About Town: Riverfront Dining Just Down The Road

One of the advantages of living in Fort Lee is the proximity to Manhattan and the view of its iconic skyline. But since Bill Miller closed the doors of his Riviera Night Club in 1953, residents of Fort Lee have had no place in town where they can drink and dine with an unobstructed view of that fabulous skyline and the river that surrounds it.  

True, you can take a lovely dinner and a bottle of wine down to Ross Dock and have dinner and drinks with a view, but once the sun begins to sink the Palisades Interstate Parkway police will see to it that you leave.

Warm summer nights such as these are made for meeting friends to have a drink and dinner and enjoy the cool Hudson Breeze.

We took an informal poll of our Fort Lee friends and asked them where they go when they want to soak in the view and enjoy drinks and/or dinner with friends. Not surprisingly, the three top choices are all located in the neighboring town of Edgewater.

 Le Jardin

Located on River Road in Edgewater, Le Jardin has an outdoor terrace and bar that offers a spectacular view of the Hudson River and the New York City skyline. In addition to a regular menu, they also have a bar menu that’s perfect for a late afternoon get together. There’s also live music on the terrace Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Le Jardin has always attracted a big crowd from Fort Lee and it’s a rare evening when you go there and don’t see someone you know.

Le Jardin is located at 1257 River Road in Edgewater; 201-224-9898.

The Crab House

The sight of a former barge where many people from Fort Lee used to come to crab is now the home of The Crab House Restaurant. The restaurant, keeping with river tradition, continues to allow people to fish and crab from its dock. Many of those people are from Fort Lee and have been fishing and crabbing these waters for decades. But more people come here for Happy Hour than for fishing. The Crab House has Happy Hour every Monday through Friday 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.

The Crab House sits right on the Hudson so there’s little to obstruct your view even if you’re seated inside, but we suggest that you sit on the outdoor terrace where you can take in the sweeping view of the New York City skyline. It’s a great place to see the big cruise ships dock in NYC.

Drinks range in price from $2.50 for domestic draughts to $5 martinis. They also offer a light menu that includes a bucket of steamers for only $10.99. What better way to spend a summer afternoon than sitting on the Hudson with a cold beer, a bucket of steamers and good friends?

The Crab House is located at 541 River Road in Edgewater adjacent to the Target parking lot; 201-840-9311.

The Outback Steakhouse

Franchise owner Eddie Young of Leonia might be more well-known for his community outreach than his restaurant Outback, but it’s a big part of why people continue to pour into The Outback. That, and really good food and drinks.

Eddie and his restaurant has done more to help local children with terminal illnesses, their families, sports teams, community fundraising events, not-for-profit groups, and so many others than any restaurant owner we know.

Although more set-back from the Hudson than The Crabhouse, The Outback also offers outside dining as well. The best time to beat the crowds and get premium outdoor seating is when the restaurant opens, or an hour or so before it closes.

The Outback Steakhouse is located at 539 River Road, Edgewater adjacent to the Target parking lot; 201-840-9600.

So when you’re looking for somewhere to go on a gorgeous summer afternoon or evening, why not enjoy the view that’s so close to home?