My family and I came after baseball and once again this place never disappoints. We literally just kissed a band playing that was supporting a charity for some local high schools. Super cool. The manager made his way over to our table and greeted us like it was our first time and he remembered us as well. This place is very relaxing and enjoyable. Not only is the manager super cool but the ladies and gents being the scenes taking orders and cooking are doing great. We will be back for sure. Their grilled chicken sandwich is very good and so is their poutine. read more

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We love coming to Old Man River! It's such a fun restaurant in a great location on the river. They have a good-sized menu here. The food is very good! You can customize whatever you order, which is really convenient. Great burgers and hot dogs. However, their sweet potato fries are game-changing! Trust me, they're a must get! The staff is great and so helpful. Come when the weather is nice and sit outside with a view of the river. Or, take it to go and walk the riverfront. Either way, it's a great spot! read more

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First visit of the season yesterday. The weather was one of those perfect days... warm enough to eat outside, and not too hot to eat outside. My other half was craving a Chicago dog from his time in the Windy City and he insists OMR is the only place to find them comparable locally. I was craving a basic Sahlens. I also got greek fries. They were worth every penny. So much feta and greek dressing. The fries on the bottom even had the delicious toppings. The Chicago dogs lived up to the expectations. The service was great! I'm all about free loganberry refills. The only downside was that my foot long bun was a bit stale. Otherwise, it was great. Next time I'll be back to visit the seafood shack. read more

Old Man River - Chicago Dog - Hot Dogs Near Me - Tonawanda, New York

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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. read more

Old Man River - Hot Dogs Near Me - Tonawanda, New York

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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 read more

Old Man River - Hot Dogs Near Me - Tonawanda, New York

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!!! read more

Old Man River - Sweet potato fries and riverboat burger - Hot Dogs Near Me - Tonawanda, New York

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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. read more

Old Man River - Hot Dogs Near Me - Tonawanda, New York

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

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. read more

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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 . read more

Old Man River - Captains plater it's not good. My stomach hurts. - Hot Dogs Near Me - Tonawanda, New York

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. read more

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service , food was good. had smokehouse platter. good but could have been a little more jusey. touch dry read more

Food is just average and prices are really high. I had a 2-meat BBQ combo. The chicken and ribs were actually a grayish color and entirely unappealing. The taste was OK. I love loud music, but the volume was obnoxious here. read more

Over priced junk food drowned out by amped up pseudo rockstar noise. Like spinal tap, these non stop bands turning karaoke quality noise up to 11. read more

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). read more

Old Man River - Clams and Salt Potatoes from the seafood shack - Hot Dogs Near Me - Tonawanda, New York

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. read more

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I was treated to a birthday clam bar day, and was truly disappointed! The gouging price of clams is outrageous first of all . If restaurant owners charged a reasonable price of clams, customers would buy more food and drinks and stay longer! There was a band in the making, and more people sat outside of the restaurant patio, than seated paying customers!!?? Strangely people were sitting on their own lawn chairs on the sidewalk near the curb. Maybe lower your clam prices and you'd pack the house! Flabbergasted when the casinos came to the table discovering that they were not in a clamshell, instead they were placed inside of an "aluminum foil shaped oval". Breading was not seasoned great, soggy and at least there was a full clam under it all. The steamers were very good. A dozen of clams are costing close to $25 a dozen. read more

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!! read more

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

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. read more

Old Man River - Hot Dogs Near Me - Tonawanda, New York

Great atmosphere and food! Took my 94 year old mom for nostalgic memories, she really enjoyed it! And the gorgeous weather was an added bonus! read more

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. read more

Old Man River - Today's ice cream flavors - Hot Dogs Near Me - Tonawanda, New York

My experience at Old Man River was a pleasant one. I have been craving seafood all summer. The seafood shack was open so I ordered the breaded scallop basket w/potato wedges($14) with a side order of corn on the cobb and a fountain beverage. They gave me a number to bring to my table and my order showed up within 10 minutes . These scallops (about 10-12 in the basket) were plump and cooked perfectly, the potato wedges were crispy and the corn was fresh. Also the dipping sauce (kind of like a remoulade) paired well with the scallops! I would go there and order this again in a heartbeat! read more

Old Man River - My delicious dinner - Hot Dogs Near Me - Tonawanda, New York

I've been coming here pretty much all of my life, literally. I was a baby coming here and it has always been a summertime favorite of mine. Today was no exception. Excellent service, attentive management, awesome food. I love the seafood shack, lots of excellent seafood (just wish they had crab legs!) Sort of sad there is no live music there due to COVID-19, but still a great place to come and eat right across from the river. Ordered 2 little guppies meals with hotdogs for the kids. Then for us adults we did a 1/2 steamers, trio bbq sliders 2 pulled pork and 1 fried chicken, fried clam strips with potato wedges, and a lobster roll. The seafood is fresh and so good. We did find it odd the bbq sauce wasn't directly on the sliders, but was still so good. The fried clam strips were huge and super crispy just the way we enjoy them. Steamers were huge and delicious with the butter and hot sauce mmmmmm. Husband really enjoyed the lobster roll. Sliders were tasty just wished had the sauce on it. Will always keep coming back and this is a Tonawanda staple and as a Buffalo native who does come back for the summer I always have to make the trip back to the old man... read more

So noisy. Quite over expensive for a shell shack. There's this strange phenomenon in Buffalo where clams are priced almost as expensively as oysters yet not server with any decorum. I had hoped for this shack to be better alas, they raised the price to match their competitors. read more

This place was always my go to destination during summer months. I was a huge fun of Thursday's Clam Jam, and it was one of our main reasons to go to Niawanda Park, but unfortunately not any more, and I don't even include Seafood Shack into my review because of it. There are only two places on that strip and both have the same owner I believe, so of course competition doesn't exist between them. Old Man River is a little, colorful restaurant, with live music and really nice vacation like vibe. Its location is very convenient because before or after meal we always like to take long walk along the Niagara River. Seems like a perfect spot for having beer and bite to eat, but let's stop for a while right here. Generally from the moment of ordering our food everything went wrong. I used a LocalFlavor offer because was available and I felt like there was more comments than necessary from the person who took our order because of it. Yes, I understand its marketing way to bring more people in, but I will always jump into any promotions and discount value especially at this place. The point is, the food and service is not the best and could be easily improved to become much, much better. Never happened and possibly never will because of the lack of competition. We choose to have a Swiss Mushroom Chicken, a Caramelized Onion Burger and a side of regular fries. In the end we've got both sandwiches Swiss mushroom type and everything got super confused. I was choosing what I want on my sandwich thinking the chicken looks little bit dark, but I didn't care about it at this time. Next we expected a burger, which turned out to be my chicken. Not to make everything even more complicating we decided go with the flow and not changing anything with the burger which supposes to be actually chicken. My mushrooms never made to my sandwich and I noticed I don't have them after eating half of my thing already. I went back and asked for some to add to my plate, but kind of regretted later because those mushrooms were really dark almost black in color and didn't actually add any good flavor to my meal. The slice of Swiss cheese also was extremely thin on both sandwiches, almost like delicate crochet or something, and obviously, we really couldn't taste any of it. Meat and fries were good, no complains. During the live music events, is almost impossible to get table at the stage area. It's always really crowded and busy. Seating in the front of the restaurant, next to the road is still fine. Traffic is not too busy and cars go rather slow. The Niagara River is visible from the distance which is really nice. I have massive sentiment to this place, but I wish food was better and the kids who work there should stay more focused although they all are really nice and polite. I'm sure we'll be back, but maybe this time it would be worth trying Mississippi Mudds. read more

Old Man River - Swiss Mushroom Chicken. - Hot Dogs Near Me - Tonawanda, New York

Just ate here, spent $68 for 3 people, the seafood chowder reminded me of the smell of pit toilets, tasted disgusting. The pulled pork was dry and crunchy and I got about a tablespoon full of pork and two tablespoons of cole slaw. My son told 3 people no Mayo and they put mayo on his burger and forgot his tomato. . read more

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

Recently stopped in for lunch, fast and friendly service. Food was good,loved the sweet potato fries. Nice view of the river from the outdoor seating area. Would definitely be back! read more

Old Man River - Hot Dogs Near Me - Tonawanda, New York

On Wednesday nights in the summer Old Man hosts a small version of the Slow Roll. Organized by Slow Spokes it is a nice ride around Tonawanda. Afterwards live music outside, many enjoying a beer. It is for sure a nice way to spend your Wednesday evening. Old Man is only open in the summer months and it is a great stop while biking along Niagara River read more

There's one big disappointment this visit: sign saying ice cream has moved to Mississippi Mudds. But hot dogs are still good, sweet potato fries are crispy and soft at the same time, and there's a convenient bike rack for those coming down for the live bands. It's also pet friendly with water for dogs outside. read more

Old Man River - Artery clogging mound of butter on sweet potato fries - Hot Dogs Near Me - Tonawanda, New York

While walking at Niawanda Park on a sunny spring day stopping at Old Man River for some steamed clams seemed like a good idea. Whether going there just to eat or stopping for a quick snack while at the park Old Man River is a good choice. It was instantly apparent that the management and staff are taking Covid precautions serious. Signs are placed on the tables that show if it has been cleaned or not since the last patron. Tables are spaced apart and we seen an employee washing tables as soon as they were vacated. Behind Old Man River is a stand that is called the Smoke House and Seafood Shack. We just stopped for steamed clams as we had already eaten lunch less than a hour earlier. While waiting though I seen that shrimp was also available in multiple preparations and added shrimp cocktail. The clams were big and delicious. Various hot sauces were available and both lemon and butter were provided. The shrimp was good but nothing special. Stopping at Old Man River was a welcomed spring treat. read more

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The location is the best part about the restaurant. It's right on the water and in the summertime, it's perfect. The food is fine. I had caramelized onion chicken sandwich. The chicken is 5 oz, but it's pretty thin, so it's a bit over-cooked and dry. The roll may have been Costanzo's, but if it wasn't, it was of equally decent quality. I added hot peppers to my sandwich for an upcharge, but to even call them mild would be an overstatement. But for a kids meal, two chicken sandwiches, tater tots, and baked beans, the cost come out to $40. Personally, I feel that's on the high side for the quality of the meal you are getting, but the line was non-stop so I guess pricing isn't an issue. I was a bit appalled at how dirty everything was. I get that it's an open-air restaurant, but there were dead bugs that have definitely accumulated over a longer period time than should probably happen for a restaurant (see the pic). read more

Old Man River - Hot Dogs Near Me - Tonawanda, New York

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

When I ordered I didn't realize that they toast all of their buns. I was not happy....The gentleman was so kind with me and made me a new one and very tolerant of my anger. They have the BEST customer service and I will definitely be back...in fact a big corporate event coming up and I will likely use them to cater the event! We'll done!! read more

It was a beautiful day so I thought I'd go to Old Man River for the view. I have not been there for a long time. I was shocked at the prices and the food was not that good to command those prices. In my opinion the fries were greasy and the hot dog was just ok. The view may be nice but I'll stick with Ted's. the food is better and not nearly as costly. read more

Went for lunch with some co-workers. This place makes you feel like your somewhere tropical with its bright colors and outdoor seating. Its across from the Niagara River. Its on the corner of Niagara st and looks out at Grand Island. This is a great spot in the summer. **NOTE: This venue is seasonal. Pros: Outdoor Seating w/ lots of umbrellas Live music on certain nights Milkshakes (I didn't order one, but they have them!) Poutine (for those of you who like it, but I didn't order it- sorry) Alcohol Cons: Bees Condiments the staff built my burger with kinda had that funky fridge smell Private parking lots has about 10 spots total read more

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Nestled on Niagara Street, right on the waterfront.. great views! Menu consists of different hot dogs, burgers and sides. There is also a seafood shack that shares part of the patio for another food option. Once you place your order you slide down your tray and one by one get served your order...from a short order cook. Self serve fountain drinks...unlimited free refills. The seasonal restaurant has inside and outside seating, but its all really open with the summer weather flowing in.....rain or shine....(also the flies and bees) I do like the bright paint and signs through out..reminds me of a tropical vacation that should have jimmy buffet blasting. There is a outside stage area where they have live music Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6-9pm. Also every Thursday they have Clam Jam ....Get a 1/2 dozen clams free with a purchase of a dozen! read more

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Our first time here, has all the makings of something fantastic, lots if seating fun atmosphere right by the water......but what a disappointment. We came based on all the awesome reviews. First off, spendy (about 60 dollars total for 2 of us, not including the tip), now I will spend $60 dollars all day on a good to great meal...this is not the case here. We decided to try all three options (burgers/fried food, smokehouse, seafood shed). Burger/fried food. Spent $8 ring of fire, deep friend onions rings and Jelepenos w/cheese sauce and hot sauce- onion rings were good the Jelepenos tasted old and dry, as in... you can barely bite threw them we got 4 onions rings and 4 slices of Jelepenos. We decided to hit up the smokehouse and seafood shed, with great expectations, to say disappointment is an under statement -3 meal platter Brisket, Cajun shrimp, Sausage, Mac and cheese, slaw and corn bread, including 1 beer, was almost 45 bucks and it was not good. Not a terrible portion 2 people could easily spit this. Overall: Shrimp bland, brisket horrible chewy salt lick, sausage was one of the worst things I have ever tried, Mac and cheese was cold lumpy and over salted, coleslaw - I just can't even describe, tasted over seasoned with some sort of fennel or oregano seasoning, corn bread was "ok". We took three bits each (shared with hubby) and had to toss it...it was that bad, just not good at all. Side Note: Bathroom was disgusting, as in I hovered and was scared to touch the faucet. I rarely leave bad reviews but terrible experience, tried to say something but everyone at smoke shack was MIA..hence the review. Giving 2 star based on staff, atmosphere and seating, truly is a great atmosphere. read more

Went here for raw clams and seafood chowder. The seafood chowder was very tasty and full of seafood. A little bland but not too bad. Raw clams were fresh and cold served with cocktail sauce and white vinegar. Out table was sticky and had pieces of food on it from the previous people even though the sign on the table said it was disinfected and cleaned. Disgusting that we had to ask for napkins and disinfectant to clean it ourselves. If not for the dirty conditions I would have given a higher rating. read more