"New York City's best kept secret" - that's how the plumber of the 'Frying Pan' described this old sunken vessel to me. 'The Frying Pan' is named after the 'Frying Pan Shoals', where the boat was used as a floating lightship. The vessel, after sinking, was pulled up off the ocean floor, cleaned of all the silt and shellfish, and turned into an entertainment attraction. Fitted with a dance floor and DJ booth, the boat has become a club with a difference. Although the outside of the boat was restored to its original glory, the inside was left all rusty and historic looking. Going inside you are able to walk around the vessel, through the kitchen, into the old bedrooms and rusty corridors filled with machinery. With little portholes everywhere, the whole vessel is exactly as it was when it was pulled up from the ocean floor - except for the silt & sludge.
This is an excellent place to meet down-to-earth, interesting and friendly people. Events are always going on here from regular club nights with loud music to art shows and film festivals. It can also be booked for private parties. Outside on Pier 63 there is a bar for food and drink with plenty of seating available. It's a great place when the sun goes down.
The future of the Frying Pan did prove uncertain late last year when talk from city planners concerning the development Hudson River Park seemed to impose on the character of the Frying Pan. The hope is that this great venue can remain the cultural attraction it has been up to now. A hidden gem for New York.
If you venture to New York City do take a trip to this location. It's open all year-round and is a fantastic place to visit day or night. You can find it at the end of West 23rd Street next to the Westside Highway. When you see Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex go north and it's just behind Basketball City.
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