It had been many years if not decades since we had last visited the previous Jack's reef at their old location. We decided to take a road trip to check out the new Reef restaurant. The dining room was spacious and clean and bright as were the servers and the bartenders who expertly served us. They have a happy hour from 5 to 7 that varies each day so on this Thursday was half price on selected appetizers as well as $2.50 domestic select drafts. We got there about 10 after five and the bar quickly filled up, which seemed to be regulars, which was a good sign. We decided to linger a little bit over our first drinks and ordered deep fried cheese curds with a delicious margarita type tomato sauce. I had never had fried cheese curds and they were plentiful and came out steaming hot topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, unfortunately I did not take a picture as we were hungry and dove right in. When it was time for our second drink, I pondered over their wine list, but decided that with my Reuben and mac & cheese dinner a cold draft would suffice. My husband ordered the Philly cheesecake sandwich and onion rings. The mac & cheese and the onion rings were up charges of $2.50 and they were worth it. The cheesesteak sandwich was not shaved beef, but wonderfully thick pieces of beef on a perfectly toasted bun type with cheese and peppers. The onion rings were generous as well as crisp and not overly breaded. My Reuben was perfectly toasted on a delicious rye bread with just the right amount of sauce to not make it soggy. The star was their mac & cheese served in a steaming hot crock! It was creamy, not too cheesy, but cheesy enough to know that you were digging into a delicious bite of mac & cheese.. well done kitchen! All in all the meal was so large we could only eat half of it and brought it home for another day. We would certainly return as we enjoyed every bit of our evening. The patio looked invited and will be opening soon. They also have live entertainment to enjoy. read more

The Reef - Rueben and mac & cheese - Bars Near Me - Memphis, New York

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Joined some family and friends for birthday celebration. I've never been to this little hideaway near Jacks Reef. Probably because I'm not a snowmobiler, and this place had more sleds than cars parked. Place had a friendly feel, waitress was in training and did a great job, asked right off if we going to split checks and made sure the drinks kept coming. Had the special Philly Cheesesteak in a bread bowl and wasn't disappointed. If you're a snowmobiler or not looking for some comfort food in a relaxed atmosphere stop by "The Reef"! read more

The Reef - Philly Cheesesteak in a bread bowl - Bars Near Me - Memphis, New York

Went here for dinner after it was suggested by someone else. Cute hometown bar kind of feel. I ordered a watermelon margarita and it was honestly amazing. Tasted like a watermelon jolly rancher. My husband ordered a beer but they were out so he ordered a different one. We ordered bang bang shrimp for an app and it was good it was just weird how it wasn't coated it was just sitting on top of the sauce. I ordered the white wine seafood linguini and my husband ordered the chicken fried steak which they said they were also out of that so he switched to the riggies. The meals came out and mine tasted like spaghetti soaked in warm water. Like it was supposed to have garlic and red pepper and wine but there was nothing just soggy noodles. I thought something was off with my taste so I had my husband try it and he said yeah it tastes like nothing. His riggies were good and I had a couple of bites but (and I never ever do this) I sent my food back. By the time the waitress asked if there was an issue my husband was more than half way done with his meal so I didn't order anything else and they took it off the bill. It may have been an off night or I ordered the wrong thing but it probably won't be a return for me. read more

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Strongly recommend this place if you're looking for some good food! The food is very well done and while the cost is more on the pricier side, you get a lot of food with it. The staff is friendly and the service is top notch. The ambiance is also cozy and open! Just an all around wonderful experience! read more

I've been to The Reef several times. It's an excellent place to eat the atmosphere is wonderful right down to people at the bar watching a game to families and couples enjoying a meal very rustic wood inside. I have had the Rubens before sweet potato fries and the frog legs oh we're very tasty delicious. I went the other day and got the prime rep that we didn't eat there I had it to go it also came with homemade mashed potatoes and green beans which were wonderful the prime rib with aujus was very tasty. I ordered medium rare my husband ordered rare. Both came out absolutely perfect a big thick cut of me couldn't have asked for better. The potatoes were buttery and piping hot. Definitely going back there again and again. read more

The Reef - Prime rib special - Bars Near Me - Memphis, New York

We like the atmosphere and have never sat outside so nice day off we go. Not really a water view but large deck so plenty of space between tables. Service was a bit slow getting drinks and orders not many diners there but apparently it was trivia night and a number of tables inside were reserved for that which would start about an hour after our arrival. We both got the broiled platter which was cooked to perfect tenderness but a bit salty. Salad was good size and house made chips were crispy and delicious. A few food tweaks and a bit less delay in service would have made a difference in starting. Will go back and try another time. read more

The Reef - Mystyk Groove machine playing - Bars Near Me - Memphis, New York

Great restaraunt and bar! We went last night 8/22/24 for dinner and had a great time. Tge special of the day was A.Y.C.E. crab legs which comes with two sides. I ordered this with steak fries and cole slaw and was really happy with my meal, my wife ordered the chicken parm (which was HUGE) and she enjoyed that as well. The restaurant was very cleaned and well staffed, we had no troubles during our meal and our server Bobbi (sp?) was very attentive without being overbearing, we really appreciated it. The Reef has a mixture of tables and booths and also has some out door seating for nice weather. The menu has a lot of great selections and all the food I saw coming out of the kitchen looked wonderful, they also have a full bar with a pretty good beer list. All in all we had a great meal and really enjoyed our time at the Reef and look forward to returning. read more

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Stopped in for Lunch on a Sunday. Only person working was a bartender who was very nice but she had to wait all the tables as well so service was slower than you'd like- it wasn't packed but there was probably 6 tables. It was nice and clean although I've heard it gets VERY loud in the evenings with a band playing- I was told to visit for lunch. We ordered the giant pub pretzel. Fried cheese curds, and a turkey club. The pretzel was good. Nice and crusty on the outside and soft and chewy in the middle, I'd get that again. The cheese curds were good too. The turkey club was just ok. The bread was toasted but somehow wasn't crusty enough so it got soggy quickly. It also came with these nasty "reef chips". Do not get these. They taste like burnt potatoes and have some strange cheese sprinkled on top. Get fries. Total was 50 for two apps and a turkey club- a little steep, no? It's too far out of my way and too expensive for me to go back, but your experience may vary. read more

Nothing special about the reef, had soup that was super salty, the reef chips were burnt and the bistro steak was all fat. Service was slow and needed a refill for quite a while. Ended up getting my own steak sauce. Clean for the most part but my god fix the front door. All you hear is it slam every time someone comes in or out. All in all nothing I would liked that would make me return. ‍ read more

Went here for my wife's birthday. Many positive reviews. Nice seating. Pretty quite for a short time. My wife had seared scallops, two of which were overcooked. My meal was much worse. I've had Philly Cheese Steak subs/wraps for a long time. This was the WORST I've ever had. Opted for a wrap instead of a roll. When the waitress brought our meals I couldn't even pick mine up to eat it. It was so greasy I had to dissect it to try and eat it. I pointed this out to our young waitress and no offer to redo or not charge us for it. How could you not see how greasy this was and drain off the grease ? I was sick all day yesterday 8/11/2025. In and out of the bathroom repeatedly. Couldn't do anything around the house. Very upset. Going to check with the health dept. to see if anyone reported being ill from eating here. If I'm not contacted about this we'll never be back. read more

Difficult to rate because we only had a couple of starters. It's a restaurant/ bar with nice outdoor seating but not much of a view. Bit of wasp trouble too. I had a different style but nonetheless extremely tasty Calamari. For some reason this is served with a marinara sauce which doesn't really work. My wife had 2 excellent crab cakes with a sriracha aioli. Once we'd swapped condiments it was all good. Very friendly service. Don't know the waitress' name but she was friendly and helpful. The wine was pricey considering the size of the glass but pretty good for a house beverage. I'll definitely go back to try the real food. Nice menu. They even have Frog's Legs. If you want a nice drive out into the country and a pleasant simple lunch, this is a good spot if it's good weather. read more

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Wow huge piece of fish delicious meal! Service is outstanding and love the vibe Mixed drinks are outstanding read more

The Reef - Fried fish dinner - Bars Near Me - Memphis, New York

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So we've been to the Reef some years back and decided to give it another go. First experience was good, as I recall. Tonight fare was very good as well. I had the turkey, bacon , avocado wrap. Sliced turkey, bacon, spinach, tomato, sliced avocado, Swiss cheese and mayo. All fresh and tasty ingredients indeed! Fries of the wedge variety were hot, crisp, and flavorful. Marge enjoyed her Buffalo chicken salad as well. Fried chicken tossed in Buffalo sauce, served over chopped romaine, tomatoes, red onion, and crumbly bleu cheese. Served with creamy bleu cheese dressing. All fresh ingredients and plenty to bring home. I could only eat 1/2 of my wrap too. A nice place, with friendly and attentive staff, just outside the city. Check em out!! read more

The Reef - Bars Near Me - Memphis, New York

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This place is rapidly becoming one of my favorite hang outs / go-to's in the entire region. The food here is *always* so fresh, and clearly expertly prepared. I have never had an even remotely questionable, let alone "off" item - bar none! You just... plain... can't... go... wrong... here!! Period. 5-Stars in every way! A total gem here in little Jack's Reef that if you're anywhere near - why aren't you here? And if you're not - it's worth the trip! read more

The Reef - Fish "Sandwich" - it's a frigging WHOLE HADDOCK!! - Bars Near Me - Memphis, New York

Always a family favorite, haven't had a dish I haven't liked. Service is always friendly...the vibe is refreshing after a day of boating, we always make it a point to hit the Reef! read more

I never write reviews but have now found a reason to recognize on of the finest restaurants I've ever experienced! everyone who knows me will say I quite often criticize food or cleanlines. the food was a 20 out of 10! amazing and can't believe how slow it was yesterday (Sunday) at noon. everything was outstanding, neither overcooked or undercooked. best riggies I've ever had as shrimp are Reef Riggies instead of Chicken. Well worth the trip to experience, not all that far from Syracuse... I just can't stop talking about this place and recommend to everyoneI read more

I stopped by for lunch at this restaurant a few days ago. The food was excellent and the service was great. Mya, our server, was not only professional and efficient, but very helpful, warm and friendly as well. read more

I REALLY wanted to love this place more than I did, and I'm definitely willing to go back and give it another go but my first experience admittedly wasn't THAT great. We started with 2 cocktails from the bar which were very well made, and delicious. For appetizers we did the pretzel & the cheese curds; both were probably the best part of the meal. The crab cakes were not good at all, they tasted very fishy and otherwise bland to me which was so disappointing. The rice on the side was really good but SO. MUCH. SALT. I needed almost a full glass of water to enjoy it. The pulled pork Mac was pretty good, but definitely needed more cheese sauce and more BBQ sauce, would definitely recommend ordering it that way if you get this! The service was great, and our server was very attentive. read more

The Reef - Crab cake dinner - Bars Near Me - Memphis, New York

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Disappointed- food was just ok. Prices too high for the amount of food you get. Hubby was very disappointed with the scallops. They were tiny and barely a meal. View on deck was a creek with local residents in and out with their trucks. Not what we expected at all. This would be a better bet for watching a game and having a beer and appetizers. read more

Pleasantly surprised with this place. This is a home town tavern style place. Service was excellent. It was a Saturday and they had a pretty good blues band playing. If you want quiet when you eat you have to come before 7 on the weekend. Now the food. We split two appetizers. I tried the fried frog legs to start. I was a bit worried because I have never tried before. They ended up being very good. They served them with a tasty sriracha mayo. We also got Wisconsin cheese curds that were fried to perfection. My meal was beer battered haddock dinner. Fish was flaky and tasted nice. Came with a nice buttery rice and veggies. My wife had a grilled shrimp Caesar salad. It was ok she said. Overall I'm very happy and would like to go back. read more

Nice change of pace from the Western Syracuse neighborhood restaurants, with a more unique menu and specials. Have always enjoyed my meals and cocktails, here! read more

Brought my family of 5 here on a Sunday after a little home over on the Erie Canal. Very relaxing quiet atmosphere and great service. The food was very tasty with large portions for the money. Highly recommended! Food ordered: Adults: Turkey Club w/ fries and beer cheese on the side Fried Haddock Sandwich w/ fries and beer cheese on the side Kids: Bacon cheeseburger with fries Chicken bacon ranch flatbread pizza Chicken tenders and fries read more

Service was horrible. Ordered drinks & never received them . Waited over 1/2 hr to get check . Waitress could of cared . Food definitely does not win out over the poor service read more

We went when they first opened up back in 2018 I think. They were extremely overbooked then, waiting well over an hour for a table and the food and service was mediocre at best. Skip to 2022 just a couple weeks ago we decided to try again. Still an absolute mess. We did get seated quickly this time and that's where the good times end. We had a cheeseburger and sweet potato fries - bland burger and not cooked as requested. Sweet potatoes were the best thing here. Broiled Seafood platter - also totally bland with no seasoning at all and over cooked. Chicken parm - was like two chicken pattie's, terrible red sauce and pasta. Plus I asked for a certain pasta and got the original pasta shape from the menu instead. Classic case of the kitchen not reading the ticket and then the waitress bringing it out anyways instead of pushing it right back and saying try again. She brought out the pasta I asked for in a to-container after the fact which was a nice thought. This place is really just a glorified bar. It might be okay for that and some fried food snacks to go with your beer. Don't go here if you want a decent sit down meal with your family you'll just be wasting your money. read more

Not a great experience, in terms of food. The service was great, but the menu is pretty basic. Nothing original and from what I have heard and experienced, nothing is ever new. It is basically a "Sysco" menu. The "Maryland" crab cakes were far from authentic. I lived in Maryland and I know a good crab cake! The Reef's version may have real crab meat but there is no flavor, no Old Bay seasoning and mostly filler. In a addition, they appeared like burt potato pancakes. The French Onion soup has gone way downhill and too sweet. The steak was less than a half inch thick, with no grill marks, dry, served with instant mashed potatoes and frozen vegetables. Plus I heard someone complain about undercooked chicken and a dirty kitchen. Don't order the Buffalo wings... Just bottled hot sauce poured over chicken. read more

Came here with a friend on a Thursday night. The parking lot was full, but there was plenty of seating and we grabbed a table without any issue. It's a surprisingly well-established joint in what is otherwise a relatively unpopulated area. Real cute and clean inside - fun vibe, but not too loud for a conversation. Perfectly lovely place for a casual date or a family meal. They start you out with some homemade potato chips with parmesan & vinegar, which was a nice touch. My dude got the steak tips, and I had the prime rib sandwich. Both were large portions, super delicious, and pretty reasonably priced. Service was warm and prompt and we ended up hanging out at the bar for a while after we finished dinner. Bartender was fun and friendly, beers were reasonable, I truly can't think of a bad thing to say about this place. We'll be back! read more

We were staying nearby and we were tired after traveling Since it was close we decided to try it. The menu is extensive - a little bit of something for everyone. We were promptly seated and service was good. Cheese curds were our shared starter and they were excellent I had the buffalo chicken salad and enjoyed it very much. My other half had the prime rib with a salad and green beans. He enjoyed his meal also. We shared the lemon berry marscapone cake for dessert. Overall it was a good meal at a fair price. Live music was an added bonus. Recommend for those who are looking for a decent meal in a laid back atmosphere. read more

Instantly my and my entire family's favorite place to go, and that's not easy for a family of 5, with 3 kids under 9 years old. We have been very impressed with food and the service is great. They also have a nice bar. Give it a shot. You won't be disappointed. read more

Had lunch one day and dinner the next. Really enjoyed ourselves, food was very good . The French onion soup was terrific. Prices were reasonable considering the size of the entrees. Haddock dinner was excellent with a Huge piece of Haddock. read more

Went to this place for the first time...this was an excellent choice for a place to have dinner and a few drinks. The food was moderately priced and ample portions were given. One of our group of 4 got the riggies and they probably have enough leftovers for 3 more meals...seriously. For appetizers we got the greens and chicken poppers both were excellent. The side salads that were served with entrees were also very good. Other entrees that were excellent were chicken cordon blu (special), and the shaved steak sandwich. The only complaint that we had about the food was the onion rings...we think they prep them by hand, but they were a soggy mess. Probably just need to leave them down an extra minute or so...will definitely be back...go out and support this local establishment...you will be glad you did!!! read more

Generous size wraps and potion of fries to go with it! Very well maintained as well, looking newly remodeled

All I can say is WOW! This place is a hidden gem! I drove by the reef on complete accident, a few days later my fiancé and I were debating on where to go for lunch.... and the reef popped into my head! Well what a great decision we made! I had the french onion soup (top 3 best I have ever had) and a flatbread, he got a burger and we were beyond thrilled with the food! Our waitress was so kind and so professional. She suggested we come back for the dinner menu sometime.... fast forward to the very next day and can you guess where we went? Yup! The Reef! We were even more impressed round 2 than round 1! I got the special the grilled prime rib, and a very delicious mixed drink (suggested by the same wonderful server) and my fiancé opted for the chicken riggies. The food came out hot, fresh, hearty and sooooo tasty. The portions were generous and the price was beyond fair! Needles to say, we love The Reef and we will most certainly be back frequently! read more

Nice staff, great atmosphere, great selection of food and food is great! When near The Reef- stop in for a bit to eat or just a drink!

Good food, nice place, very good service. Quiet at a recent lunch, but a friend highly recommended it and she was right.

Fantastic place! Great food, wonderful service. A great little hidden gem! Will definitely go back again when I'm in the area!

I have been coming here for three years it's the best in town Cresha is my favorite budtender she is a absolute delight to see everytime I come in Justyn langford read more

We were leaving the area to go home on Long Island after spending Thanksgiving with the extended family. We were starving and wanted a relaxing late breakfast after the chaos of spending a few days with a lot of relatives and personalities. After reading the great reviews about The Reef, we decided to try it and what a nice find! We were greeted warmly and ordered a delicious breakfast. I had the No 7 which was two eggs, a huge amount of corned beef and the best toast I've ever had. It was a combination of pumpernickel and rye and was just so good! My husband had the "big breakfast" with pancakes eggs, bacon and or sausage and hash browns. Refills on coffee were given and the atmosphere was so nice, that we really enjoyed it. A table near us ordered burgers and they look delicious, served with a large onion ring on top. The restaurant itself is beautiful and rustic and I believe was recently redone. It looks like it would be a fun place for dinner or to hang out at the large bar with plenty of counters, barstools and TVs. Next time I'm up in the area I want to check it out for burgers and beer! I'm definitely putting The Reef on my list for our next trip up. read more

Best meal I've had in years. Amazing prime rib! Amazing everything! Highly recommended.

The husband and I were looking for somewhere different to eat and chose the Reef. We got here kind of early, but the place filled up quickly. After eating here there's no question why. We ordered the "big catch" ($24) it came w/ the most flakey haddock, huge scallops and large shrimp. Definitely worth every penny! We will certainly be coming back in the future. read more

Our favorite spot! Great food and location. The staff is so nice and the menu is very unique! We love it here and go back again and again!