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Long Island City is full of quirky surprises, and this is no exception. New York Water Taxi trucked in Jersey sand and a couple dozen picnic tables and installed them in a fenced-in perch overlooking the East River, right next to the Hunters Point ferry stop. Harry Hawk, chef/owner of Schnack, runs the on-site tiki hut slinging basic blender drinks and dirt-cheap PBR tallboys, and a grill serving the usual along with delicacies like elk burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, and Black Angus hot dogs (vegetarian options, too). Five nights a week during the summer and early fall, extended families and PS1 defectors play volleyball to a thumping sound system or recline in the beach chairs that they bring to avoid the fight for table space. Service can get slow and scattered at night, when big candles come out and the party turns into a miniature desert rave, but all is forgiven upon admiring the best view of midtown Manhattan this side of The Donald's chopper. — Daniel Maurer

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