I had such high hopes this would be another to add to my list of favorites, but I am sad to say … no.  The Boathouse does offer a happy hour from 4:30 to 6pm daily.  Given the number of people inside, it is, indeed very popular.  But, here is what I am disappointed about.  The menu selection.  Keep in mind, my whole review is based solely on happy hour and not the Commadore’s dinner menu or experience.

Location

Really, you can’t beat it.  Located right on the heart of the Historic waterfront, The Boathouse offers some of the best views for happy hour.  On Front Street, your views will be of the boats coming in and out of the harbor as well as the local fishermen and Captains bringing in their catch of the day.

Food

The food is incredible.  The seafood is as fresh as you get.  The coconut shrimp is the perfect blend of crunchy, crispy and, of course, not greasy.  The lobster tempura is some of the best on the island.  We even had the lamb chops and barbecue ribs.  If I were to say, they were good for a seafood place, I wouldn’t be accurate …. they were good for any restaurant, including a barbecue joint. The serving sizes were what you would expect for a small plate.  Enough to share or make a meal of by yourself.

Not sure how the wait staff feels about happy hour.  But, ours was friendly, courteous and quick to bring our food and drinks.

Drinks

Speaking of drinks.  During happy hour, well drinks, wine and beer are half off.  None of the speciality drinks are included in the happy hour pricing.  This works well if you are drinking beer, but if you want something a little lighter, then be prepared to pay full price.

Selection

Which brings me to selection.  This is where I think the happy hour at The Boathouse falls short.  Other places (Alonzo’s) offers every drink half off and a more varied food menu for their happy hour.  You can choose a Dark & Stormy or even a gin and tonic and still have it half off, while at The Boathouse, your drink menu is limited.  Also, there are really no sides to choose from on the happy hour menu at The Boathouse.  Other places, again, offer a better selection which lets you create a full meal, just from the happy hour menu.

Let me not lead you down a bad path here…. the happy hour at The Boathouse is good.  The food is fantastic and the beer is really cold.  If that is what you are looking for in a happy hour, this is your place.  The views are absolutely incredible.  If you want an Island drink and some potatoes or veggies to go with your shrimp, then move on down the path to Alonzos.