Sample Restaurant Review

This restaurant review will look at one of Ithaca’s more popular dinner spots, The Boatyard Grill. With its prime lakefront location on Taughannock Boulevard, this restaurant frequently receives solid ratings from review sources such as Tripadvisor and Urbanspoon. From reading these reviews, it can be seen that customers regularly mention the Boatyard Grill’s nautical themed décor, friendly service, good food and of course the beautiful setting of Cayuga lake.

A first impression of the Boatyard Grill would most likely be the design of the restaurant. As you walk into the boat-house like building, you immediately get a sense of the maritime ambience from the rustic wooden walls and floor boards, to the decorations of old engines and propellers. The first area is a waiting room which is relatively spacious and has a fair number of seats. The restaurant is often busy, and so even with a prior call for reservations, having to wait is not uncommon. Many customers have said that on busy nights the wait can last up to half an hour or more. However, there is also a bar area where customers can order drinks first. Whilst waiting, you can look into the main dining area which has a high ceiling and large windows that look over the lake. The lighting in this room, particularly at night, is set by dimmed lamps that hang from the ceiling, and can be described as a fiery glow. This complements the restaurants wooden décor, giving the whole establishment a relaxed cabin-like atmosphere.

On the matter of service, from when you are seated to when you request the bill, there are evidently mixed reviews. As mentioned, the restaurant is often very busy, and so some customers have complained that the waiters can sometimes seem hectic, ruining the atmosphere and resulting in slower service. Also, each table is designated only one waiter, and this may cause some confusion when a request is made to another waiter. However, most customers say that employees are friendly and conscious about orders and requests. Some have also pointed that most of the waiters are familiar with the a la carte menu and wine list, and can easily adjust orders to customers’ requests.

The food at the Boatyard Grill is generally American fare, with a touch of European style cooking in some parts of the menu. Reviewers will say that the restaurant is renowned for their selection of fresh “flown in” seafood and hand-cut steaks. Although some reviews have noted that the food here is too simple and predictable, customers who enjoy home-style cooking will appreciate the food here. For example, one review mentioned that the menu did not match the décor of the restaurant, but that the meal itself was very satisfying. Many past customers have said they also appreciate the wide selection on the menu, and how it changes throughout the seasons.

All in all, The Boatyard Grill is a well-balanced and recommended choice for casual dining in Ithaca. As for the price you pay, a handful of reviewers have said that it is slightly overpriced, however most customers don’t even mention this point. Whether it be for a family-style meal or an intimate dinner, this restaurant has consistently offered great service and excellent food. Coupled with its unique interior design and beautiful lakefront view, it’s clear why The Boatyard Grill has received some very positive reviews.