My family has been coming to Salt on the Water for years, and we look forward to visiting every summer. We have always enjoyed the restaurant, and I want to make it very clear that this review is NOT a reflection of the establishment or management. Unfortunately, our experience with our server, Alyson A., was extremely disappointing. From our very first interaction, Alyson was not warm, welcoming, or personable. We noticed it immediately but tried to give her grace and enjoy our evening. It was my husband's birthday, and I discreetly let Alyson know because I wanted to surprise him without him knowing. When the time came, she brought over a candle in a cup of ice, placed it on the table, and walked away. No "Happy Birthday," no acknowledgment whatsoever. It was incredibly awkward and disappointing, especially considering I had specifically gone out of my way to quietly let her know we were celebrating. What really sent me over the top was how our check was handled. I placed my debit card inside the check folder. Alyson came over with the machine, processed the payment, and walked away. She never handed my card back to me. When I noticed it was missing, I told her, "My card is in the book. I didn't get it back." She opened the folder and said it wasn't there, then pointed to a spot on the table and said, "It's right here." I asked, "How did it get there?" and she replied, "I put it there." I was stunned. Why would you place a customer's debit card somewhere on the table without handing it directly back to them or even telling them where you put it? Had I not noticed my card was missing and asked, I would not have known she had left it there. Throughout the entire experience, there was no "thank you," no "have a good night," no acknowledgment of my husband's birthday, and no sense of basic hospitality. Her demeanor made us feel as though serving our table was an inconvenience. We did notify management, and I want to give them the recognition they deserve. They were nothing short of amazing, as they always have been. They listened to our concerns, were professional, and handled the situation with genuine care. That is the Salt on the Water we know and why my family continues to return year after year. It was simply disheartening to have this kind of service at an establishment we think so highly of. One server will not change our opinion of Salt on the Water, but our experience with Alyson A. was unacceptable and absolutely not representative of the level of hospitality we have come to expect here. read more

My first time here but have been trying to make my way here for ages. Came with my brother for an early dinner after work on a summer Friday. It may be my new favorite place on Long Island. The vibes were IMMACULATE. Everyone was so friendly, and the atmosphere was chill and relaxed. Loved sitting by the water watching boats pull up. Loved making conversations with strangers nearby. We split the coconut shrimp appetizer. I got the salmon and my brother got the steak. Every thing was perfect. We shared the chocolate lava cake for dessert. It paired perfectly with my cappuccino I will DEFINITELY be back!!! read more

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First, I want to start by saying that our waitress was excellent. Unfortunately, the experience prior to being seated was not pleasant. I made a reservation through OpenTable but needed to make a change, so I called promptly at 12 PM when the restaurant opened. I changed the reservation to a later time and added additional people. When we arrived, however, they could not find the updated reservation and told us to wait a few minutes while they checked to see if they had a table available. While we were waiting, we could hear the girls at the desk and a man with an accent complaining about the changes to our reservation. To be clear, we had called the restaurant directly when they opened to make those changes, so this was not our mistake. At one point, we heard the man say, "Make them wait 40 minutes." Eventually, they found us a table, despite there being well over 10 empty tables in the restaurant. Then, as the girl was seating us, the same man loudly told her that we only had an hour and a half at the table. She then loudly repeated it to us. The entire interaction felt extremely obnoxious and unnecessary. I have been to Salt many times, which is why this experience was especially disappointing. We were a party of seven, which is not an unusually large group, and the restaurant was clearly not crowded. I completely understand that restaurants want to turn over tables, but there is a much more professional and courteous way to communicate that. The way this was handled felt incredibly tacky and rude. If I hadn't had a hungry child with us, I honestly might have left. Thankfully, once we were seated, our waitress was wonderful and provided excellent service. Unfortunately, the behavior we experienced before being seated really put a damper on the overall experience. read more

I rarely leave reviews, whether good or bad, but unfortunately our experience at Salt was lacking in several ways. I don't mind paying higher prices when the service, food, and overall experience justify it, but that simply wasn't the case during our visit. We chose seats at the bar and sat there unnoticed and unacknowledged for several minutes. The bar wasn't even particularly busy, yet the bartenders seemed more preoccupied with laughing and talking amongst themselves than attending to customers. Once we were finally acknowledged, our bartender was pleasant enough. Unfortunately, we then waited at least 30 minutes for our appetizers and food. We ultimately had to ask about the status of our order before it finally came out, which was frustrating, especially given the prices. The most disappointing part was the condition of the ladies room. When I went to use it, all three toilets were clogged and unusable, none could be flushed. I honestly found this unbelievable for a restaurant with such steep prices. At the very least, I would expect the basic facilities to be clean and functional. The views are beautiful and, in my opinion, the only standout. Unfortunately, beautiful views alone aren't enough to make me want to return. For the prices, I expected a much higher level of service, food quality, and cleanliness. There would need to be a significant overhaul in all three areas before I would consider coming back. read more

Well I can't give a review on the food, since we got sat at a table than was forgotten about.. yes they forget about us. Place was busy , but never busy enough to not get service. So we were sat at table 13, if you go and get place at table 13, tell them No. It's tucked away in a corner of the restaurant by the bar. If they are people gathering by the bar, they will be hovering over you and talking over your table. Honestly, there shouldn't even be a table there.. So we were sat and we waited, and waited, and waited..... it was about 30 minutes that pass and no waiter ever came, so we left.. Menu SEEMS good , but ..... never got a chance to try. Menu on the higher side of prices to even be waiting a crazy time for a servicer... will I try to go back No I'll pass, plenty of other places to try that may have better services.. I say if the service is bad chances are your whole experience will be garbage... read more

What a perfect way to celebrate the 4th of July. Perfect cocktails and wine on a hot summer day. We had 4 couples and everyone loved their fish dinners. I had the risotto dinner which was absolutely delicious. Our waiter went above & beyond to please us. read more

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I have a big birthday coming up in 2 weeks, so we decided to start the festivities early. It seemed like a good time to finally try a well known eatery in my own town. We made reservations for 12:30 when it was easy to park and get seated. We were shown to a waterside table and quickly served by a young lady named Taylor. We began with a zucchini and eggplant fried app, and it was delicious. I ordered lobster Mac and cheese and my wife ordered a poke bowl. All spot on. Taylor was an exceptional server - pleasant efficient and attentive. Before we left we were already plotting our next visit. very highly recommended. read more

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Choose the hottest day to each on the dock but it was stunning. Love a good lobster roll, definitely had better but for the location it was an easy grab. Service was good, drinks were okay, Id be back for the view before the food. read more

Salt On The Water - New American Near Me - Merrick, New York

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We went here recently, for my wife's birthday. It's not the first time we've been here, it's a regular summer place for us. This place is great. The outdoor dining makes for nice ambiance. The staff is friendly and accommodating. Very attentive and courteous. The food here is awesome. Not a crappy meal, served by the water at astronomical prices. Great food at a fair price. The quality was top-notch!! Five well deserved stars!!! read more

Delicious seafood Delicious pasta Delicious desserts just Delicious service was amazing they were very attentive everything was within reason try the lobster rolls it M/P but worth it packed full of lobster and the calamari was the best ever they look like onion rings the short rib Pappardelle so delightful will definitely return the salmon and even the chicken and waffles all delicious!! read more

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What can I say..... A bit overpriced. It also felt a bit rushed resulting with some undercooked food. The mango mojito, a whopping $18 was good. (I think that is the most I've ever paid for a drink anywhere! ) We ordered fried calamari as an appetizer. They were extremely huge, undercooked with a gooey texture. I don't know if they're always that tremendous, but bigger isn't always better especially with calamari. They came out way too fast from when we placed the order, I'm sure that's why they were undercooked. The Same went for our meal. It came out too fast. The salt burger which was ok, came out undercooked. I asked for med. It came out rare. Eh, hubby ate it, I would not have been able to. I will say the fish tacos were good. The fries, probably the best part of the meal, were Very hot and very crispy. It all felt quite rushed : Get 'em in get 'em out... I will say The vibe and atmosphere was good. On the water, nice views, nice breeze. Such a chill way to spend a Sunday lunch. I would go back, order something different and slowly sip another cocktail (because at $18 a pop 1 is all I'm getting. ) In all of my restaurant experiences I have yet to find a place with great food, that is on the water, with great views. It's usually one or the other. read more

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The food, service and ambiance are all great. Such a beautiful way to go on a dinner date. Very accommodating and welcoming staff. read more

Salt On The Water - Strawberry Salad with Chicken - New American Near Me - Merrick, New York

I had the sliders they were good I had fries they were regular . I had margaritas they were good. Service was great. Views were great. Only it's a bit pricey. read more

Salt On The Water - Sliders / Fries - New American Near Me - Merrick, New York

Went here with family of 8 The O'Donnell clan!!!! Was last minute decision and called Jerry. He said no worries he will fit us in. Not only did he fit us in he got us great table outside and he and the staff were very attentive to us. My girls loved the oysters and everyone really enjoyed their meals( they keep asking when we going back. Jerry went above and beyond. And though we not related( maybe we are. My girls said we look more alike than my own brothers. Ha) he treated all of us like family. One of the best experiences we had from the drinks to the food to the staff!!!! We will definitely be back and I will recommend it to everyone. And Jerry O'Donnell is the best!!! read more

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Below average stunning waterfront location. Restaurant rests on there stunning location charges you as if you were at the most fanciest restaurant on Long Island and gives you a blow average thrown in front of you food. No bread no water unless you ask go to another restaurant read more

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My family has dined at this establishment a number of times and I have to be very honest. We always have the best time no matter what is going on lol the ambience in itself is absolutely outstanding and whenever we can dine with live music on the water, how could you really have a bad experience? The staff has always been nothing short of polite and very attentive. I do wish there were a few more fish/shellfish, free entrées, and option options on the menu in general, as somebody who is severely allergic, but highly enjoys being on the water it would be nice to have some other options! I will say two or three things that I've had on repeat never seemed to disappoint! read more

Nice atmosphere & food was decent but overpriced. Ordered 2 different $20.00 Margaritas which were were tasteless so I sent them back to be re-made. Next ones were basically tequila over crushed ice so sent those back & told server to remove them from our bill. The $40.00 was not removed from the bill & when I informed our service she responded with "whoops my bad". read more

Their paella and frosé were my favorite. I get it every time I go. The service was great. The views were beautiful. They even had the warmers for when it got cold at night. read more

Very nice fun night out on the deck on the water at Salt, if you want a vacation vibe right at home I highly recommend Salt. Live steel drummer playing great music while you enjoy adult drinks and very good food options. Service is great, and very friendly. You'll ask why you haven't come sooner. read more

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We had such a great time visiting salt, we came for a friend's birthday and we had the best time! Our server Jackie and the manager Jerry ensured that we were comfortable and having the best time possible. The food was amazing and the ambiance followed. We can't wait to come back! read more

Salt On The Water - New American Near Me - Merrick, New York

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People definitely come here for the view/to be on the water, but the food is pretty good albeit a little expensive. The service is friendly and attentive, we had a great waitress. They have a good amount of staff which is great since the restaurant is so large. They also have valet parking out front. We ordered the calamari and eggplant/zucchini chips as starters. Both were tasty and what you would expect when you envision each, but not memorable or unique. That being said we still enjoyed them and I think anyone who ordered them would like each dish. For my entree I got the crusted halibut which came with vegetables (asparagus, mushrooms, artichokes, tomatoes) and a lemon caper butter sauce. The fish was a good sized portion, nicely cooked and the flavors all went well together. I enjoyed the dish, but again, it is similar to dishes I've had elsewhere. The menu here is not very creative, but that isn't a bad thing as you know you can come here and have a nice meal. We enjoyed all of the dishes and left feeling full, but I would not say I would crave any of them or go out of my way to come back. However, this is a great spot for a nice lunch or dinner with a menu that has something for everyone. read more

I had heard of the Restaurant and thought I'd give it a try. The intial hostess greeting appeared a little awkward/ guarded, I actually could not pinpoint why. The actual seating was nice and our waitress/server was AMAZING! We were seated outside and able to enjoy the views and the weather was quite agreeable. The food was also very good. I will definitely come back to gauge y he later evening activities. read more

This place is for vibes only...the food was awful. I write this as I sit in my car on the way home fuming...we ordered filets...not cheap...and it was inedible. The steak tasted like a barn, the green beans had not a lick of seasoning and the potatoes were bland. I am so upset we paid so much money for food we couldn't eat. We took it to go in hopes we could make it better at home but honestly, this steak would likely go to the dog. The views are great, wine was ok...food was awful. I guess when we noticed every table around us had only drinks and soup and never ordered anything else we should've realized it was a red flag. Super upset. But service was good so theirs that's. read more

I'd never eat here again let's just put it that way. Everything over priced and food was not good. Seems like this place is just good for hanging out & drinks. read more

Great spot on the water. We were seated right away and our server was super friendly and helpful. Menu is somewhat limited in terms of variety. Burger was good but over cooked. Poke bowl was fresh and delicious. Overall a solid place but a little on the pricey side for what it was. read more

Salt On The Water - Poke bowl - New American Near Me - Merrick, New York

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The food was very good, had the lobster ravioli, and the beef on pappadell noodles. Wish there was more carrots in the beef dish. The ravioli was very flavorful. Service was excellent and quick. The restaurant on the water is lovely on a sunny day! read more

Salt On The Water - Lobster Ravioli - New American Near Me - Merrick, New York

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Perfect summer outing to enjoy for a date or group get together. Started with the zucchini and eggplant fried chips . They were tasty, just a tad salty. The special dinner menu had Red Snapper , sweet plantain and coconut rice. I couldn't resist - it comes whole or filleted , I chose to have it off the bone and was not disappointed. The meal portions are large and served hot, that's always a plus. Dessert menu includes something for everyone. All very rich , filling choices . The Rainbow cake was moist and delicious. The cocktail menu was one of the best I've seen in ages. I highly recommend the MARKY MARG ! Inspired by Mark Wahlberg | Flecha Azul Blanco Tequila, Aperol, Watermelon, Lime Juice, Agave Nectar, Muddled Basil . It was so nice I tried it twice !! All the servers and hostesses give service with a smile . Will definitely go back again for the Sunday brunch . Valet parking is available and street parking . read more

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Salt on the Water has become a summer tradition for me and my husband. We always kick off the season with a Summer Friday lunch here, and it never disappoints. We've been coming for years, and it continues to set the tone for a perfect summer--great food, refreshing drinks, and that beautiful waterfront deck. I've been here more than a dozen times and I keep coming back! I keep a running Excel list of my favorite Long Island spots, and this one consistently makes the cut. The lobster rolls are a must--always fresh, perfectly made, and generously portioned. It's one of those places I truly look forward to returning to every time the weather warms up. read more

1. Food was excellent. Lobster roll to die for. Will go back to try brunch on a Sunday. 2. Service was excellent. Very attentive. 3. Ambience: The dining room is very nice. We will go back on a sunny day and try the patio. This was a rainy Memorial Day weekend. read more

Finally got to Salt on the water. Great location on the water beautiful atmosphere. Service was great very accommodating but extremely disappointed with the food. Looking forward to a Hot Lobster roll. Did not even bother finishing it $45 and it was dry. tasteless good amount of lobster but no taste Baked clams were mediocre drinks. OK nothing special just very upset with the food five stars for atmosphere. read more

Disappointing. Like Louie's PW the views are lovely unlike Louie's no bread. It was downhill after the chowder which was very clammy & good. Ate: Chowder Watermelon salad Halibut String beans Fried squid The halibut which I only order in restaurants was a crushing disappointment. Haricot verts looked good. Watermelon salad was sliced watermelon & mint. We wanted to like it but alas..... read more

Salt On The Water - Meh - New American Near Me - Merrick, New York

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Came to Salt to celebrate a friend's birthday on a Sunday afternoon. There's a nice size parking lot and there's indoor & outdoor seating. We chose to sit outside because the weather was nice and if it got a little cooler, the heat lamps would suffice. Everything was great from the service to the food. I ordered the white sangria and the surf & turf. I wasn't a big fan of the sangria, but it wasn't horrible. It was more wine than a mixture but eating the diced apples infused in the wine was a nice touch at the end. The surf and turf was amazing! I get my steaks well done (judge yourself!) and it was still juicy and tender and I always add sautéed onions to my steak. The lobster was cooked to perfection, and the mashed potatoes and green beans were on point. I enjoyed every bit of that meal. Our server was very pleasant and attentive and so was the manager on duty who brought us some rum punch shots on the house to help us celebrate.. Cute view of the water and boats were pulling up to dine. Would definitely revisit and recommend. read more

The worst food I ever ate for these prices. And the services is horrible. The place is run by kids and it definitely shows

Ambiance cannot be beat. Food and service lacking. Sorry it's a beautiful venue and it used to be better when it was Cucina Bay

Overpriced garbage. Drinks are $18 and served in small cheap plastic cups. Poor unprofessional service. My wife got sick from the food. Go somewhere else, plenty of better options to eat on the water read more

Had a yummy lunch at Salt. A beautiful day by the water. The food and service were both great! Young staff are very attentive. I was somewhat surprised the food was so tasty. Places by the water aren't usually known for the best food but it was a lovely lunch. read more

Salt On The Water - New American Near Me - Merrick, New York

Nice view and the food was pretty fresh very flavorful. i highly recommend it. our waiter provided wonderful service and helped us out selecting the dishes. we dined outside with a nice view of the water instead of indoors. the fish tacos and fries was top tier one of the best i had! the chipotle mayo on it was pretty spicy and had a delightful kick to it. the fries were made perfect i enjoyed it very much and would get it again. the seafood risotto was the star of the show and enough to feed 2-3 people! they didn't give us serving spoons and unfortunately there was a hair in the risotto which is why i took down a star. also when the clean bus boy came he just yanked the plate out from us and we had to stop him from leaving to give back the ketchup for the french fries. at any establishment its polite to ask the customer if they were done with their meal before proceeding to take the plates. the food is good, and could be better sanitary since there was hair in it but other then that, hats off to the amazing chefs. the waitress is phenomenal and on point but the bus boy needs training 7.5/10 B+ Absolutely coming back here for more! read more

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Food was terrible but the place and the server were nice. Worst baked clams I ever had.

So let me start by saying I have a review on here from a few years ago. I gave this place rave reviews because they deserved it. It was one of the reasons I returned yesterday with my daughter for her graduation lunch. The scenery is always so beautiful and relaxing. The host was accommodating because I had one extra to my party. My server was the sweetest ever. Here's where the problem came in, the food. We had the Thai Calamari...Good the Caesar Salad also good. Oysters Fresh and came with all the fixings. Time for the entrees. I had the filet mignon which came with mash and greens beans. I asked for the steak Medium well...it came WELL WELL green beans were over cooked and discolored. Mash potatoes lacked flavor and texture. They were clumpy. My mother had the Short Ribs and pasta. Beef no flavor and pasta not salted. I was so disappointed as I drove 40 minutes there and 40 minutes back for Bayside. I definitely didn't have the same experience I had the first time i discovered this place. You will see the pics from the first time shows how impressive they were back then. read more

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Get new managers and food stunk and overpriced! Regular people were served quickly while the once in a while people were served in a long wait. When we finished eating they rushed us off the table to get it ready for another customer that wasn't even there yet. They had nobody outside waiting for a table. Very disrespectful. Never will me and my friends go back. read more