ambiance. The menu is a journey through Latin American culinary traditions, with an array of starters, share plates, and hearty entrees. Signature dishes include classics like Guacamole and Crispy Arepas, as well as creative entrees like Arroz con Mariscos and the highly-praised Churrasco. The bar menu is equally impressive, featuring a "great beer selection," "great cocktails," and a "great wine list." The bar's happy hour is a major draw, offering specials on everything from classic Mojitos and Margaritas to frozen drinks and wines.
The atmosphere at Blend on the Water is a significant part of its appeal. It is described as "casual, cozy, romantic, trendy, and upscale," making it a versatile venue for any occasion. The large windows provide stunning "waterfront views," and the patio space, while un-air conditioned, offers a perfect setting for a celebration with a view. The ambiance is lively and can get busy, so reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and for special occasions. The venue is also known for being "good for kids" and welcoming to groups and tourists. It's a place where you can feel the energy of the city while enjoying a moment of tranquility by the water.
Located at 45-40 Center Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11109, Blend on the Water is perfectly positioned to offer a spectacular view. Its proximity to the waterfront makes it a prime location for both leisurely dining and special events. Getting there is convenient, with options for free and paid street parking, as well as a paid parking garage. For those using public transportation, the restaurant is easily accessible.
Here is a list of the extensive services offered at Blend on the Water:
- Outdoor seating: Enjoy your meal and drinks with an incredible view of the skyline. The enclosed patio is also dog-friendly.
- No-contact delivery & Delivery: Have your favorite Latin fusion dishes and drinks delivered to your home.
- Takeout: A convenient option for grabbing a delicious meal on the go.
- Dine-in: Experience the full service and ambiance of the restaurant.
- Catering: A great choice for special events, with pre-fixe menus available for large groups.
- Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner: Offers a full dining experience throughout the day.
- Table service: The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring a great experience.
Blend on the Water has a number of features and highlights that make it a standout choice:
- Great Cocktails and Drink Selection: A fantastic bar with a variety of beers, wines, and signature Latin-inspired cocktails.
- Waterfront Views: The stunning views of the Manhattan skyline are a major draw.
- Happy Hour: Features special deals on drinks and food, perfect for a weekday outing.
- Special Events: The venue is a popular spot for hosting graduation parties, birthdays, and other celebrations.
- Private Dining Room: Offers a private space for special occasions.
- Dog-Friendly: The enclosed patio allows dogs, making it a great spot for pet owners.
- Accessibility: The venue is fully wheelchair accessible, with a ramp and accessible restrooms.
- Kids' Menu and High Chairs: The restaurant is family-friendly and well-equipped to accommodate children.
For reservations or more information, you can contact Blend on the Water using the following details:
Address: 45-40 Center Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11109
Phone: (718) 606-9851
So, what is worth choosing about Blend on the Water? It's the perfect combination of a fantastic location, high-quality food, and a vibrant atmosphere. The waterfront view of the Manhattan skyline is truly second to none and provides a unique setting that is hard to find elsewhere in the city. The menu’s balance of classic Latin American comfort food and creative, modern dishes ensures that there’s something for every palate. The bar is a destination in itself, with a curated list of drinks and a happy hour that is hard to beat. The staff is consistently described as friendly and attentive, contributing to a welcoming and enjoyable experience. While some reviews mention potential waits for food and checks, the overall consensus is that the ambiance and quality of the food make it well worth it. For New Yorkers looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion, enjoy a romantic dinner, or simply have a great time with friends, Blend on the Water offers an exceptional experience that is both sophisticated and fun.
Blend on the Water Menu
STARTERS
- MAZORCA $7.00
Grilled corn, chipotle mayonnaise, cotija cheese.
- GUACAMOLE $8.00
Fresh made guacamole with warm tortilla chips.
- CRISPY AREPAS $8.00
(2) Braised Short Rib, Avocado, Pico de Gallo, Cotija cheese Lime Crème, Micro Cilantro
- BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP $8.00
Butternut Squash, walnut creme fraiche, pomegranate reduction, crispy shallots
BRUNCH ENTREES
- HUEVOS RANCHEROS $16.00
Sunnyside up Eggs, Black Bean Puree, Chicken and Pepper Jack Cheese Quesadilla. Guacamole, Sofrito Sauce.
- CHURRASCO & EGGS $18.00
Medium Grilled Skirt Steak, Scrambled Eggs, Home Fries, chimichurri.
- AREPAS BENEDICTOS $17.00
Crispy Arepas, Braised Short Rib, Poached Eggs, Hollandaise, Avocado pico salad
- EL CARIBENO $16.00
Mangu, Salame Especial, Fried Cheese, Sunny Side Eggs, pickled onions, plantain crisps
- TORREJAS $15.00
cuban-style french toast with berry infused whipped cream
LUNCH ENTREES
- BLENDED BURGER $14.00
Blend of Short Rib & Brisket, Menonita Cheese, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Mixed Greens and House Potato Chips
- CHICKEN "VACAFRITA" $15.00
Pan Seared Chicken, Carmelized Onions, Rice, Beans and Maduros.
- MOFONGO CON CAMARONES "AL AJILLO" $16.00
Smashed plantains, Manchengo cheese Sauteed onions & baby shrimp, in a Garlic butter sauce.
- STEAK SANDWICH $14.00
Skirt Steak, Carmelized onions, Cheddar, Eggs, Garlic Bread, french fries.
- PERNIL $15.00
Slowww Roasted Pork, Rice, Beans. and tostones.
- CHICKEN LOMO $15.00
Sauteed chicken, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, ginger soy with White Rice
- ARROZ CON MARISCOS $20.00
Yellow Rice with Sautéed Clams, Scallops, Shrimp, and Crab Meat
- TAQUITOS DE CARNE $15.00
Steak, guacamole, pickled onions, crispy shallots, cotija cheese and lime crema with mexican rice and refried beans
SPECIALTY BLUNCH DRINKS
- FRESH OJ $5.00
- FRESH OJ MIMOSA $6.00
- RAPEFRUIT JUICE $5.00
- GIN & JUICE $6.00
(BOTANIST & GRAPEFRUIT)
- PATRON XO ENCENDIO SHOT $5.00
(SPICED APERTIF)
- BELLINI $6.00
(EITHER IN PEACH, MANGO OR GUAVA)
- BLEND BLOODY MARY $7.00
- BLEND SUNSET MARTINI $8.00
GREY GOOSE VODKA, MANGO, PASSION FRUIT JUICE, LEMONADE, DROP OF GRENADINE
LIGHT
- STRAWBERRY AND MANGO SALAD $10.00
Mixed Greens, Manchego Cheese, Mango, Strawberries, Avocado and Candied Walnuts
- LATIN BLEND SALAD $12.00
Mixed Greens, Hearts of Palm, Roasted Peppers, Tomato, Crispy Tortilla Strips w/ mango vinaigrette
- QUINOA VEGGIE BURGER $14.00
Quinoa, Squash, Carrots, Red Onion, Jalapeño, Avacado Mayo, Brioche Bun,Strawberry Mango Salad
- EGG WHITE OMELET $15.00
Asparagus, Cherry Tomatoes, Roasted Peppers, Wild Mushrooms, Goat Cheese, Strawberry and Mango Salad.
- SALMON SALAD $19.00
Tri-Colored "Pee Wee' Fingerling Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus, Cherry Tomatoes, Jalapeño Bacon, poached egg. and Ginger Miso Vinaigrette.
- MUSSELS $14.00
Chorizo pork, Roasted Pepper, White Wine. Tomato Sauce, Grilled Ciabatta
Sides
- MANGU $4.00
- MADUROS $4.00
- TOSTONES $4.00
- WHITE RICE AND BEANS $4.00
- FRUIT SALAD $4.00
- HOME FRIES $4.00
- TURKEY BACON $4.00
- THICK CUT PORK BACON $4.00
- CHORIZO $4.00
Share Plates
- "CHICHARRON DE POLLO" SKEWERS $13.00
LIGHTLY BATTERED CHICKEN BREAST, MANGO BEURRE BLANC
- GUACAMOLE $12.00
FRESH HOUSE MADE GUACAMOLE. TOPPED WITH PICO DE GALLO. SERVED WITH WARM TORTILLA CHIPS
- PAN CON MANTEQUILLA $8.00
HERB & CHEESE FOCACCIA BAKED IN A CAST IRON SKILLET. SERVED WITH HOMEMADE TRUFFLE BUTTER ***PLEASE ALLOW EXTRA TIME FOR THIS ITEM***
- CHORIZO MAC AND CHEESE $12.00
MANCHEGO, COTIJA, PEPPER JACK CHEESE, CHORIZO, PANKO CRUST
- CRISPY AREPAS $14.00
BRAISED SHORT RIB, AVOCADO, LIME SCENTED CRÈME, MICRO CILANTRO, COTIJA CHEESE
- PIONONOS $12.00
SWEET PLANTAIN, CHICKEN PICADILLO, GARLIC-LIME MOJO
- POKE TACOS $15.00
SOY MARINATED AHI TUNA, SCALLIONS, SESAME SEEDS, PICO DE GALLO, AVOCADO CREAM
- WILD MUSHROOM FLATBREAD $13.00
TRUFFLE RICOTTA, ASSORTED WILD MUSHROOMS, QUESO DE CABRA, TRUFFLE ESSENCE
From the Sea
- CAMARONES A LA DIABLA $14.00
CRISPY SHRIMP, CHIPOTLE AIOLI.
- LOBSTER & CRAB TEQUENOS $15.00
MAINE LOBSTER, CRAB MEAT, MANCHEGO, QUESO MENONITA, PEPPER JACK CHEESE WRAPPED IN A VENEZUELAN PASTRY
- MUSSELS $13.00
CHORIZO, ROASTED PEPPERS, WHITE WINE, TOMATO SAUCE, GRILLED CIABATTA
- SALMON CAKE $12.00
SALMON PATTY, BABY ARUGULA, PICO DE GALLO, LIME JUICE, LEMON BEURRE BLANC, BALSAMIC DRIZZLE
Small Plates / Salads
- MAZORCA $8.00
GRILLED CORN, CHIPOTLE MAYONNAISE, LIME SALT, PAPRIKA, COTIJA CHEESE
- "TRES GOLPES" DEVILED EGG $10.00
HARD BOILED EGG, MANGU FILLING, FRIED CHEESE, DOMINICAN SALAMI, PICKLED ONION
- AVOCADO SALAD $14.00
HASS AVOCADO, CRISPY SHALLOTS, TOMATOES, SHERRY VINAIGRETTE, BABY GREENS
Sides
- MADUROS $6.00
- CILANTRO MASHED POTATOES $6.00
- FRENCH FRIES $6.00
- YELLOW RICE & BEANS $6.00
- WHITE RICE & BEANS $6.00
- ASPARAGUS $6.00
- TOSTONES $6.00
- CHICKEN FRIED RICE $6.00
- MANGU $6.00
Entrées
- FILET MIGNON $34.00
PORCINI DUSTED PRIME BEEF TENDERLOIN, MANGU, SAUTÉED ARUGULA, RED WINE REDUCTION
- CAMARONES AL AJILLO $26.00
SAUTÉED SHRIMP, GARLIC SAUCE, TOMATOES, FETTUCCINE
- VEGAN POLLO A LA PLANCHA $24.00
VEGAN "CHICKEN", WHITE RICE, BEANS, MADUROS, ALMOND MILK SAUCE
- POLLO A LA PLANCHA $21.00
MARINATED CHICKEN BREAST, WHITE RICE, HOUSE BEANS, MADUROS, LEMON BUTTER SAUCE
- CHURRASCO $32.00
CENTER CUT SKIRT STEAK GRILLED MEDIUM, WHITE RICE, HOUSE BEANS, CHIMICHURRI, RED ONION ESCABECHE
- PERNIL $22.00
OVEN ROASTED PORK SHANK, WHITE RICE, BEAN SAUCE, CHIMICHURRI
- PESCADO ENCOCADO $23.00
PAN SEARED TILAPIA, COCONUT SAUCE, WHITE RICE
- LIME CRUSTED ATLANTIC SALMON $28.00
CILANTRO MASHED POTATOES, ASPARAGUS, PINEAPPLE REDUCTION
- ARROZ CON MARISCOS $32.00
PRAWNS, SCALLOPS, CLAMS, MUSSELS, CRAB MEAT, LOBSTER MEAT, SAFFRON SCENTED YELLOW RICE
- LOMO SALTADO $23.00
CHOICE OF SAUTÉED GINGER MARINATED BEEF OR CHICKEN, BABY POTATOES, CHERRY TOMATOES, PEARL ONIONS, WHITE RICE
- BERENJENA RELLENA $24.00
EGGPLANT, MENONITA CHEESE, TRUFFLED RICOTTA, BABY ARUGULA, TOMATO SAUCE
- CRISPY CHICKEN $24.00
PAN ROASTED CHICKEN BREAST, FRIED RICE, MANGO AVOCADO SALAD, MANGO BEURRE BLANC
Blend on the Water Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- College students
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid parking lot
- Parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Blend on the Water Photos










Blend on the Water Location
Blend on the Water
45-40 Center Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11109, USA
Blend on the Water Reviews
valet parkingrivervisiondress codefilet mignonferryarroz con mariscosmanhattanevent coordinatorpionono
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Had a graduation party for my son in the patio and it was a huge success! The patio space was perfect with a view to match. The only downside is that the patio is not air conditioned so it got pretty warm in there for our large group. It didn’t help that it was a heatwave weekend. They printed out personalized menus, which was a nice touch. The food came out pretty fast and drinks were included. The portions are a decent size and the food was tasty.Highly recommend this place for the view, the ambiance and the great service.Ashley was wonderful in coordinating the party. The pre-fixe brunch was very affordable too. We will definitely be back.
June 23 · Ava TsengCelebrated my cousin's 50th birthday at this beautiful and vibrant Blend. Loved the waterfront views through large windows while dining. The coconut flan was a 10 BUT I love anything coconut so I might be biased 😋 😆 the staff was friendly and attentive. The rating was dropped to 4 stars because of the long wait for the food to come out AND check out/bill pay. But I'd definitely go back
June 13 · Tee Dee ElleI went here for a solo date and had such a great time. The prices were very reasonable, and the food was delicious. The restaurant's location by the water made for beautiful, relaxing views, adding to the whole experience. It was the perfect spot to unwind, enjoy a good meal, and take in the scenery. I'd definitely return!
September 06 · Travel With ChynaBlend used to be a favorite dinner spot for my family and me, but our recent visit over the weekend left us disappointed. Both the food and service fell short compared to our previous experiences. Upon being seated, we were asked to place our entire order right away due to how busy the restaurant was. We were told we had a 90-minute time limit, which was understandable, but after receiving our appetizers, we waited an additional 45 minutes for our entrees.Unfortunately, the quality of the food did not justify the prices. The presentation however was great. We also noticed a discrepancy in the cost of adding shrimp—what was listed didn’t match what we were charged. When we brought it up, the waitress mentioned it was due to a recent price change.The highlight of the meal was definitely the drinks, but overall, given the cost, there are better dining options available.
May 11 · JustineAttractive interior with river views. Food good. My one complaint is that several of their mains are served with rice with fries rather than with beans. That may be a thing in some Latin country, but I've never heard of it. I asked to substitute the fries and was told no substitution. Wound up ordering something totally different: tacos, which were tasty--but tiny.
August 13 · Hiram Ruiz
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