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    The Boathouse

    3.1 (92 reviews)
    Open 12:00 pm - 9:00 PM
    Updated over 3 months ago

    The Boathouse Photos

    THE BOATHOUSE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Romantic
    Classy
    Upscale

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    Katrina M.

    A cool Sunday afternoon on our trek back home we stopped here for dinner. Recommended by our Uber driver on a previous trip. Not very busy at the time, we sat out on the back patio. The host and the server asked us a couple of times if we were sure we wanted to sit outside since it was a bit chilly. But our minds were set and we were happy with our decision to sit outside; enjoying the fresh air and sunset views. And really it wasn't too bad at all with a light sweater on. The inside of the restaurant was rather warm which is perhaps why they thought it was so cold out on the back patio. Their cocktail list was classic and not overwhelming. I chose the Negroni. Dinner was the Mahi Po-Boy sandwich. Fish was cooked to perfection. Sandwich wasn't super fancy or overloaded with fillings. Just a light drizzle of cucumber aioli and a little coleslaw mixture. My only complaint is that the bread was a little too heavy or thick, it took away from the overall light flavor and texture of the fish. Perhaps something a little thinner would complement it more? Final thoughts: worth the view, relaxed environment, a step away from the busier main streets, feels more local and less touristy than the surrounding area.

    Amy D.

    Ordered an espresso martini that looked like it was poured straight from the river behind the bar--thick, brown, and mildly concerning. Naturally, I renamed it "The River Water." Fortunately, it tasted way better than it looked. Honestly? One of the best I've had. We generously offered Malik some truly awful pick-up lines for his future use (he pretended to be grateful), and he kindly informed me that my singing could clear the bar. Fair. All sarcasm aside--Malik was fantastic. Funny, chill, and knows how to mix a mean cocktail. Ask for The River Water. Just don't sing.

    Leah C.

    It was an okay experience. Our food came out before our drinks, our waiter communicated that the person on the bar was backed up or busy but she was working on it. The food was good, my husband's food was lack luster and didn't taste fresh but my pancakes really were the best part of the experience. The only thing giving this a 2 star rating was the view of the river. I think if it weren't for that it'd be a poor experience.

    Signature Flavored Mojito & Sunset

    I've only tried the Philly Cheese steak sandwich so far, and it was amazing. The service is usually good. Atmosphere is quiet and relaxing on most days. I usually stop in for a mojito around sunset. The views are amazing and the cocktails are delicious.

    Tania M.

    We'd come back again for the food and ambiance. Their food are not too salty, perfecto. The service was great too. Recommended!

    French onion soup with peach brandy old fashion  !!
    Charles F.

    Just let me say it's September and on a Monday evening weather is wonderful.. The hotel is called the Vue..

    Jeff Y.

    The server did a very good job. My wife had the Filet Mignon, and it wasn't seasoned well. The green beans were not seasoned at all and seemed clearly to be frozen green beans, and the mashed potatoes were okay at best. My wife didn't eat them. I had the chicken and waffles. When you think of chicken and waffles, you think of good waffles and a nice piece of fried chicken. I have included a picture of what I got. The thing that is crazy is that they have fried chicken on the menu. It wouldn't be much more difficult to put a real piece of chicken on the waffles (which were tasty) and make it a more elevated meal compared to the "popcorn chicken" that came with the waffles. Our kids got a pizza, and they did eat all of that. It was fairly good. The ambiance of the restaurant is really quite nice, and the view of the river is very nice. The drinks from the bar were tasty. It's a shame that the food was sub par. This place could be really good if the food was improved.

    Fettuccine Alfredo with Shrimp and Frozen Watermelon Lemonade
    Katelyn C.

    Absolutely loved my experience here! Decided to eat here for a nice dinner with my boyfriend, and I'm so glad we did. The inside had a great ambiance and the view from the window that our table faced was so pretty We even saw a fox run across the frozen river. The service was great. Our server was so nice and super helpful without being overbearing. The food was also sooo good! I loved my fettuccine alfredo with shrimp, and my boyfriend loved the miso ramen. My favorite part, however, was the watermelon frozen lemonade. It was amazing! HIGHLY recommend coming here if you're looking for a nice dining experience while in the dells.

    Anna M.

    In short: the only saving graces are their cocktails and mediocre overlook of the river. The first thing that was annoying is that it's entirely misleading; there is neither a single vegan item on their menu nor a vegetarian option, even the fries are smothered in beef fat. Secondly, our waitress (some brunette with a thick accent) was rude from the second she interacted with us. From her condescending tone to snarky comments, I don't know why she chose service as her profession; hospitality is clearly not her forté. I asked her if I could sub out an item containing mushrooms since I have an intolerance, and she said no I would only get my main and vegetable, for $30. I enquired about paying for a substitution, but she just walked away before I was done talking. The food was pretty good, not entirely worth the price, but I get they're trying to sell that "bougie" atmosphere. Cocktails were delicious, but service was absolutely trash and the misleading information they put online about their menu contributed to only getting 1 star.

    Awesome view!

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    16 days ago

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    8 months ago

    I'm willing to try again. Service was marginal and food was okay . . . I was expecting a bit more. View is great!

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    1 year ago

    Nice ambience, good food, great view of the water, came with a large group, most were happy

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    2 years ago

    Fish fry was good - seating outside was very nice with water views. The pricing here are good for the meal- we will be back here

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    2 years ago

    Typical bar food and drinks for Madison - on the expensive side but the lakeside view is super nice.

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    Ask the Community - The Boathouse

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