Great restaurant with great food. Rocky's is quickly becoming one of the iconic shoreline restaurants. I often come by sea, and the parking for boats is not very clear. The kids at the Clinton gas dock usually have no idea where one should park either. They may be trying to get too many customers in the restaurant. Some of the tables feel very close when the place gets busy, that is my only complaint. read more

It will be quite a while before I return here. I understand things now are different with the new regulations and restaurants are learning to run different. This evening I was there with a few friends and my friends mom. There were a lot of people there and the hostesses were ignoring people, not coming back to acknowledge new people and SEVERAL times we saw one look at a person standing there, say nothing to them and walk away even turning some away saying they weren't taking anymore customers for the night (this was at 7:30). When my friend went to find the manager she came out she immediately cut my friend off who was calmly trying to explain why the villagers were restless. She clearly wanted nothing to do with anything my friend had to say. She informs us that she had told the hostess to hold off seating people. This is something that requires some simple communication. Instead of making us wait longer with no communication someone should have come out and said the kitchen is crazy right now so we're going to slow seating down for a minute we appreciate you waiting. Seems simple enough. Even the wait staff were walking by apologizing repeatedly and saying how they really hope we still have a great meal. We waited for almost 2 hours some parties for longer only to be seated after the manager had been spoken to and by the time we get to ordering they were out of everything we wanted. I usually really enjoy this place but nope. This was the worst experience I've had at a restaurant in a really long time. read more

Nice laid back place for seaside drinks and apps.

Our second time. The first was nothing to write home about and this time was no better with the exception of the Caesar salad which was great. The staff was very nice, service was good but the food was bland with a capital B. Won't be back. read more

My wife and I keep coming back to this place, willing to pay up for a wonderful seaside ambience despite an unexceptional and fully-priced menu. To be fair, we've only done lunch there, and our exposure has been limited pretty much to the sandwiches and sides, the chowders and salads. You will get standard fare across the board -- no culinary surprises. But everything does seem a little tastier in the soft breeze coming off the Sound. Very few places like it on the CT shore. It'll lure you back. read more

Had soups and garlic bread. I had New England chowder which was good. My girl had lobster bisque. She also liked it. But the garlic bread was saltier than garlicky. And the marinara sauce wasn't good. read more

Dreadful. Food was poorly presented, poorly prepared and they're in such a rush its hard to enjoy your meal. Never again.

Just ok.Nothing remarkable about Aqua's. Sevice slow to start out with. We actually ended up with three different servers during our evening.Beer was cold.Sandwichs kinda bland.We live on the beach, so the view of a marina doesn't impress us.Would go back just for drinks. read more

A little too big for their britches...we called ahead for a table on Father's day and were told that they were booked, but that seating in the outside bar was on a first-come, first-served basis. When we got there, no one was at the hostess stand, and there was no crowd waiting to be seated. In the bar we noticed two empty tables, so we went ahead and sat down. After waiting 15 minutes for service, the hostess finally came over and said that the table we were sitting at was reserved for the owner's family, and indicated that we should move; no reserved sign was on the table. A nice couple to our left said they were leaving and we could take their table, but the hostess said "no," that we would have to put our names on the waiting list and wait another 20-minutes. That doesn't sound like first come, first served. And if there was a list, we should have been told that on the phone, or at the very least there should have been staff present at the hostess station. No attempt was made to offer a solution or even a good faith gesture, e.g. "please wait in the inside bar until we can find you another table and please enjoy this appetizer with our compliments," etc. Nothing was done and they allowed us to leave without any effort on their part to keep us as happy customers. Its not like this is Manhattan and we're waiting for a table at Nobu. The food at Aqua is mediocre at best and the main thing they have going for them is their waterfront location. Service is borderline and slow. In short, they aren't in a position to let paying customers walk out the door unhappy. And as a restaurant owner in the business of customer service, I certainly wouldn't let paying customers walk out the door upset because I was saving a table for my relatives - totally absurd. Just a word to the wise - great for drinks or apps, but be prepared for average service and a long wait, assuming you actually get to stay at your table! read more

We live next door so we go here every so often for drinks or a meal. Very nice atmosphere and good staff. The food is very good, although the portions are generally terribly small, especially for what you pay. If you are not that hungry or aren't a big eater, I can't imagine not enjoying the Aqua, great place! read more

Rocky's Aqua is a fun, casual waterside destination. It seems a little more than casual but don't let the cherry wood furniture fool you. We went to dinner there the other night. The menu has allot of your usual items and a few interesting ones. I had the Eggplant and Lentil w/ Mango dish. I am trying to lose a few pounds so i am trying some food way out of my comfort zone. It was delicious. It was served on a bed of Boston Bib lettuce and i could not put my fork down. What a great vegetarian option. My wife and daughter had the steak with a Gorgonzola crust in a bordelaise sauce sauce and Au gratin potatoes. the steak was cooked to perfect, both taste and temperature, the sauce was a very good addition. We have eaten in the finest steak houses and Rocky's steak is right up there. So, as if the meal couldn't get better, we ordered dessert (never do, and of course i just tasted but it did test my diet resolve). My daughter got the caramel ice cream and my God, the buttery caramel taste brought me back to my days of getting ice cream at the farm in Northford. Rocky makes all of his ice cream at the restaurant. My wife got the apple tart which was also divine and perfectly prepared. I know i must sound very excited about this place been you usually can't get all three things in one place, Great service, Great Food, and Food served on time and correct! I did leave out a few things. We did order the sweet potato fries and garlic bread for an appetizer. They both came with their house made dressings which when Rocky was visiting our table I told to start selling them! If dinner is not what your looking for they have a great bar and a heated deck to eat and/or drink "outside" on the water. I don't think i can say enough good things about this great place! This is a great ANY night, any excuse place and don't dress up or dress up, you'll have a great time! read more

We stopped here at the marina overnight while cruising the Sound and ate here as most restaurants were closed (Monday). We had mussels, sweet potato fries and Ahi tuna - all good. I would eat here again but do not expect anything special. read more

Awesome experience at Rocky's Aqua today. Good food and great drinks with our Minnesota family. Jen C offered superb service and was extremely personable. Very clean and a great view. read more

The only thing good about this spot IS the spot (on the water) and the iced tea. I had a crab cake that was the mushiest I have ever encountered and I'm assuming it was due to the horrible sauce that it was smothered in which I can't even describe. My friend had the lobster sliders which she said were barely edible but, because she was so hungry, she ate most of them. Those too were smothered in some greasy sauce and she said the lobster had no taste whatsoever and was tough. The 'bar fries' had some tasteless ranch sauce and were so salty I could barely get 2 down. We won't be back. read more

First time at this restaurant. It's deceptive from the outside. The lot was full of cars but despite that, we got a table right away. It's much larger inside than it looks! We were seated in the back right, on the water. Our waitress Megan showed up within a couple of minutes, didn't rush us, and made a great recommendation for drinks. I ordered the John Daly and it was perfect. My wife couldn't decide between a couple of different drinks; she went with the Island Girl Martini and was very happy with her selection. We started with the fried calamari and weren't disappointed. It was lightly battered, fresh, and not over cooked. I had the fish sandwich with a generous helping of sweet potato fries. They certainly didn't skimp on the fish either! My wife ordered the BBQ shrimp wrap. She asked for no tomatoes and ranch instead of mayo. It came out just as she ordered it - perfect! Instead of dessert we ordered another round of drinks and hung out to enjoy the atmosphere. We never felt rushed and had a very nice meal. We would definitely go back and recommend it to friends and family. read more

bartender was great! summer time is the best time to go and enjoy the outside bar area. during thanksgiving - tends to be the high school reunion hang out....first time i went the clams casino was absolutely delicious and good sized clams unlike other local restaurants, second time, it went back to the small clams and not so good. its a big pricey - but fun for drinks after a boat ride or a day at the beach! read more

The service is always great. Calamari, oysters, swordfish; the best around. There are plenty of options for a venetian or for those gluten free. The view is great and the atmosphere even better. The owner walks about every night greeting those who are dinning. read more

I like the view, decor and the service. We had a couple arrive late and they added a table. They hurried the food so it didn't lag terribly behind the others. The food was average. I started with the clam chowder and it was "adventurous" which I applaud ..... but it didn't work for me. The oyster Rockefeller was overly garlicky. The iceberg lettuce that some got was ... well, a wedge of iceberg lettuce. For entrees I got the fried oysters. These were very good and nicely coated and fried just right. The quantity might have been a bit short for some but I finished the last one and was quite satisfied. Others commented that the baked stuffed shrimp was to rich, the prime rib tasty and done just right and the teenagers had chicken parm. which never had a chance to actually touch the taste buds. They have a nice selection of draft beers and make a good martini. The prices are a bit on the high side but you're paying for the location. The also have entertainment. Not a bad place for an entertaining evening. read more

The location is awesome but , and yes, I'm picky with FSE that charge above average prices and have a stellar reputation. Scallops where very good but green beans not cleaned properly and awful scallop potatoes which where promptly replaced by owner with oven roasted potatoes. And even though this may sound petty and basket of upscale flatbread with herb butter or dipping oil would have been a nice touch escp. For $90.00 for one drink two entrees and a dish of ice cream. There's too many choices for any missteps. read more

I'm a fan! My husband and I visited a couple weekends ago. We waited only a short time for a table at the bar with nice people and a nice bartender. For our meals I had the broiled scallops, scrod, and shrimp and ask for fries with it since they are homemade. Very good! He had a fish sandwich and liked it very much. So much he went back the next day with a friend and ordered it again. We also had the calamari appetizer which honestly wasn't great compared to other places, so we'd skip that next time. Our waitress was very friendly and attentive as well. read more

Thoroughly enjoyed the food, the atmosphere, the wait staff. Katie our waitress, a seasoned, yet young waitress of 5 years, was polite, timely and very friendly. My friends, my wife and I (table for 6) were all delighted. YES we will go here again.... And again... And again! read more

We loved the food and the outdoor seating! Very friendly staff and also great beer and wine selections. We would come back in a heartbeat if we didn't live in Houston! read more

My husband and I had set aside a day at the CT shore and wanted to end it with some good food and drink by the shore. We were so lucky to find Rocky's Aqua. Very friend staff, love the outside bar and the seafood was really good. read more

Went back this month after they reopened; service and food are still great. The New England chowder was delicious with lots of clams; it had a lot of rosemary which was unique but a touch overpowering. The only disappointment was the onion rings; not homemade; they are made with minced onion. read more

Awesome food and friendly atmosphere. We visited first time a few weeks ago - living in the area for past 3 years - and now found a great place on the shoreline. Thank you! read more

Convenient, great view of the water. Great place to bring kids. The food isn't quite as good as you want it to be, but overall a very nice dining experience read more

Decided to give this place a try as most of my friends rave about the beautiful views and great experiences they've had. After reading some of the reviews on yelp, I was a bit skeptical of my friends and luckily gave it a go. What a pleasant surprise! My party of five arrived at Rocky's Aqua at 6pm on a Thursday evening and the place was just starting to fill up. We were seated promptly and told that it was $5 martini night! Great! Looking through the selection of martinis we all got to try different martinis ( I had the espresso ) while sitting outside looking at the ocean. The place just sets the right mood. Our meal was a mix of appetizers...fried oysters, mussels, lobster sliders, clams, duck confit, and a steak paillard. This place does it right! Overall, my experience mirrored my friends' reviews and the ones on here couldn't be further from the truth. Last thing I'll mention is the staff...everyone says hi and smiles, even Rocky! read more

I've been going to the Aqua for many years. Rocky is one of the most personable owners in the shoreline food industry. He staffs only the best servers and bartenders - every single one of them in my experience has been friendly, outgoing and thrilled to be of service in any way they can. Food is fantastic, atmosphere is diverse and bright and Rocky brings in some great live entertainment! In my opinion, this is the only real restaurant in Clinton, CT. read more

Our server was great and very personable. The food and prices, however, were disappointing. Very overpriced and not very good food. I try this place every year in the hopes that I will be surprised and it will be worth the trip. It's almost insulting that the owner charges so much for so little and then parks his Aston Martin out front. Next time I want a slap in the face, I'll ask my wife. At least she doesn't charge me $30 for the shitty steaks she cooks. read more

Rocky's Aqua hasn't impressed me one bit this season. The service is horrible, the food is never good and they kick you out of the outside seating if you sit there for too long. I had the fried calamari which was rubber I also had the lobster bisque which tasted more like a tomato soup. The only good part about this restaurant is the outside deck which if your lucky enough you might be able to enjoy for more than an hour. read more

Went with my boyfriend after shopping at the Clinton outlets, found it on Yelp! I was really looking for some good fish and chips and I found it:) such a pretty view even from inside the restaurant, and the food came out so quick. Also tried the clam strips and lobster bisque, 5 out of 5. Wish I lived closer!! read more

Went here with my fiancé and our good friend who used to dock his boat at the marina next door. I had a lobster roll- and I have had many lobster rolls in the area- by far the best one I've ever had. The clam chowder was good too. Interior was very nice and great view of the ocean, service was very good as well. I would definitely go back read more

A substantial step up than in years past. New ownership really wants this place to shine and because of them - it is. Tremendous views

I've been coming here for years, before it was owned by rocky, tonight my boyfriend picked this as his 40 th birthday dinner. We arrived at 615, put our names in and requested a water view seat, headed to the bar and grabbed drinks, while fully prepared to wait what we needed to sit by the water, after an hour I decided to ask how much longer await, the hostess was not at her podium and I was helped by a very nice guy who had poured our beers in the bar( sorry I did not catch your name) I told him we had been waiting an hour and were wondering how much longer, well he couldnt find our number on the list, everything had been crossed off including ours which our buzzer never buzzed, the hostess had come back and I asked her as well and she said "oh I don't know" but again I still had my non buzzing buzzer.. the gentleman sat us immediately, and apologized, it was a busy night so on top of waiting for a table unnecessarily , we waited an hour for food, we had not planned on spending 2.5 hours of the birthday night eating dinner.. and after the one apology no one had anything to say... we tipped the waitress well and on our way out I felt I needed to be sure someone higher lever knew what happened, it so happened that the manager was behind the bar, I kindly told him what happened and that I felt someone should of known.. he said he had heard about it and wished he had known when we were at the bar getting drinks... but we were there for over an hour after we were at the bar... they could/ should of done something for us. Not sure either of us will want to go there again after this experience, really a huge dissapointed in customer service especially when it was their fault. I hope Rocky addresses this. Food was great, but not worth 2.5 hours of time. read more

i ordered a salad with grilled salmon. i got a piece of salmon equal to 2 bites and it wasnt even wild salmon but the farmed stuff not so good. the salad was a piece of lettuce and half a tomato and a few croutons. more like an appetizer it cost 15 dollars and that is a rip off. read more

Came here with my wife after reading many positive reviews but it was very disappointing. Had both clam chowder and lobster bisque. Both had chewy meat texture like gum and clearly it wasn't fresh at all... next came the steamed clam and it was overly salty and chewy. Clams werent fresh and discoloured. It was disgusting. Then few minutes later our main courses came and it was also disappointing. Oysters had weird taste and lobster in lobster roll was tasteless and chewy. The service was good and atmosphere but food was very subpar. After we took a bite of our entree we couldn't continue our meal. We called the waitress over to return the food and gave her our complaint on the food. Shortly the manager showed up to reassure us that food was fresh and even showed us the shipment tag from today. Me and my wife both grew up in part of Asia where seafood is always fresh and accessible. The food we ate clearly wasnt fresh. So we told him and he was very courteous to not charge us for the entree or the steamed clam. Maybe its because we came during off season but it just wasnt fresh. Only reason I gave it two stars instead of one is because of good service and great view of water. Will not return here for sure. read more

I really hate to write a negative review about a local restaurant and please know that it isn't totally negative but the food at the Aqua last night just wasn't good. I love the ambiance, the friendly people there and our waitress was so efficient and sweet. The management and staff always thank you for coming in and present nice big smiles. However, having worked in restaurant management I feel they should and would want to know about dissatisfaction. I ordered the filet and at $29 was expecting pretty much perfection. First of all, we all know presentation is what it's about with food. The plate came with about 5 very, very undercooked green beans, a spoonful of mashed potatoes and the steak with Gorgonzola on top that looked burnt and unappetizing. Upon cutting the steak that I ordered medium rare which should be red but warm through, it was cold and very raw. The server was very sweet and took it back and very promptly I was returned a perfectly cooked filet although much smaller than the first and tough to cut. Like I say, I love this place, however when you're paying nearly $30, I think you should present a beautiful and delicious dish. Neither happened last night I'm afraid. read more

Where do you begin? With the view? Directly on Clinton Harbor, overlooking the Sound, and on clear days and evenings, the north fork of Long Island in the far distance. With golden hour sunset colors filling the skies, and the boats drifting by, as you dine. With the ambiance? A casual, friendly air -- from the lounge, to the several dining areas -- the outside bar, the indoor dining room, and this year's new outdoor dining area. And the food? Always with specials offered, and a menu of consistent quality - from simple pub stuff, to full dinners, appetizers to desert. I'm particularly in love with the cold salmon platter, offered as an appetizer, but in truth - a meal unto itself. Service is unfailingly friendly, and attentive, and in keeping with the ethic that infuses all here -- a relaxed, and quality meal and experience. There are MANY places on the Shoreline for dining, innumerable choices. But we are regulars at Rocky's Aqua, for all the reasons stated above. Locale, view, cuisine and service. read more