Any suggestions of restaurants a short (1 hour max) drive from NYC that are on the water?

Chart House is in Weehawken, NJ, right on the Hudson, with beautiful views of the NY skyline. It's about a mile from the Lincoln Tunnel.

The River Cafe in Brooklyn also with a skyline view of Manhattan.

Water's Edge in Long Island City (Queens)

There's another Charthouse in Dobbs Ferry just north of the City.

Marina Cafe on Staten Island

I think that there is a Ruth Chris steakhouse on the water in Weehawken also.

there's a crab house in weehawken, new jersey..beautiful views of nyc skyline across the water.

I have to jump in here. I am sorry, but I just ate at the Chart House and it was one of the worst meals I have ever had. Before you think I am a whiner, know that we were with 7 other people and no one was happy. The food was mediocre and the service was just plain lousy. Upon leaving, my Mother fell on the stairs. Not one person from the restaurant came over to help, offer a chair, or to see if she was okay. They all either turned their backs or scurried away. Not going back if they feed me for free. Try the Liberty Restaurant in Jersey City. They have a website.

I have heard wonderful things about the Highlawn Pavillion in West Orange, NJ. Not on the water (I think) but the views of the NYC Skyline is supposed to be wonderful.

A few restaurants on City Island (part of The Bronx) are on the water.

Try Harvest House in Hastings-on-the-Hudson. Excellent food and wonderful view.
I'll concur about the mediocrity of Chart House. You can do much better.

Arthur's Landing in Weehawken can be visited w/o a car by taking the mid-town ferry.

Spirito Grill (Weehawken) in the Sheraton Suites Hotel (surprisingly good for a hotel restaurant)

I'm not impressed with the Highlawn Pavillion (just my opinion) although others do like it... but i don't understand why people say this place has a great view. It's so far from NYC that the skyline is just a gleam of light in the distance.

DON"T!! DON"T!! DON"T!! go to the Liberty House in Jersey City.

We live in upstate NY and subscribe to a great magazine called Hudson Valley. The latest issue has a 10 page spread on over 40 restaurants that are "on the water" - the majority of which are an hour or less from the City. Have fun!

For excellent seafood in a charming town, go to Rowayton Seafood in Rowayton Connecticut, about 40 minutes by car. They are right on the inlet/harbour with fishing boats all around. Great for lunch or dinner. Check their website at rowaytonseafood.com

For one of the most picturesque surroundings on the Long Island Sound, try the Pine Island Grille at the Cresent Club in Bayville. If the weather cooperates, sit out on the deck. It's an hour or less from the city and the food is typical American/Seafood. Do a search on the restaurant they have a website.