Cross it Off Your Bucket List

Welcome to the southern portion of our tour of the waterfront dining in the Landmark Towns. With both the Delaware Canal through the center of the towns and the Delaware River on the eastern edge, the Landmark Towns of Washington Crossing, Yardley, and Bristol have plenty of options for enjoying the sight of moving water while enjoying a variety of dining choices. Let’s head down River Road, north to south.

Our next destination on our trip downstream, is Francisco’s on the River, located on River Road between New Hope and Washington Crossing. This dinner-only BYOB is tucked into a bend in the road with peaceful views of the river just north of the Visitor Center at Washington Crossing Historic Park. “From Lobster Ravioli to Chicken Porcini to his legendary Linguine al Frutti di Mare Fra diavolo, come enjoy the rich and refined tastes of Francisco’s.”

We continue downstream to our next stop for waterfront dining. When you are on River Road, you will know you are in Yardley when you see two very different restaurants at the intersection of E. Afton Avenue.

The Yardley Inn is your first choice here. The menu features contemporary American Cuisine prepared with fresh, locally grown ingredients for a memorable meal. The food and extensive drink menu is just the beginning. The Yardley Inn also has a calendar filled with themed dinners, live music and other special events.

On the next block on River Road, you will find Charcoal. Charcoal BYOB is in many ways two restaurants in one with an amazing view of the river from a second floor height. For breakfast and lunch, owner, Tony Plescha, turns out “great breakfasts and good lunches.” For dinner, his two sons take over the kitchen and, as their website says, “Our idea is to push the boundaries of food using modern technique and science, while still offering a level of comfort in a casual environment.” Check out their seasonally-changing menus.

If you turn up E. Afton Avenue, you will quickly cross the Delaware Canal. Make a left-hand turn on to S. Canal Street for a visit to the Canal Street Grille. Tucked along the Canal with windows and an outdoor covered porch overlooking the canal, the Canal Street Grille is a quiet oasis for people watching. The menu is predominantly Greek inspired with memorable salads, sandwiches and entrees.

Don’t forget that Starbucks in the center of Yardley has a patio out back that overlooks Lake Afton. Quite a peaceful spot to relax with a coffee. 

Morrisville has plenty of interesting restaurants to try. Unfortunately for water views, the dike that was built to prevent the Delaware River from flooding also blocks the view. The view from the path atop the dike is worth a stop and a stroll.

In Bristol, the King George II Inn is the local favorite for dining with a river view. In fact it has been a local favorite since 1681 with dining rooms, a historic tavern and outdoor riverfront patio. The chef prepares contemporary American cuisine made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Check their website for weekday menu specials as well as happy hour and live entertainment.

A new building is under construction that will feature a new restaurant with dining overlooking Riverside Park. When they, and any other waterfront dining establishments open, we will add them to this list.

With the Delaware River running past and the Delaware Canal running through these four communities, the opportunities for waterfront dining in the Landmark Towns is full of variety and culinary delight. Make it your bucket list and explore all of them!