If you’re looking for a spot right on the water with a laid-back vibe and a menu that covers all the bases, Bluewater Grill is hard to beat. It sits right on the north end of Skaneateles Lake. And it’s the kind of place where you can roll in off the water, grab a seat, and settle in for a seriously good meal without anyone making you feel underdressed.
They’re the only restaurant sitting right on Skaneateles Lake, which alone makes it worth a visit. But the food is what keeps people coming back. The menu is a lot more expansive than you might expect from a lakeside bar and grill. You’ve got appetizers, soups, salads, sushi, sandwiches, and burgers all under one roof — and they do all of it well. The sushi program in particular tends to catch people off guard. Everything from spicy rolls and California rolls to their own Skaneateles Roll, made with avocado, cream cheese, cilantro, and sundried tomato. It’s become something of a local signature.
With over 20 beers on tap across two full bars, this is also just a great place to post up for a drink and watch the lake do its thing. In the warmer months, the outdoor seating turns the whole experience up a notch. There’s nothing quite like a cold beer and a lobster roll with that view.
The atmosphere has that classic neighbourhood bar and grill feel — comfortable, unpretentious, and welcoming to everyone. Families, date-night couples, groups of friends — all equally at home here. It’s the sort of place that locals actually go to, not just somewhere that exists for the tourist season.
You’ll find them at 11 West Genesee Street. They’re open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am to 9pm, and Sundays for brunch from 9:30am to 3pm. Reservations are recommended, especially on summer weekends when the whole village tends to fill up fast.
Looking for the perfect base to explore everything Skaneateles has to offer? Our vacation rental The Cattails puts it all within reach — browse, eat, and explore at your own pace.