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Categories: Seafood, American (Traditional), Breakfast & Brunch, Venues & Event Spaces [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Stuyvesant Town, Kips BayMon-Sat. 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Mon-Sat. 5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
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A perfect restaurant for the hopeless romantic in me. There was an amazing water view that every table got to see (some views were better than others though), a cozy fireplace by the bar, and just the perfect company to enjoy it with. The food was great - we had the calamari salad and crab soup, jumbo shrimp and short ribs, and banana foster cake and chocolate layer cake. I personally enjoyed the calamari salad and jumbo shrimp most; seafood seems to be their specialty. All items tasted extremely fresh, and portions were huge and filling! This was not the typical "finger food" sized plates that you get. Sadly, we did not get to try the lobster, as it was not on the restaurant week menu.
This is a great venue for a wedding, party, or other social event. There was a private party going on at the same time, as we took a mini tour around prior to getting seated. I was also secretly checking out the venue as a potential wedding spot, but don't tell the bf! ;)
When my parents were in town a few months back, I decided that we'd experience an extended Restaurant Week menu. Since we all enjoy seafood, we decided to try The Water Club on 30th and the East River. About half of the establishment is actually on a boat and is seated in the river. My parents actually thought it was a "romantic atmosphere" and my mom encouraged me to find "a nice boy" to take to the restaurant. I also thought the restaurant was trying to create an upscale mood, having an unnecessary bathroom attendant.
When we sat down and opened the menu, I was a little disappointed. NYC Go posts most of the Restaurant Week menus online and unfortunately the crab soup I was looking forward to had been replaced with a tomato soup. I decided to still go with the soup, and while I enjoyed the melted cheese and crouton in the soup, I felt like I was basically eating a jar of heated Prego sauce. My mom went with a salad and my dad decided to go with the calamari salad, which we shared. My dad thought this dish was the highlight of the night, and the calamari went great with these citrus slices in the dish (I have no idea if it was a tangerine or what). During the appetizer course, a waiter walked around with a basket of different breads - I recommend the corn bread.
For the entrees, my mom and I went with pasta, marinara sauce and shrimp. I thought my dish was okay, but wasn't worth going back to the restaurant again. My dad went with short ribs because he didn't want to get the same thing as us, despite his love for seafood, and he wasn't a fan of the other option which was salmon. He enjoyed his dish, commenting that the meat was tender and flavorful. He also loved the mashed potato side dish, which was mixed with turnips, creating a unique flavor.
For dessert, my mom and I had the Bananas Foster cake, while my dad decided to have creme caramel. We all had the same thoughts - average and not memorable.
At the end of the day, I'd rather pay for great food than a wonderful atmosphere - and if you feel the same way, The Water Club isn't really for you. It may be nice to look out onto the water, but I'd prefer to walk away from a restaurant, dreaming about my next visit and what I'm going to order.
I had no idea what to expect with this place, not having looked at any reviews before I paid a visit. If I had had to pay for the meal maybe there would be one less star up there (the prices were steep), but my wallet remained tucked away in my purse on this particular Saturday (I love family-related birthday dinners). We arrived at 5 pm and were seated in a mostly empty dining area with a gorgeous view of the East River.
Service was prompt with a drink menu and a basket of warm biscuits and bread with anise seeds and raisins. We ended up with a nice bottle of chardonnay, which was poured evenly and consistently throughout our meal. A three-course prix-fixe dinner option was available, but I opted for the 2 pound steamed lobster (de-shelled!) and a side of herbed crimini mushrooms.
When my plate arrived, with a side of drawn butter placed over a candle to keep it warm, I was bowled over. The lobster shell was a rosy red, with the meat expertly removed and waiting for me to dig in. Needless to say, the juicy lobster meat dipped in butter was heaven. My entree came with a side of mashed potatoes and scallions, and between that and the mushrooms and the wine I was one happy camper. The table fell silent as soon as the food came, so you know the chef did a good job.
The Water Club lists the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory, "America's finest ice cream" as their dessert source, and I have to say, their coffee flavor was delicious. In total we were at the resturant for three hours, but it felt like minutes. Our server was quick with water refills, removed plates as soon as they were empty, and crumbed the tablecloth post-meal (which is more than I ever did when I waited tables).
As an added bonus, we got to see the sun set over the water, and as we left TWC we passed a piano player covering "Sailing" by the bar. This one's going to be hard to top.
Truly a restaurant worth going to, simply for it's location and nice views of the Hudson!
My boyfriend brought me here for my birthday dinner with him, and truly surprised me. It obviously isn't a place to go for everyday dining, but for a special occasion it was perfect =]
I have always wanted to come to this place, as I've been hearing great things over the years. I actually considered having my engagement party here a few months ago, but then decided against it. My family and I came here for lunch on Saturday and there were a few tables filled, but for the most part the restaurant was empty. I made the reservation for 7 at 3pm...nobody seemed to have a problem with this over the phone. As soon as we sat down, the first thing the waiter said to me is that we should hurry and order because the kitchen is closed between 3:30 and 5, till they start serving dinner. HOW RUDE! If you dont serve lunch that late, don't book reservations!!! Food was good, nothing memorable. Ambiance is very nice, can't complain about that! Overall we had a good meal, but I couldn't help but to feel a bit rushed...which was unfortunate!
The view and the atmosphere are both terrific. Unfortunately, the food isn't up to the same standard. I can't say that I've ever had a really bad meal here. However, I also can't say that I've ever had a really good meal here. I wouldn't avoid the place, but I would rush here either.
This is a truly lovely place. One of my greatest memories is having dinner here during fireworks on the 4th of July.
I have been here for several receptions, brunches, weddings and for a simple drink and have never been disappointed with the experience
The prices reflect the space, but are not justified by the quality of the food.
They play it very safe with the menu, which is to be expected given its range of clientele.
This would not be my choice for an occasion, there are many more interesting spots in the city, but it is certainly a spot that would please most guests lists at a multigenerational wedding reception or similar function.
Great for dinner with parents or a spot to take your boss or mentor
My friend had her wedding her and it's phenomenal! You won't be disappointed!
I'm going throw a 30th bday party for my other friend here and it should be AMAZING also!
A boring clear tourist trap. An Overpriced seafood restaurant whose seafood is inferior to any decent NYC restaurant. Gets two stars for the view and the fact that I didn't get hepatitis from the oysters.
I came here to attend a sponsored lunch so only a variation of their normal prix fixe lunch menu was available to us. We were only allowed to choose our main entree, either salmon or chicken. I think the regular prix fixe lunch menu has more choices in terms of appetizers and desserts.
I was disappointed that we couldn't try their other seafood dishes because this place obviously specialized more in seafood judging by their menu, but hey, it was a free lunch. The salmon was cooked well, moist inside and the carrot puree and ginger dressing certainly offered a unique flavor but it wasn't a memorable dish. I would later find out from my colleagues that their chicken dish was bad so it's probably best to stick to their seafood dishes if you come here.
We sat upstairs in a private room, but the public dining area looked more open and inviting. The bar had a country club feeling to it. Imagine lots of polished wood and brass. The ambience is what you would sorta expect from any upscale restaurant by the water. In this case, big open views of the dirty East river and the panoramic views of the spectacular Long Island City skyline. I certainly wouldn't call this restaurant romantic unless you enjoy having conversations accompanied by the buzz of helicopters taking on and off (there's a helicopter pad just right outside).
For the super romantic quintessential "to die for views" all wrapped up in a nice dinner spot... go here and get great seafood in a scene of old world wealth, with candelight and twinkling city lights as well as stars.
A safe bet here is the lobster, and if you can afford it, get a great champagne to wash it down.
I came to the Water Club for Restaurant Week over the summer...it was a special treat and I brought along my sister and brother-in-law. We were seated immediately for our reservation and served by well-uniformed men in their 50s and 60s (in NY, that is one sign of a good restaurant).
The limited Restaurant Week menu offered two choices for an appetizer and three choices for an entree, along with two desserts. My sister and I opted for a cold seafood soup (which would have tasted better warmed, though it was not bad). And for dinner I had a delicious fish special, though sadly the famous Water Club lobster was not on the prix fixe menu. We ordered the Buttermilk Onion Rings a la carte, and they were delicious.
Every seat in the restaurant has a view of the river. The Water Club is a great place to go with your family (adults only) for a weekend meal, or with a date any night of the week.
Why did the chicken cross the road?
To get to the other side of FDR Drive, where he ordered the expertly-unshelled 2 pound lobster, delicate lobster bisque, rubbery scallops over pesto sauce, flash-fried softshell crab, garlic-buttered mashed potatoes, strawberries and bananas flambee (prepared tableside), all with a dry Oregon pinot gris.
Went here for restaurant week. The location cannot be beat, once inside. The bar is gorgeous and the water views are stunning.
As a vegetarian though the food is was not that spectacular. Granted it was restaurant week so it my not be their best effort. I was presented with an off the menu plate of vegetables for my entree - broccoli, steamed spinach, some asparagus. There is definitely more to be a vegetarian than steamed veggies, trust me...
Anyway, I'm writing off the place, love the location so may try it again one day.
I still remember sitting by the water with the lights and the water glistening with our good friend Dan... back in 1999. Those were good times. How time flies. Good seafood.. and upbeat atmosphere.. and relaxing.. dressy.... not stuffy at all. Dan sent back his salmon because his Béarnaise Sauce ...was "coagulating" back it came perfecto...
This is the kind of place you can have a great time.. and they'll fix your bearnaise sauce. Good wine and a great view.. the right place to have a special night... really nice place.
I went here at 8PM on a Friday night and was a little nervous when I walked into the place because there were only about 3 other couples in the whole restaurant. However, after my initial anxiety, I thoroughly enjoyed my dinner here.
I tried the calamari appetizer, which was very good. It's served with lettuce, olives, and peppers. The dipping sauce is not tomatoe-based, but more of a holandaise sauce, but still very good.
For an entree, I went with the small lobster, which was still pretty pretty big (I am guessing about 2 lbs). You can order it steamed, broiled or stuffed. I got it steamed, and it was fantastic - very tender. It's served with melted butter and the waiter was even nice enough to change the side of mashed potatoes for a side of spinach for me. Thumbs up for that!
I also tried the the snapper, and thought it was very good. Another huge portion (it's whole fish) that didn't taste fishy at all and was well-complemented with the lobster salsa verde.
The atmosphere is nice and relaxing with live piano music playing the background. Excellent, friendly, unrushed service and a pretty reasonable wine list, too.
There is also a nice bar as you walk that seems very inviting. There's a fireplace and a few tables where you can order some food.
The food here was alright, and the price markup understandable given the location on the water and gorgeous view, but the service was unforgivable given the premium we paid (they also included a 20% gratuity in the check, for a party of 4!).
Service was rough from the beginning - the woman at the coat check was a bit brisk, and we were cut off by a server as we entered the dining room. Neither of the two matire d's were there to greet us immediately, and took a few minutes to find our reservation. Normally I wouldn't complain about any of this, but this is the kind of restaurant that is supposed to set itself apart with service.
Upon being seated, our waiter did not greet us for an entire 20 minutes. We had to ask for bread and water and received bread shortly, but no water - we had to ask for it a second time. A server came to take our drink orders, but did not offer us a wine menu. A second waiter came to give us menus, but we had to hail down our personal waiter to give him our orders, which he very brusquely took without making any eye contact with us. He looked around the rest of the dining room the entire time he served us the wine, and never once stopped by to check up on us or our meal.
We got oysters and calamari for the table to share. The oysters were tender but bland, and the calamari was mediocre and a quite small serving. For my entree, I got the small lobster steamed, which was the one thing the restaurant did very, very well. The lobster was de-shelled at the table and was very tender, very tasty, and very filling - the server who de-shelled and served my lobster, as well as a number of the busboys, were attentive and prompt - unfortunately the head servers were not and completely ruined our experience.
This place makes a mean lobster, but it was definitely not worth the horrible service. We nearly got up and left 15 minutes in when we hadn't been greeted, given menus, or ice water, and I kind of wish we had. After all that, the 20% gratuity they included in the price of the meal was outrageous. Definitely would not come back here.
The view and classy service make the markup more than bearable.
At a lot of restaurants, I don't understand why I'm being asked to pay $(x+10) for something that usually costs just $x at most places. Usually, a lot of that extra $10 is taken up by trendiness, or popularity, or whatever. Well, I'm not into trendiness. I don't like dance clubs, I don't hang out in bars with double-digit drink prices, and I don't abide waiting in a line before entering a bar or restaurant. If it's that crowded, I'll just come back some other time. Here, though, I get it.
Yes, I'm an old man trapped in a young man's body. Yes, I have Early Onset Curmudgeonliness. Yes, the Water Club is the type of place I love.
I love that it's on the water. I love that the waiters are old school (and just old). I love that there's a guy at the piano singing standards from the 50s & 60s while one or two elderly couples slowly sway together on the dance floor. I love that the menu is straight-forward classics with plenty of seafood options, and the land animals come with a choice of Bearnaise, Bordelaise, au Poivre, or Diane sauces.
So why only 4 stars? Because I'm not dying to go back. Once was fine. It's a pleasant memory. If I was two decades older, and my net worth were ten times bigger (so that I could afford it on a regular basis), I'm sure I'd give it 5 stars, and I'd be here once a month.
My husband and I bared the blistering cold to dine here for our anniversary. Though the wind coming off the East River was quite chilly, we immediately stepped into a warm and romantic atmosphere upon entering the Water Club.
I had the oysters and filet mignon, and he had calamari and also the filet. Everything was excellent and the steaks were a perfect medium rare. To start things off, we enjoyed a complimentary basket with an array of warm biscuits and breads. To finish things off, we split the chocolate molten lava cake (when is that ever a bad choice, really)?!
Steep prices come with high expectations on my end, and Water Club delivered on almost every count. Service was impeccable during our meal.
Two misses: 1) There was a faint but distinct smell of moth balls near our table (who knows, maybe it was just some of the old people seated nearby? ;-) 2) We were told by a valet guy that cabs come "all the time," but as I waited in the arctic cold for 20 minutes freezing my peep-toes off, he offered no help and finally suggested that we cross the highway and go four blocks north...not happening! At this, an indoor attendant finally realized that their cab light wasn't on and after fixing this, we were in a cab within one minute. On such a chilly night, this wasn't ideal, but it was just one mistake in a near flawless experience otherwise.
For a romantic evening with light piano accompaniment, stars above and a classic city view at your side, this is the place!
Note - The prix fixe option looked good and is much more reasonable, but we decided to go all out for our anniversary.
Here I sit, Water Club website theme music playing. Is this a loop perfectly executed? Ahh, I don't think I will tire of it.
I never actually dined here. I never even paid for anything. Although last Saturday I spent about an hour there recovering from my friend exploding in my back seat.
After drinking session that I probably pushed too much, driving up the FDR, I hear from my friend:
Pull over I'm gonna throw up!!"
"Theres no shoulder I can't!"
SPLASHHH
I mean, it was gross. I was in the passenger side, so I didn't know the extent of it until I exited the car. We pulled into the first stop we could, The Water Club. It was actually very inviting. It was obviously ritzy, but I walked in with my green t-shirt and jeans and asked for the bathroom. I returned with a cup of water and paper towels to my friend shirtless and hunched over the pleasant benches overlooking the "breathtaking views of... the East River." While he attempted to clean up, I walked around as a party boat pulled in with 20 -24 year olds celebrating some great success. Nice kids, as friendly as the music from the website.
Checking back on my car, the smell was nearly intolerable. It became a rare occasion where I actually NEEDED a drink. I invited the other 2 passengers inside to join me. Being 1230, the bar was closed. Apparently Old Man Rockefeller goes to sleep at midnight on Saturdays... The bartender was nice enough to give us a bag to dispose of the paper towels (which a security person suggested I take with us in my car - yeahhh right).
2 of us continued on and the victim took a cab home. Is it needless to say the rest of the night was spent with the windows down?
So, thanks Water Club. I enjoyed your facilities and your pleasant atmosphere and staff. I would sure love to drop by again under more favorable circumstances. Until then...
Walking to this place was a pain in the butt because it's on the OTHER side of the freeway, right on the water. I'd recommend cabbing it. Otherwise, it was a great location for a nice outdoor dinner. I came here during restaurant week, but wasn't too impressed by the menu, so I ordered off the regular one. The dover sole is the most expensive fish dish on the menu at $35 (same price as a 3 course restaurant week menu - wth, right?) and it sounded like a simple enough dish.. so I couldn't figure out just why it cost so much.
My curiosity pushed me to order the dish - and it was no mistake! Soo tasty! Possibly the best fish dish I've ever had. I can't really describe it, but I'll give it a shot. Lightly grilled, and de-boned by our friendly waiter who did it table side. Then he poured some oily, balsamic sauce with fresh chunks of tomato and red onions over it. And it was seriously, really very good. And this is coming from a red-meat worshipper.
The she-crab soup was pretty good, and so was the salmon and scallops (grilled with a rosemary sprig stabbed into it). Overall, pretty good food, good service and a great view of the river. Desserts were light and tasty, but not that special. I'd go back just for the fish. Yum!
Came here with DH and the IL's for Christmas night dinner. They had a price fix menu of $75 a person which included appetizer, entree, and desert. The atmosphere was great for a Christmas celebration, tastefully decorated for the holiday and the views were gorgeous and had a real New York feel. The appetizers included crab soup, chilled and grilled shrimp, zucchini pancakes, and a few others. Entree's were mostly fish and meat (no pasta for the Italian lovers) everyone at my table got rack of lamb which was very tender with a side of carrots and mac and cheese.
One of 3 restaurants I visted for Restaurant Week. Should be called the Water is needed to put my dentures in Club. The clientele was a little on the old side. The food here is good ( I would stick to seafood) and the staff kicks it up a notch, they were wonderful. The view also helps big time and actually prefer to come here during the warm months and grab a drink and appetizers on the roof.
Every table has a water view and has the feel of being on a cruise. The food is delicious with a beautiful presentation. Kevin Reilly is the new Executive Chef (formerly of Union Square Cafe and Zoe) and has created a wonderful new classic American menu.
They have a delicious 3-course $24 pre-fixe Lunch which includes boston lettuce salad with roasted grapefruit, baby shrimp, buttermilk dressing, or potato leek soup with toasted almonds, shallots and dried figs; seared atlantic salmon or creamed cabbage & carrots, smoked haddock or Yankee Beef Pot Roast w/golden beets & parsnips, buttered egg noodles & horseradish; Golden Delicious apple tart or chocolate layer cake.
They also have a $32 prix fixe lobster lunch which includes lobster bisque, Maine lobster stuffed with lump crabmeat, mashed potatoes O'Keeffe; fresh fruit sorbet.
From May to October, the Crows's Nest, located on the upper deck at The Water Club, offers seasonal outdoor dining at modest prices. The lively atmosphere and breathtaking views of Manhattan and the East River have made this a popular hang out.
Check their website for directions by car. The 34th St. crosstown bus takes you very close to the entrance.
I've only been here twice, both during restaurant weeks. The decor is really nice and it is quite romantic, although both times, I wasn't on a date. The view is ok, if you like looking at a Pepsi sign and torn down buildings across the river (although since then, they've been replaced with luxury condos). The food was pretty good and the service is surprisingly nice and attentive, given that the place seems so pretentious. I like it, but I wouldn't come here other than restaurant week, unless i had lots of money like most of the folks who come here regularly.
Brunch at the Water Club.
Extremely delicious, selections stupendous, very scenic and one of my favorites!
A very nice location with wonderful service and staff. The food was delicious and terrific valet service. Location easy if you are driving. A bit pricey which is why I will give it a 3.
I'm surprise this one wasn't in my reviews. The ambiance is definitely a crowd pleaser and puts in that romantic touch to the scene. Overhyped and not to say it wasn't great back then, I'm not to judge. I'm sure it's still a favorite for many but food was nothing but the usual. I was lured to this place because it's the talk to NYC while growing up and you'd always spot it driving by and wonder who all these lovely dressed people were coming out. But a night of not finishing our plates speaks for itself.
it was another lunch week.
This is a lovely place. I've eaten in the downstairs restaurant numerous times and it's definitely a treat. But the real gem of this place is the roof deck that they open in the nicer weather. It's a great place to have a couple drinks and a light dinner with friends on the water. They offer a more casual menu, and the food is ok - burgers, dogs, etc. But the views and water breezes are wonderful. I always make this a destination when the weather warms up!
Very romantic place to go with a date or even a group of friends, as the views are amazing and the service can't be topped. While I only had drinks on the deck bar, I've heard only phenomenal things about food.
Good food, gorgeous view, complete pain to get to. I can't say I would ever go back because you have to cross the FDR Drive to get there. Terrifying!
The Water Ckub is one of Buzzy O'Keefe's great gems.
The waterside location is fantastic in spite of the limited accessibility -- car or cab preferred , yet the boatclub atmosphere and views are quite nice .
The menu has varied very little over the years and may need a few new exciting dishes , , but the seafood staples are always fresh , well portioned and always tasty . The Pre-Fixe lobster lunch is always a hit , and the wine list is excellent .
The service is always good , and you always leave fulfilled
If you are in NY i highly recommend dining at the water club its been a great restaurant for many years and is still going on with its tradition. The food is amazing, the service is superb and the view is to die for. This is surely one of my favorites.
I went there yesterday, with a friend. From the time I came in, to the
time I left, I felt treated like a famous person. The waiter was
always available...helpful in our selections and just so nice without
being overbearing. The French maitre(not sure) was so sweet..
such a gentle soul...the food, ah......it was lunchtime and the lobster
was on a special that included lobster bisque...wow...super fresh..
and the lemon butter and the sauteed asparagus....wonderful.
Sorbet for dessert, perfect. It was not outrageously expensive for
what we got..oh...and a window seat on the windiest day of the
week. We had wine also.....the bill....$105......$20 tip (I hope that
was enough)..anyway, we will go back...and I highly recommend
the place. Oh, by the way, even if you don't have to use the bathroom,
go there anyway and you will enjoy the prints on the walls, etc. OH, did I mention the breads....biscuits that tasted homemade!!! We took home a doggie bag (don't be ashamed) they give you a number and you pick it
up on the way out....hey, why not???
mashed potatoes!...loved em!
lobster was great!!!...
pricey....but doesnt hurt to try the place..
was rather expensive but the food was really good. been there twice and been pleased both times
ok so i was prepared to hate this place--overpriced, wedding upstairs,
roaring gas fireplace, mildewed menu, GREAT VIEW, schmaltzy piano player, tired toilet attendants with too many years on the job...but since it was my cousin's birthday, I dutifully showed up, slugged down a martini and made my way to my seat on the water, overlooking queens,brooklyn, bridges, chrysler building et. al. So I succumbed to the lures of the 3 pound lobster, the benefits of slow and forgetful waiters (view, boats) and ended up enjoying the place. Just do it sometime on a weeknight when the outside bar is open...or suck it up and show up in winter for a night on the river. Ignore everyone...eat lobster, drink and say you did it. Why not? At least I could walk home...
maybe even a bar for retro yelpers
Occasion: Restaurant Week Dinner
Food: I had the she-crab soup, skirt steak. My friends had the tomato salad, shrimp and rack of lamb (not on restaurant week menu). We shared the banana financier, chocolate layer cake, creme brulee, and chocolate mud cake. The rack of lamb was FABULOUS! cooked just right, very juicy.. good portion as well! The rest of the menu was average. Also shared a bottle of chardonnay~
Atmosphere: FABULOUS view of the East River. very romantic setting. It was formal yet casual since it is on a yacht.
Service: Mixed. it really depends on which waiter u get. our waiter was nosy and not professional.
Overall: Recommended.
Great place to enjoy with the lady over some wine or with your chums over some beer and scotch before a night out. The food is great, the deserts decadent and the atmosphere (particularly the views) perfect. The space is very well done, with a lot of dark woods, big windows overlooking the river and the environs east of the island and beautiful lighting. I went to celebrate bonus season with some of my buddies, and we had a fantastic time before a night out. Definitely a place to go because its one of THOSE places that you need to try in NYC, and frankly, its expensive but lives up to the hype. Definitely worth the visit. Well done.
Brooklyn, NY
Category: American (New)
Neighborhood: Midtown East
Category: Nightlife
Neighborhood: Battery Park
Category: Chinese
Neighborhood: Hell's Kitchen
Category: Performing Arts
Neighborhood: Midtown East
Category: Breakfast & Brunch
Where carnivorous mammals enjoy their chow. Red…
$25 and under 3-course prix fixe lunches I've…
