The Reef & Tropics

Eastsiders...I hate to say it, but we’re about to be bested. Yep,
and here’s the kicker, the operators of the new place are Eastsiders! One of them anyway (the ugly one). Seriously though, The pair got wind they could buy the Tropics and The Reef at Watertown Marina. These guys saw a great thing and jumped all over it. Even though it was in Kentucky ( a first KY business venture for both) they loved the location, the marina it’s located in and most of all they loved the view. Yeah, I see why.
Directly across the river you can see the Garfield Tower and the Water Works on Eastern Ave. So actually they are still Eastsiders, just on the other bank. In fact, it’s only 3 miles as the fish swims down river from the Pirates Cove (at the Four Seasons Marina) on Kellogg Ave. That’s about 13 minutes in a powerboat, or 2.4 minutes on a supercharged SeaDoo RXT running on Turbo Blue gas. What a ride.
As if it wasn’t fun enough just to zip down the river this place will be worth the ride (or the drive for you land lovers). The
Reef is a giant barge (actually two giant barges), decked out and ready to put on a party. You’d never know it was a barge from the inside, except when they roll up the huge garage doors and the whole wall is now uninterrupted pool/river view. Think big ole Margaritas and little bitty bikinis baby.
I think Cheeseburger in Paradise is going to need to find that lost salt shaker after all. I find it hard to believe they will still be able to honestly call themselves the best Buffet party bar anymore. I’m certain Jimmy would agree. Maybe we can ask him. I’ll get back with you on that.
It takes three barges to make up this giant floating entertainment complex. The main “boat” is the Tropics. The Tropics is the flagship restaurant featuring a full menu stocked with surf, turf and pretty pastas. Unbelievable views surround the tables making your dining experience a most satisfying way to spend the evening. Not to mention a large fully stocked bar, live entertainment and a nightclub! One might think the Tropics would be great in itself without The Reef. One must not have seen The Reef yet then.
The Reef is where it’s at. Come by land or sea, come dressed for dinner or barely dressed at all, for the music or the Margaritas, for the sun or the skin, for the paninis or the bikinis, just come. If your thinking about coming during the Poker Run ( July 27-29) or before, during or after Jimmy Buffet (July 26) I hope you come by sea because your boat seats will probably be the only ones in the house. It’s totally set up for a real Key West style mammajamma. The Reef has the grub too. They have their own kitchen serving up a variety of wings, crab cakes, shrimp, sandwiches and appetizers. The outside grills kick in when the boat starts rockin’ and there are plenty of beer girls outside with a cooler full of cold brews to beat the heat. Throw in a live band like 513, The Groove, Above the Bar or Vibe and you got a good thing going.
The Watertown has just completed an 8 foot dredging throught the marina and can accomodate even the largest boats. The marina also features full service ammenities (fuel, laundry, showers etc.) The staff at the Tropics and the Reef have been swabbing the decks and stocking the beer. They’ve already got the grills ready to get fired up for opening day (May 4th). Check out their website www.watertownyc.com for the exact opening date and band line up or call them at (859) 261-7800, I know I’ll be there.
EV will be giving out gift certificates to Eastsiders who check it out and can prove it with a picture. Send us your photo and info (www.eastsidevibe.com and click contact us). We’ll get you the grub, the beer and the band, you just have to bring the boat and the bikini.