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    Old Man River

    3.3 (126 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated 2 weeks ago

    Old Man River Photos

    Business Info

    OLD MAN RIVER ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Divey
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Old Man River

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    Steven C.

    What makes this place extraordinary is the location and the ambience. The food is good, they have fried whole belly clams, which is tougher and tougher to find in 2025, and the prices are high but not insane. The quality of the service depends upon how busy they are as one might expect, but even when they are packed, the lines move at an acceptable pace. Perfect for a date, or a quick bite, or to grab and go and walk along the beautiful Niagara River, this place does not disappoint.

    Virus E.

    The burger fries were amazing the like the food there was incredible Nice little thing for water for dogs. That's pretty nice. The service was pretty good. It took like two or three minutes, but they didn't really give it to us. They kinda did it ourselves, but it's pretty good about her, but the wine wasn't that good

    Sweet potato fries and riverboat burger
    Christina V.

    I've always loved this place since I was a kid. And I mean way back to when there was an actual boat to climb on. I don't quite know what was so magical about that wooden vessel but it was everything. I def can see why they removed it, added seating and the seafood shack with stage for music. The food is always very reliably good. It's fresh, hot and tasty and but holy geez the prices really are going through the roof. Now I can't blame this place alone bc we are seeing it all over but these two plates were right about $30. If you get water front seating and really soak in the beauty of it, it's totally worth it. But if you are just trying to have a quick lunch bite, be prepared to open your wallet. Despite the cost, I know I'll be back bc I just can't stay away from those sweet potato fries with butter and honey!!!

    Kevin M.

    Old Man River is a must stop for us when we are out riding bikes near Niawanda park in Tonawanda. We put our bikes in the convenient bike rack just outside of the restaurant and went in to look at their extensive menu... hot dogs, burgers, ten different chicken sandwiches, a variety of sausages, fried bologna... there is a lot to choose from. The staff was friendly and we didn't have to wait too long for our order. I had the Roasted red pepper sandwich ... large piece of grilled chicken... with provolone cheese... roasted red peppers and a garlic mayo... soooo delicious!! My wife enjoyed their Fried Bologna sandwich as well. The French fries were also good. I also like that they have a soda station so you can refill your soda after building up a thirst biking the trail. Outside of the restaurant you will find their Seafood Shack and BBQ house for more delicious food choices including some hearty sides of BBQ beans, corn on the cob, coleslaw and cornbread. They no longer serve ice cream here... so you should go just down the road to Mississippi Muds to satisfy your sweet tooth. Old Man River also has free live music on Wednesday evenings! Very enjoyable being near the water and listening to a live band.

    Old Man River
    Diane H.

    With beautiful views of the water, you can enjoy your dining experience here. Speedy service and a smile brought me a delicious Malibu garden burger and sweet potato fries with honey and butter. Everything was so tasty. You can get hot dogs, hamburgers, salads and fries.Plus many choices of ice cream or lemon ice for dessert , so refreshing when it's hot outside.

    Captains plater it's not good.  My stomach hurts.
    Niema K.

    The food was awful. Dreadful. Well let me not say I wouldn't recommend the place. The place seemed cool. There was a live band playing. The place was crowded outside and pretty packed inside as well. The seafood I would not recommend. I saw chicken sandwiches and hotdogs topped with different things and burgers that all looked good. I would go back to try those items. The seafood however was horrible. Every tasted like it was directly out of the freezer. The calamari was rubbery. The shrimp was awful, there was nothing seasoned. They tasted freezer burnt. Some of them were soapy on the bottom. How when nothing on my plate was wet??? The macaroni was all types of dry. It was flavorless and dry. It was reminiscent of macaroni out the box like craft or something but after it's sat out all day on the stove. Then you add a little after to reheat it and serve it. That's what it tasted like. The crab cakes were nasty, they seemed old and dry. They tasted fishy as if they were left out then refrozen. There was no flavor other than fishy and blah. I tried using the sauces the provided. The cocktail sauce was good however it did not help the seafood. The tarter sauce was nasty and watery. It tasted like mayonnaise and not a good brand. Like it was to mayonnaisey. The orange sauce tasted like tarts and cocktail combined. I tried the hot sausage and still the food was not good. The potato wedges were very good though. I'd get those again. The service was fast. And the customer service was decent. I'll go back again with people so we can try different dishes to review. Did I mention this was $38? Absolutely not worth $9 let alone almost $40z To the owner. Listen baby don't ever come at me telling me that I shouldn't have made a review about your business on a platform that is made for reviews! Make that make sense! Are you serious? I should have told management and not come on social media???? you have got to be kidding. Listen one thing for certain NIEMA is going to tell the truth. I made positive comments about your establishment and even said I would return to try other items. You felt it made sense to tell me me my actions in writing my review were incorrect. Yeah don't ever do that again. I wrote what I wrote. None of the food I had was fresh. Stop lying!!!! Not only was it not fresh but definitely frozen it tasted freezer burnt like I said. It was nasty. I do NOT recommend the seafood at you r establishment period!!!!! Don't ever come at me negative for doing what I'm supposed to do, what I have the right to do and I'm not paid to do it. I do it because it's real and people would love to know. Now what you can do is go take my commentary as advise and upgrade your seafood or take it off the menu. Either way learn to accept Criticism especially from me. I'm going to be honest every time. Now go and enjoy your day .

    Old Man River
    Denise H.

    With fast and friendly service I ordered the malibu garden burger and sweet potato fries. My food was real tasty and I was able to take in the beautiful scenery of the area.Lots to choose from here including burgers, Hot dogs, French fries and salads.Plus save room for dessert like ice cream or lemon ice, the perfect treat on a hot day.

    Clams and Salt Potatoes from the seafood shack
    Alex L.

    Amazing outdoor summer spot with a smokehouse seafood/BBQ shack outside and more of a traditional burger/fries joint inside, but ALSO with a robust VEGAN menu which is impressive. When I came, I enjoyed some live music and got some sweet potato fries (with honey and butter), some poutine and a dozen clams with salt potatoes. Wow, I ate a lot of food. The vibe was great and the atmosphere with the live music just screamed an enjoyable summer evening, only the ones Buffalo can provide. Definitely come here in a warm, sunny day to enjoy the live music. They no longer serve ice cream here in 2021, but they do have ice cream in their sister location a block or two down the street (and I'm sure you could probably bring it over).

    River Burger & Clam Strips
    Kaitlyn M.

    Amazing as always. Still continues to be one of our favorite spots to eat at. Such a wonderful experience every time right by the water. Food came out in an instant and the people are always so polite and friendly.

    Lobster roll
    Courtney M.

    I had not been here in many many years!! Had to order seafood of course but they offer so many options!! Love the view of the water- perfect summertime spot. They also had live music outside which was so fun. The food was good and a little pricey (yes keeping in mind it's seafood). The alcohol was also super pricey!!

    We had Turkey burgers and found them extremely delicious and an ample size. Customer service by "Tom" was super and we are looking forward to our next visit.

    Today's ice cream flavors
    Margery Z.

    This is a lovely place to sit and enjoy the outdoors, but on a night like tonight, very crowded. I was sitting outside waiting for the others in my party. I was surprised when I went inside to place my order that there was a line, a line somewhat sandwiched between tables. Once our orders were placed, it did not take too long to get our burgers and dogs. Ice cream is ordered at a separate, outdoor window. It is a fun place to stop as it is very casual, but be careful of some of the metal chairs. There can be rough edges which could scratch your leg.

    My delicious dinner

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    9 months ago

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    9 months ago

    I love their burgers and sweet potato fries!! Very tasty and delicious!!It makes me feel like summer time.

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    2 years ago

    Loved the Vegan Bunny dog !, quick service and beautiful view of the river while eating our lunch .

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    One of best summer food joints around! High quality and tasty fare! Great view of the Niagara river too! Live Music !

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    5 years ago

    Good food, great outdoor seating options, friendly staff, and excellent covid precautions. Can't beat the river views across the street.

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    Ask the Community - Old Man River

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    Menu as of 4.12.25

    Old Man River - hotdog - Updated May 2026

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