Their recent renovation transformed not only the decor but the food as well. We first visited this restaurant a number of years ago and the food was just Ok (Well, the main courses were anyway). A few days after I posted my review, I was contacted by the manager who really wanted to know the details of my concerns. She even did a blind test of the meals we ordered that night to see what was going on. She agreed that the meals were subpar and said she would make the necessary changes so this didn't happen again. Our experience last night was completely different. The food was some of the best seafood we've had in quite a while and the service was outstanding! The manager (we assume) and the assistant manager (again, we assume) each came to our table twice at different times to be sure our dining experience was what we expected. We couldn't ask for more. We will definitely be back. read more

Nothing special about the menu selections Seems like they count on customers because of the waterfront location.. Fish sandwich was average..French Fries were a reheat .. soggy and stale tasting How do you screw up French fries! read more

A great, great experience as we celebrated our family get together. Tom was an exceptional waiter and Jodi stopped to ensure all went as planned. We will be back for this friendly, warm place. read more

We took the team from our office here for a birthday lunch on the patio. The setting was beautiful, the service was perfect and the food was great! I have eaten here several times this year and it is the best it has been in a long time! This time I had the pork taco lunch plate, it was very tasty. The pork was more sweat than southwestern, but the coleslaw it was paired with was the perfect complement to it and I wouldn't change it if I could. The service was perfect, and I mean that our waitress was attentive without hovering, everything we needed was efficiently provided and even after some of our guests changed seats to follow the sun, the waitress never missed a beat and still served everyone accurately. We certainly will be back. We are considering going out on their boat for the next office gathering. read more

Happy to that this business is doing well as this is critical to the survival of neighborhood businesses. Unfortunately our experience was not as expected. The hostess was incredibly rude and unhelpful. Because of this we decided to take our business elsewhere. The next establishment that we went to was just as busy but the service was stellar. read more

A real, long term, can't beat it establishment. Great views. First class food. Very good service. We sat on the outside veranda, had drinks and then appetizers and entrees. All were first class. Oysters, Caprese salad, whitefish. Beet salad with shrimp added, split a peanut butter pie dessert. Michigan Manhattan is very good. A repeat kind of place. read more

This was great! Not sure why the bad reviews. We had a great time. Good service. The scallops were huge and perfectly cooked. The pan fried fish was flakey and tender. The cut was large. The drinks were good. One was slightly too strong but I'd rather have that then being under poured. Maybe it's that we are from Chicago area but I found the price to be more than fair. read more

Great starters and main courses. Hostess and our server very pleasant and good. Whitefish and Walleye fresh and well prepared.

We brought another couple here this week and we all enjoyed seating on the deck with the beautiful view of the harbor. Our server Ruth was very informative and prompt. We enjoyed the planked whitefish and flash fried perch complimented with a bottle of Pinot Grigio. After dinner Alex visited our table to make sure we had an enjoyable experience read more

It was a beautiful weekend in Harbor Springs and we wanted a cocktail, outside. We stopped at The Pier and we were told if we weren't eating dinner , we couldn't sit outside. So, if you want a cocktail, this isn't the place. read more

I have never had anyone be so rude to me in my life. I didn't even say a word and thegirl opened the door and yelled at me "we are closed and done with rude people today" who even says that I didn't even say anything yet!?!?? Then a nice couple behind me knocked on the door because she locked it well before 8:30 pm and she did the same thing to them, asking them if they were "John" must be a billionaire! Seems to be all they care about! He told me I should have said I was John!! I laughed and said I should have totally! Why are we being punished for some previous "rude" customers!? She had dark hair and a lot of make up! read more

The location is great, right on the lake. Great view from the inside. It was a 5+ minutes wait for an inside table and a 40+ minutes for an outdoor table. We chose inside. The waitress Meghan arrived shortly after we sat. She took our drink order and lunch order. No smile. After our meal she left the check on the table without asking if we would like another drink or dessert. She could have added more to her tip if we had ordered something else. Not good business. read more

Arrived for happy hour just after 4 PM on October 24th. Celebrating our Wedding Anniversary in a very empty restaurant. Decided to go with an assortment of small plates and try all sorts of different things. Waitress seemed mildly confused by the fact that we were not purchasing entrees. Tried the crab cakes, fried shrimp, pot roast, cajun steak fries, and husband ended up getting the Pier Burger, an "entree", after all. Each had a few drinks, too. Food was on par and hot. Well-plated with care in presentation. Our only real "issue" was our server. She seemed not quite tuned in. Older, which may or may not have been a factor. Friendly, but detached in a way I can't put my finger on. We felt rushed in an empty restaurant. When she brought us our menus, we literally had a 2 minute turn around before being asked if we were ready to order. We had to politely ask for more time twice. Once our food was delivered, she again returned in WELL under 5 minutes to ask us if everything was ok; we had barely processed our first bites.This was the theme over the course of the meal. She vultured around our table a few times, and on multiple occasions, reached across us at a very intimate distance to reach a spill or dish she could have retrieved more professionally simply from the other side. We had a couple of gift certificates we applied to our meal, which she also seemed to struggle with. I am normally not this nit-picky about servers etiquette, but at a restaurant of this standard, you would expect your server to be better trained and a bit more warm and personable. She did her job, but could definately use some in-house training/coaching. Otherwise, food was excellent. Ambience was fantastic; intimate, yet inviting and friendly. Fried shrimp were especially note-worthy. read more

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I grew up vacationing in this area so I've been to a lot of restaurants and witnessed them change over the years. The pier used to consistently have great food at reasonable prices. Over the summer I ate here maybe 4 times, tried something different every time. I want to love it here, but the food just doesn't blow my socks off anymore. Views are great for sure, definitely sit outside if possible. But I'd suggest staying for an appetizer and getting main meal elsewhere. read more

I am giving 2 stars for the ambiance. We sat outside on a beautiful fall evening. Cocktails and the service was good. The reason for only 2 stars was the food. Three of us had perch which was fishy, not tender and one person had to use a steak knife to cut it. One ordered a cheeseburger and fries. The burger was ok but the bun was stale. The fries were chewy and cold so we sent them back and the new fries came back hot and still chewy! This was our first time here and our last. The prices were way too high for this quality of food. read more

Rude as hell. Jody E. replied without talking to her staff. We called ahead we're told to arrive before 8:30, family of five arrived at 8:18 after traveling 30 minutes to restaurant and had the doors closed in our face along with another couple (not at 8:40). We knocked on the door and asked what was going on and the hostess said 'staff is done with rude customes today and can only let in a party for John." Jody E. I am certain it was your restaurant , we actually went to Piersons after our terrible experience at Pier and had a wonderful experience at Piersons (see my review), maybe I had the hostess' name wrong, I asked to speak to you that night but was told you didn't have time. I left you a message with my phone number this evening happy to share the details as you either were not there or the staff didn't want you to know they decided to take it upon themselves to close early after telling us to drive down.,. read more

The Pier - Seafood Near Me - Harbor Springs, Michigan

One of our favorite places for dinner when we're in the area. The Lake Perch is our favorite. And get a Hummer for dessert! Staff is great and both food and service are outstanding. read more

The service was great but the food was not. Obviously we paid for the ambiance of the harbor. Their prices were over-rated. A child's portion of Mac and cheese with a side of stale potato chips was $9. The $30 fish dinner under-rated itself compared to the catfish joint in Tennessee for a third of the price. The filet mignon had a tasty sauce, seasoned perfectly, but the steak itself was tough. The marble size potato's were cute. Again, I will emphasize --it's all about the ambiance! read more

The food was very good, but the service could have been better. We didn't get checked on between appetizers and lunch, nor were we asked about refills or given refills. By the time we wanted one, we were done eating. The server was nice, but could have been more attentive. The views are great, landscaping is beautiful and the restaurant is clean. read more

We have had dinner here twice this week. First, honestly the best outdoor dining view hands down. Second, the food, the service and the drinks were all very good. The wait times generally not to bad, but it is peak season so expect a bit of a wait. And if there is go to the bar grab a drink and enjoy. They have a great selection of Michigan brews. The salmon dish is a personal favorite! read more

Great food and enjoyable atmosphere- especially if you're able to sit outside. The service was great and we especially loved the smoked white fish. read more

Wonderful views of little traverse bay!! We've gone every night for after dinner drinks of our vacation in harbor springs.

Overpriced. Salty steak, old mashed potatoes and frozen green beans. I left half my meal on the plate.

Was disappointed to learn they closed The Chart Room. it was easy in and easy out in much shorter time than the main dining room.....Waitress told us many people made the same comment and miss the room. No explanation of why this was done. read more

Amazing food... I can honestly say the perch and whitefish was the best I have ever eaten... light and fresh... mixed vegs were so delicate and tender... Amazing meal compliments to the chef! read more

Very nice place with great outdoor seating and views to the bay. I would imagine this place is very crowded during the summer season -- our visit was during ski season. The staff was very friendly and the service was great. The food is good but not outstanding. I had the signature white fish which was tasty but dry. read more

One of the best places in town for dinner, if only for the view. (But not just for the view!) The food is excellent (I wish they would bring back the wedge salad). Here's what you do: make a reservation for dinner inside, by the window. Have drinks at Dudley's Deck (the food there really is terrible, but there's no reason you have to eat it). Come inside after cocktails and have really nice wine (their list is really decent) and lovely food (the best you're going to find in the area) and absolutely perfect, warm, friendly, exceptional service. Everywhere in the world should have service this good. The best service and the best view in town, and food as good as you'll find in the area. read more

Love The Pier!! Always delicious. Great service and wonderful food. Try the bib salad !!

What a weekend! Five star restaurants, fantastic views. Stafford's Pier Restaurant was on the pier. I'm talking luxury yachts and champagne tastes here. It's pricey, but where else can you see million dollar yachts from around the country... California to Maryland. I uploaded some photos to give you an idea of how special this place is. My sister, Debbie Z. and I both ordered Chicken salads and Sangria. The salads were wonderful, but expensive. I'd go there again, but next time I'm taking more money read more

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The Pier, like its sister restaurant The Weathervane (in Charlevoix) is a "Stafford's" property, and like the Weathervane, it is also a Northern Michigan institution. Also like The Weathervane, The Pier has had its ups and downs over the 30+ years I've been going there. The Pier, though, has had fewer downs than ups, and remains a safe bet for a really nice meal in this area. The prices are on the high side, but the food (and location, and view) mostly justify the expense. There are 2 other restaurant spaces here: - Dudley's Deck, which is an AWESOME spot for lunch in the warmer months, located outdoors between The Pier and the Harbor Springs municipal pier. -The Chart Room, which is in the back/downstairs area of The Pier building. The food for all 3 spaces comes out of the same kitchen, but the Chart Room's pricing is noticeably lower, and it's more family-friendly and less formal than the main dining room. All in all, you're not likely to go wrong at any of these spots - highly recommended when in the area. read more

Brunch at the Pier, a great way to start my Saturday

Go for tbe view, not for the food. 2 years in a row, the food was just okedokee. The service was awesome. We had a young waitress that was so personable, she deserves 5 stars. Would i go again?......... hmmmmm....maybe. they have the bestest view of the bay, definitely. read more

This restaurant deserves 5 stars. We stumbled on Pier Restarant while walking around Harbor Springs. The menu looked great so we made it a point to return there the next day for lunch. We found that the food was exceptional, and the staff friendly and professional. The manager stopped by our table and inquired about the food and service. Another positive sign of a fine dining establishment. This is at the top of our list as one of the best restaurants we have dined at, including establishments in major cities. We are Seasonal residents on the Northeastern MI shore but will definitely make the 2 hr+ drive again to enjoy a fantastic fine dining experience. read more

Fun atmosphere with amazing views! The food was also amazing and staff was super friendly ! Highly recommend

This place is great, from the views to the staff and landing on the fare. Simply delicious. I had the pier burger, which was fantastic and cooked medium rare, the only way to eat meat. But the true stars were the morel mushroom bisque and the unique french fries, stood no chance of survival on my plate. They extremely great with the 2 and 5 year old patrons. Great job and I cannot wait to return. read more

I love the Pier. The best table in the house (in the winter months) is in the bar area by the fireplace. It is so relaxing after a long, cold day of skiing to sit by the fire with a glass of red wine. I can even watch my Spartans on the TV . The menu has some nice selections, depending on what you are in the mood for that night. You can't go wrong with the perch (my personal favorite) or any of the other fresh fish dishes. There are some nice salads on the menu as well. The Pier has a great selection of wine, beer and speciality drinks (including hot toddies). The kids always have plenty to choose from on the kids menu. There are several dining choices in HS and Petoskey, but we often return to the Pier where I know the food will be yummy and the fire toasty. read more

Foods were beyond average. Seats outside provided a beautiful view in the dusk. Service was good. However we spotted quite a lot sluggish and weird flies or flying ants, which were considerately annoying as they accumulated. We went there on 08/24 for dinner, so would expect better arrangement against those inspects around this time in Fall. read more

It's a tradition for us to always come here and we were pleasantly surprised to see the new renovations and such cool and innovative decor!! The atmosphere is great and the large back deck allows diners to see most of the marina. The menu was new too and had several good items. I got the club sandwich-it was good. The salads were fairly good, and the service was ok, not awesome. Had to give this 4 stars for the location and AWESOME renovation! read more

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With so many splendid views of Lake Michigan in this region, it's difficult to judge one over the other. But, I can honestly say our table at the edge of lawn and the corner of the pier was priceless. I can only imagine how romantic this place can get at night. I introduced my friend to a Dark n Stormy during our lunch. Coming from RI, these drinks are a summertime staple and the Pier did not disappoint! Thanks for the great lunch! I hope to make it back someday :) read more

Lunch outside is a MUST DO. So here's my dish-- I've gotta moan about this because every time I come here, I'm so disappointed with Stafford's salad selection. Please Stafford--add some more tempting options! Not to be to demanding--But, aw, what the heck--I'd also like to see them add something light and sweet for desert--like a fresh berry plate. It really would go nicely with the atmosphere... My husband and I really enjoyed the gaspacho soup. The portion size was so tiny. (I can't imagine how small the cup would be!) Thankfully, we added a grilled chicken breast to ours. The way they fired it up was so delish. The chicken was perfectly tender, slightly sweet, juicy and hot! Our server was attentive and the manager was genuinely enthusiastic about our experience. And...you really can't beat the view, so it's all good. read more