Boathouse - A Disappointing Experience I have been a regular customer at the Boathouse restaurant for several years, particularly during the summer months, as the convenience of being able to park my boat nearby has always been a major selling point. However, my recent visit to the restaurant left much to be desired. Upon entering the restaurant, I immediately noticed a decline in the overall atmosphere. The ambiance that I once enjoyed seemed to be lacking, which set the tone for the rest of the evening. Starting with the food, I must say that it was nothing more than average. The fried calamari, which I usually enjoy, tasted more like overly salted popcorn. The burger I ordered was far from satisfying, and the other dishes were below the standard I had come to expect from this establishment. Frankly, even my dog would have turned up his nose at the unappetizing meals that were served. It was disappointing to see such a decline in the quality of the food. However, what truly overshadowed the mediocre dining experience was the abysmal service. Our waitress, who seemed perpetually angry, provided no smiles or friendly gestures throughout the evening. It puzzled me as to why someone with such an unpleasant demeanor would be hired in the first place. To my surprise, when the bill arrived, the waitress had the audacity to ask for a tip. I intended to tip her in cash, but she insisted on a card payment, claiming there was no room to include a tip. This was unacceptable, and I was shocked by her boldness in making such a demand. Needless to say, this disappointing visit to the Boathouse was my last. After years of patronizing this restaurant, I can no longer ignore the decline in food quality and the poor service that I experienced. I sincerely hope that the management at the Boathouse takes this feedback seriously and makes the necessary changes. It's time for them to reconsider their cook and ensure that their service staff represents the welcoming and attentive nature that customers expect when dining out. read more

Service was ridiculously slow for sub-par food! The restaurant was quiet, so quiet we were given our choice of seats, so we sat in the bar. A few ppl came in and we're also seated in the bar area. We ordered our meals when the waitress came to take our drink order. After 30 minutes, it took 5 minutes to flag down the waitress to be told that the item I ordered (crab dip in a pretzel bowl) takes longer than most items, something she neglected to mention when we ordered. Food finally came out and my dip was overcooked to the point that parts were hard and inedible. We then ordered drink refills, met with an eye roll, and we're given flat sodas. At that point, we requested our chevk, met with yet another eye roll. Needless to say, we won't be returning any time soon. read more

For years, our family has visited this restaurant for special occasions, but the service has significantly declined since 2020, leading us to suspect new ownership. The cloth napkins, bread bowls, and salad baskets have been eliminated. The luxury menu holders have been replaced with a single sheet of paper. The food quality and portion sizes no longer justify the prices, and the food and drink selections have noticeably worsened. After vowing not to return last year, this year's visit confirmed our decision. If the ownership has changed since 2020, we urge the new owners to step up. The Boat House was once a cherished spot for both its name and its exceptional experience, please restore it to its former glory. read more

Came here for dinner and drinks while staying at East Shore Lodging. I was pleasantly surprised by the food, drinks and service. When seated they serve warm rolls with butter and the most delightful slices of banana bread. Their seafood was so fresh and delicious (shrimp cocktail for appetizer, salmon and Wally roll for entrees). Living on the water I have had lobster rolls on many occasions. This was hands down the best I have ever had (they mix main lobster lump crabmeat and shrimp). Everything was great including the dessert (brownie ice cream)! They also had live music in the bar area from 930-1230. Will definitely return next time in town! read more

Poor service...not friendly. Would not seat us outside ..said off limits 3:30 to 4 fire rule...What's that about? Been going for years has been getting worse ...needs better management.. Lake area restaurants are not dog friendly at all... Love the area but this is a real turn off. Wake up Woodlochs ...you have a great location but your employees need to smile and not piss off the customers. One more time and I'm done with this place... read more

Was in for dinner, brought my in laws. Food was TERRIBLE. I don't know if they changed vendors or owners or chef, but almost everything was horrible. Very little seasoning, the quality of the meats is bad. The fountain sodas don't even taste right!!! My daughter wouldn't drink her pepsi. My wife sent back the soup. We have always looked forward to coming here on spring break but unfortunately a lot has changed. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY. read more

I don't know what happened to this place but the quality of the food is HORRIBLE. We've been here at least 4 times in the last 6 months, there's no taste to anything. The penne vodka pasta, bland, the chicken fried sandwich, bland, the soups are bland! The food is not good at all. NO SEASONING If they changed owners they might want to rethink the kitchen staff. It use to be great: will NOT be back read more

We are our way home Interstate 49 and saw a small sigh for the Boathouse Restaurant in Rich Hill, MO so we stopped. That was the best thing to do. It is a gem we found. We had chicken wings and a burger. They were great and the coleslaw was good I ate it first. They have a good southern sweet tea. The staff is so nice and friendly. This is a great stop. read more

Were on the lake for vacation and stopped here, excellent food, good music, nice people... Even tried to make us a campfire sauce that we asked for even tho it's not one of their regulars. Great experience. read more

Nice view of the lake and possibly the best dock and dine location with a nice dock that is easy to tie up at. Burgers and lunches are the best on the lake. Very kid friendly! read more

Fantastic food, great staff, nice ambiance. The prime rib is out of this world and the chicken picatta. I've never had anything there I did not thoroughly enjoy. read more

Dinners are not the best, but it is a great place to bring your family and lunches are some of the best in the area. If you like burgers you cannot go wrong! read more

Always a good time food is great service is always great love the place. Great selections of beer Family friendly place will return

Always excellent food and service. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. I am never disappointed when I go to the Boat House. read more

Came here after a bad experience at another area restaurant. If youre looking for something light and a drink this is a nice place.

On vacation in Woodloch. Tried this place was great. Benny was the best. Oh and must try Wally Roll. Will definitely be back read more

We did not like it at all. Never going back. It used to be our favorite restaurant. Not anymore.

Awful business. Awful food. Awful owner. Terrible to employees. He does not deserve your business.

Didn't live up to the hype; the food is better at the diner down the road. Won't be going back