Latest news with #waterfrontdining


Forbes
18-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
San Francisco's Pier 39 Welcomes Newest Waterfront Restaurant, FiRE + iCE
Hoison Pork Pier 39—one of San Francisco's most iconic and tourist-friendly destinations—has just welcomed its newest addition to the waterfront dining scene: FiRE + iCE. The San Francisco location marks the brand's fourth outpost, joining established restaurants in Boston, Anaheim, and South Lake Tahoe. Founded on the idea that food should be both fun and inclusive, FiRE + iCE is a unique a choose-your-own-culinary-adventure where diners can build meals that reflect their tastes, dietary preferences, and level of adventurousness. Diners get to customize each plate from an endless selection of ingredients before handing it off to a skilled grill master who brings their vision to life. How does it work? You grab a bowl; fill it with your choice of ingredients which range from seafood and meats to fresh vegetables and noodles; choose from a large selection of sauces; and have the grill master cook it all up. Shrimp stir fry Now officially open, the interactive restaurant invites guests to craft their own culinary creations in a lively, open-kitchen setting with stunning bay views that include Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge as the backdrop. 'Bringing FiRE + iCE to San Francisco has been a dream come true,' said owner Kacee Colter. 'This city's diverse culture and love for innovative dining make it the perfect backdrop for our unique concept.' We chatted with Colter on this exciting new opening, what first-time diner can expect from the experience and more. Here's what she had to say. What inspired the brand to bring FiRE + iCE to San Francisco, and why was Pier 39 the ideal location for your fourth restaurant? The FiRE + iCE model thrives in tourist markets, so when PIER 39 approached us about opening a location, we were thrilled about the opportunity. PIER 39 is one of the most iconic and heavily visited tourist destinations in the country, so we knew it would be the perfect place for us to expand. What truly sealed the deal was seeing the space in person. When we walked in, we were completely blown away by the panoramic waterfront views. Ribbon cutting at Pier 39 Does this location stand out from the others in any unique ways? The panoramic waterfront views make this location stand out from the others. Being right on the San Francisco Bay offers an atmosphere you can't replicate elsewhere. It is such an iconic part of the city's identity, both for locals and tourists, so having a presence right on the water, I think, really amplifies the experience. With so many customizable options, how does FiRE + iCE ensure that guests with dietary restrictions — from vegan to gluten-free — still get the whole interactive and indulgent experience? We want each guest to enjoy the whole interactive and indulgent experience FiRE + iCE has to offer, so we take dietary restrictions very seriously. If someone has a food allergy or specific dietary restriction, it's important that they inform their server. We offer a variety of vegan and gluten-free items here at FiRE + iCE San Francisco. For our gluten-free guests, we have a variety of raw vegetables and unseasoned proteins that are gluten-free. Plus, we even have specific gluten-free sauces! Additional gluten-free options include rice noodles and steamed white rice. For our vegan and vegetarian guests, in addition to our diverse selection of fresh vegetables, we offer fruits, grains, and vegetarian proteins like tofu, ensuring there's an option for everyone. The grill After guests with allergies and/or dietary restrictions make their selections, their meal will be prepared separately in our kitchen following all procedures and best practices to avoid cross-contamination. What can first-time diners expect from the create-your-own-meal concept, and how does it differ from traditional buffet or grill restaurants? For those visiting us for the first time, it may be overwhelming to see the endless array of possible combinations, so don't be afraid to play it safe your first or second time and then get creative and start experimenting. While our guests have the freedom to explore and try new things, we do have a recipes page on our website to help guide selections. Our variety of cuisine and all-you-can-eat aspect set us apart from other buffets or grill restaurants. Guests can enjoy a stir-fry as their first dish and then create a pasta dish or tacos after. With views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, how did the design of this location reflect both the brand and the spirit of San Francisco's waterfront? The FiRE + iCE brand is very vibrant and playful, which is reflected in the bright red and blue tones throughout the restaurant. The grill is also an integral, central part of our dining experience, but with the fantastic views this location offers, we wanted to ensure each had their moment to shine. Assembly line How do you see FiRE + iCE contributing to the evolving culinary identity of Fisherman's Wharf, especially for locals who may not often dine in this tourist-heavy area? What makes FiRE + iCE so special is that there's something for everyone. Fisherman's Wharf's culinary scene is primarily seafood, so we wanted to make sure this location has a variety of fresh seafood options like salmon, clams, scallops, mussels, etc. However, not everyone dining in this area enjoys seafood, so having a restaurant with options for every type of palate is an essential part of attracting both locals and tourists. That is what makes us a great spot for group dining — whether it's a tour group or corporate event, even the pickiest of eaters in the group will leave feeling happy and full.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
10 North Jersey docking restaurants you can pull your boat up to
Boating can work up an appetite. All that hoisting of jibs, turning starboard, swabbing of decks... is it clear I'm not a boater? Regardless, a day out on the water is surely made even better by a great meal in a scenic location. And while there are plenty of places to enjoy waterfront dining in North Jersey, there are but a few spots to which you can arrive via boat. Some are adjacent to public marinas, others have slips of their own. We've assembled 10 of these "dock and dine" destinations here, so get down to the boat launch, marina or boat rental facility and plan your next maritime culinary excursion. Well, docking and dining is literally the name of the game at D'Boathaus. Pull up to one of their 30 slips, and dine on affordable seafood, burgers, sandwiches and more. If you're an avid North Jersey boater, my guess is D'Boathaus is a routine destination for you. Go: 322 Lakeside Road, Hewitt; 973-657-5757, You're invited to dock and dine at Cove Castle if you're willing to cross state lines (just barely) into New York for this bustling eatery. Grab food and drinks at the outdoor bar or terrace or, if you need a break from the sun, grab a spot in the stylish yet casual dining room. Sup on casual fare like burgers, tacos and salads and imbibe with creative cocktails or an ice cold beer. Go: 13 Castle Court, Greenwood Lake, New York; 845-477-5599, Shipyard Marina has daily slip rates; check out these nearby eateries. If you want to keep the party going after a day on the water, head to "Hoboken's destination for food, drinks and fun." Not only does this outdoor food-and-beverage hall host regular events, but just being there seems like a celebration. Order craft beer, beachy frozen cocktails and more, and drink them under picnic tables with umbrellas. A rotating lineup of food trucks will keep your appetite sated. Go: 1301 Sinatra Drive North, Hoboken; Martha's is steps away from the marina and serves up elevated American fare like a filet mignon cheesesteak, crab pasta, cauliflower nuggets and more. The signature cocktails are also worth a sip, like the Mexican Lullaby: mezcal, falernum, liquore strega, kiwi puree, simple syrup and lemon. Go: 25 12th St., Maxwell Lane, Hoboken; 201-798-2512, Rent a slip at the Liberty Landing Marina and walk to one of several nearby restaurants. Maddy Rose specializes in seafood, steaks and breathtaking skyline views. Park your boat, walk around Liberty State Park and grab a great bite to eat (and some wine to go with it), and you're on your way to a memorable nautical experience. Go: 76 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City; 201-395-0300, Dock at Liberty Landing and make your way to Surf City Beach Bar and Restaurant, across the harbor from Liberty State Park. There, you'll enjoy a lively atmosphere, food like lobster rolls, steam pots, burgers and pizzas, and drinks like classic frozen cocktails and 20-ounce pours of craft beer. Go: 1 Marin Blvd., Jersey City; 201-516-2000, High-end dining is on the menu at The Feathered Fox. Executive Chef Chris Siversen and the team behind Jersey City's Maritime Parc blend steakhouse classics with sushi and raw bar offerings. There's a terrific wine-by-the-glass menu and the Fox also serves brunch on Sundays if you're on the water early or want to fill up before taking to the sea. Go: 84 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City; 201-419-6791, Many of these restaurants have their own dock. You can rent a boat from Bridge Marina. Pull right up to Lola's Tex-Mex and experience this lively, lakefront Mexican cantina with a great outdoor deck to look out on the lake on which you just spent a morning or afternoon. Dine on Mexican staples like tacos, burritos and quesadillas or get into some steaks or seafood entrees. Regardless, that day out on the boat was hard work, so make sure to grab a margarita to reward yourself. Go: 300 Lakeside Ave., Hopatcong; 973-264-4231, There are 17 boat slips for restaurant patrons, so drive up, disembark and file into the dining room for breathtaking views of the water and a great meal. There's plenty of seafood on the menu: crab cakes, mussels, tuna ceviche, lobster rolls and more, plus steaks, burgers and flatbreads. Go: 125 Route 181, Lake Hopatcong; 973-810-3858, With several slips right outside the restaurant, The Windlass is a classic destination to dock and dine. In the evening, the sun dips directly across the lake from the restaurant so, all together you're in for a water excursion, a good meal and a show. You can snag a dockside cabana (or glider), to take in the nature around you as you dine on seafood, burgers, casual entrees, drinks and more. Go: 45 Nolans Point Park Road, Lake Hopatcong; 973-663-3190, Matt Cortina is a food reporter for Reach him at mcortina@ This article originally appeared on Dock and dine at these NJ restaurants you can access by boat