Wow, just wow. My husband and I went to Traverse City for our 5 year anniversary and the Boathouse was the highlight!!! We had the Moral Bisque soup, lobster ravioli and both had the Wagyu hanger Oscar- every dish was incredible. We have eaten at upscale restaurants all over the world and this was hands down the BEST steak we've ever had. Great views, great service and incredible food. They even had a card and chocolates waiting on our table for our anniversary. Incredible experience, highly recommend! read more

Boathouse Restaurant - French Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

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The Boathouse in Traverse City... let's start with the obvious the views are unreal. Like, sit there for a minute and question all your life choices for not living there kind of views. Absolutely breathtaking. The atmosphere was perfect cozy, romantic, and just the kind of place you want to slow down and enjoy. Appetizers? Amazing. Dessert? Also amazing. Zero complaints there. Now... my steak and I had a bit of a situationship. First round it was very overcooked. Second round it came back still thinking about the pasture. At that point I tapped out, but thankfully my husband (who prefers his steak with a pulse) stepped in and handled it like a champ. All that said, I would 100% go back. The views, the vibe, and everything else on the menu made it totally worth it. read more

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I was so excited to have dinner here and left pretty disappointed. The food quality does not match the prices. If I have amazing food, I have no problem dropping money. We spent $300 and it was NOT worth it. Not even close. The steak was kind of shocking. For that price I was expecting something much better. I've done better steaks at home from a local farmer. Same goes for the lobster. I feel bad leaving a review like this but it's unfortunately true. The service on the other hand was 10 out of 10!! Our server was VERY knowledgeable about the menu and so kind. She was always there to refill our wine and just great all around. The bartender was also great, as we sat for a nightcap after dinner. Great atmosphere also! We made the best of it and had fun but again the food quality is shocking compared to the prices. Last, while sitting at the bar I could see some young guy vaping in the kitchen through the little window. Whatever, just seemed unprofessional and if it was my restaurant I'd want to know. read more

For a $250 meal, my expectations were high but unfortunately I don't feel the price tag matches the quality of the food. We were celebrating a special occasion so we were ok with splurging. We decided to do the chateaubriand for two, price tag $199. First we started with cocktails, they were just ok. Next came our salads one wedge, one greek. The greek was confusing because it had notes of Indian flavors with the way the lentils were seasoned. The steak was cooked perfectly medium rare but it was so incredibly salty. I couldn't even finish one slice because of how salty it was. The twice baked potatoes are mini potatoes, they were tasty. The asparagus was good. The creamed spinach was kind of watery and not our favorite. Overall it just was an okay meal. I have had much better meals for $100 less. read more

Boathouse Restaurant - French Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

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We were looking for a fine dining restaurant and this is hands down one of the best restaurants I've eaten at. The service was phenomenal and our server Tim was the most friendly and genuine man. He gave use recommendations, and went in depth on the entire menus for us! The atmosphere was beautiful and super clean and pristine. I definitely recommend this restaurant to everyone who's looking for a fine dining experience on the river! Everything we ordered (in the photos) were delicious and would eat it all again the next day! read more

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Food was good and a fair value, especially factoring in the regional pricing. Waitstaff was friendly but had zero knowledge about the menu or wines. When asked about certain dishes was only able to recite what was printed on the menu. Dessert was also a disappointment. I feel there are better options available in the region at that price point and would likely choose them over a return here. read more

Go for the view but don't expect much more. We were celebrating our anniversary dinner and got a great table with a view. Unfortunately, service was very, very slow. And food service disappointing. We initially ordered a Greek salad to split and the octopus. We were told they were out of octopus so we ordered the caviar instead. We got the caviar but never got the salad. Our entrees came out 90 minutes after ordering and my sides were cold. The halibut itself was delicious. We then ordered the chocolate mousse cake for dessert and my husband wanted a glass of sauternes with dessert. We finished dessert before he received his wine. And after all the missteps, you'd think we'd at least have a visit from the manager. Nope. Not coming back - there are so many better restaurants in the area from which to choose. read more

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I am so impressed with Boathouse!! This is my second time coming here and I'm still in love with the quality of food and service they provide! We were seated immediately in the sunroom upon arriving to our reservation of 6 people. The view from there was wonderful during the sunset overlooking the water. Our server, Mary Grace, greeted us immediately and put in our drink orders. She brought them out right away and they looked beautiful and tasted even better. I'm not much of a drinker so I was really excited to see they had mocktails and even more that they had an alcohol free espresso martini. I cannot even describe how amazing it was, it was so good. It was a foamy coffee drink with a cinnamon rim that just hit the spot. We also got a blueberry lemon drop cocktail and Manhattan that were just as good and balanced very well. For appetizers we ordered a half dozen Rockefeller oysters and two salads to share with the table. When our server came back she surprised us with an additional set of raw oysters from the east coast that the kitchen mistakenly made and gave to us on the house. This was my first time trying oysters and both the raw and cooked ones were phenomenal. My friend that was eating with us and knows oysters and said they were well above average and enjoyed them as well. We also thought it was so cute and smart that they wrap the lemon to prevent the seeds from falling into the oysters. When it came time to put in our entree orders, almost everyone ordered halibut and one ordered the wagyu filet. They were plated so beautifully and tasted great. We really enjoyed the food and ordered dessert to finish it off. We got the creme brulee, dirty ice cream with chocolate cake mixed into the vanilla ice cream, and some sort of chocolate hazelnut cake. We loved all of them. We were celebrating our soon-to-be bride and I asked our server, Mary Grace if she could split the bill 5 ways so we could all pay for her and she wasn't sure if she could get the POS system to do it but managed to make it work and for that I am so thankful! Each of our checkbooks had souvinir post cards and stickers for us to take home and it was so cute I loved it! Anyone that comes into Traverse City, I will always recommend going there to eat. They are always booked so make sure to book reservations in advance! Shout-out to our amazing server Mary Grace we loved her. read more

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We had an incredible meal at the Boathouse in Traverse City -- by far the best dining experience we've had in the area! From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was welcoming and relaxed. both my wife and son loved it. We started with the fresh oysters and ravioli appetizers, both of which were absolutely delicious. The oysters were perfectly fresh, and the ravioli had a wonderful homemade taste. For the main course, we ordered the halibut, and it was simply outstanding -- beautifully cooked and full of flavor. Overall, this was a fantastic meal, and we're already looking forward to returning. Highly recommend the Boathouse to anyone visiting Traverse City or locals looking for a memorable dining experience! read more

Boathouse Restaurant - East Coast Oysters on the Half Shell - French Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

Exquisite restaurant in a beautiful setting... if you're a foodie used to great places in New York or Chicago, you're not going to be disappointed one bit by Boathouse... my wife and I split some Cotuit (MA) oysters on the half shell, a wonderful Chanterelle and Morel mushroom soup, the Burrata salad and the Wagyu strip steak. The soup is one of the best I've ever had; the Burrata was amazing with the tomatoes from their farm down the road... seriously those tomatoes! It was tasting late summer... Wines were expertly paired, especially the French Montrachet with the Burrata and the Bordeaux with the steak. Finally we had a wonderful dessert cocktail and cognac after dinner, which they allowed us to have outside on some of the benches they have facing the marina... Service was attentive, friendly... Beautiful decor and views... One of the best meals we have had in recent memory - if you're in the area this is worth a drive, both for a day in the peninsula itself touring around and then topping it off with an exquisite meal at Boathouse. read more

This is our go to spot every year for my birthday. I'd go everyday if I had the money haha. We love their appetizers, it never disappoints. Tried their seasonal oysters and the seasonal soft shell crab and it was amazing. I got the Filet the Oscar way, the best steak I've ever had. My husband got the salmon and it was super good. I think the best part is the bread and the oil haha. Anything you get will be a good choice! The servers are always attentive and friendly and knowledgeable about their food and ingredients and accommodating. No matter where you sit it is a beautiful view read more

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I wish I could give this place more than five stars, I would drive to traverse city just to dine at this restaurant, this place is a true dining experience, and a Michigan Gem. Everything here was absolutely spectacular, and the view from the patio is to die for on a sunny day. We got the steak and lobster for two and it did not disappoint, this is easily one of my favorite restaurants in Michigan! read more

Boathouse Restaurant - Steak and Lobster for two - French Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

Another deliciously created dinner. This visit we selected favorites from prior meals including tempura asparagus, shrimp cocktail and scallops paired with lobster cakes. For dessert we tried their delicious crème brûlée topped with cherry compote- yum. Service - always top-notch. read more

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We were visiting Traverse City and had received a recommendation for the Boathouse Restaurant, so we made a reservation...and, we're glad we did! Here is what we liked: - Comfy, warm vibes with beautiful water views. - They had a great cocktail menu, with many unique options, so we started there. I ordered the Flying Dutchman, which for $24 wasn't cheap, but it worth every penny. My wife got the Paper Boat, which she liked although it was a bit sweeter than she was hoping for. - We started with the Morel Chanterelle Bisque, which was every bit as good as our server had said...in fact, it was probably one of the best mushroom soups I've ever had. My wife got the Spring Burrata salad, which as very good but nothing too out of the ordinary. - For entrees, my wife got the Sea Scallops (on lobster cakes) and I got the Atlantic Halibut. Both meals were excellent! - We broke down and got the Cherry Bomb for dessert, which was worth every single calorie. - Our server was very good...attentive but not overbearing. Bottom line: Next time we're in the area, we'd go back to the Boathouse in a heartbeat! read more

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Great foot, service and a beautiful view. Just always an amazing experience time after time. It's pricey but a real treat. read more

We had an amazing dinner here a few weekends ago. We made a reservation well in advance and while we didn't request to be seated outside, we were given the option when we arrived and got the best table out on their patio with gorgeous views of the bay! Seafood tower is a good size for a group of 4 and everything on it was delicious. You could tell all the seafood was really fresh. They have a deal where you can get dinner for two which came with 2 salads and 2 surf and turfs for $159. The steak was incredible! I didn't love the potato wedge under it but everything else was phenomenal. The place is expensive but I definitely think it's worth a try when visiting the beautiful Traverse City. read more

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We certainly picked the right place. We were just for two days for a business trip and I'm so glad I picked this place which is right on the lake under peninsula. The service, the hostess of waitress, the food the ambience and the view was all impeccable. Fresh and delicious ingredients were used to create these magnificent entrées and plates cover flawless in every way. I wish we had more time and another stomach to try more items on the menu and stay longer. I would definitely recommend this restaurant 100% and I will definitely return if I'm ever back. read more

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Once again visiting the Traverse City area and got a reservation for our party of 4 for dinner. So refreshing to recognize the wait staff from previous years. Catherine was our waitress and she is the best..knowledgeable of the menu, how foods are prepared and portion sizes as well. Enjoyed the tuna tartare and tempura asparagus as our appetizers, then had the salmon with a beautiful pear on top of gnocchi and Brussel sprouts, walleye on top of couscous with veggies , hangar steak Oscar served with asparagus and sliced fingerling potatoes, and a wagyu strip with mushrooms and small twice baked potatoes and broccolini. Everything cook to perfection and so tender and tasty. Our drinks were wonderful as well. We topped it off with a crème brulee and house made vanilla ice cream with chocolate cake blended in. The restaurant is so peaceful despite having almost all tables full on a Tuesday night. We love this restaurant. And we will be back on our next trip! Thank you for such a great experience! read more

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This handsome restaurant on the bay is a very expensive canteen for yachters and the like. No dress code required. In fact, many of the wealthy looking patrons were sporting baseball caps at dinner atop their nicely coiffed noggins The service is attentive and seemingly very gracious. I had the morel soup, which may be the best thing you've ever put a spoon to, depending on what you've ever eaten. The Greek salad was delightful in avoiding Greek salad cliches and being perfectly dressed and refreshing. The scattered red lentils on the salad worked very well. My Octopus appetizer as entree was one of the best treatments of a tentacle I have ever eaten in this country. Except for the mandatory tangle of micro-greens that chefs are now compelled to add on way too many dishes (hint: the great ones rarely use them). My companion ordered the Halibut entree and it came to the table looking fab. An ivory chunk of the premium fish, seared golden brown top and bottom. On the plate were basmati risotto and a piece of baby bok choy. Here is where this fine meal fell apart. The fish was crusted with so much salt it burned the palate. The risotto was nearly as salty so there was no relief on the plate except for the bok choy, which was so under cooked one would want a steak knife to cut it. The worst thing about this entree was the beautiful Halibut had been cremated. Apparently to achieve the lovely crust the unfortunate fish was left in the oven way too long. Dang! It was dry and stringy as tuna straight from the can. My companion tried to eat the interior of the fish but couldn't eat much. She spent the meal gulping water, probably a combination of the dryness and saltiness. My friend is diffident and refused to send the poor fish back to the kitchen. The waiter became mad busy at the end of the meal and couldn't do a final check on us. No shame on him, the place was full of vips Three out of four dishes were very good. The fourth, at 56 dollars, was totally blown. The Poles have a saying which roughly translates, "when the food is too salty the cook is in love." Just saying. read more

This restaurant is beautiful! The food exceeded expectations! The young bartender with the mustache made excellent drinks and an even better recommendation to enjoy them on the back lawn when we finished our food! We can't wait to return next time we are in the area! read more

Boathouse Restaurant - Salmon pate - French Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

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Great dinner at Boathouse! It was our first time dining and did not disappoint. The service is amazing and very attentive without being overbearing and pestering. We started with a sparkling rose which was perfect and some Half Shell Oysters. Then did the Wagyu meatballs, Summer Burrata and Morel soup which was divine. The amount of morels in the soup was incredible and we enjoyed every bite. Definitely a richer soup but we thoroughly enjoyed. Porch view was great and next time want to try sitting at the bar. One of those meals you will always remember. read more

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Had a wonderful evening here food was great. However for a $350 for two I would suggest if someone forgets their left overs and are still in the parking lot. Don't throw it away??? We went back inside not even 5 minutes later to get it and were told they looked for us. We were in the very first parking spot and the bus boy that cleared our table came out to start his car and saw us. Pretty lame. I've worked in fine dining and we hold forgotten leftovers for 10-15 min. For this exact reason. Maybe a good idea to implement that. read more

Nice decor, food was flavorful, great views but the lake, husband and I both got a three course dinner. Service was friendly and accommodating. We were celebrating a birthday and they provided a card and treat upon arrival. They had a kids menu and our daughters both enjoyed the butter noodles, it came with fruit and ice cream. read more

Beautiful place on the water. The Morel soup was delicious, but I don't know if I'd pay $18 for it. The halibut was perfectly cooked, tender on the inside a nice sear on the outside. It was buttery and flaky. The risotto was a little bit undercooked. But the mushrooms and everything were a great companion. Great service, great views. read more

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On my second trip to Boathouse, my true love gave to me... Halibut with Parmesan risotto, foie gras and oysters from New Brunswick, New Jerseyyyy Let me tell you, if you're in Traverse City, I would make sure this spot was on your list. It was, as expected, amazing. We've come here two years in a row for our anniversary. Every part of the meal was cooked perfectly and was nothing short of exquisite. We started with oysters and the burrata salad. This burrata salad was made with tomatoes from the owners garden, we were told. I don't care where it's from, I want it as an appetizer before every meal. It was delicious. I then moved onto the morel chanterelle bisque; I'm a huge proponent of the fungi, so this was right up my alley. It was perfectly seasoned and all the reviews I read about it were on point. Everyone else ordered steak and I went with the halibut. Once again, I regret nothing. I got to take a bite out of all the different steaks but my fish on top of the Parmesan risotto was by far my favorite. We did not get any dessert but walked away perfectly content and full. I hope to come back again in a year! read more

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Came across this restaurant after a quick google and yelp search for restaurants in the area. Beautiful views from the dining room and even better food. The staff was very attentive and shared recommendations (which we of course ordered). We started off with a tuna tartare and it was absolutely delicious. The tuna was fresh and flavorful. I only wish there were more potato chips to eat it with. Next course was the bisque with a few bits of shrimp and lobster which was light, very good and hot! For the main course, I had the wagyu filet and my boyfriend had the halibut. I could have done without the snow crab on the filet (comes with the Oscar option). Both entrees were incredible, accompanied by a starch (roasted potatoes with the filet and Parmesan risotto with the halibut) and vegetables. And finally, the crème brûlée and espresso. We both left satisfied and with thoughts of coming back again. I would recommend to anyone visiting Traverse City and looking for scenic views and delicious food. read more

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We celebrated our anniversary here last night, and we cannot suggest this place enough. Food was fantastic! Service was wonderful. Highly suggest the mushroom soup! read more

Beautiful restaurant in a beautiful location. My wife, who had eaten here a few years ago, suggested the Boathouse for our first night in Traverse City. This is a beautiful restaurant on a bay about 25 minutes north of TC. Jasmine, our server, was excellent -- cheerful, informative and, most importantly, had very helpful suggestions. The drinks were great -- a ginger Manhattan for Laura and a negroni for me. Later Laura had a glass of an excellent Michigan white wine. Laura started with the morel bisque. She loved it. We split two mains: a cauliflower steak (meh) and grilled halibut (excellent). The halibut was outstanding, flakey, moist with a beautiful crispy skin. The cauliflower was just ordinary. It was a vegetarian dish made by someone who doesn't like vegetables. You can make better at home. I can and I do. (If the chef would like my recipe I'd be glad to share it.) After dinner we walked down by the yacht harbor just after dusk. The whole ambience of the harbor and the beautiful restaurant is worth the drive from traverse City. P.S. Someone should please tell the yacht basin manager to replace the shredded, faded American flag. It dishonors the flag. read more

Boathouse Restaurant - French Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

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We had an amazing dinner tonight and it was made better by the awesome service we received from our server, Dan. Everything we had was stellar in taste and presentation. I loved my cocktail with the homemade limoncello. The jumbo shrimp were the perfect start and the creme brûlée, the perfect finish. We both chose fish for our main entree (salmon and halibut). They were cooked to perfection. I almost forgot our soups! Both were extremely tasty but the chanterelle sets the standard. I can't wait to return to demolish the seafood tower. read more

Boathouse Restaurant - Halibut and risotto - French Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

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The food is fantastic, and the servers are really there to help. This is a great place, especially for special occasions. We particularly like going to the bar for sandwiches and drinks. And the kitchen dinners are a wonderful experiences, including good food, comradeship, and an overall great time. read more

On my recent trip to Traverse City, I stopped by the Boathouse Restaurant. Great food and ambiance! View is amazing. Servers are very attentive as well. read more

Boathouse Restaurant - French Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

Food is usually well prepared with a decent variety. Ambiance is good with outside dining on the water, inside is very comfortable. The only downside is they have to depend on a lot of youth that are not experienced enough to give the kind of service you would hope for. read more

It was the first time as I entered the restaurant. It's very well run and the service is excellent and the food and the drinks as well. I sat at the bar. I walked outside, sat in one of the Adirondack chairs and enjoy the scenery of the lake. read more

Extremely overpriced and nothing special for the high prices. Our food was so salty we could hardly some of it. It was like the cook dumped a container of salt on the food. We only went because my daughter had been there 8 years ago and wanted to go again. What a pricey mistake. read more

After several years enjoying the service, ambiance and food, our latest visit was a big disappointment. 6 of us in the party, 2 got surf and turf, and both were fine with that, but it is not a stretch to cook a filet and lobster tail. The others were not happy, I had something called Hanger Steak Oscar, honestly it was ridiculous, bland sliced steak with a sloppy topping of what was called Bearniase sauce and crabmeat. We will go back at some point, but the enthusiasm level is gone. read more

Cannot say enough about the Boathouse.! Not cheap but worth the money. Service is always top notch and the food is on point. Great selection of seating both inside and out. read more

Wow! Amazing able to get reservations as it was a really off time. We were able to sit outside and it was a lovely view. Excellent service- wonderful oysters, bisque, and desserts! We started with traditional oysters and Prosecco. Moved into some foie gras and tempura battered asparagus. I had the shrimp and lobster bisque and they are known for the morel bisque that my friend had (which was good). To finish a lovely glass of Caymus wine with strawberry basil sorbet and a classic crepe brûlée. Lovely- happy- and full we moved on. Definitely a treat! Hope to come back read more

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Three of us ate in the bar area. Our server was acerbic, rude, and basically had a holier-than-thou attitude from the beginning. We asked immediately for two separate checks. Two of us ordered a cobb salad and asked if we could add Salmon to it. We were assured we could. The third one in our party asked for a side salad. When the meal came, our salmon portions were about 4-5 ounces which was fine. And it was very good. When it came time for the check, we got one, not separate ones. And the side salad never came. My bill was $12 for the salad and $38 for the salmon add-on! The server had never mentioned such a stiff upgrade for a tiny portion of salmon. I expected the usual $10-12 add-on but not $38. I even asked if both bills had been given to me. The server, in his condescending way, informed me that it was a "special" salmon. Right. And my $12 salad was suddenly $50. I called the next day to speak to a manager. And was given the same song and dance about the "special" salmon. No mention of being sorry or that the server should have made that little add-on known to his customers. Thinking maybe I didn't speak to the right person, I called again the next and spoke with another manager. Same song, same dance. Needless to say, I shall never darken the door of the Boathouse again. Assuming management reads this, all a manager had to do was apologize and perhaps offer me a free cocktail the next time I came in. Not even that courtesy was extended to me. read more

A lovely waterfront view, the service was friendly, and the food was delicious. It was a busy place but able to get seated without a reservation, but would recommend reservations ahead of time for good seating. read more

Good friendly atmosphere. Good food. A bit pricey but a nice place to visit. I have to have at least 85 characters to post. read more