River Dock definitely has the potential to be a great spot. The location is beautiful with an awesome waterfront view, and the DJ had the perfect vibe all night, playing a great mix of old-school Hip-Hop and R&B. Unfortunately, the service completely overshadowed the experience. Drinks were taking too long to be brought out and the place wasn't even that busy We waited more than an hour for our food, and I noticed several groups who arrived after us were served, finished their meals, and left before we received ours. We even had to remind our waitress that we still hadn't gotten our food. The first espresso martini was excellent, but the second one wasn't nearly as good and tasted like it was made differently. We also asked for extra napkins, but they never came. After waiting so long with no food, we decided to cancel our order, leave, and eat somewhere else. That was really disappointing because the atmosphere and music were on point. I hope they can improve their service because the views, music, and overall vibe deserve much better. read more

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Located in the Staten Island Ferry Terminal. After a great (and free!) ride aboard the Staten Island Ferry on a picture perfect day, we weren't ready to go back to Manhattan just yet, so we scoped out the terminal and decided to relax a bit in the River Dock Café. The River Dock has an excellent view of New York Harbor and Manhattan. The River Dock also has a popular full bar adorned with TV screens. It seems like the River Dock primarily caters to locals and commuters, and although we were neither, we were treated just fine. Off the top, I have to tell you the River Dock's Crispy Calamari is the best I've ever eaten. The calamari comes coated with a crispy cornmeal batter and on the deliciousness scale, is off the charts! I also had a Caeser salad. Its dressing was excellent. I've noticed in a couple places in NYC, including Rock Creek, that a Caeser salad is several broad leaves of lettuce topped with dressing. I'm used to Caeser salads made up of torn lettuce pieces. Yeah, even though the busboy was a little overeager to clear plates and glasses from our table, I'd come back again for the calamari! read more

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Food and drinks ok, overpriced, service was non existent 5 tables there waited for our drinks for 10 mins and had to ask for our lemonade and waters since they forgot it. Had to get our own napkins. 4 waiters came up to us asking if we were ready so no organization. Don't recommend. Never refilled our fountain drinks or water. read more

Not good food, service or selection of drinks. I would leave the ferry terminal and eat elsewhere on Bay Street.

A great way to spend the day, or night! There's great food, and a great atmosphere to enjoy dining. The service is excellent as well. The servers are very friendly and accommodating. I would recommend eating here if you're new to Staten Island, traveling to and from Manhattan, or simply craving a burger or some crispy calamari. Don't forget about their pizza! It's exquisitely delicious!! read more

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This place is conveniently located right by the exit of the system island ferry, and there's not much else here. However it's very disappointing. Calamari was very soft, soggy and fishy. Burger was tasteless. The good thing about this place is the view of the New York skyline and Statue of Liberty from a far but that's it. Service was average, not bad but not great. read more

River Dock Cafe - Fried calamari - Seafood Near Me - Staten Island, New York

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Maybe a bit touristy trappy, but there's nothing else really in the area for a quick cocktail or beer. I stopped in after shopping at the outlets, and had some time to kill before heading back to the other fair isle. I got a drink, the red River cocktail (which was a mezcal, pomegranate liqueur and some Bitters). It was prettier than it tasted, but over all it was okay. Next time, I'll probably get a bullet can from the bodega in the terminal. read more

River Dock Cafe - Red River cocktail - Seafood Near Me - Staten Island, New York

One of the best seafood restaurants I've ever been to. Went with a friend on a gorgeous day and we split the lobster tails, crab cakes, and wagyu burger. The outdoor view is absolutely stunning and you can see the Statue of Liberty and the NYC skyline all at once. Coming back for sunset next time for sure read more

Conveniently located in the SI Ferry Terminal, with beautiful views of NYC skyline, outdoor seating in the summertime. The food is very good, delicious cocktails and friendly service. read more

River Dock Cafe - Dirty Martini with a view of beautiful NYC. - Seafood Near Me - Staten Island, New York

Omg this place is awful Staff is absolutely comical- Food abysmal- Tables were filthy- How such a great spot could be run like a bowling alley tavern in the east end of town read more

Hi, visited this spot at the Staten Island Ferry area, it was quiet, clean. Attentive staff, nice outdoor area to enjoy views of NYC skyline and harbor traffic. Food we selected was great, well cooked and presented in a creative way. read more

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Meh! We looked at the menu before walking over to the restaurant only to discover that their menu online is not current and they had nothing we planned on ordering. The view is nice, the service was okay. It wasn't busy and halfway through our meal our view included our server vaping outside the restaurant. An $85 bill for four... nothing to write home about. Being on the water was nice and close to the ferry station but wouldn't go back here to eat again. read more

Not sure why this restaurant/bar has low reviews, I didn't read them. I, however, had a pretty good experience. I ate the Flame Grilled Sliders (2 small burgers). Just wanted something small and was NOT disappointed. DELICIOUS sliders and good lemonade. I'd go again. read more

Food, service is excellent. We have enjoyed a lot and and ambiance is good location is excellent. Overall 10stars read more

I had an amazing experience at this restaurant! The staff went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect. They provided excellent customer service. I left feeling truly appreciated. The Manager "John" made everything great. Highly recommend! read more

I live in Staten and went to visit the new outlets by the ferry. There's no restaurants open there yet and we wanted something to eat. River Dock is more a part of the ferry terminal with added tables outside in the summer. The best thing about this place is the view! I had the impression that since it was in the ferry terminal it wasn't going to be good but that really doesn't have to be true. Unfortunately i was right. The menu looks great and loaded with seafood but I ordered a southwest salad and my friend had the shaved steak sandwich. We waited 40 minutes for the food. Besides the tiny tortilla chips that looked like Chinese noodles , there was nothing southwest about my salad. Wheres the black beans and corn?? Onion? Trader Joe's makes a better southwest salad. At least serve it in a tortilla shell so it appears a bit larger than the slightly larger side salad that it was. My friends steak sandwich was under whelming. After this we ran to Hagan Daaz to have something satisfying. They have a good drink and beer selection and I was actually able to get a bottled beer for $4. (The black olives seen in the photo of my salad came from my friends side salad) read more

Got a beer and the seafood salad. Salad was amazing and came with a ton of crab and lobster. I'll come back just for the salad

I went with a group of friends and because we didn't have time to explore Staten Island, we decided to give this spot a try. It was a large group but the place was not super busy. It took awhile for us to get served. Our server was okay but very structured in her method of taking orders. My friend was really hungry and wanted her meal with the appetizers and she told her no and that she has to wait. Then my friend wanted dessert early, again a no. Finally ordered calamari, lobster ravioli and crab cakes. The calamari wasn't bad. Nor the best, not the worse. After time, I forgot I order crab cakes. The food came out including the crab cakes. The lobster ravioli was okay. My friends had issues with their food, especially the lobster mac and cheese which was like it came from the box. My friend did finally say something. I didn't eat all my crab cakes but overall they were okay. I ended up leaving two of the three there on accident. I would probably not return since there are so many other restaurants in NYC to try out. It served its purpose for the group that night. read more

River Dock Cafe - Lobster Ravioli - Seafood Near Me - Staten Island, New York

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The Grilled Salmon Sandwich has changed drastically in quality and is now more of a burger where the salmon is not tender and whole. Nothing negative to review about the service. read more

Best view from the ferry terminal on Staten Island. It wasn't busy that evening. There's a decent beer selection. Food is okay. Pretty convenient to go to. A lot just go to Staten Island to take pictures on the ferry. Most turn back right away. Why not enjoy the view a little longer. In the terminal is this bar. The best thing about it of course is the view of the skyline. As for the drinks they aren't bad either. Beer selection includes many local choices like the Five Boroughs IPA. After taking the ferry all the way to Staten Island, just stay awhile. Hang around the terminal and this bar. There's some good picture opportunities and sightseeing. read more

River Dock Cafe - Laguna - Seafood Near Me - Staten Island, New York

We wandered in for lunch recently and were pleasantly surprised. You can't beat the setting with its harbor views. The host and waiter were pleasant and professional and we enjoyed our pizzas, sandwiches, and salads. read more

Shockingly good food. It takes a little time, but be patient. Everything, and I mean everything was perfectly cooked. Simple, clean delicious food, and the view is a definite plus! read more

The female bartender was rude and unprofessional. She was eating and drinking as she was serving customers. In fact, customers waited while she ate. and it took her manager to tell her that there were customers waiting. I got a pizza to go, and she didn't know how to assemble the box it came in, and gave it to me as is unassembled. She said there was no one else there who knew how to do it, despite me seeing other employees there, including the manager. After complaining to the manager, who apologized, it took him 2 boxes to assemble it correctly. Customer service was not good at all, and unsanitary to say the least. Nice place and environment, horrible service. read more

Went on a outing with friends to the Staten Island Ferry. They had never been before. We were undecided where to have lunch. Saw this place at the terminal esplanade area. At first was kinda skeptical as thought it might be tourist so so place, but decided to give it a try. We were very surprised and happy that we ate here. The portions were huge and the food was one of the best tasting I've had in a while. The service was spot on. Waitresses we're very attentive to our every needs. This is a hidden gem. Will definitely be back. Lobster roll and shrimp were outstanding. Kudos to the River Dock Cafe. read more

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I'm trying to figure out, which is worse the food or the service. What a waste of a beautiful space. Lobster mac & cheese they try to use as little seasoning as possible, but they managed to season the crabcakes even less. read more

Loved this spot! From the gorgeous view, amazing service to the delicious food and cocktails. We had the lobster ravioli, fried calamari, chicken sandwich and a few cocktails - the Luxury Mohito was delicious! Also get the fried cheese - it's so good you won't regret it.. definitely going back for more! read more

River Dock Cafe - Grilled Chicken & Swiss Sandwich - Seafood Near Me - Staten Island, New York

Ordered a chicken Cesar salad to go as a quick lunch before boarding the ferry back to Manhattan. Service was fast and friendly, the food is delicious, and I made it back to the ferry on time! Would definitely refer friends and family when they visit NY/Stanton Island. read more

River Dock Cafe - the statue of liberty from across the water - Seafood Near Me - Staten Island, New York

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Brews and Views. This place has tons of potential. The perch overlooking New York harbor can't be beat. The outdoor seating is nice but high tops would maximum the view and add to the vibe. Also staggered table placement os needed so everyone gets a view. Food isn't bad but needs more variety and sharable options. Wait staff was attentive. Needs more local brews on tap. This needs to be local hot spot. Give it support and let them know how to improve. read more

Got off the ferry and looked for a place to grab a bite to eat. Stumbled across this place in the ferry station. Ordered the half panini and New England Clam Chowder. The sandwich was dry and pre made but the soup was good. Nice and warm for a chilly day. Overall: will not return. read more

River Dock Cafe - $8 for half a panini and a cup of calm chowder. - Seafood Near Me - Staten Island, New York

This place looks great but the service does not live up to the esthetics. The servers argue with each other in front of customers and the outdoor area is very dirty (cigarette butts, straws, wrappers,etc.). It took forever to receive our food and customers were smoking in the eating area outside. The food was okay. I have dietary restrictions that they followed. My friend ordered a chicken with mashed potato dish and it was swimming in sauce (way too much). Our server was very nice but inexperienced. I believe this place survives solely on onetime tourist customers. PS Took forever to get check! read more

Food tastes like shit. I dont think they know theyre even cooking "seafood". Very OFF taste thick sauces and they have no clue how to make a simple Caesar Salad. The mussels were horrible i couldnt even finish them. 18% service charge for mediocre service at a place thats located in the MTA walkway to the Ferry. ‍‍ i literally have heartburn hours later from that disgusting food. read more

River Dock Cafe - Seafood Near Me - Staten Island, New York

Took the Staten Island Ferry with the family. We walked by this place and looked promising. We were sat down quickly and things looked good. Then it took a turn, two of the wait staff seemed to be having an argument on who was going to serve us, three feet from our table. All 8 of our party could clearly hear what was going on. So we get our waters, and wait 15 minutes to get our drink orders taken. Of course in that time we all are low on waters, my wife had to flag down the bus boy who was sitting at the bar on his cell phone. We finally get our orders in and the meal comes up fairly promptly. Except for my plate, we wait like 10 minutes, no meal. So 15 minutes after my family is served, I ask another server about my meal. The waitress comes out and says that my order will be out shortly. 10 minutes later still no meal, I finally get angry at the waitress and tell her that she needed to be honest and tell us she forgot to put my order in. So I get my order, everything was pretty tasty, however I opened several clams on my plate and they were rotten, filled with black nasty mud like substance. Literally almost threw up my dinner. We requested to speak to the manager several times and he never addressed us. My wife finally loses it on the waitress and the manager, he gives us 10% off the bill. Then my wife marches over and shows him my nasty clams and then he realizes how pissed off we were and gives us 25% off of our bill. DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE, the wait staff was terrible, the food that we were served rotten and the manager just sits there letting his staff eat on the job, play with their phones and what not. Seriously the venue is beautiful, but whoever the owner of this place needs a complete rehaul of this restaurant and staff. Its awful read more

We were starving, so ducked in here for what we expected to be a quick bite. The waiter totally forgot to put one of our entrees in, and then lied about it multiple times. Brought everyone else's food, and then seemed surprised that one of us had an order he didn't bring. Went back in to check on it, and then had to come back a while later to find out what was actually ordered. When it finally came, it wasn't how we had ordered it (which was part of his second lie for why it was delayed). Made us miss our ferry back, and the food was just not good. read more

This was a nice surprise on a warm summer day. Took the ferry over after work on a Thursday and sat outside with a friend. There was plenty of seating and the waitstaff was super nice. They had a DJ that was really good. He played music to sway in your seat and enjoy your food, not get up and dance. The view is lovely and the breeze is refreshing. Not sure what they do during the fall and winter seasons. The food was basic bar food but very tasty. We had the sampler and ate every bite. Not too oily or over cooked. Slightly pricey but I'm sure the rent is steep so it makes sense. They also have a full bar inside and a few specialty cocktails on the menu to try. I will definitely go back. read more

Simple review. Came here 8/12/19 and ordered a strawberry daiquiri. The woman bartender took roughly 15 minutes to make this one drink (as I highly suspect she was drinking herself). The bar was empty except for one other gentleman. How it took so long to make, I'll never know. The Staten Island ferry comes every 30 minutes. Essentially I had to use up half the time I had just to wait for the drink. The best part? She forgot to add the alcohol. The kicker? Management refused to refund me even after I showed them the drink and explained the situation. Imagine being the only customer in the restaurant, and management deciding to spend their time defending an incorrect drink order. This place is only in business because tourists pay the high prices because they don't know any better. Stay away! Scam! read more

Hidden gem. I enjoyed their shrimp and zucchini spaghetti dish. Can't beat the view from the dock.

I had a really upsetting experience- I would give 0 stars if I could. I took my staff out to dinner here and each of us ordered drinks; one of them ordered a tequila sunrise (on the menu) and I ordered and old fashioned (not on the menu). When the server returned our drinks, my old fashioned looked different, I thought that maybe they used a different whisky or whatever. It tasted like orange juice and very sweet... I look over and see that my drink looks like my staff member's tequila sunrise. I called the server over and let her know that this wasn't an old fashioned. She kind of chuckled and then said that the bartender made a little bit extra AND said that the person ordering it wouldn't notice because I probably don't know what an old fashioned is. I should have got up and left, but I didn't want to make a scene. I get the bill and see that they charged me for the drink. I took it out of their tip. I was super upset. read more

My wife and I had a delightful hot pot on a breezy Sunday afternoon in June. There are quite a few view tables, and unlike other reviewers here noted, we got great service and great offerings from both the bartender and kitchen. The shellfish was very fresh indeed, as was the El Diablo (tequila cocktail). If you are a tourist coming over on the ferry this could be a good little stop for drinks and or appetizers. We really liked the hot pot. At $45 for 1 big pot of shellfish, including lots of crab, and 1/2 lobster, we were satisfied with meal, and surprised at how fresh it tasted. read more

River Dock Cafe - Time for cocktails and crab - Seafood Near Me - Staten Island, New York

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Service was slow they took about 30 mins to get our food, there was not a lot of ppl but other tables that got after us were served before us. I ordered a Mojito and it was too sweet. It's a nice view but place is just for beer. read more

I ordered the seafood platter which was supposed to have fried catfish, fried shrimp, and fried oysters along with Cole slaw and fries. When I received it, the oysters were replaced with calamari and the Cole slaw was replaced with some loose leaf lettuce without dressing. The catfish and shrimp was good but I really wanted oysters and would have ordered something else had I known the substitution would occur. read more