Park officials are dishing out two food-focused plans to rake in funding at Brooklyn Bridge Park: a small take-out shack and an upscale rooftop restaurant with Manhattan skyline views.
Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation wants to open a tiny brick walk-up-window eatery near Water Street and a stunning rooftop restaurant and bar at Pier 6 — kick-starting a long-anticipated venture that could replace Central Park’s Tavern on the Green as the city’s ultimate in-park dining spot.
The agency is calling on “premium-quality” restaurateurs to lease the Pier 6 space, which officials say enhances the park’s burgeoning food scene.
“We are eager to offer park visitors even more food choices,” said Regina Myer, president of Brooklyn Bridge Park.
The restaurant space includes a ground-floor terrace and seating for up to 64 people inside, as well as 199 outside, according to a Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation proposal soliciting companies to bid on leases.
Under the plan, a studio-apartment-sized brick boiler house — dubbed the “Smokestack Building” — will also feature grub to-go with no indoor seating, but perhaps outdoor tables.
A spokeswoman for the agency, Teresa Gonzalez, said a panel will chose restaurateurs “based on rent offer, operating experience, [and] proposed capital investment,” among other factors.
Revenue generated from leases at both sites will go to park maintenance due to a public-private agreement that requires the park to raise its own funds.
The revenue-generating plan pleases park boosters, who say it’s great for visitors — as long prices don’t scare away folks of average means.
“If it’s affordable, it will be great. People want to have a meal on the waterfront,” said park advocate Roy Sloane.
Established DUMBO restaurateurs echoed that idea, saying it will further establish the area as a dining destination.
“The more restaurants around here, the better,” said Brian Ritchie of Water Street Restaurant and Lounge.
Reach reporter Natalie O'Neill at noneill@cnglocal.com or by calling her at (718) 260-4505.
