If you’re driving down Taughannock Boulevard and see the smoke rising from a wood-fired grill near the water, you’ve likely found the spot. Most locals just call it "The Boatyard," though out-of-towners often search for the boathouse grill Ithaca New York when they're looking for that specific lakeside vibe. It’s a bit of a local legend. Honestly, it’s one of the few places in town where you can watch a college crew team row past your table while you're elbow-deep in a plate of fish tacos.
The energy here is different. It’s not the quiet, tucked-away bistro feel you get in the Finger Lakes’ smaller towns. It’s loud. It’s vibrant. It feels like a massive, nautical-themed party that’s been going on since the late 90s.
The Reality of Waterfront Dining on Cayuga Lake
Let’s be real for a second. In many tourist towns, waterfront restaurants are traps. You pay forty bucks for a piece of frozen tilapia because the view is nice. Boathouse grill Ithaca New York (properly known as the Boatyard Grill) manages to dodge that reputation for the most part, though it certainly isn't cheap. You are paying for the "Inlet Island" real estate.
The atmosphere hits you the second you walk through the heavy wooden doors. It’s all dark pine, exposed beams, and actual boats hanging from the ceiling. It feels like the hull of a massive ship. On a Friday night in July? It’s chaotic. But that’s kind of the point.
One thing you need to know: they don't do traditional reservations. They use a "Phone Ahead" system. You call them on the day you want to eat, they put your name on a list, and it theoretically shortens your wait. Does it always work? Sorta. If it’s a graduation weekend or a sunny Saturday, you’re still going to be hanging out on the docks for a bit.
What to Actually Order (and What to Skip)
I’ve seen people get overwhelmed by the menu because it’s surprisingly huge. They do everything from sushi to wood-grilled steaks.
If it’s your first time, the Georgia Peach Grilled Chicken is the weird sleeper hit. It sounds like something from a chain restaurant, but the peach chutney combined with the smoky char from the wood grill actually works. It comes with sweet potato mash that’s basically dessert.
For the seafood purists, the Seafood Fra Diavolo is the heavy hitter. It’s packed with jumbo shrimp, calamari, and bay scallops.
- The Burgers: They use a custom grind. The "Gutenberger" with NY sharp cheddar and frizzled onions is the local favorite.
- The Sides: The lobster and shrimp mac and cheese is indulgent. Maybe too much.
- The Bread: They bring out complimentary rolls with housemade butter. Don't fill up on them. Or do. I’m not your doctor.
Why the Location Matters
The restaurant sits right on the Cayuga Waterfront Trail. You can actually bike or walk there from Cass Park or the Ithaca Children’s Garden. If you have a dog, this is one of the best spots in the city. The seasonal deck is extremely pet-friendly. I’ve seen servers bring out bowls of water and even the occasional slice of bacon for four-legged guests.
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It’s located about a mile from the Ithaca Commons. This makes it a primary destination for Cornell and IC parents when they come to visit. Because of that, the demographic is a wild mix of college students celebrating a finished prelim and retirees enjoying a glass of Finger Lakes Riesling.
Common Misconceptions About the Grill
People often confuse this place with the "Ithaca Boat House," which is actually a historic short-term rental property nearby. If you're looking for a burger and a beer, make sure you're heading to 525 Taughannock Blvd.
Another thing: some people think it’s a "fine dining" white-tablecloth joint because of the prices. It isn't. It’s casual. You can show up in shorts and a t-shirt after a day at Taughannock Falls and no one will blink. The service is fast—sometimes too fast if they’re trying to flip tables on a busy night—but it’s always professional.
Is it the best food in Ithaca? That’s a heated debate. Ithaca has a massive food scene for a small city. Some argue the steak is better at mahogany-toned downtown spots. Others say the sushi can't compete with the specialized bars in the Commons. But none of those places have a fire pit overlooking the inlet.
Planning Your Visit
If you want to avoid the 90-minute wait times that haunt this place, aim for a Wednesday or Thursday. They are typically closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Most nights they open at 4:00 PM.
If you're coming in the summer, try to time it for sunset. The way the light hits the water at the mouth of the inlet is pretty spectacular. Even if the food wasn't good (which it is), the view alone justifies a drink on the patio.
- Parking: They have a dedicated lot, which is a miracle in Ithaca.
- Payment: They take everything—cards, Apple Pay, the works.
- Accessibility: It’s fully wheelchair accessible, which is a plus for the waterfront.
Actionable Next Steps
Before you head out, call (607) 256-2628 to get on the phone-ahead list. Even if they tell you the wait is short, do it anyway. If you're bringing a group larger than six, call at least 48 hours in advance to see if they can accommodate a preferred seating time, as the "no reservation" rule gets tricky with big parties.
Check the weather before you go; if the deck is closed due to rain, the indoor noise level jumps significantly. If you prefer a quiet meal, aim for an early 4:30 PM dinner before the post-work crowd arrives.