Boatyard Grill

My family of 3 went there and expected to wait as it was a Saturday night. Well we waited double the time given, and were overshadowed by the large private party group that was taking over the restaurant. I even called ahead for a time that they had open, but I would not have gone had they told me there was a private party planned. I don't know we will ever go there again. We have gone here many times, the food is usually good, and people actually give us gift cards for this place because they know we like it here, but I cannot warrant waiting and feeling like we are being rushed. more

I love the Boatyard Grill. My boyfriend took me here on our first date and since I've made him take me back for many more!! I love the coconut fried shrimp and the blue cheese filet. Oh and don't even get me started on those buffalo egg rolls... This place is especially fun if you can plan a night out of it. ""Call ahead"" like they tell you to, and you may still have to wait... but if you plan it out right and meet friends at the bar before dinner, the night can be a blast!!! Pros: view, atmosphere, service and of course FOOD Cons: There can be a long wait... more

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I went to the Boatyard on the advice of my coworkers, and I was extremely impressed. I found the service to be friendly but non intrusive. I ordered the blackened tuna and it was awesome -- so fresh. My wife ordered the filet and it was cooked perfectly. We sat outside on the deck, and the view was great -- we waited a bit longer, but it was worth it. If you want a generous cocktail, excellent service, and great food this is the place to be. Our server was friendly and professional and his knowledge of the menu and the wine list was very impressive. Prices were very reasonable for the quality of the food, atmosphere and service. We'll definitely be back. more

great location, cute building, nautical theme.......but nothing nautical about the menu. i would have expected a bit more seafood selections. the menu seemed confused as what type of restaurant this wants to be; a steakhouse, mexican, seafood, burger joint. Pros: location on the waterfront Cons: the service and poor menu selections more

The waterfront view is what made me stop here for the first time, this was a few years back when I was doing a wine tour day. However once inside they definately gave me more reasons to come back. For a restaurant tucked away on the inlet it defiantely has a big city menu. The seafood offerings are larger and more delicatble than I have seen in some seaside restaurants. The wine menu is one of the most electic in the area, with it including local wines as well as some of my favorite California wines. Service is definately top notch and this is what keep me coming back everytime. My suggestion for the best time to dine is early dinner on Saturday evening in order to beat the waits. Pros: Service Cons: Wait Time more

As a college student in Ithaca in 1999, the restaurant choices were limited. When the Boatyard opened in 2001, I tried it and have been a regular ever since. This place is head and shoulders above any other restaurant in this town. My favorite is the sizzling angus, but my girlfriend who likes seafood always gets the tuna or salmon. What's great about the Boatyard is that when my family visits from out of town, there is always something for everyone. The staff is definitely top notch -- always accomodating, and even when they made a mistake by overcooking my steak, they brought me a new one and didn't even charge me! Oh, and don't forget to call ahead or whatever they call it -- you'll save on waiting time - there's always a lot of people there, and for good reason. Pros: food, ambience, outdoor dining & fun bar Cons: waits can be long more

Stay away from this over-rated place. They can't even train the servers to greet you properly. The food is lame, the drinks weak. They need to wake up and provide more than mediocre food and service if they want to keep the doors open. Too bad Ithaca doesn't have any trend-setting restaurants, this place has potential but they can't live up to it. Don't waste your money, go to the Heights Cafe instead. YUCK!! Pros: Location is Cute Cons: Snobby Incompetent Service, Overpriced Food more

Great place to eat! We have a lovely lake here in Ithaca and only ONE restaurant right on it! Silly I know but it does explain why they are ALWAYS packed! That and the wonderful food! I have eaten here many times and never had a bad expreience. They are a little pricey and it is impossible to park there but the food and service ate worth it! Pros: Great view, great food. Cons: Horrible parking. more

The location on the water is beautiful. The food is always topnotch. The waiters are super friendly. And they top it all off with one of the best desserts of all time: the sizzling cookie. The Boatyard is at once elegant and casual. A great way to treat yourself without totally breaking the bank. Pros: value, food, service more

Both the food and the ambience are amazing, and this is by far one of the best restaurants in the area. I have never been disappointed with my meal, and I usually eat far more than is good for me. The staff is always freindly and courteous. If the parking lot looks full, don't worry- there are staff members driving around in golf carts to pick you up and bring you to the restaurant doors! Definitely opt to sit outside in the summer. The lake is gorgeous at night. Also, reservations are necessary if you don't want to wait, especially on a weekend. more

Make reservations or you'll wait a LONG time to get seated. Good food, nice staff, interesting boatyard decor. Somewhat pricey for what you get. The menu could have a better selection of items. Pros: funky decor, good food Cons: always busy, expensive, bad parking more

Really fun restaurant with great food. Lots of different takes on simple foods- exotic without over doing anything. Beautiful interior, but sit outside during the summer- outdoor bar and seating on the water. more