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Shore thing: 10 places to dine by the water

Compiled by Linda Perney | NYNewsday.com

On the deck at the Water's Edge, in Long Island City (Sune Woods)

Here is a selection of places to eat -- or just sip a drink -- by the water's edge.

MANHATTAN

The Water Club. Who doesn't love this place, anchored at the watery edge of Midtown? The menu roams all over, with entrees from filet mignon to poached salmon, lamb to lobster. The service can be a little snooty, and the prices are a little high. But who's complaining when they seat you at a table on the deck and put a frosty strawberry cosmopolitan in your hand? (East River and 30th Street; 212-683-3333)

Sequoia. This is a good place to go with a group: the terrace is a cool spot on a hot evening, and the vibe is relaxed and comfortable. Sure, there are plenty of out-of-towners here, but that's just because they've happened on a good thing. The menu is, as you might expect at such a nautically themed place, heavy on the seafood: lobsters, scallops, shrimp, even a traditional New England Clambake dinner. For those who'd rather find their dinner ashore, there are steaks, pastas, salads, and roasted chicken. (South Street Seaport, Pier 17; 212-732-9090)

Steamer's Landing. It never feels like New York here on a summer evening, with the boats gliding along the Hudson and the people strolling the Promenade. On the south terrace, there is a full menu, which highlights main courses that run from a seafood pasta to grilled fish and steak. On the north terrace, things are a little more relaxed: You can stop by for a drink and snack on appetizers as well as burgers and ribs. (On the Esplanade, between Liberty and Albany streets; 212-432-1451)

QUEENS

Water's Edge. They think of everything. The water taxi leaves from the pier at East 34th Street and ferries you right to the restaurant's deck so you don't even have to fight the traffic. The deck itself is welcoming, with umbrella-shaded tables overlooking the water. The menu should please just about anyone: steak, duck, lamb, and, of course, plenty of fish. (East River at 44th Drive; 718-482-0033)

BROOKLYN

River Cafe. Ever since it opened, way back in 1977, the place has been a hit, with superb food and a view that tops them all. The three-course dinner comes with a $98 prix-fixe, so it's not cheap, but the level of cooking, the nearly perfect service, the absolute feeling of well-being the restaurant engenders makes it well worth the price. Go for the daily lobster special and the foie gras terrine, served with plums soaked in port and spiced with ginger. (1 Water Street; 718-522-5200)

Jordan's Lobster Dock. What do you go to Sheepshead Bay for? Steamed lobster is the answer, and Jordan's has the right stuff, with no fuss and no frills. Take a table oudoors and cool off with an icy beer, then tuck in. If lobster isn't your thing, they also have "just about everything that swims," according to a waiter. Burgers and chicken, too. (3165 Harkness Avenue; 718-934-6300)

BRONX

Johnny's Reef. The real reason to head for this cafeteria-like little place is that it perfectly illustrates what City Island is all about - -maybe it even illustrates what summer is all about. The menu offers up classic fried or steamed seafood --and not much else: shrimp, clams, oysters served on paper plates. Then head out to the deck - -oh, and don't forget to pick up an icy cold beer on your way out to watch the sailboats. (2 City Island Avenue; 718-885-2086)

STATEN ISLAND

The Marina Cafe You don't really go here for exotic food: The huge menu focuses on standbys like stuffed shrimp, steamed lobster, steaks, and pastas. What you do go here for is a seat on the deck overlooking the harbor and the boats that crowd the marina. (154 Mansion Avenue; 718-967-3077)