The Boat Yard at French Bay: Premier Riverside Dining in Clayton, NY

Good solid 4.5. Food and service were top notch. I would say my only gripe was they need to light this place up. On a rainy/snowy winter night, you cant even see the sign. I drove right by, and the parking lot has 0 light. If from out of town you'll never find it on a winter night....but if you do the food is great

We are back in Clayton NY and discovered The Boat Yard. It opened this year and it's fantastic. Here's why: The food is excellent and consistently so, which is often an issue for this small riverside town. The special, a rosemary, apple pork chop, was done nicely with excellent flavor. The sea scallops were not overdone and served on a tasteful bed of sweet potato puree. The beet salad had a fantastic dressing, and the pat Thai had a light sauce with just a bit of a kick. The presentations on all dishes were visually beautiful. Vegetarians have some great options, which are really tough to find in this tourist hub. They have a nice selection of beers on tap--locals from around NYS and bottles, wine, and mixed drinks. The service staff, from bartenders to waitresses, were attentive and truly patient and helpful. I've eaten just about everywhere in this town, and this ranks number 1 with me this season. Stay tuned.

We started our meal with the truffle fries. We also shared the short ribs and a Mexican salad. Everything had great flavor and the portions were decent.

Went here for dinner with the family, I got the whipped feta burger which was amazing, the truffle fries are really good as well. There were no complaints about the food from us. They were out of several dishes on the menu which was not convenient but that's the only negative thing I can say. Will be back again for lunch or dinner.

The Peanut Butter and Jam Bliss Burger lived up to its reputation. This signature half-pound burger, made to order, features thick-cut bacon, cheddar cheese, haystack crispy onions, house-made jam spread, and a peanut butter-infused peanut sauce, all served on a toasted bun. The unique combination of sweet and savory flavors made for a memorable first bite. While the burger was juicy and slightly heavy for lunch, the crispy onions may have helped balance the richness. Pairing the meal with a whiskey sour, we found the drink slightly strong on alcohol but still enjoyable. The service was outstanding, with bartender Val providing excellent hospitality. Finding the restaurant requires a bit of navigation—after spotting the sign, drive around to the large black building. The entrance, marked by signage for the restaurant and bar, is located near the water. Overall, lunch was exceptional, and we look forward to exploring more of the menu. If you’re in Clayton, this spot is well worth the visit, whether for lunch or a dinner reservation with friends and family.

Great spot for drinks! The beer and mixed cocktails are to die for. The menu leans a bit on the wild and fancy side, so it might not be the most family-friendly, but the quality is top-notch overall.