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    The Reef

    4.0 (43 reviews)
    Closed • 5:00 pm - 9:00 PM
    Updated over 3 months ago

    The Reef Photos

    Business Info

    THE REEF ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - The Reef

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    Prime rib special
    Denise W.

    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.

    Riggies
    Erin o.

    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.

    Mystyk Groove machine playing
    Cyndi H.

    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.

    Rob D.

    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.

    Outside
    Steve L.

    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.

    Fried fish dinner
    Joanne R.

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

    Jay D.

    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!!

    Fish "Sandwich" - it's a frigging WHOLE HADDOCK!!
    Grant S.

    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!

    Crab cake dinner

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    7 years ago

    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!

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    7 years ago

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    Olive's Eatery - Turkey panini

    Olive's Eatery

    4.5(68 reviews)
    6.0 mi
    •$$

    Came here on our way thru town, was on a road trip so I was with my brother and nephew. They chose…read morethis spot, I actually had eaten during my work meeting so I had a shake and watched them enjoy lunch. Parking is in back, no issues there. It's a cool spot- restaurant on the ground floor, and upstairs they sell different things made locally, and also clothes. It was fun to walk around while the food was being made. Our server was Kara, and she was awesome! My nephew has a peanut allergy so she was checking in on the entire order and sides to be sure we were in the clear! She was so helpful and friendly, even when there was an issue it wasn't a giant deal. My nephew and I started out by looking at the protein shake menu. I chose the green goddess protein shake, and he went with the cocoa Berry. Let me just say that mine was so good I finished it quickly. Nephew ordered the garlic sweet chili hummus appetizer to start. It came with freshly cut pita quarters, carrots, and strips of yellow and red peppers. Fresh, crunchy, hummus was absolutely addictively delicious and more than enough to share! He then got the pesto panini, my older brother ended up landing on the Italian panini (they sold out of the corned beef). He also got the soup special, stuffed cabbage soup and that looked really delicious and piping hot. Lots of cabbage and meat along with the broth. I had FOMO for sure. One panini came with a side salad, the other chose the tomato, onion, and cucumber salad that came with balsamic. So tasty I tried it later bc we took it to go, and I ate it all! Really great atmosphere and concept. On our way out we had a conversation with the manager/owner, and it was really pleasant. The weather was awful, but our stop here was a bright beacon and a memorable stop. Support small owned businesses!

    Very cute inside and friendly service. Wasn't able to make it up to the shops to take a look…read more There's also only a few tables for eating. The food was good and they had nice options on the menu and specials available, including wine specials. Small parking lot in the back.

    Photos
    Olive's Eatery - One of the dining rooms

    One of the dining rooms

    Olive's Eatery - Garden Tuna on Rye with Warm Parmesan Orzo

    Garden Tuna on Rye with Warm Parmesan Orzo

    Olive's Eatery

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    Shamballa Cafe

    Shamballa Cafe

    4.9(20 reviews)
    6.1 mi
    •$

    Visiting Shamballa Cafe today really makes me wonder: why do I even bother with chain coffee shops?…read more First and foremost: the coffee is awesome! I went with what was in the vat today: a medium roast that I believe was called blue moon. I forget the provenance of said roast (I remember it was South American), but my oh my was it good! Exactly what you want a medium roast to be: balanced, with notes of whatever chocolate or berries or leather is in there. I couldn't put the cup down! Whereas getting the sludge from the big chains down the gullet sometimes feels like a morning chore. Why is the coffee so good here? It turns out that the owner (a very friendly guy named Emmett) roasts it himself. He had several varieties on offer that were roasted within the last 24 hours, maybe even this morning. That particular minutiae is a blur as I wasn't caffeinated yet when we discussed this. But it's yet another huge benefit a local cafe provides: freshness! Another thing: Shamballa is a great restorer of faith in community and our fellow humans. Emmett and I discussed many things in my fairly brief time in his shop, but I'll never forget the empathy he displayed when discussing some current trials & tribulations. It turns out he's been down the same road, and his well-wishes and kindness made for an even finer accompaniment to the coffee than the coffee cake muffin pairing that was purchased on impulse. A double espresso was consumed on-site while 2 large coffees were taken to go. The espresso was awesome, 100x better than Sbux or Dunkin'. Total for 3 beverages? Less than $8! For later, I grabbed a 1/2 lb. of whole bean Guatemalan medium roast on Emmett's recommendation, and the coffee cake muffin was moist and delicious without being too crumbly or cloyingly saccharine. Drake's it was not! A ten spot covered the latter purchase. If I lived in Baldwinsville, I'd probably stop by here every morning! Except Sunday and Monday when they're closed. Be sure to arrive early, closing time is now noon. Please swing by Shamballa and see for yourself! Perhaps you too will ponder why we make grabbing coffee a chore, when it can be a true morning delight?

    Great coffee. Great owner. Great vibe. Upon closing in the afternoon, the owner asked if I wanted…read moreone for the road at no charge. While I had had enough caffeine for the day, the offer was nice. Great for a remote office for a few hours, or a spot to hanging with some friends.

    Photos
    Shamballa Cafe - Double espresso at the bar, who knew I'd have a Milan moment in Baldwinsville, NY? Delicious.

    Double espresso at the bar, who knew I'd have a Milan moment in Baldwinsville, NY? Delicious.

    Shamballa Cafe - Emmett working his magic.

    Emmett working his magic.

    Shamballa Cafe - Part of the charming village of baldwinsville on the Seneca river. Corner of Genesee & Oswego.

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    Part of the charming village of baldwinsville on the Seneca river. Corner of Genesee & Oswego.

    The Reef - bars - Updated October 2026

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