P J's River Rat Cafe — Restaurant in Town of Orleans

Good, friendly owners. Hats off to Pam and John and the supporting staff, including Todd the bartender.

I stayed in room 7 which is right on route 12. The A/C unit they have in the room was solid. That is, it kept me cool but maybe more importantly it didn't rattle like mad like lots of places I've stayed at. It also muffled any outside noise.

The room was solid...basic cable and tv. Also had fridge and microwave. 2 double beds - mattresses were nice a firm if you like that and the pillows good. What I also liked is they actually had a few blankets...some places these days don't give you much to get warm.

There is a restaurant/bar connected to it that has a nice sized menu. By all accounts, the place is mobbed every night. I recommend the perch to anyone who comes up this way from there.

From that location you are almost dead center between Alex Bay and Clayton. Boat ramp is right down the...

High and lows. Received a warm welcome and my server was friendly and attentive. The clam chowder was tasty, but the bits of clam were quite tough. I originally wanted the bisque, but I was informed that they had received the "wrong shipment" and couldn't guarantee my satisfaction on it. The broiled perch from the St. Lawrence River was tasty except for one fillet that was tougher than rawhide - I literally couldn't cut it with my knife. I asked the server about it but never heard back - oh well, I was full enough from the rest of the meal. The baked potato was good. The coleslaw was the standout dish; big, fresh, crispy chunks of cabbage in a zesty, peppery dressing - I've never had anything like it. I would like to give a higher rating, but that one rubbery piece of perch was really off-putting.

They have no affiliation with River Rat...

Went to this restaurant for 3 years now. Twice in July and once in August. The first 2 years it was excellent. The perch were small like fried nugget size with very white meat and good flavor. This time it looked like the perch was purchased at the frozen food store and just fried up. Big difference. The peanut butter pie the previous 2 years was excellent but this time it wasn't the same. Use to be very light and creamy this time it did not seem homemade. Very disappointed. For someone who wanted their recipes before to couldn't wait to leave. Big difference. I know restaurant business is tough and help is hard to find but when something is advertised for a price and it isn't what it use to be, that seems a little fraudulent. Hopefully they can get it back together. Person who was looking forward to it and is now...