It’s the time of year—finally—when the window opens on dining outdoors. Why not take that up a notch and pick a restaurant located on one of the scenic waterways that make our mountains and valleys sparkle? Something about watching people sail or fly fish while enjoying a meal or drink (or both) makes summer more real. And as fleeting as the season is in these parts, why not take the opportunity to turn leisurely afternoons and evenings into excursions where the road trip is the appetizer? (But order one anyway.)

The places highlighted here all serve food, are on some form of water, have outdoor seating with a view, and are not widely known. Sure, the locals know how great they are, but—either because they are new or off the main drag—they still elicit responses of “How did you find this place? I didn’t know it existed.” Not for long. Bring a fishing rod, kayak, the kids, the dog, and make a day of it. No matter how long you’ve lived here, northcentral Pennsylvania and New York’s Finger Lakes can serve up unexpected delights.

We’ve previously highlighted some great waterfront restaurants in our pages, such as The Flying Taco on the Susquehanna (July 2022), Snug Harbor on Keuka Lake (June 2025), Finger Lakes House on the Chemung River (January 2025), and Pine Creek Inn and Hotel Manor on Pine Creek (April 2022). Find these stories at mountainhomemag.com, but read on for six more that offer up the kind of experiences that make summer memories linger on the tongue.

Cayuga Shoreline, Cayuga Lake

7930 Country Road 153, Interlaken, NY (607) 532-9573
cayugashoreline.com

Standing on the deck among circular tables with umbrellas, Joe Sliker explains that he never planned on owning a restaurant and event venue, especially one he’d been coming to for years, and where he used to bring his kids. But the Busy Bee Market and Café, which before that was Kidders Landing Restaurant, was looking for a new owner right when he was looking for something on the shoreline. “My agent said, ‘Just look at it. It’s not much more and is in a lot better shape’ than what I’d been seeing.” It’s a rare piece of property just below Sheldrake Point with 110 feet of frontage on the west side of Cayuga Lake known for its steep cliffs and hills.

He bought it in 2019, and in addition to the main buildings—a dining room/bar separated from the kitchen and an upstairs suite by a courtyard breezeway—the property included a farmhouse and a cluster of cottages that were once military convalescent homes. And across the quiet country road there is lawn space for bands and corn hole and weddings, and beyond that, three docks. “Often our water parking lot is fuller than the one for cars,” says Katy Walker, who is in charge of catering and events.

When Joe was renovating, (“Can you believe the porches were closed up?” he asks) people would come and use the docks and hang out on the grass. He was like, uh, this is my place, but soon he felt it was sweet how attached people were. “People have been coming here forever,” he says. “They had their ‘firsts’ happen here. It’s kind of cute.”

This is the kitchen’s third summer, but they only recently started serving dinner. Clement “Clem” Coleman has been the chef at Cayuga Shoreline for the past two seasons. Previously, he worked at the Inn at Taughannock Falls in Trumansburg and Mirbeau Inn & Spa in Skaneateles. Prior to that, he was head chef at Otro Cinco in Syracuse for five years. His experience shows in the dinner menu, which includes duck wings with mango chili glaze and blue cheese. Even though it’s not the ocean, it feels right to enjoy seafood while gazing at the open water—the seafood linguini in a garlic white wine broth and the lobster roll hit the spot. Especially when accompanied by a dry rosé from the nearby Knapp Winery.

The porch, both the covered and open sections, is there to be enjoyed with drinks. The full bar inside has big windows and stocks spirits from local Myer Farm Distillers (see the February 2024 cover story). The deck is great for sipping coffee and a leisurely breakfast, starting at 8 a.m. Katy, who was food and beverage manager/chef for the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival since 1991 and catering director at a variety of local spots, says, “It’s easiest to think of the schedule as being layered. Lunch opens at 11 a.m., but the coffee shop stays open ’til noon.” The coffee shop is open seven days a week, and lunch is Monday through Friday, because Saturday and Sunday is all about brunch. Stuffed French toast. The Classic with scrambled eggs, cheddar, and chives, sourdough toast, thick cut bacon, and roasted fingerlings with herbs and shallots. And the best eggs benedict this writer has ever had. Dinner is served 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. “People know about our brunches because they’ve been happening for two years,” Katy says. “They’re starting to discover we serve dinner this season.”

Katy moved to the area as a teen and has stayed, raising her kids here. One of her daughters is friends with Joe, which is how Katy, who loves hospitality work and was looking for the right fit for her “last job,” ended up here. One of the things she likes about this location is the crowd, which includes some serious money (Whoopie Goldberg had a mansion nearby), families with kids, and bikers touring the Finger Lakes.

Another is the history. The Busy Bee Ferry shuttled people to the east side of the lake from 1884 to 1911. The sixty-six-foot boat was a side-wheel ferry using both sails and paddle wheels. The paddle wheels were first powered by a horse on a treadmill on board the boat, then with a steam engine. When automobiles made the ferry unnecessary, the Busy Bee was sunk just off the shoreline of Kidders Landing. Diners can still see a pole that marks the spot. Something to ponder while sipping your ginger gin fizz.

Big Mike’s Steaks & Hoagies, Loyalsock Creek

22 Bridge Street, Forksville, PA (570) 924-4982
forksvillestore.com

It’s hard to believe that some of the best Philly cheesesteaks are in Forksville, almost 200 miles from the big city. That is, until that first bite. Or maybe you start to believe when you walk in what was once the Forksville General Store (built in 1851) and are greeted by Big Mike’s “Yo,” from where he’s perched on a stool by the cash register.

The whole menu is Philadelphia-inspired and includes hoagies (with five vegetarian options). But what most people zero in on are the cheesesteaks. There are five beef and five chicken options, each with half a pound of meat. Michele Stas, one of Mike’s daughters who manages the front of the house and marketing, explains that the Dean Martin, Big Mike’s creation, is the one USA Today judges ate when they voted them third out of ten for best cheesesteak in the state. “By adding our signature garlic butter sauce along with the sharp aged provolone, which gives the sandwich a real kick, it is definitely our most popular cheesesteak on the menu.”

That garlic butter sauce appears again in Garlic Sweets, drizzled over sweet potato fries. Adventurous cheesesteak lovers might be drawn to the Dilly Philly—steak with spicy pepper jack cheese, deep fried pickle chips, and sriracha mayo drizzle. If chicken gets you amped, try the Bambino with sharp provolone cheese topped with sautéed spinach, garlic roasted red peppers, and drizzled with balsamic glaze.

Another popular item is the Puppy Bowl, filled with shaved steak or chicken. Michele says, “I came up with the idea because I travel everywhere with my dog, and it’s always nice to feel like he’s included in the adventure. We encourage people to bring their pups, enjoy our outdoor creekside dining space, and let the dogs play in the water.” There’s a separate grill for the dogs’ food. Many a hungry canine has come here with their owner after hiking or camping at World’s End State Park two miles away.

Open Wednesday through Sunday, hungry customers can order at the counter and head out to the backyard oasis to claim a picnic table and wait for their name to be called (there is an indoor dining room too, just past the old-fashioned candy corner and Rocky poster). Across the creek, the Forksville Methodist Church bell calls out the hour, but time slows down here. Crossing one of the oldest covered bridges in the state before turning into the parking lot acts as a portal to a simpler, yummier era. The Burr Truss bridge was built in 1850 and, though the Loyalsock Creek has been known to flood, and although its rising waters have taken out entire steel bridges just downstream, this one remains steadfast.

Moving his family from busy South Philly in 1999 was a culture shock for Big Mike’s daughters at first. Michele, who was thirteen at the time, laughs and rolls her eyes, but says once they graduated from high school and went away to college, they all realized this was where they want to be. “While my mother [Mary-Ann] started this whole restaurant and still helps out to this day,” she says, “our kitchen is now primarily run by my sisters Nancy and Mare—amazing cooks in their own right—and one other line cook who definitely deserves loads of credit, Stacy Gilbert, who’s been with us for over eight years.” MaryAnn’s culinary background consisted of training under a Sicilian chef for many years and helping run and manage popular establishments in the Philadelphia/South Jersey area.

“We joke that Dad is the mascot (our very own Philly Phanatic!) who gabs with guests and creates friendships with almost everyone he meets,” Michele says.

MaryAnn and Big Mike have been married for thirty-nine years, and for the last twenty-six they’ve built a name for themselves in the middle of nowhere Pennsylvania, providing endless tasty meals to jawns (it’s a Philly thing) visiting the Endless Mountains. But they haven’t left all of Philly behind. The menu invites folks to come “get forked up.”

Antlers on the Water, West Branch of the Susquehanna River

610 Antlers Lane, Williamsport, PA (570) 980-3737

Just downstream of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s boat ramp at Linden lies an oasis for fishermen, boaters, and anyone who enjoys good eats overlooking one of the oldest rivers in the world. Antlers on the Water caters to families—often extended ones, with large tables easily assembled and room to maneuver for wheelchairs and walkers—and lots of folks seem to know each other. The large indoor dining room, with a pool table in the back corner, has glass garage doors that provide views year-round and, when weather allows, fresh breezes.

A two-story deck with tables and umbrellas descends to a sand pit to entertain kids as parents finish their large portions of wings, tacos, pasta, and burgers. Salad lovers should try the Hipster, a large plate heaped with romaine lettuce, carrots, grape tomatoes, pickled onion, beets, avocado, cucumber, and cheese (pro tip: substitute shaved parmesan for the mozzarella). A full menu of signature fries encourages experimentation, from the Liberty fries with nacho cheese, chopped steak, onions, peppers, and a garlic aioli sauce to the Caddy Shack with nacho cheese, brisket, crispy bacon, onion straws, and a bourbon glaze.

Glenn and Nicky Gough, who also own The Trail Inn on Lycoming Creek Road in Cogan Station, opened Antlers on the Water in the winter of 2023. Previously that location had been Haywoods on the Water and Tag’s Vista. They remodeled to capitalize on the amazing river view.

Boaters pull up to the dock, lured by the siren song of the tiki bar. The current is mild enough that paddlers can launch from the dock, paddle upstream until tired, turn around, and finish with dinner and a drink without really leaving the river (or needing a shuttle). They post their hours and events calendar, which includes karaoke, bingo, trivia, and—every Wednesday—live Christian music, on their Facebook page.

Sapalta, Seneca Lake

3482 Plum Point Road S., Himrod, NY (607) 243-7535
sapalta.com

Halfway up the western side of Seneca Lake, a purple paradise fronted by a U-shaped dock beckons folks from land and water to take a break. Sapalta, the on-site restaurant at Plum Point Lodge, has new management, but the patio, majestic lawn with Eastern cottonwoods, dock, and communal fire pit remain the same. Husband-and-wife team Mike Janusz, general manager, and Christina Civitello, restaurant operations and events coordinator, had collaborated professionally for years, primarily in New England’s hospitality scene, before moving here. They opened for the 2025 season on April 25, serving dinner Thursday through Monday evenings from 4 to 9 p.m. Brunch is on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lodgers and locals alike.

“Sapalta is different because it’s a homecoming for me, and a new adventure for us both in the Finger Lakes,” Christina, a Yates County native, explains. When her father fell ill, they moved from Connecticut and bought a childhood home of hers, where they cared for him until he passed peacefully, surrounded by family, last November. “It’s a chapter that feels both full-circle and forward-looking, and we’re grateful to be here, serving locals and visitors alike.”

They appreciate that the scale is slower and more intimate, allowing them to connect deeply with guests and the community. “Unlike our previous roles in larger markets, here we’re weaving personal ties into our work,” she says, “celebrating Yates County’s heritage and building a ‘farmhouse country inn’ experience. The seasonal rhythm of the Finger Lakes also brings a unique pace, with bursts of energy in spring and summer, and a quieter off-season for planning. It’s a chance to slow down, innovate, and create something truly special together.”

Mike brought with him Chef Dennis Young—they’d worked together in Connecticut. Chef Dennis is an Army veteran who’s spent time in other cultures, especially Germany. Christina says that shows up in his awareness of what foods will pair well with the famous Finger Lakes white wine varietals. He also incorporates coastal-inspired techniques from his New England background.

“We’ve introduced new dishes and seasonal specials that reflect the freshest local produce, with a focus on accessibility through adjusted price points to make Sapalta welcoming to a broader audience,” she says. “A unique addition is Blue Mammoth vegan donuts, created by our sous chef Joel Kircher, which are featured on the menu and have already gained a following from local markets.”

The fifty-five-seat dining room offers a cozy, welcoming vibe with stunning lakefront views that elevate every meal—whether you’re seated indoors or on the limited outdoor patio. “Guests often describe the setting as magical,” Christina adds. “One couple celebrated their anniversary with us and shared how Sapalta’s lakeside setting and live music made it their best date night ever. The husband raved about the trout, while his wife loved the beef tenderloin, and they both said the view of Seneca Lake at sunset was unforgettable.” Watch their website and Facebook page for more events in their Winemaker’s Dinner Series.

Pier 87 Bar & Grill, Loyalsock Creek

5647 Route 87, Williamsport, PA (570) 435-0290
thepier87.com

On September 7, 2011, shortly after Brad Russell and Francesco Morrone purchased and renovated Pier 87, a catastrophic flood washed it all away. You’d never know it now, standing on the back patio in front of the covered porch, watching the water flow peacefully past. “We built above the 500-year floodplain,” Brad says, “and have not had water near the restaurant.” The flood widened the Loyalsock Creek, he explains, “which in the long run will help. We lost a lot of land but to our future benefit.”

Perhaps most surprising about this gem about six miles north of Montoursville is the vibe. A sandy stretch is incorporated between the patio and the creekside. Adirondack chairs facing the water are lined up behind the rope barrier, there to mark where the ground becomes uneven. The pier effect is striking. Even though you know you are looking at a creek, your brain tells you you're in Margaritaville. And the tiki bar is ready to pour your Corona or make your ocean-side cocktail to pose with on the oversized ADK chair sporting the sign Find Your Beach.

Though the beach party atmosphere is strong, especially on summer weekends when bands play, Pier 87 is a family destination located in the middle of an outdoor lover’s paradise. Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, it’s a great place to refuel after hiking or biking at nearby Rider Park or Loyalsock State Park (bribe kids that last mile with the promise of a root beer float). Or take a kayak trip that ends at the restaurant. Fishing or playing at the water’s edge is encouraged (with appropriate supervision for the very young). Maybe the nesting pair of bald eagles will swoop over.

The menu is extensive. Brad says, “Our fish tacos have always been a guest favorite along with a few other dishes including the beer battered haddock, broiled seafood platter, BBQ ribs, and lobster/shrimp roll.” Appetizers include the Bacon Wrapped Pier-ogies. Why not enjoy a Fire Pit Salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, lightly grilled mushrooms, green peppers, onions, topped with fries and cheddar jack cheese around the Pier’s fire pit? There’s a 3.5 percent discount off the menu prices for cash payment.

Brad is overflowing with gratitude for how far they’ve come since 2011. “We are very blessed to be so well received throughout central Pennsylvania. We did this with a great staff and community that helped us through difficult times.”

Lucky Hare Brewing Bar and Grill, Seneca Lake

2 Seneca Harbor Drive, Watkins Glen, NY (607) 210-6040
luckyharebrewing.com

Lucky Hare Brewing, which has locations in Hector and Owego, opened a new one with full kitchen and bar in the Seneca Harbor Park last August. It has become a local hangout, and Ian Conboy, one of the owners and head brewer, says they were pretty busy over the winter. “We tried to close Tuesday and Wednesday, but people kept showing up, so we opened Wednesday too.” They are open seven days a week in summer. Why are they doing so well when others in this location have struggled? Maybe because they manage their own kitchen, or maybe because they brightened the place up inside. Even on a drizzly day, the cathedral ceiling and big windows looking out to the marina make the space feel open and light. Parents with babies and toddlers enjoy a night out and couples—young and old—do, too. A covered deck and picnic tables on grass extend the seating options and allow for furry friends to join diners.

Of course, they have Lucky Hare beers on draft (our staff rye expert praises their rye pale ale), and PBR and Miller Lite are available along with NA beers. Cocktails and Finger Lakes wines (the Barnstormer rosé goes great with the salmon belly BLT) round out the options. Server Ange Cummings recommends the Key Lime cocktail, and when she brings it to the table it’s clear it’s more than a drink, it’s an occasion. “The bartender had the concept,” she says, “but it was my idea to rim the glass with graham cracker crumbs.” The vanilla vodka cuts the sweetness beautifully.

Appetizers include Seneca fries with butter, celery salt, pepper, and fresh grated parmesan. Or go for the blackened scallops with coconut cream sauce and red pepper aioli—if they haven’t run out. There’s a kid’s menu, salads, hot and cold wraps, and sandwiches spanning from traditional to a bit more eclectic, like the black bean veggie burger with Gouda, tomato, lettuce, onion, and red pepper aioli on brioche (gluten free sliced bread is available for substitution). The kitchen closes an hour before the bar.

It’s worth it to come simply to eat, but for those wanting to make a day of it, kayaks, paddleboards, and fishing charters can be rented next door. The Lakeside Trolley leaves from the parking lot, and at the pier behind Captain Bill’s (a beloved waterfront dining option on the other end of the parking lot), the True Love Schooner and other boat tours can be booked. It’s also possible to sail, paddle, or motor your own boat up to the transient dock out back.

Feeling even more frisky? Ian leads a run club that meets every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., rain or shine, for a one-to-three-mile run/jog/walk, ending back at the marina. A run club card includes discounts on menu items. Families and four-legged runners are welcome. Ian’s excited about the first ever Hare Prix 10k Run/Walk set for September 27. The route follows the original Grand Prix road race course and finishes at Lucky Hare with a post-race party. Racers can register at runsignup.com.

For brain exercise, come Thursdays at 7 p.m. for Trivia Night, or hang out at the dock bar on the weekends, listening to live music, watching the sun set over the hills.