You ever walk into a place and think you’ve got the whole vibe figured out in five seconds? Most people do that with Kenny's on the Water. They see the New Rochelle waterfront, the Sound shimmering in the background, and they think, "Okay, cool, it’s a standard seafood joint with a view."
They’re wrong.
Honestly, if you go there just for the "waterfront aesthetic," you’re missing the actual point of the experience. It’s not just a place to grab a beer and look at boats. It’s actually a pretty sophisticated Italian-leaning kitchen that happens to be sitting on the edge of the water. If you look closely at Kenny's on the Water menu, you’ll realize it's basically a love letter to coal-fired ovens and coastal Italian tradition, mixed with that specific New York "prime steakhouse" energy.
The Raw Bar Reality Check
Let’s talk about the seafood first because that’s what everyone looks for. You’ve got the Shellfish Platter sitting there at $68, which sounds like a lot until you see it landing on a table. It's a massive spread: half a chilled lobster, four colossal wild shrimp (and they really are colossal), oysters, and clams.
But here is the thing.
The raw bar isn't even where the real magic happens. If you want the actual soul of the kitchen, you have to look at the "Small Plates" and the appetizers. The Baked Clams ($19) use a bacon-almond breadcrumb crust. That’s a specific detail most places skip—using almonds for that extra crunch. Or the Charred Octopus ($23), which comes with Spanish chorizo and white cannellini beans. It’s smoky, it’s salty, and it’s miles ahead of the rubbery calamari you find at generic pierside restaurants.
Why the Chicken Martini is the Secret Boss
If you ask a regular—someone who lives in Westchester and eats here on a random Tuesday—what to order, they won't say the lobster. They’ll tell you to get the Chicken Martini ($28).
Wait, what?
Yeah. It’s a parmesan-crusted chicken breast served over sautéed spinach with rosemary. It sounds simple, but it’s a cult favorite for a reason. The crust is perfectly thin, the chicken stays moist, and it’s one of those "comfort food but make it fancy" dishes that defines the whole menu.
Then there’s the Coal-Fired Half Roasted Chicken Scarpariello ($29). This is the "real" Italian-American heavy hitter. We’re talking cherry peppers, sweet and spicy Italian sausage, and Yukon gold potatoes swimming in a garlic white wine sauce. It’s a messy, glorious, spicy plate of food that basically demands you use the table bread to soak up the leftover juice.
Breaking Down the Kenny's on the Water Menu by the Numbers
Prices change, of course, but the core structure of the menu stays pretty consistent. It’s designed to be flexible. You can go "cheap" (well, New Rochelle cheap) with a $19 Classic Flatbread or go full celebration mode with a $130 Surf & Turf for Two.
Pasta and Mains
The pasta isn't an afterthought here. The Frutti Di Mare ($34) is packed. Clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops, octopus, calamari, and lobster meat all piled onto chitarra pasta. If you’re not in the mood for a sea-mountain, the Bucatini Bolognese ($28) with fresh ricotta is a very solid, grounding choice.
The Steak Program
- Prime Ribeye (12oz): $40. Comes with black truffle butter. Yes, it’s as rich as it sounds.
- Prime New York Strip (14oz): $44. Topped with crispy onions.
- Berkshire Pork Chop (14oz): $36. This one is sliced and served with piquillo peppers and rosemary jus.
Honestly, the steak prices are actually somewhat reasonable compared to what you’d pay for "prime" cuts in Manhattan, especially considering you’re getting the view included in the price.
The Brunch Vibe is Different
Sundays are a whole different animal. From 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, they run a brunch that fluctuates between a $50 prix fixe and an a la carte menu. Most people go for the Bottomless Jazz Brunch because, well, live music and booze.
If you’re doing the a la carte thing, the Breakfast Burger ($18) with an over-easy egg and bacon is the move. Or the Lox Bagel ($17) if you want to keep it light so you can actually enjoy the $10 classic well cocktails later.
👉 See also: Chinese Cultural Center Phoenix: What Really Happened to This Landmark
What Most People Miss
The happy hour.
Most people wait for a Friday night or a Sunday afternoon. But the Monday through Thursday Happy Hour (3 PM to 6 PM) at the bar is where the value lives. $7 house wine and $6 draft beers. They usually have "Bites" for around $12. It’s the best way to test the waters—literally—without committing to a $150 dinner bill.
Also, don't sleep on the meatballs. The Cast Iron Meatballs ($18) with fresh ricotta are legit. They aren't those frozen lead weights some places serve; they’re airy and actually taste like meat and herbs.
Practical Advice for Your Visit
- Parking: It’s Westchester. Parking is a pain. There is a lot off Pelham Road, and they usually have valet on the weekends. Just use the valet. It’s worth the $10 or whatever it is to avoid circling the block for 20 minutes.
- Reservations: If you have more than 9 people, you have to call. Don't try to be sneaky and book two tables of four on OpenTable; they’ll catch you, and it’ll be awkward.
- The Wind: It’s "on the water." Even in the summer, the breeze off the Sound can get chilly once the sun goes down. Bring a light jacket or a sweater.
- The Dessert: Get the Caramel Bread Pudding ($12). It comes with butter pecan ice cream and it is remarkably heavy in the best way possible.
The Kenny's on the Water menu is really about balance. It’s half high-end steakhouse and half local Italian kitchen. If you go in expecting a greasy fried clam shack, you’re going to be surprised—and your wallet might be a little lighter than you expected—but the quality of the cooking justifies the jump.
Basically, if you're planning a visit, start with a reservation. Check the weather. If it's a nice day, try to snag a spot with a view of the marina. Order the charred octopus to share, get the Chicken Martini or the Scarpariello as your main, and don't skip the bread pudding. You'll leave feeling like you actually got the full experience rather than just a touristy meal by the sea.
Check their official site or call (914) 365-2255 to confirm current seasonal specials, as they often swap out the "Catch of the Day" and seasonal salads like the Winter Citrus or the Roasted Squash Caprese based on what's fresh.