The open fresh air seating was wonderful. Just me. Sat at the bar. Host & bartender both friendly and engaging. I saw the rowdy "kid" play area (and could hear them) I get the reviews complaining, however it really is a lack of parenting issue, not the restaurant. The signature drinks, once being a "western sunset" , menu says 10$ in a maybe 6 ounce plastic cup (smallest cocktail I've seen at a restaurant) ended up being 12$ each on the bill. That is why I'm deducting a star, it was 20% higher for each tiny drink than expected. Bartender was very nice woman. I would return here for the wonderful view and tasty burger. I wouldn't order a dinky drink again. read more

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Food was very good, atmosphere and vibe was great! We had the bacon jam burger and Nashville hot chicken sandwich. Both were very tasty. I would highly recommend either one. You also get to choose from a variety of sides. They give you a generous portion of the sides as well. The views of the water are pretty, and if you have young kids, there is a big playground right next to the dining area! This is a well thought out restaurant with fun amenities for the whole family. I highly recommend. read more

Overall, not good. They charge eight dollars for a domestic can beer, the service is absolutely fucking terrible! A bunch of dimwit, waiters and waitresses standing around doing nothing. The food was bland, they have no concept of what it takes to satisfy their customers. The only thing they have going for them is the view of the river. That's it. Other than that, don't go there. read more

Beautiful spot on the water. Walked in and seated on the outside porch right near the dock. Started with a ponchartrain punch. Really great. Ordered the redfish sandwich , grilled with slaw. The slaw is a vinegar base and refreshing just different. The waitress was new but super sweet and helpful. Another terrific experience. read more

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Great atmosphere and great drinks! Service is excellent and food is great! They even have a playground for little ones! read more

The Anchor - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Madisonville, Louisiana

Atmosphere was great. Good food. Good drinks. Service was amazing. Loved the playground

My wife and I stopped at The Anchor for a Saturday afternoon lunch. We were told there would be a twenty minute wait; which was reasonable. Inquired about restrooms and were told they were upstairs. Near the kitchen area there were three flights of stairs to a pair of single stall restrooms. Not a huge problem for most I suppose, but a severe impediment for those with even mild mobility issues. After returning to our wait for a table, we observed multiple tables for two that had been bussed, but were apparently not available. We left. The Anchor has an attractive open air location on the river and might be a good spot for boaters and the younger crowd to meet for a few brews, but for other than that we can't recommend. read more

This is a frequent place for us and we love it!! It's a great casual place that is family friendly and has a great view of the water. You can also dock your boat there. They recently updated their menu, and it has a lot more options! To start, we usually get the boudin egg rolls. They are delicious, but we were a little sad to see they don't come with their pepper jelly aioli they had before. We also love their anchor shrimp (sweet and spicy shrimp) appetizer. This time we got the bacon jam burger which was really good. I do think the burger meat itself could have been a little more seasoned but that just may be a personal preference. However, the burger did have a lot of flavor with all the toppings. Their drinks, especially their frozen cocktails are great. The service was a little slower today but they were super busy, and we usually have quick service there! We can't wait to come back and try more on their menu! read more

I gave the anchor multiple tries and it never went well for me. When this business first opened it was highly recommend especially since it took place of Friends. My first time going there, it was impossible to get decent seating so we were placed on a couch with a restricted view. Our food came out warm and our drinks were the only thing that was up to standard. Fast forward, I go back to the anchor (maybe a year or so after it's opened) I have a similar experience. Maybe my expectations were too high, I'm not sure. I don't blame the staff for how crowded it was or the food being cold. It seems like it might be a management issue. read more

Other than the beautiful view, there is nothing positive I could say about our experience here for lunch. We were seated outside, which was great because it was a gorgeous day, but we were seated very near the playground, which was fine, but we were near a wall that I guess kids were hiding or playing hide and seek near and they literally were trying to jump the wall basically into our laps. It was wild! I'm not sure where their parents were, but these kids were definitely old enough to know better! The service was absolutely horrible. Extremely slow. They brought out incorrect drinks from what we ordered. My burger was very overcooked and inedible. Super disappointing and very chaotic experience. read more

Amazing views with stellar service, refreshing drinks, and tasty seafood options. This place was a nice gem to discover but it is not very vegan or kosher friendly as most of the items contain either shellfish or pork. read more

The Anchor - Loaded potato salad + hot chicken slider - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Madisonville, Louisiana

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The cauliflower pizza is amazing. I think they have a brick pizza oven because the crust is crispy, perfection. Lots of fans for this outdoor dining experience. Tasted the frozen bushwacker and the best alcoholic milkshake ever. Almost as good as FloraBamas. read more

Great outdoor space with live music. Food and service were good.. not great. Nice place to eat on the water.

This was my 2nd visit to The Anchor! On both occasions the hostess was very inviting and accommodating. The first visit was during the summer season when everyone wants dockside seating. We met two separate couples and had a very relaxing and enjoyable meal with friendly conversation. Today, our visit landed us at The Anchor after a recent cold spell. Anyone from Louisiana knows these rarely last for to long. The day was pretty and the temperature was up, but still chilly. My partner wanted to be seated dockside, I preferred a little heat. The hostess, Nicole, gave us the best of both worlds. She gave us seats with water views but under the very comfortable heaters. Can I say, really accommodating and pleasant! And, that was on the first visit too when it was extremely busy! Our waitress, Emily, was super! I wanted a boozy warm drink. She made something for me that wasn't on the menu, and was quit tasty. For my entree I had the tacos with Firecracker shrimp and sweet potato fries. Spicy & Tasty!!! Honestly, I was to full to eat because we had an order of boudin egg rolls and Nashville wings which was all scrumptious! The sweet potato fries were pretty good; but I could have downed the beer fries on my own. The Boat Burger was seasoned and juicy. As full as I was I took a few bites because, it was delicious! Overall, everything was amazing; from the atmosphere, the service, and the food! I'd be back; hopefully a lot sooner! read more

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Bri is THE best bartender on the Northshore!! Super friendly! Makes amazing drinks! Has a regular following of awesome patrons who I can genuinely call friends :) Bri is why I visit the Anchor! read more

I LOVE this place! The drinks are amazing and the food is phenomenal! The executive chef definitely knows what he is doing! Pierce was our server and did an amazing job and the GM is so friendly and you can tell he cares for this establishment and the customers and the ambiance is unmatched! I can't wait to go back! read more

I really really really like this setting. The vibes by the water & the actual aesthetic of the restaurant was my type of vibe. I was disappointed in my food. The picture was good but the food was cold. I made a stop on my lunch break, I waited just about 45 minz for my food to get to me after placing the order shortly after I arrived and when I got my food I wanted to send it back but I didn't have time to wait again. The restaurants restroom is upstairs as well. So don't hold it lol cause you have two flights to walk up. read more

The Anchor - Menu - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Madisonville, Louisiana

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Atmosphere is great. Food is just ok. It's overpriced bar-type food. Drinks are just ok, not very strong. If you're looking for a great place to hang out and don't really care about food or drinks, this is the place for you. read more

First of all I recommend this place for atmosphere and service but the food is just ok or not that good. We had the roast beef debris Poboy. It really wasn't a pot roast in Poboy. gravy on the side which is a bad sign. Kind of thick gooey gravy. The bread was just average or worse. Red beans side was good. So I was going to give this place 3stars because the food is not bad and I'm very picky, so I think many may enjoy it. but a couple of things knock them down a star. The biggest issue was we had a side of potato salad. It was sour cream, potato salad, which I absolutely despise and I don't understand how anyone can eat. Any restaurant that serves this should have a warning on the menu. Maybe some people like it but it's not the traditional potato salad and it just not my thing. The other minor criticisms are battered fries. I just think they're un-American and I don't like them and they were kind of cold And to top it all off the music there sucks. pop country doesn't get much worse than that. read more

I've been here four times, and I'm done. The food is hit or miss, but all of it is ridiculously overpriced. Apparently, the business model of this place is to keep raising prices because fewer guests are coming. The higher they raise prices; the less people will want to come. The first time I was there in December with a large group. Service was terrible. Half the group was very dissatisfied with the food. The time I was there recently, on a beautiful Friday afternoon, the place was almost empty. It should be PACKED with a location like that. The music was so loud we couldn't hear ourselves speak. I like country music, but it doesn't fit this place. They could be playing Jimmy Buffet or reggae music, which would fit the ambiance. Yes, if you're sitting at tables along the river, you have a view, but that's it. The odd flavor daiquiris were the worst I've ever tasted ANYWHERE. In fact, if you told me they contained pesticide; I'd believe it. The mixed drinks were no better. If you want to pay $6 plus tax and tip for one domestic beer, this is your place. Roast debris sandwich tasted good, but I had to send it to the lab to see if there was actually any roast on it. For $19?? A small bag of Zapp's chips, $4?? French fries $7 (they weren't good, btw)?? Grilled chicken Ceasar salad $19. The owners put so much into renovating this place, and it had so much potential, but they do not have a profitable business plan. There wasn't a boat at any of the docks. As an owner, I would much rather have a packed restaurant with reasonable prices and a waiting list to be seated than a mostly empty place with a few unsuspecting patrons who will likely never return. To sit here and have a sandwich and a few beers, you're looking at a $50 per person lunch (for mediocre food). No thank you. Someone will have to buy the place and change the name and the business model to turn this around. read more

Beautiful location to grab a casual meal with the family. The smell of the smoker is AMAZING!!!! And they have an amazing kid play area complete with a pirate ship. So cute! The food was good and we will definitely be back. I just won't be ordering a Patron margarita. I was charged $16 for that little cup filled mostly with ice. read more

The Anchor - Margarita on the rocks - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Madisonville, Louisiana

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Views were great, but the service and drinks sucked. I had high expectations for this place, but they did not come through sadly. It took 5 minutes for us to be noticed at the bar, every time. read more

3 starts just cause this portion is robbery. I'm just the kind of guy who would slide you 5 nuggets in the box even if u ordered 4. To go kitchen couldn't even fill it half way man. give consideration for your customers I don't get people like that. read more

The Anchor - What kind of portion is this? I'm just the kind of guy to slide u 5 nuggets when u order 4 you know what I mean - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Madisonville, Louisiana

First and last time here. Took 10 minutes for someone to come to the table for our drink order. Very nonchalant when she did finally appear. Waitstaff is sorely in need of training. When our Boudin egg rolls were brought, they forgot the sauce it comes with. They were ok. Husband had Nashville Chicken Sandwich and he said it wasn't bad. I had Crab Cake & Fried Green Tomato Sandwich - the crab was non-existent and the sandwich really didn't have much flavor at all. Not sure what kind of bun they use, but neither of us cared for it. Drinks - 1 beer, 1 iced tea. Total $66! Way overpriced. Atmosphere was ok - could have turned on all the ceiling fans though since it's the end of May. The restrooms are up 2 flights of stairs, so don't wait til the last minute if needed. The view of the water is very nice, it's a shame that the restaurant doesn't live up to its potential. read more

Food was cold when it came out , people walking all over the dining area. High priced McDonald's by the water basically.

We were checking out this area and found this on the water for lunch. First, the staff was amazing. Bathrooms cant be on the first floor. With my eyes, I wasn't sure how to make it upstairs & at the time I couldn't climb stairs. One of the waiters took me up in the elevator to get me to the bathroom. He also waited for me to bring me back downstairs to my table. So appreciative of this young man!! Our waitress was nice as well. Too many of those, I think they are called "kissing bugs", they were everywhere and kept landing on my food. The 4 stars is for the staff. The food, about a 3. Husband had the boathouse burger. He said it was ok, nothing to write home about. I had the anchor dog. It was good, just hard to eat with flies in my face LOL. I do not recommend the Cole slaw. Had an awesome view of the marina! read more

The Anchor - The boathouse burger & fries - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Madisonville, Louisiana

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Love it but you can spend some dollars here quick but it's a good place for kids and adult fun in one.

I've had two meals here and drinks a few times. The pros: the outdoor dining area by the river, live music The cons: limited beer selections (how is your bar area that big with no beer taps?), mediocre food, sporadic service, and limited hours (closing at 7pm on a weeknight?) Lastly, some of the patrons quite er, um, loud and opinionated? It's definitely a mixed bag of people. I appreciate the effort into revamping the Madisonville riverfront, but this place has plenty of room for improvement. read more

The anchor is the downstairs bar and grill in the location where friends used to be. They have the same chef that the fine dining restaurant upstairs called Tchefuncta S. So the food in both locations is actually pretty incredible. One of the best sandwiches I've ever pad is the soft shell crab sandwich pictured below. It's the best place I know of to have a drink grab a bite and watch the boats go back-and-forth on the river. Bring the kids there's a foosball table and a ping-pong table shuffleboard table and a playground. I can't wait till Tchapitoulas opens upstairs. It will bring a new level of fine dining to the north shore. read more

The Anchor - Softshell sandwich - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Madisonville, Louisiana

It's funny the Anchor has so much potential but the service and the cleanliness just always lacks! Food is always good, -although they took away the items we really liked- pulled pork sandwich and boudin balls! I wish they would train the wait staff a bit more and have better bartenders- read more

The food ordering system is disorganized and inefficient. The woman taking orders was 100% on top of her game but not so much the bar staff. The bartender was inattentive and deadpan sarcastic in ineffective ability to track customers or orders. He was also unable to answer simple questions concerning the structure of food and beverage service. He was overwhelmed with three customers, I would hate to see how he responds when they are truly busy. read more

Ambiance was really good, live music tonight was fantastic, food was yummy and service was good too!

Drinks are ok. Service is a bunch of young kids. The food sucks. If this wasn't on the water they would be out of business.

We have been wanting to go and bring the kids. It looked very fun for them. We ordered Fried red Fish and was surprised it wasn't catfish. My 8yr old looked at it and ask what is it? Chicken strips look just like the fish. hard to tell what was what except for the shrimp. The barbecue was eatable nothing to brag about. When a adult won't eat it lis want. read more

The Anchor - Fish chicken and shrimp. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Madisonville, Louisiana

This location has been a number of different restaurants. It's on the river with outside, shaded seating and a playground for kids. Beautiful scenery. All of that is good. Food is ok, I had the roast beef po-boy; although I didn't have the boiled crawfish. If you get here before closing you may not have access to the bar as they close it before the restaurant and by the I mean they close while you are finishing your dinner. Management needs to understand when you have a big group and you are closing down bar despite being open - you should tell your customers. Lost a star due to poor management. read more

Food was ok. Customer's dramatic. Staff nice. Fun to sit outside in fresh air! They have a playground for kids. read more

Always a relaxing scene. Great hangout spot for a small bite or drink. Food is pretty good it's more about the atmosphere and sense of community. Worth stopping by. Salads are fresh and burgers are decent. read more

i hate that this place has so many negative reviews. we are here for labor day and our experience has been great! the the anchor shrimp appetizer were very flavorful and crispy...i hate when they're soggy after being tossed in sauce but these were perfect. i got the nashville hot chicken sandwich as my entree and it had the perfect amount of spice. the filet was HUGE and so flavorful. beer battered fries were amazing and so crispy i took the rest of my fiancés leftovers to air fry tomorrow. potato salad was also great. for my drinks i got the ranger margarita: DELICIOUS. i'm a margarita girl so i'm picky...i also tried the mockingbird - not very good...wasn't sweet enough for me and had no blueberry flavor at all. service was also quick even with our party of 10. overall great experience and we will be back when it's finally not 95 degrees at 6 pm:) read more

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I really wish I didn't have to give it one star. This place is a JOKE. They can't handle their location and it was a huge disappointment. So it's right on the water and there's a deck you can dock your boat at and come in for some food. There's places to relax and drink, tables to sit and eat at, a bar and even a playground for kids. Sounds pretty awesome right? I thought so too but I was SO WRONG. First they tell you the wait is an hour. Because I think they know they can't handle it so they are actually trying to get people to not get on the waitlist and just leave. I didn't wait an hour I waited maybe 30 mins. So cool! Not as long of a wait as I thought, yay.... I get seated and some young kid comes to take my order and doesn't know anything about what's on the menu. He seems very distracted. He takes our drink and appetizer order. And then we never see him again. I get up with my kids to go play while my husband tries to flag him down. Finally my husband decides we are just going to leave and gets up to come get us from the playground. He then runs into the waiter and the waiter asks "hey y'all ready to order? Y'all need something?" To which my husband responds "well we were going to leave but yeah we will order" (obviously we are hungry and are hoping it can't get worse since we shared his lack of attendance as already being an issue). Now we run out of drinks waiting on the food. Waiter doesn't come back... again. I grab a waitress walking by and tell her my kids and I need drinks. She tells our waiter, he comes to the table and asks "hey, someone said y'all needed drinks?" To which we respond with what drinks we had and need. So our food comes, delivered by food runners not the waiter. Still no drinks. I need Mayo for my sandwich, but can't flag down the waiter. So my husband goes to the bar to get our drinks and then to where the runners are to ask for Mayo. It's not like we wanted to eat our food together or anything. My husband was our waiter that day I guess. During none of this time does the actual waiter ever come back to us. The food was also very expensive and not worth it. You get coleslaw and potato salad in a condiment cup, so literally a spoonful of potato salad and a spoonful of coleslaw. If you don't get coleslaw and/or potato salad another side is chips. Sometimes it's Zapps in a bag if they haven't run out. If they have run out it's some weird BBQ chip, which isn't really what you want to eat when you are also eating BBQ food... I've also heard they run out of food a lot on the weekends. But anyways back to the waiter. My husband gets up from eating because our son is restless and he's angry the waiter is now almost purposefully ignoring us and goes back to the playground. The waiter decides he has to come check on us now I guess, probably because he has to bring a bill. He also asks if there's anything I need. To which I reply "what happened to the drinks you were supposed fo bring? I see you waiting on other tables but you won't come back to us. What I need is your manager". The manager came and apologized but he didn't seem like he really cared. I gave him the rundown of events. Like I didn't feel like he had any concerns. It looked like maybe his dad gave him this manager gig and he was a fish out of water. The experience was miserable. Just go to Abita down the street. Way better staff, price and food. read more

Visited here for the first time! I loved it! My toddlers have major food allergies and the staff were so understanding and attentive to our requests! The food was great and the atmosphere was so fun! It was a rainy day so it was closed up but would be amazing on a sunny day with views of the river and a fenced in playground for the kiddos! read more