The summer is starting to wind down, but we still have about a month before fall officially begins, so there is still time to take in some opportunities to eat on the water in these last few weeks of the season.

This being the Hudson Valley, there are several restaurants that provide patrons with the chance to dine on the majestic Hudson River.  Seeing as September is the transitional month between summer and fall, enjoying a meal outside on the river this time of year will give customers a comfortable late-summer warmth, accompanied by a refreshing breeze that will give a hint of the oncoming fall.  With cooperating weather and the sound of the waves lapping up against the shore, the outdoor ambiance of these restaurants can offer you a wonderful time with summer dining.  Two restaurants that accomplish this are West Haverstraw’s Hudson Water Club and Piermont’s Pier 701.

Hudson Water Club

The Hudson Water Club in Haverstraw, NY gives you the option to eat either indoors or outdoors, but I would highly recommend choosing the latter, which will give you the full experience of the atmosphere that the HWC can present.

Upon going down the walkway along the outside of the restaurant, you are greeted with a sight that tells you that you will become very acquainted with what it means to dine on the river.  There is a tiki bar that always seems to be bursting with energy, an area set aside from it for visiting bands to perform, and, of course, there’s the expansive deck that can comfortably seat hundreds of people.

Although there are many insanely delicious options on their lunch and dinner menus, you might feel tempted to dive into some of the restaurant’s seafood selections, what with being on the water.  If that’s the case, I highly encourage that you start with the fried calamari, and then work your way to the pan-seared crab cakes.  The crab cakes come with a chipolte tartar sauce that will give the entree an extra zing that, when thought about as I was writing this, made it difficult not to run out of the office, go the HWC and sit down with an order of them and a refreshing Jack&Coke.  I don’t think I’ve ever been to a restaurant that had bad calamari or crab cakes, and this restaurant certainly is one of the best in the area with both.

If you’re not in the mood for seafood, the HWC offers you other choices, including wood-fired pizza and a savory 10oz. Black Angus burger with bacon, mushrooms, onions and your choice of five types of cheeses.

Whether you go when the afternoon sun is reflecting radiantly off the river, or when the evening moon is glistening off the calm waters, one meal at the Hudson Water Club will have you wanting to go back as soon as possible.

Pier 701

Pier 701 in Piermont is on a section of the river that is equally as stunning as the location of the HWC.  Just like the HWC, this restaurant has the option of eating indoors, but you would be wise to choose the outdoor area in these warmer months.  As you walk through Pier 701 and exit the doors onto the sweeping deck, you are not only welcomed with a sight of an inviting tiki bar and the lively river, but also a sight of the grand Tappan Zee Bridge.

Pier 701 has a special summer menu, so be sure to try it out before it ends for the season.  To begin your meal, I’m going to have to make another recommendation for fried calamari, which comes with a chipolte aioli drizzle and fra diavolo sauce, both of which are very flavorful.  It’s the start to what will be a fantastic meal on the river.

For your main course, one dish I would have to suggest is the penne ala vodka, which comes with chicken, chorizo, arugula and mozzarella cheese.  With all of that added to the entree, this pasta meal should be one of your top choices when deciding what to order.

The restaurant also offers entrees such as BBQ baby back ribs, Black Angus skirt steak and pan-seared branzino.

If you would like to take a stroll after your meal and continue to enjoy the view of the river, you can walk along a torch-lined path that runs parallel to the deck.

With its superb food and striking scenery of the river, be sure to go and enjoy Pier 701 in Piermont for a summer evening’s dine outdoors before the season ends.

No matter which of these two restaurants you decide upon, you’ll be pleased with your choice.  I would, however, recommend trying both of them over these next few weeks before the fall begins.  They’re both very well worth it.