Not the best ever but decent food and good service. The setting is worth the visit. Great for special occasions

The view and the sunsets are outstanding, but the food fell flat. We ordered the calamari but we didn't order the hair we got as well. We didn't mention that, things happen, but we had to draw the line at the rancid pork hop. As soon as it was delivered, we could smell it, cut into it and the smell was worse. While they were gracious, no excuse for bad meat. Would not recommend. read more

We have been here many times. The food is usually very good, and we enjoy sitting outside since you are on the lake and can watch the sunset. The service is sometimes slow but the food is really good, so it makes up for the slower service at times. read more

The Oaks Lakeside - Sunset - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Chippewa Lake, Ohio

Very Disappointing Experience Our neighborhood group of eight went to The Oaks Lakeside in Chippewa Lake for a holiday brunch, and unfortunately the experience was a complete disappointment from start to finish. Meals came out at different times, with some dishes arriving very late--including a simple $18 salad and a waffle breakfast. My Eggs Benedict was served cold twice. I sent it back both times. On the third attempt, the manager personally brought the dish and stood over me, instructing me to eat it. I tasted it and pushed the plate away, extremely uncomfortable with how the situation was handled. Things worsened when it came time to pay. Our server took our credit cards and did not return. After waiting over 10 minutes, I had to locate her myself just to get my card back--only to find I had been charged for the cold breakfasts I had sent back twice. When I questioned this, the manager insisted that I "loved it," putting words in my mouth instead of addressing the fact that I never received a hot, acceptable meal. Our entire group left very disappointed. This was not the level of service we expected from such a well-known restaurant. We will be avoiding The Oaks until they get back on their game. read more

Extremely slow service. Flustered server in under her head. Took almost 40 minutes just to get menus. Server kept asking if we're ready to order and we kept telling her we don't have menus yet. Dinner service should not take almost 4 hours. At least food was good...except for the bread pudding. Avoid that one. Luckily we were not in a hurry. read more

We made a reservation to eat here for Valentine's Day, we arrived 5 minutes before our reservation and were told they were running behind and it would be 20 minutes. We ended up waiting over an hour for our table, after finally being sat we didn't see a waiter for over 10 minutes. We finally left so we could eat dinner at a decent time, not a single staff member apologized or tried to make it right. We could tell some were working hard, like the bartender, and felt overbooked, but this ruined our Valentine's Day and we will not be going back. read more

Very tasty and more than adequate. The service was excellent and the decor has been very appealing for many years !

Great service and food. Terrific Christmas atmosphere. Very reasonably priced high end food. Well Done!

Love this place. Food was great, service was great and I can't say enough about our waitress, so sweet.

I was very skeptical when going to dinner here, the reviews weren't the most favorable. I was so pleasantly surprised. The service was great and our waitress was really informative and friendly. The drinks were very good and came out in a timely manner. We all started with salads which were suggested that would be great to split and most of us did, they were large portions even with splitting them. Everyone was raving about their entrees and I was as well. I got the duck, as someone who loves duck most places don't cook it right. First the portion was massive but the skin was so crispy and the meat was so tender. The sauce was very complimentary and paired so well. We ended with dessert that was also very good. We all decided we would come back very soon. read more

The Oaks Lakeside - Roasted duck - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Chippewa Lake, Ohio

Came to enjoy the band The Divots and loved the waitress Christy. The food was almost as good as the view. Highly recommend you find your way out here read more

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Although the weather was not great, it's still a Friday night. I think our party of 13 was the only ones eating?! That being said you'd think we would have a great dining experience... drinks came quickly but we had to ask for bread as we waited for our entrees. The biggest issue was the service staff not being knowledgeable about the menu. We asked multiple times to confirm that the "sea bass" listed as white fish was Chilean- they insisted it was so several of us ordered It came out as a plain, unseasoned flat white fish?! We again pointed this out and the server went back to chef and said "sorry" it's not Chilean. The crab cake on top was horrible- lots of uncooked onions/peppers? And to top it off, our dinners were lukewarm at best. For the reputation and price point, we expected so much more. Please educate your servers on your menu, it truly makes a difference. read more

The service was good. The food was okay. The ambiance would have been better if the person playing his guitar could have turned his volume down. Everyone in the restaurant was talking so loudly just to be heard over the "entertainment". On the positive side, the view of the lake is stunning. read more

It's just so beautiful here, one of the most scenic places in Medina to eat. They take your temperature when you walk in. We weren't seated right away but were able to grab a drink and walk out to see the water while we waited for our reservations. The food was fantastic and we were able to watch the sun set. The view alone is worth a visit. read more

The Oaks Lakeside - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Chippewa Lake, Ohio

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The interior of the restaurant and grounds are stunningly attractive. Tables with a view of the lake. Have a terrific amenity. There is exterior dining as well. There were relatively few customers at the bar and at the tables when we were there, on a Wednesday night. There were correspondingly few service personnel attending to the tables. The menu had a nice variety of items. The service from our waitress and two bus boys was good, They were attentive and friendly. Our waitress, Diane, was particularly friendly and informative. The chef came out several times and asked whether we were pleased with the food. The pace of service was very relaxed, which is my preference. I would've preferred more time between service of the salad and the entrée. We ordered spaghetti with Alfredo sauce and spaghetti with marinara sauce from the price - fixed dinner served once a week and billed as "Italian family style". The Alfredo sauce was fine. The marinara sauce was tasty. Each serving contained a pound of pasta and one meatball. Additional servings of pasta could be ordered for no additional charge. Many of the desserts are homemade. The carrot cake and limoncello were very good and well - presented.. In summary, the facility and grounds were clearly five star. The quality of servers relative to knowledge and helpfulness was very good. The pace of service might not have been pleasing to those who want quicker service. The quality of the "Italian family style" selections was good. read more

Stopped by The Oaks for dinner recently with the family. We were seated fairly quickly and we were served a carafe of water. I asked what beers they had on tap, but they didn't have anything on tap. So I ordered a bottle of Stella Artois. My wife ordered white wine. As an appetizer, we ordered a crab cake. And then we received some fresh bread, which was very good. A good while later, the crab cake was served. Then we put in our dinner orders. I'm trying to eat a little healthier due to gaining some COVID-19 weight. So I ordered the stuffed salmon dinner. My wife ordered a pork chop and my son ordered pasta alfredo. About 50 minutes later, our dinners were served. My salmon was delicous. I tasted my son's alfredo and it too, was delicious. It was VERY oily and garlicy. The garlic was delicious, but the oil was overkill. My son didn't eat it all, so we took it home. The next morning, there was so much oil in it that it glued itself to the styrofoam container. I had to use a butter knife and some actual leverage to pry it off. After I reheated it, there was an abundance of oil, most of which, I poured in the trash. My wife's pork chop packed some yummy flavor, but it's not a dish that I would have enjoyed eating in its entireity. The quality of the meal and the ambience was excellent. Our server was very friendly. With tip, three meals with drinks was around $160. That warrants three dollar signs on yelp, not two. Dinner was great and I'm glad we finally tried this spot. We'll be back, but probably on a special occasion. read more

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Food was not as good as we might have expected. The Calamari was excellent, the Grouper was tough, not flaky as it should have been. The service was great. The wine was very good, the grounds are beautiful, view of the lake. read more

Food and service was outstanding. Atmosphere was very cozy. Enjoyed drinks at the bar while waiting for our table. Bartenders were pleasant. We had a great time and will definitely come back. read more

Tucked away in the beautiful Chippewa Lake community. The potential of this to be a destination evening is great. However, they miss the mark on a well-rounded menu and execution of the same. The food is just OK. That aside, an influx of capital would really help to beautify the grounds as many areas are simply "unattended" and are showing their years. The front facia is fresh and inviting as is the patio, after that, well it needs some attention. I would imagine the remote location limits the ability to turn the tables and thereby puts a cap on what can be set aside for capitol improvements. They are doing the best with what they can. Weather permitting, the ambiance makes it worth the trip to decide on your own if you will return. read more

we just paid $100 to watch the bartender and waiter get in screaming argument using foul language!!!! The service was just awful!!! we will not return read more

Great experience! First time here, we will be back 100%! The calamari was probably the best I have ever had. The chili Carmel sauce on it was AMAZING almond with the peppers and onions.. omg Thinking about it makes me want more right now at 9 am... My spicy margarita was delicious and they didn't skimp on the alcohol. It was tasty! The citrus vanilla dressing on the salad was soo yummy too! Our main meals were delicious! I have zero complaints! It was a great surprise to have live music too! read more

The Oaks Lakeside - a gazebo lit up at night - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Chippewa Lake, Ohio

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$250 spent on a ruined Valentine's dinner. Service was terrible, wait times ridiculous (20 mins to get first drink) food cold and waitress never apologized once. They knew how many people were coming with reservations so how could they be this ill prepared. I sent an email waiting to get an apology but that was ignored so posted review is what the Oakes deserves. We were not alone, every couple around us was experiencing the same. One couple left after finally getting their drinks when no-one came back to take their order. The Oakes ruined many Valentines Days for lots of couples this year. I was hoping nobody planned to propose! Just awful. They should be ashamed to charge that much money for what we got. I can let busy night go but not when there is no acknowledgement or apology. It's customer service 101. read more

What a great Sunday afternoon spontaneous treat. Incredible views, service and did I mention the Bloody Mary? It comes with snacks as our waitress shared. Boy was she right. Quiche and fruit was top notch. Fresh and tasty. When you consider the history, the atmosphere, view, vibe and quality, this place is a keeper. read more

The Oaks Lakeside - The Bloody Mary with snacks! - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Chippewa Lake, Ohio

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I agree with the previous comment abut the grouper. It's tough. I got it with the carrots and they were tough too.

Great food and service. Great views of the lake. I had the shrimp and grits and it was excellent. I highly recommend this place. read more

The Oaks Lakeside - Shrimp and grits - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Chippewa Lake, Ohio

Beautiful night The cocktails and food were amazing Great Service Awe will be back!!! read more

From the amazing food to the spectacular views, this restaurant has it all. Service is great and their COVID friendly seating is spot on. They even check your temperature when you enter (wearing your mask, of course). We came to celebrate our anniversary and couldn't have been happier. My husband had a perfectly cooked (giant) T-Bone and I had a superb pasta with lemon basil cream and shrimp. The house salad dressing, white French, is delicious and portions are generous. It was a Thursday evening and the live music topped it off. Can't wait to go back. read more

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I've eaten here four or five times but I've never had anything that I really enjoyed. It's a beautiful setting with an above average menu so I always expect it to be a cut above. It isn't. The food is fair but not especially good. I won't be going there again. read more

I'm going to rate this restaurant on three specific areas. First is the atmosphere and area. Can't be beat. Beautiful location on the lake. Live music on Thursdays and Fridays. Patio is beautiful. I'm afraid this is where it ends. Secondly the service. I have been here three times in the last 2 months trying to give this place a chance to improve on my last experience. And I'm afraid to say all three times have been a disappointment. The service staff does not seem to know what tables they are serving. They also are not very good at being attentive to their tables once they know who they are. Service is very slow and items ordered are often forgotten. It takes forever to be recognized that you're seated and to get water and ask for a drink order. Tonight I ordered a salad before my dinner entrée and it never came. Upon my dinner coming I said I ordered a salad and she asked if I still wanted it. I said no. She replied she usually screws up one order a night and tonight was our table. This has happened on multiple occasions. Third is the food quality. Everything is very salty and seems pre-prepared or sitting under a heat lamp. Fish is hard and overcooked. Rare and medium rare beef/lamb ordered comes out as medium. I live in the area and have been here many times about 10-15 years ago and I now remember why I have not visited in so long. Not a good value for the price unless you just want an awesome view. It's an average place. read more

The Oaks Lakeside - Chippewa Lake. - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Chippewa Lake, Ohio

Yes I know, there's a shortage of staff.. But ....we made a reservation in advance, got there a few minutes beforehand. And were told we would be seated quickly. We waited 30 minutes to get to a table. Once we were seated at our table no one came and checked on us. No one brought us water, the waiter didn't tell us they were busy but would be right back, nothing. We sat at that table for 30 minutes as people walked by us and didn't even acknowledge that we were there. And finally we got up and left. We couldn't even find anybody to talk to on our way out the door. This is a local institution, they have traditional menu on the expensive side for what I imagine you're being served. Oddly there were main dishes, but no list of sides that came with them. Beautiful location. But I won't go back. read more

Our first time here with another couple to celebrate our Anniversaries, first impression; the hostess's were very welcoming, the ambiance I would rate a 5+, our waiter seemed overwhelmed the entire time-took a while for him to address our table, could not explain the cocktails or the entrees, thought he forgot about our bread, he did bring us a free dessert to share which was kind but I would of preferred to see a menu & have the option to pay for a dessert I would enjoy. I ordered the Mahi Mahi it was dry & hardly any seasoning - so bland, the entree came with a side of Broccolini only one piece & it was undercooked in my opinion. I thought the adult drinks were over priced for the size served. The food & service needs improvement. read more

Really do love the Oaks.. been here twice now, both on summery days and it is lovely. Eat outside if you can, the landscape is beautiful! Staff are always wonderful and food is very, very tasty. I had the halibut once and that was amazing (it was a special I believe). I don't think there's ever been a food here that we didn't like. Totally worth coming out to! read more

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This place is a hidden gem if you are looking for an upscale dinner! We've been here several times. I have always ordered a steak and have yet to be disappointed. They also have good soups. I typically order a filet and lobster+shrimp bisque. The peppercorn strip steak is another good selection. It's not a very big menu, but there are varieties of steak, salmon, shrimp, pasta and chicken. No one I've ever been here with has every complained or been disappointed. Service can be on the slow side at times, so just go in knowing the meal may be a little longer than average. I would suggest coming here when the weather is nice and sitting on the patio. There is a great view of Chippewa Lake. Chippewa Lake is open to public: you can swim, boat, fish, or set up a cookout. Also, we've eaten our last two family Easter dinners here. Sometimes for holidays they will have a buffet; it's always been very good. The Oaks is definitely a great place for an upscale dinner experience! read more

Our first time, Sunday Brunch: The restaurant is a jewel, hidden out of sight with wonderful grounds and a beautiful view of the lake. Has to be seen to be appreciated. Service: let me put it this way. You have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the company of your companions and surroundings. Friendly and competent. Short staff, possibly. But the place was packed, an indicator of how well liked the venue is, and hint that resulting service might be slower. Drinks: Best Bloody Mary I've ever had, and mimosas were relished. Fare: Salmon, French toast, smoked Salmon bagel all excellent. read more

The food was not good at all. I ordered crab legs. They were cold. Meat was missing they looked like they were made days ago. So they replaced them. One crab leg was hot and fresh. The rest were from my previous dish. At 55.00$. This was unacceptable. So I changed to a t bone steak. I could hardly cut it. I do not usually complain. I don't like doing it. So my third choice the steak. I gave it to someone for there dog. I was so very disappointed. They server was mediocre, could care less. Sorry I do not recommend this place. They view was nice. Maybe order just appetizers. And enjoy the view. They are not 5 stars. And are not worth your money. read more

Food and outdoor seating with views of the Lake are delightful. Service is ok. Prices are in line with what you would expect from a more upscale restaurant read more

What a lovely place for an outdoor patio meal by the lake. We arrive about an hour before sunset making for a wonderful evening of sights and sounds (as there was also a live band playing outside). Wait staff was friendly and courteous, taking our drink orders right away (some wine and some martinis). We ordered both appetizers and a main dish to share. A fresh basket of bread was brought out for the table, looked to be home made and they offered two different varieties. For the appetizer, my wife and I shared the stuffed hot banana peppers...spicy Italian meats filled the peppers with was then covered in a tangy marinara sauce. Our dining partners ordered calamari which we also sampled...crispy (not chewy) and covered in a spicy chili glaze. Very well done. Finally, the main dish...scampi alfredo linguini with artichoke hearts and mushroom in a light cream sauce. The pasta was made fresh and the dish melded together really well including a bit of briny-ness from the artichoke hearts. A relaxing dinner in a wonderful, beautiful setting. Thanks for a great night! read more

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Reservations were at 5:30 this evening. An hour and a half later I still do not have my food yet and had to go to the bar to retrieve my drink. Starving and hangry read more

The Oaks Lakeside - Hour and a half for this - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Chippewa Lake, Ohio

This was the worst dining experience we've ever had! We took my 81 year old father to the Oaks for his Birthday. I made reservations in advance but they couldn't seem to figure out where to put us. So after 15 minutes of waiting around they took us to our table for 5. Our waitress finally showed up 10 minutes after we were seated and passed out menus. We all ordered drinks and the waitress turned the order into the bar. When the waitress did not come back to serve the drinks we just went up to the bar and had to get them ourselves. That's when we noticed that there were gnats flying everywhere. Everybody at the table was swinging. The waitress was also nowhere to be found. Finally after we had to get up to track her down, we ordered appetizers. Then the waitress disappeared again. Someone else brought the appetizers and we finally started eating. After another 45 minutes the waitress came back to take our dinner order. Then we sat there for another hour and a half waiting on dinner. We finally just got up and said we're out of here and offered to pay for the drinks and appetizers but not the entrees because they never came. The general manager started yelling at us and told us to get the hell out of her restaurant. We left and they called the police saying it was theft. The police told us to make arrangements to pay or I would be hearing from them again. We ended having to pay for everything including the entrees that never showed up. We will never ever go back to this restaurant and are extremely disappointed in the extremely poor service we received on my dad's 81st Birthday. Don't bother trying this restaurant. Date of visit: September 2023 read more

While the restaurant portion of the Oaks is also fantastic, this review is for our May 2015 wedding reception: The location: The banquet area is just gorgeous and we got some really unique photos from the balcony. The dance floor is small, but we had a smaller wedding (about 100 guests) and didn't have tons of people dancing, so it worked fine for us. Our guests loved having the outdoor space on the patio and lawn to spread out (and in some cases get away from the music). Plus, the view of the lake is just fantastic. We got some amazing photos at sunset! The people: Glenda, the event coordinator, and Jan, the in-house florist/decorator, do a fantastic job and were hands-down my favorite vendors to work with. They were responsive, friendly and professional, and their tips and questions really helped me think through and plan various parts of the event. The planning process was thorough, the event went smoothly, and all our decorations and flowers looked great. (We even had Jan do our ceremony flowers, which she delivered off-site.) Anyone else I talked or worked with was courteous and helpful as well. The food: Delicious, as it has been every time I've eaten at the Oaks. They have a very large banquet menu to choose from which can be a little overwhelming, so we did the "tasting" dinner (they give you a gift card to use on dinner). The only catch is that the banquet options you want to try may or may not be on the menu since it changes so often, but they can sort of approximate things if they have the ingredients or point to a similar alternative. For example, chicken piccata is on the banquet menu, but the night we went to taste they were offering veal piccata. We ended up gong with peppercorn-crusted filet medallions, chicken piccata and a vegetarian pasta dish--our guests loved it! Overall, you may pay a little more per head at the Oaks versus other places but for the view and ambiance, excellent staff, and high-quality food it's totally worth it. I would highly recommend this venue to future brides! read more

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