I walked into a Wonderful View of the City , the Bartender recommended me a Pineapple Mojito and it was absolutely amazing , will be visiting again very soon ! Keep up the Great Job ! read more

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

I went to this location a total of three (3) times after work, stopping off between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm. The bar staff seem to be very inattentive and after you are actually served after waiting several minutes (even when there are not many other customers at the bar), they take forever to see if you need another round. The bar's counter top is sticky and dirty with spills from prior drinks that had been served. I observed used straws and napkins on the counter top. Not one staff member appears to take any pride in the cleanliness of the bar. The bar had draft beer taps that are apparently empty, and have not been replenished. I asked for a Sam Adams lager, clearly seeing the tap for it. "We ain't got that" was the reply. I gave a bartender a $20.00 for a local Flagship Brewery beer. It took me almost 20 minutes to get back my change. "Don't worry, I wasn't going to run away with your money" was the remark when the female bar tender returned with my change. No. But did you think I was going to leave without getting my change, I asked myself. And why the attitude? I worked bars in Bay Ridge and Manhattan, and always was friendly, polite and attentive with my customers. I ordered a draft Guinness Stout another time. It came in the wrong pint glass and was served without being allowed to settle first, and topped off, as any good bartender should know how to pour a perfect pint of the black stuff. The customers seemed to be mainly tourists wandering in from the Staten Island Ferry. Many had difficulty in explaining what they want to drink. The bar staff smirk as if the tourists are morons, and offer a condescending reply to their broken-English questions. Restaurant wait staff appeared more interested in their mobile phones than their tables of customers. They'll coop inside and check their phones constantly... but not check their customers or their tables. I overheard complaints from customers about their meals, the length of time that they received their orders, even two British tourists having to get up and come in to the bar to replenish their party's drinks. One asked if I was the manager (as I was wearing a suit and tie). I told them respectfully that I was not, and if I was, I would certainly have comped their party's round for having to come to the bar to get additional drinks. The young manager, the owner's son, seems to be way in over his head. He seems to be very unaware of the disaster that he is personally responsible for, and seems to ignore this veritable train wreck of an operation. It's all happening on his watch, and when this place crashes and burns as the tourist trap that it is becoming, he'll have some explaining to do to his old man, I am sure. Based on what I have seen and heard, do NOT order food here. I say again, do NOT order food here. Even the establishment's staff don't eat the food there (they go to Subway down the hall). That speaks volumes about the quality of the food and the cleanliness of the kitchen. The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's inspectors are going to have a field day with this place. I have seen a customer passed out one night when I stopped in. Clearly over-served. Another time, I observed a clearly-hammered customer fall off his bar stool. Not a good sign. The cast of characters there reminded me of the Star Wars cantina scene. Please do not waste your time, or your money, with this tourist trap. The staff and the management clearly do not care about the service, the quality of their food served, the cleanliness of the establishment, and know that by sheer volume of unsuspecting turistas wandering in, they will make money (despite their ineptitude and apathy). That is clearly all that they care about. Where is John Tapper and Bar Rescue when you need him! read more

I sat at a near empty bar at 9:05pm on Friday night and waited 10 minutes as the bartender walked past me several times, two of which he was eating. I walked out without being acknowledged by anyone. Can't make money if your employees don't serve. Very poor experience, doubtful I'll be back. This is coming from someone with 20 years in the business. read more

I've been waiting for an opportunity to stop in and check out this new gem at the St. George Ferry terminal. I was greeted by a very friendly hostess and was escorted to the bar. The bartender, Ryan Madigan, was extremely friendly, welcoming and knows the menu like that back of his hand and made some very good suggestions. I ordered food to go and his recommendations and description of the Lobster Bisque and Fish and Chips was spot on. I was very pleased and will definitely be a returning customer. read more

Absolute garbage. I ordered fried calamari to start, also known as hot rubber. Then I ordered a two pound lobster with steak I specifically asked for it to be medium rare. The steak was cold and well done and the lobster smelled of ammonia will not be returning. And all this for the low low price of 82 dollars yay! read more

We decided to come here for our anniversary on a Sunday night. It wasn't packed at all and the service was great! Not only was our meal brought our quickly but it was absolutely more than we expected. My boyfriend ordered the surf n turf and i ordered the Alaskan king crab legs. We both were extremely happy with our food. The Alaskan king crab legs were exceptional and his steak was perfectly prepared for medium. Kudos to the chef! Our waitress was great and added in a candle plus an extra couple of scoops for our anniversary. The view was ok but if you're there for the view and not the seafood, sit at the far left. You'll have the best seat in the house. I highly recommend this place if you have the money! City prices but it's worth it. read more

As a regular diner and a VIP Guest Member of the River Dock Cafe, I was rather disappointed in the manner in which the manager handled a complaint we had about the food. The whole lobster that was served was so small, the standard shell-cracking tool was incapable of doing the job. The waitress kindly brought us a follow-up set of tools of smaller size, and even these were inadequate due to the unusually small size of the claws. When we called the manager over, he stated, rather irrelevantly, that the lobsters are pulled out of the tank at random, and then followed with the comment, "you're lucky you have any meat in this lobster at all. Some customers don't get any". Really??? As a manager who is presumably in control of ordering the supply of lobsters, and who is charging $30 for a lobster dish, his response was totally inadequate and unprofessional. One gathers from this comment that other customers who are unlucky enough to find no meat in the lobster they order, just have to accept what they are served without compensation. The manager did take 10% off the price of the dish. But the manager should have been far more accommodating. My friend and I have otherwise had very pleasant experiences at the River Dock Cafe, including previous orders of whole lobster. The service is excellent, the beer selection is good, the wine selection less so. But this latest encounter with the manager and the manner in which he handled the complaint about the meager lobster that was served has left a bad taste in our mouths. read more

I live in Manhattan but was going to a concert near the ferry on Staten Island. I wanted to get a bite and a glass of wine before the concert so I stopped at this cafe. I sat at the bar. Very nice server. I asked for a glass of Malbec which was on the menu. He didn't have it so I settled for a glass of Merlot. Also had the sliders. Very small and not sure if the buns were toasted or stale. Not a bad experience. Will probably go back. read more

I was here for my birthday the other week with a friend and his family. The King Crab legs were GREAT.. So much meat, the service was very good and we sat by the window with a nice view of NYC. The drinks came right on time and the fish entree my friends wife had was fresh and tender.. Now, the 3 year old was having a time of his life, the staff was patient with him and he got a nice big ice cream that put him at ease. THIS PLACE IS GOING TO ROCK in the summer with the outdoor patio. And FINALLY A DECENT BAR in the terminal. The happy hour is very reasonable a beer and a shot for $7.00. I can see this can be a sports bar as well with all the big screened TV's. Although it just opened and I read some of the other comments here, give the place a chance to work out the few kinks all restaurants get when they open. I'm sure its going to be a hit. read more

Ate here today, not bad. Kids had fried shrimp and I had the Lobster roll. I thought it was better than the average rating. Beautiful setting at the dock, nice ambiance inside. read more

Awful experience. Waited 17 minutes and no one came to our table to even say hi. Had to leave. Couldn't even make it to 18 minutes. Don't go here. read more

This was our first time... The music outside was great... The service not so Much. We ordered a variety app platter which came cold... Drinks took about 30 minutes.. Waiter was not attentive at all! Sure it's off the dock of the ferry but not worth it... They know they will get money so the terrible service isn't an important factor to them. read more

The food is not good. This would be a great place if the food was better. The sangria is not bad and the service was good, but I would rather get on the boat to go downtown Manhattan and eat. I had the crab cakes and the sampler platter. The only thing good was the duck sauce. The calamari is rubbery. The chicken wings are not bad. All in all I won't be returning. read more

Great view on the water. Lots of choices from classic bar food to full plates and even had a lobster special for dinner. Great happy hour prices as well. read more

First off I come in there are three people and a child waiting in line and three works behind the register all trying to fix or figure something out. I don't know what actually happen but there was some problem with the guy ahead of us order and maybe a transaction mistake. Then another guy shows up that's wearing a chef jacket I'm guessing the boss asked to speak with the cashier in the back. He came back you can tell by his face he made some kind of mistake. I felt terrible for him. You can tel he looked defeated and the customer also was now put in an awkward position he stated " I don't want him to get in trouble". While this is going on ... a line has now formed. I feel like they should have apologized to us while we were waiting instead of ignoring that they had customers that have been waiting over 10 minutes and orders haven't been placed yet. Next time they should wait till after customers have left to talk to him. I got the lobster bisque and waffle fries. I will not order those two items but I will go back again and hopefully it will be 5 stars for service and food! read more

Terrible service. We sat at the bar on a Friday night. The bartender was slammed but acting a fool and could not be bothered with us. I begged for some water, before, after, and during my meal. We couldn't order food for a while because the manager was cashing out the register. When we finally got our food, I asked for ketchup (for fires of course) and the food runner rolled his eyes. I told him if it was a problem, he didn't have to trouble himself. As a former server, I get the stress & the pace, but this place was this pits. Take your money and patronage elsewhere. read more

Too bad - great spot and look BUT horrible service and management. On a Saturday night went for drinks at the bar to watch the game - the bartender was on one speed, slow and not attentive . We were left without service for more than we should have, mind you it was not at all busy. Our drinks were given half full? Hate that !! I'm paying for a drink fill it to the rim! There was some kind of a water leak behind the bar, which was being mopped up, not what one wants to see or smell. We assumed the manager was sitting at the bar, (had the same shirt on) with someone, but never did he address the bartender to tend the customers. The shrimp cocktail is frozen shrimp - The food should be better than just bar food a big NO. read more

I'm giving it one star because I was hungry and finished my order. Location is convenient and the view of the harbor is about the only thing worth mentioning. Might be a good spot to grab a drink while waiting for the next ferry but that's about it. read more

This place could have been a good thing. However, they serve alcohol to regular binge alcoholics which puts them at risk for being responsible in the event of something happening to that person. If a patron is obviously drunk, the right thing to do is refuse to serve them more. Not River Dock Cafe. They keep the drinks coming. The patron stumbles out of their establishment and they give absolutely no thought to whether that individual is going to be robbed, assaulted or killed. When is the bar going to have the courage to take responsibility for their liquor license instead of chasing money? It's a real shame. I'd give this place negative stars if I could. It's disgusting that people are regarded as money opportunities instead of individuals connected to families who are concerned for their safety and well being. Shame on you River Dock Cafe. read more

The absolute worst. 20 minute wait for water. First 4 wine selections they were out of. Couldn't wait any longer than for a salad. That was okay. I would recommend for worst restaurant in New York reality show. read more

Service was horrible. It took an hour to get two meals, which were not at all worth the price. The only good thing going for this place is the view of Manhattan. The bathroom was also not stocked with the necessities. I won't be back. UPDATE! Just got the check and it was $10 more. They overcharged on the margaritas. read more

This restaurant is so bad that i used one star only because putting 0 stars isn't an option. For starters, the service was terrible, our waiter smelled bad and they didn't know what food went to what table so i was probably asked 10 time if something was my food. Secondly, this place was ridiculously expensive for mediocre food. Lastly, this place is dirty and overall disappointing: when i got of the ferry and saw this restaurant It looked great, but I realized this was all false hope and this has to be one of the worst restaurants on the face of the earth read more

The service was terrible, by the time we got ketchup and mustard the food was cold. Fish and chips was good but the hamburger was not cooked to medium as ordered and the cheese was hard and cold. read more

I live on Staten Island and have visited here several times. The service at the River Dock Cafe is decent to none. Once I ordered drinks and watched as they sat at the bar for over 40 minutes and the food never came at all. Customers walk in and become invisible. They don't even notice how many people walk in and walk out without any service at all. I just have 2 tips for you. (1) sit at the bar, you'll have a better chance of someone noticing you. (2) hurry, because this place won't be around much longer read more

Good food. Good view. To top it there was a firework that happened while we had dinner and it was a perfect fairytale moment right there ! Loved the food too .. We had the shrimp satay and seared tilapia and they were both good . The molten chocolate cake is a must try . read more

Was there on a Sunday afternoon and loved it! The servers were attentive and the food was delicious. The lobster ravioli was a very good dish and easy to eat. The sangria was also delicious and flavorful! read more

I'm so glad I finally got to try this place! Recommended by another friend, I knew I was in for a treat. And true to word, the food was exceptional and the portions were huge. River dock has a well rounded menu with a specialty in seafood with quality and taste that leave you craving for more. I had the free range chicken but tried bits of the lobster ravioli, the calamari, the steak sandwich and the Asian-style noodles- none of which disappointed. I can't even begin to describe how amazing and decadent the chocolate cake was. The place doesn't just come with good food. It comes with great service and an outstanding view of the city that makes your experience complete. I absolutely can't wait for the weather to warm up so I can bring friends back to the patio and try that food again.. Highly recommended! read more

River Dock Cafe - Free Range Chicken - delicious!! - Seafood Near Me - Staten Island, New York

Just had dinner with my daughter. I am giving 4 stars because there is no way to do 3.5 . This place has some pretty terrible reviews and it was my daughters second visit. Apparently the service outside is terrible but it's November so we thought we would give it a try. Took a few minutes to get a waitress but once we did , she (Natalia) was excellent. Went to the ladies room right away and it needed some cleaning but I forgave that because the men's room was being cleaned and I assumed the ladies room was next. We started with the crab cake. It was good not great but is was a disappointment because it was 2 small patties like a breakfast sausage not what a $16. Crab cake appetizers should be. There was some shredded carrot nonsense on the plate meant to distract you from the small size I am sure. The sauce was good though. My daughter order sirloin with mash potato, which she added cheese to the mash. The good part is the potatoes are real and the steak was cooked perfect. The bad part was the plate was boring. Zero garnish. So maybe they should throw some of the shredded carrot on the main dish instead. I ordered the lobster ravioli with a honey chipotle sauce. This plate was pretty and it was really tasty. The bummer was I ordered a glass of Pinot noir and got cabernet instead, so I sent it back. Then my daughter ordered a second glass of Riesling and got Pinot Grigio the second time. Maybe if they poured the right wine the fact that they pour heavy would be fabulous. The bartender could be more on point since I know the waitress is not pouring her own drinks. Overall it was pretty good and worth the 5 block walk from my house. I would come back. However if Natalia had not been so attentive and nice that might not the case. read more

River Dock Cafe - Lobster Ravioli with honey chipotle sauce. Yumz! - Seafood Near Me - Staten Island, New York

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We ordered food to go since we live locally and felt like having seafood. The recent reviews were good so we gave it a try. Parking (even though it was a Sunday) was a horror show but that is not the River Docks fault and as a local I know to expect that. We paid $75 for a lobster bisque (not thick and tasted ok but not great) a New England clam chowder which really was GREAT, a huge steam pot of kind crab legs, lobsters, etc. The steam pot was promising and LOOKED great but was tough and flavorless. We also had a salad with grilled salmon. The salad was a wilty mess and the salmon was best described as "eh" and was very small. We get better seafood at the local diner! The one star is for the delicious chowder. Never again! read more

TRASH ! This place has ok drinks (fairly watered down) but the food is DISGUSTING. I will not be returning back to this place until they get some serious help in here. read more

Went today for the first time since last summer. Was a bad experience and didn't enjoyed our overpriced meal at all. Owner is walking around with his hoody on, what is that about? Bartender only had eyes for her cell phone, some people came in with a jukebox (!) and nobody said anything even though it was way louder then the music of the restaurant. Apparently this is assumed normal behavior here. We just got the cheque soonest possible and get out of there! There are plenty of far better restaurants within 500ft of the terminal. No need to get stuck here! The food is too expensive for the quality, but might be a tourist trap in the end. We def do not go back for dinner. read more

Enjoy coming here for the beer selection, which is quite good but prices on other items are problematic. Was told a special was running all week long and after making a special trip on Friday found out that was not the case. Spoke to the managers to no avail. Very disappointed. There are better options for eating in the area and I recommend trying something else first or risk being disappointed. Or just wait till you get to Manhattan, which is what I should have done rather than having an evening wasted. read more

I enjoyed the crab cakes but my steak was too fatty. It was freezing in the restaurant.

Food was amazing, waiter was very nice and the music fit the scene. Would definitely go there again!

Came here to meet a friend nearby who recommended the place. Place has an amazing view, GREAT happy hour, food (especially the apps), and lots of giant screens to enjoy the game. A really nice spot for a date or to hang out with some friends. read more

River Dock Cafe - Lobster ravioli! Don't be fooled when it arrives, it's deep. - Seafood Near Me - Staten Island, New York

Great spot at ferry terminal. I'm from Florida and love seafood and this place has great seafood. Had a 2lb lobster at a great price of 43 dollars. Great variety of draft beers and frozen drinks. Also a great view of the statue of liberty and lower Manhattan. Thanks to the staff for great service that came with a smile. read more

Stopped by today for some drinks. At first I wasn't very hungry, but after seeing their servers bring plates to other tables, I just had to get something because the food looked amazing! Glad I stopped by because my meal was spectacular and the service was one of the best I've ever received. This location is great and the view is beautiful, will definitely be stopping by again! read more

Good beer, views, and location for anyone who might have missed the boat. Salmon sandwich is my favorite thing on the menu. However, the service leaves much to be desired. The usual bartender I see on staff is very inattentive and when you finally can get her attention, is very rude. The staff could use a reboot, and it definitely wouldn't hurt them to stay open past midnight on the weekends. read more

I'm going along with most of what you see here: we're picking up family from out of town at the ferry terminal and it looked appealing: the indoor/outdoor bar/restaurant seafood-type place you see on the Jersey Shore or in Florida, menu displayed in window so they're not trying to hide prices which weren't bad and I'm thinking they're just starting out and looking to build a reputation, so it seemed inviting to go in. It's not right to criticize a place for something that's not its fault but you also don't want to praise it unnecessarily either. The king crab legs and butter were spectacular but there's no chef involvement here: crab legs and melted butter are like picking a pear off a tree and eating it: they're gonna be good! But the lobster bisque-not the best and the Seafood Fra Diavolo was misleading: on paper it mentions shrimp, scallops and mussels with pappaardelle pasta, so you would think it's a seafood dish but it's really a pasta dish with microscopic pieces of shrimp--I don't remember seeing any scallops or mussels. One of our guests did, like, however, the lobster ravioli, all 6 pieces of them, another enjoyed the lobster mac and cheese from Kraft and the hot pot looked entertaining as well. Yes, service was slow especially to get desserts and the creme brulee still came out undercooked! However, considering how hungry we were and how long it would take to get to the SI Mall Food District which is where I wanted to take them, the location and atmosphere of this place was just too convenient and conducive for a good get-together. read more

Ordered a 2 lb lobster, with other dishes. The lobster wasn't even 1 lb. looked like a scorpion not a lobster. My father works with lobsters so I would know. Lobster Ravioli dough was very thick and not tasty, tasted like bread with peppers?! Very disappointed with food quality and the fact that they're trying to play the customers. I never write bad reviews for any place but I'm very disappointed. Total waste of money. read more