River Dock Cafe

- 1 Richmond Ter, Staten Island, NY 10301

The River Dock Cafe stands as a premier dining destination at the gateway to Staten Island, uniquely positioned to offer New Yorkers and visitors alike a fantastic American and Seafood restaurant experience. Located strategically at the harbor, the cafe’s primary appeal lies in its combination of a versatile menu, a cozy and casual atmosphere, and, significantly, the opportunity to enjoy nice views of NYC and the Statue of Liberty. This positioning makes it a perfect place to dine out, especially for those catching the ferry or finishing a day of shopping in Downtown Manhattan, as one customer noted. The restaurant is a popular choice for Lunch, Dinner, and Solo dining, attracting a Crowd of both Groups and Tourists seeking high-quality food in an impressive setting.

The menu at River Dock Cafe is comprehensive, perfectly blending American favorites with a strong focus on fresh seafood. The dedicated Seafood restaurant classification is evidenced by the Raw Bar, offering essential items like Blue Point Oysters, Little Neck Clams, and Chilled Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, which can be combined into a Chilled Seafood Platter. A highlight unique to the restaurant is the River Dock Steamed Pots section, featuring specialties such as the Classic Southwest Pot, Cajun Steamed Pot, and the signature River Dock Pot, all designed for a comforting and immersive dining experience. The "Just Hooked" section boasts premium catches, including Fresh Maine Lobster, Alaskan King Crab Legs, and Alaskan Grilled Salmon, alongside the more substantial Pan Fried Chicken Sea Bass.

Beyond seafood, the American restaurant offerings are robust. The Mains section includes high-quality cuts like the Grilled T-Bone Steak, Filet Mignon, and Herb Seasoned Ny Sirloin Steak, alongside comforting classics such as Traditional Fish & Chips and BBQ Baby Back RIbs. The Burgers & Sandwiches list is creative and diverse, featuring the indulgent Fresh Lobster Roll, a Classic Char-Grilled Sirloin Burger, and the adventurous Hangover Burger, ensuring simple and wholesome food options for every preference, including various Vegetarian options like the Grilled Vegetable Sandwich and Garden Burger. Appetizers and small plates, branded as "Share" options, include Crackling Calamari, Maryland Crabcakes, and Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders. The food quality is consistently praised as "fantastic," though it is worth noting the prices are felt to be "quite on the higher side," likely owing to the location and the quality of the ingredients.

River Dock Cafe is prominently located at 1 Richmond Ter, Staten Island, NY 10301. Its location at the Staten Island harbor, right "as soon as you get down the boat," is a strategic advantage, offering diners a fantastic outdoor place with a great view of NYC and the Statue of Liberty. This proximity to the ferry terminal makes it an ideal stop for New Yorkers commuting to and from Manhattan.

Accessibility is a key priority for this establishment. The premises are fully equipped for all patrons, featuring a Wheelchair Accessible Entrance, a Wheelchair Accessible Restroom, and Wheelchair Accessible Seating. This full accessibility ensures that everyone can enjoy the dining experience comfortably. For those driving, Parking is provided through a Paid parking lot and Paid street parking. The atmosphere is described as Casual and Cozy, making it inviting for all types of groups and occasions. Furthermore, the restaurant facilitates easy transactions by accepting all major Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

The River Dock Cafe offers a full suite of services designed to maximize the comfort and enjoyment of the New York dining audience:

• Dine-in: Customers can enjoy Table service within the nicely done interiors or choose to dine outside.
• Outdoor seating: A significant feature, offering a fantastic outdoor place with a great view of NYC and the Statue of Liberty, perfect for seasonal dining.
• Takeout: Orders can be placed for takeout, providing a convenient option for enjoying the "fantastic food" off-site.
• Full Bar Service: The presence of a Bar onsite supports the extensive beverage menu, offering Alcohol, Beer, Hard liquor, and Wine. This includes Happy hour drinks and a dedicated Cocktails list.
• Dining Options: The cafe serves both Lunch and Dinner, with a selection of Tempting Desserts (including NY Cheesecake and Creme brulee) to complete the meal. Counter service is also available for Quick bite needs.
• Beverage Specialties: The cafe boasts a Great beer selection, Great cocktails (like the Luxury Mojito and Riverdock Manhattan), and a unique Signature Italian Sangaria (Red or White), all of which are noted highlights.
• Diverse Offerings: The menu provides Comfort food, Small plates, and Coffee, catering to various meal types and preferences, including vegetarian options.

The distinct features and highlights of the River Dock Cafe contribute to its reputation as a leading Staten Island restaurant:

• Stunning Views: The strategic location offers a "great view of NYC and Statue of Liberty," transforming a simple meal into a memorable scenic dining experience.
• Exceptional Beverage Program: The Great beer selection, featuring numerous Drafts (like Rotating Taps and Sam Adams varieties) and Bottles (including Negra Modelo and Stella Artois), is a major draw. The Great cocktails, such as the Bloody Riverdock and Pomegranate Martini, further enhance the drink offerings.
• Premium Seafood Focus: The menu’s deep commitment to fresh seafood, highlighted by the Raw Bar, Fresh Maine Lobster, Alaskan King Crab Legs, and the specialized River Dock Steamed Pots, confirms its status as a top Seafood restaurant.
• Atmosphere and Seating: The place is described as Cozy and Casual with "loads of indoor and outdoor seating," ensuring comfort regardless of the weather.
• Service Quality: Service is noted as "great" and prompt, with staff described as "very friendly" and warm, ensuring a pleasant and efficient dining experience. The feature of Fast service further supports quick turnaround times.
• Menu Diversity: The ability to provide robust Mains like Filet Mignon alongside unique items like the River Dock Famous Grilled Mix Combo, plus plenty of food options including vegetarian, appeals to a wide variety of diners.
• Dessert Quality: The Great dessert offerings, including Creme brulee and Chocolate molten cakes, provide a satisfying and high-quality finale to any meal.

To place an order for takeout, inquire about the large selection of wines, or check the availability of Outdoor seating, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 1 Richmond Ter, Staten Island, NY 10301
• Phone: (631) 616-5575
• Mobile Phone: +1 631-616-5575

Choosing the River Dock Cafe is a clear choice for New Yorkers seeking a combination of high-quality dining, extensive beverage options, and an unparalleled setting. The most compelling reason is the breathtaking view of the NYC skyline and the Statue of Liberty, particularly when enjoyed from the fantastic Outdoor seating area. This location transforms a simple Lunch or Dinner into a memorable experience, perfect for celebrating or simply relaxing after a long day of work or shopping.

The second, equally important factor is the food and beverage program. The menu’s excellence in both American and Seafood cuisine ensures there is a premium, flavorful dish for everyone—from the Marinated Grilled Jumbo Tiger Shrimp and Alaskan King Crab Legs to the high-quality Grilled T-Bone Steak and various vegetarian options. The Great beer selection and Great cocktails, complemented by the specialized Signature Italian Sangaria and wide selection of Red Wines (Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempronillo) and White Wines (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc), make the cafe a destination for beverage enthusiasts as well.

Finally, the efficiency and accessibility of the service add to the overall value. The staff is consistently described as "very friendly" and prompt, ensuring a "great" service experience. Furthermore, the full Wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom, and seating make the cafe accessible to all. While some patrons noted the prices were "quite on the higher side," the consensus is that the overall experience—combining fantastic food, great drinks, and stunning views—justifies the expense, making the River Dock Cafe a highly recommended spot right at the Staten Island harbor.