One of Fall River’s greatest assets is its growing waterfront district along the Taunton River. In the summer, the area is bustling with boaters, boardwalk strollers and diners frequenting the waterfront restaurants and bars. Fall River offers plentiful options for dockside dining, making it a popular pitstop for those traveling on the River to and from Mount Hope Bay, which connects Newport, Rhode Island to inland Massachusetts.
Even in the off-season, several establishments offer indoor dining with spectacular views, giving visitors an opportunity to enjoy the good vibes and positive health effects of being by the water, without the wintery chill!
Read on to find the waterfront option that is right for you!
The Cove Restaurant & Marina (Year-round)
Nestled directly in the middle of Fall River’s iconic boardwalk is The Cove Restaurant & Marina. The Cove offers casual dining with traditional American and Portuguese inspired dishes, a full raw bar and an extensive drink menu. Their expansive indoor dining room and bar is decorated in blues, whites and nautical details, but their outdoor patio is the real gem of The Cove. In the summer, the patio is alive with the sounds of live music and dozens of patrons enjoying the sunset. They frequently host holiday brunches and private events in their banquet hall, and have an abundance of dock space, making it a popular spot for boaters.
The Tipsy Seagull (Seasonal: opens May 10th, 2024)
Known as “the only floating bar in Mt. Hope Bay”, this bar is perhaps as close as you can get to the water without going in! The tiki-inspired decor can convince you that you’ve left New England for the Caribbean, and it’s developped a cult following that makes for a packed bar in the summers. Offerings include classic summer drinks like mudslides and margaritas, appetizers, and a selection of burgers, sandwiches and pizzas perfect for munching. If you’re looking for live music, you’re in luck- summer weekends are jam packed with lineups featuring local artists. Its location within the Borden Light Marina means that boaters have close proximity to fuel, pump out stations, and access to the marina’s pool, Jacuzzi, laundry, showers for those who dock overnight.
Pier 52 (Seasonal)
Perhaps Fall River’s most picturesque spot, this seasonal dining option is known for its waterfront lawn spotted with white Adirondack chairs, perhaps the most quintessential symbol of coastal New England. Whether enjoying a cocktail on the lawn or brunch under their tent, Pier 52 is the perfect place for a celebratory meal, date night or a laid back drink with friends. With an expansive raw bar and views of Fall River’s Borden Lighthouse, the restaurant and bar provides guests with the ultimate New England summer experience. Pier 52 offers dockage for those joining by boat, and is also located close to the Borden Light Marina.
Barrett’s Waterfront (Year-round)
Barrett’s is a popular local chain of classic American alehouses in Southern New England, but their Waterfront location has elevated their brand to a whole new level. Their extensive outdoor patio compliments the inside dining room which has an industrial feel, thanks to the refurbished mill it inhabits. Barrett’s took over the space from a sports bar, meaning there are ample views of TVs to catch a game. While they are located a bit further back from the water and don’t have their own docks, their proximity to the boat ramp at Veterans Memorial Bicentennial Park make it a popular spot for those taking their boat in and out, or for take-out before heading out for the afternoon. On the other side of the same mill is Duke’s Bakery, a gluten free bakery, cafe & breakfast/lunch spot that is also popular for travelers and those enjoying the waterfront.
Dockside Cafe (Seasonal)
Started by a local college student, the Dockside Cafe is the newest addition to the food amenities at the Borden Light Marina. This cafe offers a selection of coffee & tea, shakes & smoothies, and delectable breakfast sandwiches. Order your bacon, egg & cheese Fall River-style on a “bolo”, the slightly sweet Portuguese alternative to an english muffin, you won’t regret it!
The Tipsy Toboggan (Year-round)
While this spot isn’t directly on the water, it’s a close walk from the Borden Light Marina. The Tipsy Toboggan has a carefully curated menu of craft cocktails, spectacular appetizers and entrees ranging from the typical to the experimental. The team at the Toboggan carefully curate their menu and decor depending on the season, and their outdoor dining transforms from a lush paradise in the summer to a colony of igloos in the winter. The Tipsy Seagull, Pier 52 and Canned Heat Brewing are all in close proximity, making the Tipsy Toboggan a great stop on a self-made bar crawl.
Canned Heat (Year-round)
This popular brewery features a rotating selection of award-winning craft beer made in house. Nestled into an old industrial building on the same dock as Pier 52, Canned Heat is a minute walk away from amazing sunset views of the Braga Bridge and Borden Lighthouse. Their operation adapts with the seasons, with fire pits and space heaters utilized to extend their outdoor season. However, their cozy atmosphere, live music and selection of board games makes it a great year-round destination for beer lovers and families.
COMING SOON- Primo on Water Street
A local couple, James Primo and Shannon Raposo, are well known in the Fall River community for their upscale catering operation and bartending school. Their latest endeavor is “Primo on Water Street”, a new restaurant serving up Italian-Portuguese fusion. This new restaurant won’t have direct waterfront views, but it will occupy a prime location in Fall River’s waterfront cultural district, right next door to renowned concert venue The Narrows and local brewery Troy City Brewing. The new Primo restaurant is set to open in early spring.