I’ve been looking forward to the opening of Pier Restaurant & Tiki Bar ever since I ran past it early last summer and spied the “Coming April 2010″ sign. What is it realtors say: “Location, location, location.” They’d be beside themselves describing Pier Restaurant, which boasts one of the most eye-popping water views in all of Westchester.
My friend Diandra and I went for drinks, not to eat, and we both agreed about the certain cheese factor of Pier & Tiki, referenced in the recent New York Times review: thatched tiki bar, island music and faux tropical resort vibe, complete with tiki torches and somewhat tacky plates emblazoned with the restaurant’s logo.
Here’s the tiki bar.
The patio is expansive and roomy — even as it became more and more crowded, the tables were far enough apart that we never felt hemmed in.
It’s hard to make out, but there’s additional seating down on the boardwalk. You can see the umbrellas at the tables. So plenty of outdoor seating options.
I took a glance at the menu: lots of seafood, plus burgers, sandwiches and meat dishes. Prices are on the steeper side. But, portions appeared generous, and you’re paying for that view.
For drinks, there’re a slew of tropical cocktails, which come in plastic cups, and if you’re lucky, with a fish gumdrop. This is my “sangrita” — a combo margarita and sangria.
I’m forgetting the exact name now, but this was essentially a piña colada.
Both were quite tasty.
Back to the cheese factor, which extended to the clientele as the night wore on. Shirts became tighter, tans darker, and overly-gelled hair more prevalent.
But you know what? I don’t mind the occasional cheese. Fact is, Pier Restaurant & Tiki Bar is fun. I thoroughly enjoyed myself there. The place is a bit of tropical escapism, artificial as it may be. With its gorgeous views and a cool breeze coming off the Sound, what more could you want during the summer?
** Note: Parking in the Playland lot costs $5, but you can use the parking voucher towards the cost of your meal or drinks, so don’t forget to present it when the bill arrives.
Pier Restaurant & Tiki Bar
1 Playland Parkway
Rye, NY
914-967-2088
2 Comments
How do you expect that the winter menu and accomodations will be altered for when the summer season ends? I previously read in a review that they intend to make it a year-round venture.
Thanks.
The restaurant has a dining room, so they can definitely go year-round. Interesting though, since their sister restaurant, Seaside Johnnies, closes for the winter. I guess we’ll see if people want to make that frigid walk from the Playland parking lot to the restaurant.