SS. Dion used to be rather popular with my family. I had one of those meltdown evenings there and vowed to never set foot in the place again. We had reservations, and we were seated at a table next to a large party of screaming kids. I told Steve Dion to move us. All the other tables were empty, but reserved. The bar was empty and that's where he sat us. A waitress came by and gave us our menus and never came back. There wasn't anyone there yet. We should have had her full attention. They seated people around us and she went to them, but she never came to our table. I motioned her over and finally she took our drink order. She never came back. They were seating people outside now and our waitress was going outside now too. We are at an hour now, and the waitress is outside. I complained to Steve, who was sitting two tables from me about the service. He disappeared into the other room. Maybe she'll come now! They seated two men behind us, and one of them was coughing so loud, he made us all jump out of our seats. Every minute or two. I asked the guy if he shouldn't be home in bed? He ignored me. I'm asking my family to leave. At the two hour mark, I walked out and sat by the water. Another two hours, while the rest of my family ate. I watched the boats go by. Four hours, and we were one of the first tables seated! I'm sitting on a little bench by the water, in the dark! My family finally comes walking up to me with a little box. Our waitress apologized, blamed her inattention on the place being busy and sent me a slice of cake. "Oh, that makes it all better." I'd love to go back in and tell her what she could do with that cake, but I decided never to set foot in there again. I'm over the place. I liked the food for the most part, but ruin my evening and I'm done with you. The owner was right there on the floor, and he didn't do anything. We used to get calamari over pasta, chicken a la Michael, grilled swordfish and salmon, baked scallops, and baked seafood casseroles. All good. We had hiccups with service being slow, and we've sent back food before but two hours is the longest I've ever waited to place an order. I should have dragged my family out of there after twenty minutes. I'd have been a whole lot less miffed. They are in a good spot by Independence park, and the food is usually good but I won't go back.
(3)
Roland G.
Disappointing in multiple ways. We had been here before and enjoyed their swordfish. We had reservations at 7 pm and were seated promptly. The server immediately told us they were out of swordfish. How could they run out of one of their most popular dishes so early on a Saturday evening? Disappointing. Two in the party ordered a special dish that had veal with vegetables including asparagus. The asparagus was extremely large in diameter, tough and woody. Disappointing. Both said the taste was bland. One ordered a veal dish which had eggplant and cheese. The taste was again very bland. Side orders of spaghetti had sauce that seemed to come out of a bottle or can. Another disappointment As we finished dinner, servers came by and stripped the dishes from the table without asking whether we wanted to take any leftovers home. Server never asked if we wanted dessert. We certainly felt like we were rushed out of the place.
(2)
Coral D.
Excellent baked stuff shrimp. Excellent calamari. You cannot go wrong. I love sitting by the fish tank. Very good food!
(5)
Jamie D.
This place has improved since I frequented here back when I lived in Bristol. First of all the service was beyond excellent. Nothing makes or breaks your time out like the type of service you receive. Secondly, we had a fabulous dinner for two deal with a bottle of wine included. The butternut squash soup was to die for and the tollhouse cookie pie was one of the best old fashioned desserts that I have had in awhile. Lastly, the ambiance may be dated, but it is still has that old historic by the waterfront type of charm. We got our choice to sit by the large fireplace in the secluded bar area too. I can't wait to get back and sink my teeth into a warm gooey tollhouse cookie pie...and sure there will be a battle of the forks with it once more!
(5)
C M.
I went there tonight for the second time. The first time was really good, I had the lobster caprese salad. Tonight I had the crab cakes. You could tell it was prefab food, not local food. The service the first time I went was amazing, but there weren't many people there. Tonight the service was beyond horrible. Our server sped around the restaurant while accomplishing nothing and hardly checked in with us. It was over 10 minutes until she came to the table the first time. It took forever to place our order. We arrived shortly after 7pm and we finally ate dinner at 8:25. That is ridiculous, especially since we had our children with us. After we had to ask another server to please ask our server to bring the check, she totalled it wrong. It is all hand written, no computers apparently. She over charged us $11.00. I don't think I will be returning in fear that I would get that server again. What a disappointment.
(2)
Hannah R.
Went for the week day special and it did not disappoint. For the price of 43 and some change we got a bottle of wine 2 soups clam chowder and tomato basil (both delicious) entrees with sides of pasta. I ordered the scod special, never having scod I was nervous but it came with crab meat on top (that's the special part) it was perfect! My friend ordered the eggplant parm and it was fresh and the eggplant was sliced perfect. Service was also great the kept the table cleaned of trash and never bothered us. He let us take our time and enjoy the sunset. The bartender was also great she actually told us in detail about the drink specials and last the owner, he greeted us and sat us I loved that he was present. Shows he cares for the place. One last thing the place does not feel dated it felt warm and cozy! 5 stars hands down amazing place!!
(5)
Sophie R.
I have been coming to S S Dion for years now, and go about a couple of times a month with my boyfriend. We are positively addicted. We came for the very affordable dinner for two menu that I can't recommend enough! After that we were hooked. It runs Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Choose two of their delicious entrees, which are served with a soup or salad, and your choice of veg, plus a bottle of wine for 40.00 It's the best deal in Bristol. My standby is the scrod dijon or the baked scrod. We usually get the chowder to start, but their tomato soup is also good! And if they happen to have cabbage that night, grab it as your veg of choice because it is so buttery, tender, and divine!! If I could made cabbage taste this good, I would make it all the time! Even if you don't think you like cabbage you have to try it. Also terrific is their eggplant parmigiana. The owner batters and fries all of her eggplant fillets BY HAND. Their eggplant parm is the best I have ever had, and it is consistently good. Another thing we LOVE is that they start you off with complimentary crackers and an herby cheese spread, along with a little basket of bread. Speaking of consistency, the service is unfailingly good. The food is delicious, the view of Bristol Harbor is wonderful, the patio in the summer months is very inviting and in the winter both the bar and main dining room have a crackling fire to warm you up. My only suggestion would be maybe rethinking the dessert menu. It's our fave restaurant in Bristol!
(5)
Elizabeth T.
Great place for a date night. Sunday thru Thursday they have a special, including a bottle of wine, for under $40 I believe. Although weekends are much more than $75 with alcohol. Food is delectable with a great presentation. Pleasant waitstaff being punctual and informative. Bartenders are very good too. Looking to eat, overlooking the Bristol harbor? Seeing the sunset with cover overhead? You've just found it!! Now go experience it! It's also is facing poppasquash... The best homes or estates in Bristol. Some are 1 mil plus... Compare it to Blithewolds view, only closer to the bike path. The beginning is right in front! Off street parking right there with a parking lot too. Fireplaces in the winter, which I think makes it even more romantic. I try and go every season. Different things to see and eat!!! A must see!! Although it's a great date night, it's great for events or larger tables too. Holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, etc.. It's almost Christmas, go shop locally downtown. Then go grab a bite... honestly I'd say the best restaurant in Bristol! Very enjoyable & relaxing!
(5)
Kat B.
We ate inside during winter. Comfortable table settings, very open space with a fire going. Service was really good, she knew her menu very well and was very on top of making sure we were getting taken care of properly. We had seafood casserole, baked tilapia and baked bay scallops, all very good. Some minor faults - the bread before dinner was cold and the clam chowder was a little too watery for the price. Didn't go for dessert but they had a limited menu that night anyway. It sounded good :). Had tea and coffee after dinner and an overall satisfying trip & would recommend it
(4)
Mike B.
Probably the most underrated restaurant on the East Bay Best swordfish in the State, together with all the other dishes. Does not get the recognition it deserves. My favorite and we eat out very often. No I am not related to Steve
(5)
Kathy S.
Everything was perfect! We sat outside on the deck. The view was great! The service and food were excellent. There were four of us and no one had a single complaint.
(5)
Bob H.
Two friends and I sailed into Bristol in the early evening, tied up, and went looking for a restaurant. The town is very pretty, and there are several restaurants near the waterfront. We decided on SS Dion because of the reviews in Yelp, though there only two (which should have been a warning). Service was fine, seating was comfortable, ambiance was pleasant, but the food was mediocre. The waitress, who was very attentive, told us there were only three portions of the scrod left. I went for the baked version; it turned out to be pretty standard, but that's okay for baked scrod. One friend ordered Scrod Dion, which should have been more interesting but was not much more flavorful than the baked version. The portions were small, but in both entres the scrod was cooked properly. My other friend had the Seafood Fra Diavolo; it was acceptable but nothing more. Bread accompanying the meal was soft and mushy. My glass of sauvignon blanc was thin. The bartender gets credit, however. He knew how to make a Negroni! All in all this is a very standard large seafood restaurant with an Italian slant, though there are other things on the menu as well.
(2)
Pamela F.
Toll house cookie pie was awesome service was Super
(5)
Akiko O.
Great food . Great deal. I love this restaurant.
(5)
Wayne J.
Musty smell dark outdated dirty carpet in the dinning room , out door patio cheap plastic chairs and tables. Bathrooms old & smelly food not top shelf too expensive never again
(2)
Steve B.
I dine here often. The 2 dinners with a bottle of wine for $40 is a great deal. Soup or Salad. We got the tomato basil soup and salad with blue cheese. The soup was creamy, fresh and well seasoned. Nice salad with a chunky blue cheese. The grilled salmon is always cooked perfect. I have to order this most every time. We had the fried scallops, with creamy cole slaw and sweet potato fries. It was excellent. Lightly battered large sweet scallops. No need for tartar sauce. Fries were sweet and crispy. Service is always professional and efficient. Great bargain.
(4)
Ashley A.
Although this place is a little outdated, the food is beyond spectacular. Myself, my grandmother and my cousin all went out to dinner on a Friday night and man was it busy! We got right in because my grandparents are a regulars, so I'm not sure how the wait would have been if we didn't have connections. I got the chicken parm and man I must say it might have been named my new favorite chicken parm dish in Rhode Island. The piece of chicken itself is not too thick, but thick enough and covered in yummy bubbly cheese. The slice of meat is huge, so plan on asking for a to go box. The marinara sauce is yummy and their angel hair pasta is great. For dessert we shared the toll house cookie pie with vanilla ice cream. We were hoping for an actual cookie, however its served more as a slice of pie. Definitely will be back for some more.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes
Rob F.
SS. Dion used to be rather popular with my family. I had one of those meltdown evenings there and vowed to never set foot in the place again. We had reservations, and we were seated at a table next to a large party of screaming kids. I told Steve Dion to move us. All the other tables were empty, but reserved. The bar was empty and that's where he sat us. A waitress came by and gave us our menus and never came back. There wasn't anyone there yet. We should have had her full attention. They seated people around us and she went to them, but she never came to our table. I motioned her over and finally she took our drink order. She never came back. They were seating people outside now and our waitress was going outside now too. We are at an hour now, and the waitress is outside. I complained to Steve, who was sitting two tables from me about the service. He disappeared into the other room. Maybe she'll come now! They seated two men behind us, and one of them was coughing so loud, he made us all jump out of our seats. Every minute or two. I asked the guy if he shouldn't be home in bed? He ignored me. I'm asking my family to leave. At the two hour mark, I walked out and sat by the water. Another two hours, while the rest of my family ate. I watched the boats go by. Four hours, and we were one of the first tables seated! I'm sitting on a little bench by the water, in the dark! My family finally comes walking up to me with a little box. Our waitress apologized, blamed her inattention on the place being busy and sent me a slice of cake. "Oh, that makes it all better." I'd love to go back in and tell her what she could do with that cake, but I decided never to set foot in there again. I'm over the place. I liked the food for the most part, but ruin my evening and I'm done with you. The owner was right there on the floor, and he didn't do anything. We used to get calamari over pasta, chicken a la Michael, grilled swordfish and salmon, baked scallops, and baked seafood casseroles. All good. We had hiccups with service being slow, and we've sent back food before but two hours is the longest I've ever waited to place an order. I should have dragged my family out of there after twenty minutes. I'd have been a whole lot less miffed. They are in a good spot by Independence park, and the food is usually good but I won't go back.
(3)Roland G.
Disappointing in multiple ways. We had been here before and enjoyed their swordfish. We had reservations at 7 pm and were seated promptly. The server immediately told us they were out of swordfish. How could they run out of one of their most popular dishes so early on a Saturday evening? Disappointing. Two in the party ordered a special dish that had veal with vegetables including asparagus. The asparagus was extremely large in diameter, tough and woody. Disappointing. Both said the taste was bland. One ordered a veal dish which had eggplant and cheese. The taste was again very bland. Side orders of spaghetti had sauce that seemed to come out of a bottle or can. Another disappointment As we finished dinner, servers came by and stripped the dishes from the table without asking whether we wanted to take any leftovers home. Server never asked if we wanted dessert. We certainly felt like we were rushed out of the place.
(2)Coral D.
Excellent baked stuff shrimp. Excellent calamari. You cannot go wrong. I love sitting by the fish tank. Very good food!
(5)Jamie D.
This place has improved since I frequented here back when I lived in Bristol. First of all the service was beyond excellent. Nothing makes or breaks your time out like the type of service you receive. Secondly, we had a fabulous dinner for two deal with a bottle of wine included. The butternut squash soup was to die for and the tollhouse cookie pie was one of the best old fashioned desserts that I have had in awhile. Lastly, the ambiance may be dated, but it is still has that old historic by the waterfront type of charm. We got our choice to sit by the large fireplace in the secluded bar area too. I can't wait to get back and sink my teeth into a warm gooey tollhouse cookie pie...and sure there will be a battle of the forks with it once more!
(5)C M.
I went there tonight for the second time. The first time was really good, I had the lobster caprese salad. Tonight I had the crab cakes. You could tell it was prefab food, not local food. The service the first time I went was amazing, but there weren't many people there. Tonight the service was beyond horrible. Our server sped around the restaurant while accomplishing nothing and hardly checked in with us. It was over 10 minutes until she came to the table the first time. It took forever to place our order. We arrived shortly after 7pm and we finally ate dinner at 8:25. That is ridiculous, especially since we had our children with us. After we had to ask another server to please ask our server to bring the check, she totalled it wrong. It is all hand written, no computers apparently. She over charged us $11.00. I don't think I will be returning in fear that I would get that server again. What a disappointment.
(2)Hannah R.
Went for the week day special and it did not disappoint. For the price of 43 and some change we got a bottle of wine 2 soups clam chowder and tomato basil (both delicious) entrees with sides of pasta. I ordered the scod special, never having scod I was nervous but it came with crab meat on top (that's the special part) it was perfect! My friend ordered the eggplant parm and it was fresh and the eggplant was sliced perfect. Service was also great the kept the table cleaned of trash and never bothered us. He let us take our time and enjoy the sunset. The bartender was also great she actually told us in detail about the drink specials and last the owner, he greeted us and sat us I loved that he was present. Shows he cares for the place. One last thing the place does not feel dated it felt warm and cozy! 5 stars hands down amazing place!!
(5)Sophie R.
I have been coming to S S Dion for years now, and go about a couple of times a month with my boyfriend. We are positively addicted. We came for the very affordable dinner for two menu that I can't recommend enough! After that we were hooked. It runs Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Choose two of their delicious entrees, which are served with a soup or salad, and your choice of veg, plus a bottle of wine for 40.00 It's the best deal in Bristol. My standby is the scrod dijon or the baked scrod. We usually get the chowder to start, but their tomato soup is also good! And if they happen to have cabbage that night, grab it as your veg of choice because it is so buttery, tender, and divine!! If I could made cabbage taste this good, I would make it all the time! Even if you don't think you like cabbage you have to try it. Also terrific is their eggplant parmigiana. The owner batters and fries all of her eggplant fillets BY HAND. Their eggplant parm is the best I have ever had, and it is consistently good. Another thing we LOVE is that they start you off with complimentary crackers and an herby cheese spread, along with a little basket of bread. Speaking of consistency, the service is unfailingly good. The food is delicious, the view of Bristol Harbor is wonderful, the patio in the summer months is very inviting and in the winter both the bar and main dining room have a crackling fire to warm you up. My only suggestion would be maybe rethinking the dessert menu. It's our fave restaurant in Bristol!
(5)Elizabeth T.
Great place for a date night. Sunday thru Thursday they have a special, including a bottle of wine, for under $40 I believe. Although weekends are much more than $75 with alcohol. Food is delectable with a great presentation. Pleasant waitstaff being punctual and informative. Bartenders are very good too. Looking to eat, overlooking the Bristol harbor? Seeing the sunset with cover overhead? You've just found it!! Now go experience it! It's also is facing poppasquash... The best homes or estates in Bristol. Some are 1 mil plus... Compare it to Blithewolds view, only closer to the bike path. The beginning is right in front! Off street parking right there with a parking lot too. Fireplaces in the winter, which I think makes it even more romantic. I try and go every season. Different things to see and eat!!! A must see!! Although it's a great date night, it's great for events or larger tables too. Holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, etc.. It's almost Christmas, go shop locally downtown. Then go grab a bite... honestly I'd say the best restaurant in Bristol! Very enjoyable & relaxing!
(5)Kat B.
We ate inside during winter. Comfortable table settings, very open space with a fire going. Service was really good, she knew her menu very well and was very on top of making sure we were getting taken care of properly. We had seafood casserole, baked tilapia and baked bay scallops, all very good. Some minor faults - the bread before dinner was cold and the clam chowder was a little too watery for the price. Didn't go for dessert but they had a limited menu that night anyway. It sounded good :). Had tea and coffee after dinner and an overall satisfying trip & would recommend it
(4)Mike B.
Probably the most underrated restaurant on the East Bay Best swordfish in the State, together with all the other dishes. Does not get the recognition it deserves. My favorite and we eat out very often. No I am not related to Steve
(5)Kathy S.
Everything was perfect! We sat outside on the deck. The view was great! The service and food were excellent. There were four of us and no one had a single complaint.
(5)Bob H.
Two friends and I sailed into Bristol in the early evening, tied up, and went looking for a restaurant. The town is very pretty, and there are several restaurants near the waterfront. We decided on SS Dion because of the reviews in Yelp, though there only two (which should have been a warning). Service was fine, seating was comfortable, ambiance was pleasant, but the food was mediocre. The waitress, who was very attentive, told us there were only three portions of the scrod left. I went for the baked version; it turned out to be pretty standard, but that's okay for baked scrod. One friend ordered Scrod Dion, which should have been more interesting but was not much more flavorful than the baked version. The portions were small, but in both entres the scrod was cooked properly. My other friend had the Seafood Fra Diavolo; it was acceptable but nothing more. Bread accompanying the meal was soft and mushy. My glass of sauvignon blanc was thin. The bartender gets credit, however. He knew how to make a Negroni! All in all this is a very standard large seafood restaurant with an Italian slant, though there are other things on the menu as well.
(2)Pamela F.
Toll house cookie pie was awesome service was Super
(5)Akiko O.
Great food . Great deal. I love this restaurant.
(5)Wayne J.
Musty smell dark outdated dirty carpet in the dinning room , out door patio cheap plastic chairs and tables. Bathrooms old & smelly food not top shelf too expensive never again
(2)Steve B.
I dine here often. The 2 dinners with a bottle of wine for $40 is a great deal. Soup or Salad. We got the tomato basil soup and salad with blue cheese. The soup was creamy, fresh and well seasoned. Nice salad with a chunky blue cheese. The grilled salmon is always cooked perfect. I have to order this most every time. We had the fried scallops, with creamy cole slaw and sweet potato fries. It was excellent. Lightly battered large sweet scallops. No need for tartar sauce. Fries were sweet and crispy. Service is always professional and efficient. Great bargain.
(4)Ashley A.
Although this place is a little outdated, the food is beyond spectacular. Myself, my grandmother and my cousin all went out to dinner on a Friday night and man was it busy! We got right in because my grandparents are a regulars, so I'm not sure how the wait would have been if we didn't have connections. I got the chicken parm and man I must say it might have been named my new favorite chicken parm dish in Rhode Island. The piece of chicken itself is not too thick, but thick enough and covered in yummy bubbly cheese. The slice of meat is huge, so plan on asking for a to go box. The marinara sauce is yummy and their angel hair pasta is great. For dessert we shared the toll house cookie pie with vanilla ice cream. We were hoping for an actual cookie, however its served more as a slice of pie. Definitely will be back for some more.
(5)