The Waterfront
Summer has officially arrived in Central New York, and with it comes the seasonal unveiling of the palm trees at one of the best outdoor dining experiences you’ll find anywhere around: 
The Waterfront Tavern’s sprawling riverfront patio. Complete with a full-service bar, abundant seating under cheerful umbrellas or the shade of the covered deck, and even tropical palm trees swaying in the breeze, this patio is truly a slice of paradise. Whether you’re basking in the sun, sipping a cold drink in the shade, or catching up with friends as boats drift lazily by on the Oneida River, there’s simply no better place to soak in the season. Add in live music, unbeatable views, and a rotating calendar of events, and you’ll find yourself planning return visits before you’ve even left your seat.
Tucked away in Central Square, just a short drive from the city of Syracuse, The Waterfront Tavern is a long time local favorite bursting with flavor, charm, and unforgettable views. Located at 6 US Route 11 in Central Square, this riverside favorite is open seven days a week, rain or shine with hours Monday through Thursday from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm, Friday and Saturday until 10:00 pm, and Sundays from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm, making it the perfect spot for everything from a casual lunch to a festive weekend dinner. You can explore their full menu, learn more about upcoming events, or check out their catering options by visiting thewaterfronttavern.com. Be sure to follow them on Facebook as well to stay in the loop on weekly specials, live music performances, and all the exciting summer happenings that make The Waterfront Tavern a place you’ll want to return to again and again.
The menu at The Waterfront offers something for every craving, with a hearty selection of shareable appetizers like the must-try Tavern Chips: house made kettle chips piled high with cheese sauce, pico de gallo, jalapeños, and served with salsa and sour cream (add chicken for extra indulgence). You’ll also find fresh salads like the Black N Bleu Steak Caesar, featuring crisp romaine tossed with Caesar dressing, croutons, grilled steak, mushrooms, roasted red peppers, and a generous topping of crumbly blue cheese. The burger lineup is mouthwatering, including favorites like the Spicy Rodeo Burger with pepper jack cheese, bacon, jalapeños, and homemade spicy BBQ sauce. Wraps and sandwiches are equally tempting; don’t miss the Southwest Turkey BLT Wrap with turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and Texas Petal sauce. For seafood lovers, the fish or shrimp tacos are fresh, flavorful, and perfect for a summer day. There’s also pasta, steak, wings, and a kids menu to keep every little guppy satisfied.
On a recent sunny evening, Kyle, the kids, and I made our way to The Waterfront Tavern, drawn in by the promise of good food and even better company. As soon as we arrived, we were warmly greeted and promptly seated by our wonderful server, Dana. She was an absolute gem: sweet, patient with our preschoolers, and extremely knowledgeable about the menu. She made excellent suggestions, kept our drinks filled without us asking, and set the tone for a perfect evening. The kids were over the moon with their meals. Johnny dove into a generous bowl of pasta with marinara that was simple, warm, and comforting, while Maggie couldn’t get enough of her buttery grilled cheese and crispy golden fries. Watching their little faces light up with each bite made our experience all the more memorable.
To start, we shared the Shrimp Trio appetizer, loaded with Coconut Shrimp, Buffalo Shrimp, and we customized to include the incredible Boom Boom Shrimp by special request. Each type had its own bold flavor, and the accompanying sauces, especially the raspberry pepper, were vibrant and memorable. For the main course, Kyle opted for the Fried Seafood Platter, a bountiful plate of fresh haddock fillet, shrimp, and scallops, all fried to golden perfection and served with fries and a crisp garden salad topped with creamy ranch. Every bite was perfectly seasoned, and the seafood was impressively fresh. I couldn’t resist the surf and turf special with a tender 12oz. New York Strip Steak, grilled to a perfect rare, paired with a luscious 6oz. lobster tail served with warm drawn butter. My sides of crispy fries and a house salad dressed in house made tangy balsamic vinaigrette with crumbly blue cheese balanced the richness of the entrée beautifully.
As we ate, we took in the stunning river view that stretched out before us, framed by gentle breezes, chirping birds, and the quiet hum of passing boats. The kids were completely enchanted by the natural show, pointing out birds and waving to boaters as they floated by. There’s something magical about sharing a delicious meal while watching the light dance across the water, and The Waterfront Tavern has captured that magic perfectly. With its year-round waterfront views and warm, relaxed atmosphere, it’s not just a restaurant, it’s a destination.
Whether you’re a local looking for your new favorite spot, or a visitor hoping to enjoy a meal with a view, The Waterfront Tavern offers everything you could want in a waterfront escape. Their dedication to great food, exceptional service, and a welcoming environment makes them a standout all year long even if there’s no denying that summer is their shining season. Be sure to follow them on Facebook for the latest specials, events, and live music that’ll keep you coming back week after week. If you’re planning a celebration or gathering, The Waterfront Tavern is proud to offer banquet and catering services tailored to your needs. From bridal showers and rehearsal dinners to family reunions and private parties, their experienced staff will ensure your guests are treated to delicious food, warm service, and unforgettable views.
In a world full of fast meals and forgettable dining, The Waterfront Tavern is a breath of fresh air both literally and figuratively. It’s a place where the river rolls by, the food hits just right, and the memories practically make themselves. So grab your sunglasses, gather your crew, and pull up a seat at Central Square’s favorite summer hangout. At The Waterfront Tavern, every meal feels like a mini-vacation.
