Finding a spot that actually feels like "old" Connecticut—without the stuffy, velvet-rope vibe—is getting harder every year. Honestly, if you drive too fast down Riverside Avenue, you might miss one of the best views in the state. The Boathouse at Saugatuck restaurant Westport CT sits tucked inside the Saugatuck Rowing Club, and it’s one of those places where the atmosphere does the heavy lifting before you even see a menu. It's right on the water. Not "across the street" from the water, but literally hovering over the Saugatuck River where you can watch the collegiate teams and locals pulling oars through the current.
It’s a vibe.
Most people think you have to be a member of the rowing club to eat there. You don't. That’s the first thing everyone gets wrong. While the building serves as the hub for elite rowers, the second-floor restaurant is wide open to the public, offering a perspective of Westport that you just can't get from the busy downtown shopping district.
What to Expect at The Boathouse at Saugatuck Restaurant Westport CT
The first thing you’ll notice when you walk up the stairs is the light. Because the restaurant is wrapped in floor-to-ceiling windows, the afternoon sun hits the river and bounces back into the dining room, making everything look like a Nancy Meyers movie. It’s airy. It’s bright. It feels like you’re on a boat, but without the sea sickness.
The menu leans heavily into what you’d expect from a high-end New England waterfront spot, but with enough twists to keep it from feeling like a standard country club kitchen. We’re talking about fresh seafood, obviously. But the chef—currently led by the culinary team that understands the intersection of "healthy athlete" and "Westport foodie"—prioritizes seasonal shifts.
You’ve got the heavy hitters like the lobster roll, which is a local obsession. In Connecticut, we take the lobster roll seriously. It’s served warm with butter here, as God intended. But then they’ll throw something at you like a perfectly seared duck breast or a local burrata salad that reminds you this isn't just a snack bar for rowers.
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The deck is where the magic happens. If the weather is even remotely nice, the outdoor seating at The Boathouse at Saugatuck restaurant Westport CT is the most coveted real estate in the 06880 zip code. You’re watching the tide come in and out. You see the bridge in the distance. It’s quiet, save for the occasional rhythmic "thwack" of oars hitting the water and the coxswain yelling instructions to their crew.
The Menu Breakdown: Beyond the View
Let’s be real: a view can only carry a restaurant so far. If the food is mediocre, you only go once for the Instagram photo. The Boathouse avoids that trap.
Their seafood tower is a beast. If you're there for a celebration, that's the move. It usually features a rotating selection of oysters—often sourced from nearby waters in the Sound—alongside jumbo shrimp and littleneck clams. For the main course, the Pan-Seared Scallops are a consistent winner. They usually pair them with something earthy, like a cauliflower purée or a seasonal risotto, to balance out the sweetness of the shellfish.
If you aren't a seafood person, don't panic. Their burger is surprisingly legit. It's a thick, juicy patty that feels substantial enough to satisfy someone who just finished a grueling two-hour rowing session on the river. They also do a great job with vegetarian options, which isn't always a given in traditional New England spots. The roasted vegetable grain bowls or seasonal pastas usually hold their own against the steaks and chops.
Navigating the "Rowing Club" Atmosphere
It can feel a little intimidating the first time you walk in. You see people in spandex carrying 20-foot carbon fiber boats downstairs, and you're just there for a glass of Chardonnay and some calamari. Don't worry about it. The staff is used to the mix of athletes and diners.
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The dress code is "Westport Casual." What does that mean? Basically, you’ll see guys in Peter Millar polos and women in sundresses, but you could also show up in nice jeans and a sweater and nobody would bat an eye. Just don't roll in wearing your gym clothes if you're planning on a full dinner; keep it at least a little sharp.
Why the Location Matters (and Where to Park)
Parking in Westport is a nightmare. It’s a fact of life. However, the Boathouse has its own dedicated lot because of the rowing club.
The restaurant is located at 521 Riverside Avenue. If you’re coming from the train station (Westport's Saugatuck station), it’s a very short Uber or a brisk walk. This makes it a prime spot for "Commuter Dinners"—where one person is coming from the city and the other is meeting them halfway.
The river itself is a tidal estuary. This is a nerdy detail, but it matters for the scenery. At high tide, the water is inches from the docks and looks like a vast lake. At low tide, the mudflats appear, and you get to see the local herons and egrets hunting for breakfast. It changes the entire mood of the meal depending on when you book your reservation.
Dealing with the Crowds
Because it’s a relatively small space compared to the massive dining halls in Harbor Point or South Norwalk, it fills up fast.
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- Weekends: Forget about a walk-in for dinner on a Saturday night. Use OpenTable or call ahead.
- Lunch: This is the pro move. If you can get there on a Thursday or Friday at 1:00 PM, you’ll likely get a window seat without the stress.
- Happy Hour: They have a solid bar program. The cocktails are classic—Manhattans, Martinis, and a few seasonal specials that usually involve elderflower or fresh herbs.
The Verdict on The Boathouse at Saugatuck Restaurant Westport CT
Is it the cheapest meal in town? No. It’s Westport. You’re paying for the quality of the ingredients and, frankly, the incredible location. But unlike some other waterfront spots that feel like "tourist traps," The Boathouse feels like a genuine part of the community.
You see families celebrating graduations. You see couples on a first date trying to look impressed. You see the rowers themselves grabbing a post-practice meal. It’s a cross-section of the town.
The service is generally attentive, though like everywhere else lately, they can get slammed during the peak summer rush. If you go in with the mindset that you're there to linger and enjoy the river, you’ll have a great time. If you're in a rush to get to a movie, maybe choose somewhere else. This is a place for slow dining.
Essential Tips for Your Visit
If you're planning to head over, keep these few things in mind to make the experience better.
First, check the sunset time. There is no better place in Westport to watch the sky turn orange than that second-story deck. Second, if you’re sensitive to noise, the bar area can get a bit boisterous when the after-work crowd arrives. Ask for a table in the far corner of the dining room if you want to actually hear what your date is saying.
Lastly, take a moment to walk the docks after your meal. There’s a public access path, and standing right at water level gives you a whole different appreciation for the Saugatuck River. It’s a beautiful piece of Connecticut history that’s still very much alive.
Actionable Steps for a Perfect Evening
- Check the Tide: Look up the Saugatuck River tide chart. High tide is significantly more picturesque for dining.
- Request the "Prow": When making a reservation, ask if a table near the "prow" (the front windows overlooking the water) is available.
- Explore the Area: If you have time before dinner, walk across the bridge into the Saugatuck neighborhood for a quick coffee or to browse the small shops.
- Order Seasonally: Ask the server what came in fresh that morning. The Boathouse excels when they are working with daily catches rather than the standard year-round menu items.
- Park Early: Even with a lot, the club members can fill spaces during regatta days or heavy training sessions. Give yourself an extra ten minutes.