The Boathouse at The Riverside is a waterfront dining establishment located on the New River, adjacent to the historic Riverside Hotel on Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Uniqueness
The primary unique feature of The Boathouse is its prime waterfront location and “Dock and Dine” convenience. It offers:
- Breathtaking Views: Diners enjoy spectacular views of the New River, a popular waterway for yachts and boats in the “Venice of America.”
- Water Access: Boaters can easily dock their vessels up to 150 feet to access the restaurant, embodying a laid-back, yet elegant “deck shoes and shades meets bottles and breeze” vibe.
- Atmosphere: It blends a relaxed, vibrant atmosphere with elegant decor, featuring a large, lively bar area and a lush, tropical patio. The menu is described as offering local and international inspired cuisine with a Mediterranean influence.
History
The Boathouse is part of the Riverside Hotel property, which is a historic fixture on Las Olas Boulevard. The Riverside Hotel itself has been the heart of the boulevard for over 80 years, with its original tower dating back to 1936. While the Boathouse restaurant is a more recent development within the hotel’s dining offerings, it benefits from the hotel’s long-standing tradition of hospitality and its unparalleled location in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Highlight Menu Items
The menu is focused on local and international cuisine with Mediterranean-inspired small plates and tapas. While the menu changes and features daily specials, general highlights often include:
- Mediterranean-inspired dishes and shared plates.
- Fresh seafood options, such as Pan Seared Salmon.
- Signature small plates/appetizers like wings, charred Brussels sprouts, and flatbreads (e.g., Shrimp Flatbread).
- Salad options (e.g., Shrimp Scampi Salad, Asian Salad).
- Desserts like Key Lime Pie.
- A selection of diverse handcrafted cocktails, beer, and wine.
- They offer Sunday Brunch and daily Happy Hour specials on both food and drinks.
Customer Feedback
Customer feedback often strongly praises the location, atmosphere, and waterfront views, which are consistently described as amazing and the best in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The service is frequently highlighted, with specific staff members receiving high praise for their charisma, attentiveness, and personalized service.
Food reviews can be more mixed, with some guests calling the cuisine “delicious” and enjoying specific items, while others have described the food as “average” in the past. Overall, the consensus leans towards a great experience due to the incredible ambiance, location, and service.
Significant Events
While a specific historical or famous annual event unique to the Boathouse is not immediately prominent, the venue is a very popular location for private and semi-private dining events. It is frequently utilized for:
- Weddings and other celebrations (anniversaries, baby showers).
- Business lunches and corporate gatherings.
- Its location near the Riverwalk and Water Taxi stops also makes it a hub for guests exploring the city’s waterways and downtown events.
Contact and Location Information
Disclaimer: It’s always advisable to check the official website or call the restaurant directly for the most current menu, hours, contact details, and event information.
