Dinner with a view: 5 must-try Greater Fall River waterfront restaurants
FALL RIVER — What's better than an evening sipping cocktails and indulging in creative summer cuisine? When your meal is coupled with a stunning view and cool sea breeze.
Luckily, you don't have to travel all the way to the Cape or Newport to find that coastal ambiance. The recipe for a great al fresco dining experience is right in your backyard.
Even amid the hustle and bustle of the city or along busy town thoroughfares, there are plenty of outdoor dining options in Greater Fall River. And, more specifically, if it's views of the water you're after, it's got that too.
Here's a look at five fresh-air waterfront spots in the area to cross off your bucket list this summer, where you can enjoy a sunny day or a breezy night under the stars:
Pier 52
52 Ferry St., Fall River
Come by car or by boat to this Fall River waterfront favorite, offering panoramic views of Mount Hope Bay. Pop into Pier 52 for lunch or dinner in their formal dining area or patio, or kick up your feet and relax in an Adirondack chair as you soak in the scenery from the lawn. In addition to a mouth-watering menu that features a raw bar, craft cocktails, lobster bisque, salads, surf and turf, and a selection of vegetarian options, guests can enjoy live music and drinks at their new outdoor patio bar. Weekly specials include $10 sushi Wednesdays and Buck a Shuck Mondays where you can get $1 oysters all day. There is dockage available for patrons. Some great summer dishes include Mahi Mahi with sweet potato purée, grilled asparagus and pineapple salsa (a recent special), and apps such as crispy parmesan swordfish bites. Open Monday to Saturday, noon to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; brunch every Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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The Cove Restaurant & Marina
392 Davol St., Fall River
This go-to city dinner destination is described as a "scenic sanctuary to experience sunset on the bay." At the Cove, you can catch the live entertainment and unwind in their outdoor seating area along the Taunton River, or enjoy your meal from their indoor dining room with large windows to showcase a show-stopping view of Mount Hope Bay and the Battleship Massachusetts. Their menu features a mix of American and Portuguese inspired dishes, from the traditional Portuguese Steak to Cove Mac and Cheese and Baked Stuffed Lobster. Or get in on their rotating list of tempting specials, such as the Seafood Tower — a pound of crab legs, six shrimp, six oysters and six littlenecks. Accessible by boat, with a transit dock, the Cove is open Sunday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Tipsy Seagull
1 Ferry St., Fall River
In need of a getaway? You can find a tropical oasis while sittin' on the dock of the (Mount Hope) bay at The Tipsy Seagull. Come for the drinks and tasty no-frills bar food bites, and stay for the unique ambiance and entertainment at this floating tiki bar and restaurant. A popular summer hangout at Borden Light Marina, Tipsy serves up a slice of the Key West at Fall River's waterfront. Cruise on over by land or water — overnight dockage is also available — and enjoy one of their signature cocktails at their new lagoon bar, and follow that up with a Seagull Classic Burger, Tuna Tacos (seared rare Ahi tuna chilled, dockside pickled slaw, avocado, honey Cajun aioli) Cajun Chicken Sandwich or Lobster Roll. Open daily from noon to 11 p.m.
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Boat House Waterfront Dining
227 Schooner Drive, Tiverton
If it's a beautiful backdrop you're after, add this Tiverton restaurant to your list. Located on a bluff over the foot of Mount Hope Bay, the Boat House is perfect for sailboat watching and sunset viewing. It doesn't hurt that the locally inspired menu and creative cocktail offerings are pleasing to the eye as well as the palate either. Grab a seat on their large outside patio and start things off with a bowl of their Hall of Fame Chowder or Shrimp Corn Fritters, and follow it up with dishes such as Char Grilled Salmon or Pan Roasted Statler Chicken. Vegetarian options include the Cauliflower Falafel Burger or Lemon Basil Risotto. For a sweet ending, try the Coconut Rum Creme Brulee or Mud Pie Brownie Skillet to share with friends. Walk off your meal with an after-dinner stroll on their scenic riverside dock, which welcomes boaters for a dock-to-dine experience. Open Sunday to Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The Back Eddy
1 Bridge Road, Westport
The Back Eddy, which sits on the Westport River, offers a fabulous waterfront view, boat access, and is just a short drive to the beaches. Now in its 25th season, it's not hard to see why Back Eddy has become a foodie staple for locals and vacationers from far and wide. In addition to the Classic Fish and Chips, must-try menu items include the New England Lobster Roll, the Boat Show (a grilled swordfish dish), Fried New Bedford Sea Scallops with hand-cut fries or the North Carolina Pulled Pork. Or nosh on small bites such as steamers, BBQ St. Louis Ribs, stuffed clams or Roasted Corn and Clam Chowder. During the summer, check out their outdoor bar, raw bar and grill on the docks. Current hours (Memorial Day to Labor Day) are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 5 to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon to 9 p.m.; closed Tuesday.
This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Fall River-area waterfront dining spots to cross off your summer list
