Pétanque Court

- 333 Owasco Rd, New York, NY 10004

Carreau Club: Bringing the Joy of Pétanque and Fine Drinks to Governors Island

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers looking to combine a unique, easy-to-learn recreational activity with an excellent outdoor bar experience, the Carreau Club on Governors Island is the premier destination. Serving as a seasonal pop-up and an outpost of the Brooklyn-based club, Carreau Club introduces visitors to the traditional French boules sport of pétanque. This casual, community-focused establishment provides a perfect blend of sporting fun and relaxed socializing in one of New York City’s most picturesque settings.

Carreau Club is not just a bar; it’s an interactive entertainment venue built around the simple, engaging pleasure of the game. Visitors can grab a drink and a bite while they play or simply watch the action. The atmosphere is deliberately casual, welcoming seasoned players and total beginners alike—a true taste of a French apéritif culture transported to the New York Harbor. The operation boasts fast service, ensuring your experience is seamless from the moment you step onto the court or grab a seat.

The Governors Island location specifically features multiple outdoor pétanque courts and an adjoining outdoor bar/dining area. Its presence on the island contributes to the vibrant, seasonal appeal of this unique NYC park, offering families (with supervision for older children) and groups of friends a distinct reason to hop on the ferry. The entire concept focuses on making the game of pétanque accessible, fun, and a great accompaniment to a selection of craft beverages and satisfying food.

Location and Accessibility

The Carreau Club's seasonal location is situated on Governors Island. While the precise numerical address provided 333 Owasco Rd, New York, NY 10004, USA is associated with the general area, public information clarifies that the pop-up is located in the bustling Liggett Terrace / King Avenue Food Court area, making it highly visible and easy to find once you arrive on the island. This spot is approximately a 10-minute walk from Soissons Landing, the main ferry drop-off point.

Accessibility is a key feature of the Carreau Club experience. The venue ensures a wheelchair accessible entrance, aligning with the overall commitment to accessibility across Governors Island. The island itself is car-free, and visitors arrive via ferry from Lower Manhattan or Brooklyn (seasonal). Furthermore, Governors Island typically offers a free, wheelchair-accessible tram service during the main season, helping all visitors easily navigate to key locations like Liggett Terrace.

The location in the heart of the food and recreation area means it is perfectly situated for New Yorkers enjoying a full day on the island, whether they come by ferry or by the NYC Ferry service. The outdoor nature of the club in this area is specifically designed to take advantage of the pleasant, open-air environment of Governors Island.

Services Offered

Carreau Club’s services are centered around its unique blend of sport and casual dining. Key offerings include:

• Dine-in Service: Providing comfortable outdoor seating adjacent to the pétanque courts where patrons can enjoy food and drinks.
• Full Bar Offerings: Serving a selection of alcohol including craft beer, wine, and bottled cocktails.
• Food Service: Offering a refined snack and meal menu, which prominently features sandwiches from Court Street Grocers, a known NYC favorite, along with smaller snacks and dips.
• Pétanque Court Rentals: Courts are available for both walk-ins and reservations, often including necessary equipment, private seating, and a dedicated server.
• Pétanque Guidance/Instruction: Providing expert guides to teach new players the simple rules of the game and assist throughout the experience, making it accessible for everyone.
• Group Event & Party Hosting: Specialized packages available for birthdays, team-building, and larger group gatherings, featuring multiple courts and customized food/beverage options.
• Amenity Access: Providing on-site restrooms for patron convenience.
• Lawn & Board Games: Featuring a selection of supplementary games for entertainment when not on the pétanque courts.

Features / Highlights

Carreau Club is a highly popular seasonal spot on Governors Island thanks to these distinct highlights:

• The Pétanque Experience: Offering multiple outdoor pétanque courts where guests can play the classic French game of boules, providing a fun and interactive alternative to a traditional bar setting.
• Gourmet Food Partnership: A standout feature is the collaboration with a highly-regarded NYC vendor, providing sandwiches and chips from Court Street Grocers. This elevates the casual bar snack offering significantly.
• French-Inspired Menu: The menu is structured around light, satisfying French and Mediterranean-inspired bar snacks (Apéro) such as Warm Focaccia, Hummus & Pita, and Charcuterie Board. Sandwiches like the French Onion Grilled Cheese and Cubano are popular choices.
• Speed and Efficiency: The venue is noted for its Fast service, a welcome feature for those enjoying a sunny day on the island.
• Family-Friendly Fun: The venue is listed as Good for kids (though court rules specify 1:1 adult supervision for children 10 and over, and no children under 10 on the courts), making it a great day-out option for NYC families.
• Accessible Fun for All: Pétanque is noted as being easy to learn, and the staff's readiness to provide lessons and equipment makes the activity accessible to anyone, regardless of skill level.

Contact Information

Address (Governors Island Location - Approximate Area):

333 Owasco Rd, New York, NY 10004, USA (Located in the Liggett Terrace / King Avenue Food Court area of Governors Island)

Phone:

Public phone information for the Governors Island location is generally routed through their primary contact channels.

Email (Best for Reservations and Inquiries):

hello@carreauclub.com (Publicly listed email for the Carreau Club)

Operating Times (Seasonal):

Generally operates on weekends during the Governors Island public season (e.g., Friday-Sunday: 12 PM - 6 PM), with specific dates subject to change seasonally.

What is Worth Choosing

Carreau Club is absolutely worth choosing for New Yorkers seeking a socially engaging, activity-based bar experience that offers a refreshing break from the typical city bar scene. It’s an ideal choice for groups of friends, colleagues, or families looking for a spot that combines lighthearted competition with high-quality dining and beverage options. The French-inspired activity of pétanque provides a memorable and unique backdrop to your afternoon.

The primary draw is the combination of easy, active entertainment and excellent food/drink. Where else in NYC can you challenge your friends to a game of French boules while having a delicious Turkey Calabrese sandwich from Court Street Grocers and a cold craft beer delivered right to your court? The casual atmosphere and focus on fast, welcoming service make it stress-free, perfect for a day trip. By choosing Carreau Club, New Yorkers are opting for a little slice of playful French summer, all within a quick ferry ride of the bustling metropolis, making it a great value proposition for a fun, accessible, and delicious island escape.

Pétanque Court

333 Owasco Rd, New York, NY 10004, USA