Nothing beats spending time on the water in Central New York during summer time. If you don’t have a boat or a pair of sea legs you can still enjoy the Oneida River without leaving dry land by visiting the Castaways Riverside Restaurant, conveniently located directly on the river at 916 County Route 37 in Central Square. Castaways Riverside Restaurant is just a short drive north from anywhere in Syracuse and few restaurants can provide the waterfront accommodations this restaurant boasts! If you are already enjoying the lake, new dockage is available for boaters so they can enjoy all that Castaways Riverside Restaurant has to offer.
Be sure to check out the great menu and the reasonable prices. Whether you are looking for appetizers, like Maryland crab cakes ($7.95), coconut shrimp (&8.95) or clams casino ($6.95); or entrees, like the 12 oz NY strip ($15.95), two cuts of slow-roasted black Angus prime rib (choice regular cut 12 oz. $15.95 or Castaways cut 16 oz. $18.95), or one of several veal dishes, you won’t be disappointed!
The Fisherman’s Choice menu offers a variety of fresh fish and seafood options, including a phenomenal broiled haddock platter, scallops, shrimp, clam strips, 4 oz. lobster tail for a steal at just $18.95. Want something a little different? You’re bound to find something you’ll love on the Specialties menu with favorites like Cajun Seafood Pasta shrimp and scallops in a spicy cream sauce, tossed with fettuccine ($14.95); or the Captains Combo: sautéed shrimp, scallops and steak strips over pasta in a garlic and butter sauce ($16.95); or the Chicken Cordon Bleu - stuffed chicken breast with ham & Swiss cheese topped with au gratin sauce ($13.95).
If you’re looking for lighter fare there is a Lighter Side menu with Caesar Salads with chicken ($11.95) or shrimp ($12.95). And, ask for the children’s menu to satisfy even picky little ones with favorites like grilled cheese and fries ($4.95), or chicken tenders and fries ($5.95).
To top it all off, Castaways Riverside Restaurant also offers a variety of desserts including brownie a la mode ($3.50) and hot fudge sundaes ($3.95) - perfect ways to end a wonderful summertime meal! Oh, and for the wine connoisseur in your group, it should be noted that the restaurant has a wine list to satisfy even the most discerning palates!
Carrie and I went to dinner at Castaways Riverside Restaurant on a brilliant summer evening. We took a walk around the outside of the restaurant where we checked out the dockage, the outside patio seating (complete with sun umbrellas for shaded outdoor dining) and the newly built Tiki bar. The Tiki bar has covered seating, televisions for watching your favorite sporting events, a fully stocked bar and a friendly bar tender. The entire menu is available both indoors and out. On the patio adjacent to the Tiki is a huge smoker, perfect for chicken barbeques and other events.
The evening we dined, the hot sun was reflecting brightly off the water and although it made for a lovely view, we decided to dine in the air-conditioned dining room. The dining room is decorated with a charming nautical inspiration. After looking at the extensive choices on the menu we both decided to have the surf and turf ($29.95). Our friendly waitress, Stephanie, promptly took our orders and told us to help ourselves to the soup and salad bar while she brought a hot loaf of freshly baked bread to our table. The evening’s soup was Manhattan clam chowder, and the salad bar was filled with many fresh veggie choices, olives, pepperonchinis and four types of salad dressing. The warm bread was a perfect addition to the salads that we had made just the way we liked them!
Our food came out quickly and was beautifully displayed when it was placed on the table. The meal included a perfectly seasoned 8 oz. lobster tail, a 12 oz NY strip (cooked just the way we ordered!), a large baked potato with sour cream and butter (rice, pasta or mashed potatoes were other options for sides) and a dish of crisp, fresh - not frozen - broccoli. The flavor of the perfectly seasoned and prepared lobster tail was complimented by the drawn butter which was kept warm by our individual butter warmers. At the end of the meal, we decided to split a slice of turtle cheesecake, served with whipped cream and chocolate sauce for dessert. Every single bite of our meal was fresh and delicious!
Come to Castaways Riverside Restaurant where the Oneida River meets Oneida Lake, the largest body of water wholly contained in New York State. They can accommodate your party of any size - from two to five hundred! There are indoor and outdoor banquet options perfect for your upcoming wedding, shower, party or company outing. The banquet facilities are available to groups of forty to five hundred and no function, small or large, will lack Castaways Riverside Restaurant’s meticulous service and attention to your dining pleasure! For more information visit their website at www.castawaysriverside.com or call for reservations or to book your function today at 315-668-3434. Better yet, stop by Castaways Riverside Restaurant today! You will not be disappointed!