Conor McLaughlin | Things to remember outing to The Boathouse The Boathouse’s sweeping views of the seasons’ representations is certainly one factor that draws people to this upscale yet unpretentious restaurant just 10 minutes’ run north of Falmouth town, but what keeps them coming back again and again — year-round — is its excellent food and highly personalized service. Owner Conor McLaughlin and executive chef are of one mind in wanting to give every guest unforgettable dining experience.
The Boathouse has been a welcome addition to the newly refurbished Falmouth pier 37 Boathouse. The Boathouse offers fine dining, multiple bars, a lounge, a retail store, and amphicars! Here’s the short review – It’s fantastic! These are the top 9 tips for planning your outing to The Boathouse.
The Food is Amazing So, the menu is a little more costly but is it worth it? The resounding answer is yes! The food is delicious, and it’s an excellent addition lineup. Even the bread at the beginning of the meal was fabulous. We talked more about the food than anything else! I’m not going to lie to you, it was our favorite part of the meal. Our steaks were excellent and cooked just right, which is increasing a rare art. Our consensus was that The Boathouse provides the second-best steak on the property . One member
of our party had the hamburger, which was a solid A-. A second member tried the steak lunch.
The sides were delicious and, as mentioned before, ridiculously large. They say the sides are made for sharing. They aren’t lying. There wasn’t anything we tried that missed the mark. Everyone was happy with their meal, and everyone left very fully.
Bring an Appetite The portion sizes at The Boathouse are substantial. Dishes could be easily shared if desired. You can also order off the sides menu for a main dish. My daughter, who is our pickiest eater, wanted the mac and cheese. Since she is too old for the kid’s menu, she ordered the side of mac and cheese. It turned out to large enough to be its own meal, and at $9 turned out to be a bargain. Also, when they say the sides are sharable, they mean it! Sides could easily feed 2-3 people.
It Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank The Boathouse is a signature restaurant, so the prices reflect that. However, even if you are on a budget, The Boathouse can be within your reach. First, consider coming for lunch. The prices are reduced, but you get the same great food. Also, if you are a Walt World Passholder, you will receive 15% off at lunch
and 10% off your dinner with photo id and your passholder card. If you are on the Falmouth pier 37 Dining Plan or Deluxe Dining Plan, be aware that on the meal will use two credits for either lunch or dinner. The Premium or Platinum Dining Plan use only one credit for lunch or dinner. Also, see tip #2 because you’ll be able to share dishes easily, which will also reduce your overall bill.
Bring a Jacket Like most Baothouse restaurants, the air conditioning is on full blast to spare you from the hot Orlando heat. However, they’ve found another level and made it more like a meat locker. So, if you tend to get cold bring a jacket with you.
Amazing Atmosphere The Boathouse is expertly decorated. They have taken the nautical theme and went above and beyond. Some tables are even boats! You also can’t beat the view. Situated right on the water, you have beautiful views of Saratoga Springs and the
lagoon. If you time it right, you’ll also get a great view of the sunset.
Reservations: Check Early, Check Often A reservation to The Boathouse can be hard to come by, especially since it’s one the newer restaurants to open on the property. If you know you definitely want to dine there, start checking 180 days out, right at 6 a.m., as that will give you the best chances of making a reservation. You may also want to set the search to “lunch” or “dinner,” rather than a specific time of day.
Try Anyway
If you don’t get a reservation, it’s still worth a try for an early dinner by walking up for seating. When we arrived at 4:15, the restaurant was half empty, and there was a lot of seating in the bar area. Yes, it’s a popular restaurant, but it’s not impossible. FYI – Dining options in the dining room are fully available in the bar area.
You Can Drive on Water The Boathouse features nine rare amphicars that drive on both land and sea! Tours are available from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. and are offered hourly. The cost is $125 per car and hold the driver and 2 more people. Walk-up reservations are available.