Friends Waterfront Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Town of Carmel

Located on Lake Mahopac, Friend’s Waterfront Bar and Grill has long been a beloved destination during the summer and warmer months. Accessible by both land and lake, this popular eatery and bar has finally received a much-needed facelift—bringing with it a more sophisticated atmosphere, brighter aesthetics, and most importantly, a menu refresh that delivers appetizing, enjoyable casual cuisine.

Start with mouth-watering handheld favorites like the bacon cheeseburger on brioche, served with your choice of seasoned fries or sweet potato fries. Other hits include the pulled pork sandwich on brioche, a classic Philly cheesesteak, and a sautéed or broiled salmon fillet topped with a homemade mango salsa that, as Goldilocks would say, is “just right.”

Their fried calamari is arguably the best in the local area, available in classic, Asian, and Buffalo styles. You’ll also find a nacho platter so tasty you’ll finish the whole tray no matter how tall it is. Add in quesadillas, a guacamole platter, and fresh, lighter salad options that can be boosted with protein add-ons—or turned into satisfying wraps with fries.

One of the most exciting additions is the new brick oven, turning out professional-quality 12-inch personal pizzas. Choices range from hot honey pepperoni to spicy vodka sauce, plus traditional classics like Margherita. They also offer a gluten-free crust that genuinely impresses—even for those who typically avoid gluten-free options.

For heartier appetites, there are classic entrées like chicken parmesan, hanger steak frites with chimichurri, and a beautifully plated salmon dish served with mango-jalapeño-avocado salsa and your choice of pasta, salad, or fries.

In the past, I mostly visited this location for the social scene—grabbing a beer with friends and catching up with familiar faces. In fact, I stopped going in 2023 for no particular reason. But now, thanks to the food and ambiance upgrades, Friend’s is just as much a dining destination as it is a social hotspot.

The vibe remains fun and welcoming. It’s not just “pretty good” food—it’s food that you’ll genuinely enjoy, crave again, and remember for the care and attention given to the entire guest experience.

They’ve also expanded their beverage offerings, including an updated signature cocktails menu, an extensive draft and bottled beer selection, hard seltzers, and a great array of premium spirits. Wine lovers will appreciate the broader selection of red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines, available by both bottle and glass.

Entertainment is also a major draw: weekly live music, DJs spinning club, dance, hip-hop, rock, and Top 40 hits, plus themed nights like the Monday Love Island watch party and Tuesday line dancing. Even midweek events can draw a lively crowd, especially when the weather’s nice.

All in all, Friend’s Waterfront Bar and Grill delivers a consistently good time with food that satisfies. Yes, it can get loud when packed and the music is bumping—but that’s part of the charm. Whether you're there for dinner, drinks, dancing, or the whole package, you're in for a fun night.

What’s especially exciting is how these renovations and the revamped menu set Friend’s up for success beyond just the summer season. Historically known as a go-to spot for warmer months, Friend’s now offers enough quality, comfort, and variety to make it a destination even during the winter. The cozy interior upgrades, thoughtful menu additions like hearty brick oven pizzas, chicken parmesan, steak frites, and warm, satisfying starters like Buffalo calamari and nachos make it just as inviting on a chilly night as it is on a sunny lakeside afternoon. With the expanded drink list, weekly live entertainment, and themed nights, Friend’s keeps the energy going year-round—proving it’s no longer just a seasonal hangout but a reliable, all-weather...

Our early dinner dining experience was a debacle. I understand they are under new ownership, so perhaps they're still working out the kinks... Took forever to get a table, and then it took over an hour to get our food. Also took so long to get my Miami Vice frozen drink (literally comes out of a slushy machine pre-made) that it was warm and melted. We had 3 small kids with us who were losing it. Guacamole app came out LAST, reeally late. Our friend who was treating us got her meal dead last after all of us had eaten ours. All the waitstaff seemed super inexperienced. Nothing was offered for the kids to munch on despite the crazy long wait, so we had to request chips just to give them something. My 7-yr-old discovered a burning wire under our table that was smoking on the dock, and the burning smell was horrible. No one offered to switch our tables. The manager (owner?) just stomped on the wire until it was severed... Our waitress comped my child's $2 Pepsi for all of our inconvenience.... Can't say we'll be back, despite the lovely dock dining that drew us in. Maybe just go for a drink, but not a...

The first time I went to this place it was a soft opening and you know what happens- not everything is firing on all cylinders. Within 5 minutes of arriving, I realized that this place was a gem. Staff is attentive, Eddie the bartender was great, the owners are watching everything and correcting as needed, the food was incredible and the atmosphere and the scenery was incredible. I have returned back to Friends about eleven times now and have almost now ordered everything off the menu or someone in party has except the salads because I'm a carnivore and everything was fantastic. Our routine now is we eat and before we leave, we order the pizza to go because it is so good. The ducks wander up to the tables and the boats pull up to the dock having pre-ordered food and no waiting. It is incredible and I still can't believe this is a new place finding their way. I am almost hesitant to even post a review because I don't want to share the place but I also want it to be around forever. Run and don't walk to Friends where they treat you like family...