Great service atmosphere and food! We were in town for opening day pheasant season!! We will definitely be back when back in town next year!!! read more

Love the food, love the service. We eat there every week in the summer! Love the wedge and the steaks are great!

We visited recently on a trip to the area. It was around lunch time and the place was empty. We were a small party of 2 and were seated on the patio. Service was extremely slow. It took us over 2 hours to have lunch here. We ordered a flatbread pizza and a cheeseburger with a side salad. The cheeseburger was strangely assembled. There were very large, thick onions stacked in a manner that made the burger impossible to eat without removing. The tomatoes were over ripen and also had to be removed from both salad and burger a they were not good. Overall, the food was okay but the time was way too long for lunch. read more

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Great location and food and service were great. Food selections were plentiful. Good for large groups.

So. Much. Potential. This place has a great concept, a fantastic location, and a promising menu. If they can now just succeed in hiring competent bartenders and kitchen staff, they might be a profitable venture. The major reasons we decided to eat here: my partner and I have food allergies (gluten and dairy) and my father, who was eating with us, is vegan. Finding gluten-free options in the Lakes area has been a huge challenge, and dairy-free options even more so. When I saw on the menu that Water's edge had both GF flatbreads AND the option for vegan cheese, we were thrilled. Add to that an interesting spirits menu with scotch and whisky flights, and a spirits menu formatted by liquor type with prices according to single pour, double/rocks pour, and manhattan/old fashioned made with said spirit, and it really looked like they knew their whiskies. We were sold! Fast forward to dinner. It's reasonably busy, but not too busy. I'd say they were less than half full. We're a party of six adults and two small kids. We've been traveling all day and are super-hungry. My partner orders a manhattan, neat, made with High West Double Rye. The rest of us order cocktails, too. The waitress puts in the drink order, and stops by ten minutes later to take our food order. No drinks yet. We put in our food order. My father, partner, and I all order flatbreads. My father gets a plain cheese flatbread with vegan cheese. I get a flatbread with a gluten-free crust, and added chicken. My partner orders his flatbread with both vegan cheese and gluten-free crust. Our waitress comes back and reconfirmed with my partner that he wanted his drink neat, and disappears again. After about half an hour, she delivers our drinks. They're all great until she sits an odd little glass down in front of my partner. It's pretty obvious that it's just a double pour of whisky and not a manhattan, but before he can say anything, she's gone. Cue another ten minutes to flag her down again. We finally get her flagged down again, and it seems there was confusion on the bartender's end - he just poured a double rye, neat, and ignored that whole part about making the manhattan that was ordered. Waitress apologizes profusely, takes the whisky, and says she'll have the bartender just add the remaining ingredients to turn it into a manhattan (strong drink incoming!) While we're waiting for the remade drink to arrive, the food is delivered. I receive the gluten-free flatbread I ordered, but with the wrong toppings. My partner gets the GF flatbread he ordered, with correct toppings, but I realize it's real cheese and not vegan cheese as he picks up the first piece. Our waitress shows up with my partner's remade drink and we explain the food problems to her. She's horrified, rechecks her notepad, and reconfirmed that she wrote everything down correctly. She immediately goes to the kitchen to have everything remade properly. I look down. There's a manhattan sitting in front of us, sort of. It's full of half-melted ice. (Not neat.) We give up on the drink, and my partner just drinks it.) Our new flatbreads come out. His is fine, but I realize after our waitress leaves, that in their rush to get the remade order out, my crust is basically raw. I can't even pick up a slice because it's as floppy as a dish towel. I give up and just eat the toppings. Our waitress returns and apologizes for the screwups, says that she talked to the manager, and offers my partner and I 50% off our entrees and free dessert (it wasn't clear if free dessert was for the two of us, or for the table; it was later clarified it was for the two of us.) She hands us the dessert menu. Everything on it contains both gluten and dairy, so neither of us could have any of it. I'd rather have the value of two desserts (~$14) taken off the tab, but no go. My mother and brother order the desserts instead. While taking the dessert order, (again apologetic when she realizes we can't eat any of it) our waitress asks us if there's anything else she can do for us. My partner asks for a cup of coffee. More time passes, the desserts arrive, but no coffee. The desserts are consumed, the waitress drops off the check, but no coffee. The waitress picks up payment, returns our credit card, but still no coffee. As we get up to leave, I ask my father for the itemized receipt. At least we didn't get charged for the coffee. read more

The WaterFront - A nifty way of organizing a spirits menu; prices for single pours, double/rocks pours, and manhattan/old fashioned made with said liquor. - Seafood Near Me - Arnolds Park, Iowa

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It was a slow Wednesday evening. There was a table of 10 sitting outside amongst normal sized tables. We 4 were inside. 3 ordered pizzas, the other an entree. It. Took. Forever. Had to chase down servers not assigned to us to refresh drinks other than water. Entree sat under heat lamps drying out while they forgot to put our pizza orders in. A group of 45 showed up. Pizzas were ok. read more

We met out of town friends here so we could enjoy the lake view. As always the lake view did not disappoint. The food was very good. Then came the bill. They don't take cash. We were all surprised - who doesn't take cash? It was just lucky we had our credit card along, usually don't take it. read more

Salty pasta, microwaved soup, fish sandwich dry and overcooked only redeeming thing was garlic bread

Sitting on their beautiful deck over looking the lake is the best way to eat a nice dinner in Okoboji. Mashed potatoes come in cast iron pan and are the absolute best mashed potatoes! I am also a huge salmon fan and theirs is pretty good too. It's a little pricey but nice for a date night/special night out with family! Service is always great. read more

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Each year we visit Okoboji we look forward to our dinner at The Waterfront - this year was extremely disappointing. Waiter rarely visited our table, never asked if we wanted more beverages and- the 2 kids meals came 15 minutes after everyone else. Neither the waiter nor manager came to apologize for the inconvenience of the delay in the meal. read more

Reminds me of a beach side restaurant in California. Had the chicken Alfredo bake and it was amazing! Can't wait to go back! Delicious pina colada lemonade! read more

My favorite restaurant in the area. Pretty much never disappointed. Their beet salad is amazing.

Love this place! I feel it is the best restaurant in the lakes area to go out to eat. The ambiance is unbeatable and the quality of their food is hands down better than anything else around. I love eating here and make an effort to come here every time we visit this area. The staff are so helpful and you can tell they have pride in their workplace. read more

Great service, delicious food. We had a wonderful meal and view at the waterfront. The Brussels sprouts and calamari with peppers were delicious. The crab cake crepe was one of the best meals I've had in Okoboji. Our server was prompt and very polite. We will return! read more

The views are great but the food not so much. My husband and I have been to Waterfront many many times over the year. But the food quality has really declined. The last couple times are food has been terrible. Seafood is way over cooked and rubbery. None of our entrees had any seasoning or flavor. The issues seem to be with the kitchen, no real chef or training? The service staff were great and the restaurant appearance is lovely. read more

We were a party of 13. Reservations in advance. Our server did the best job she could. The chef did his own thing. Half served half of us then the next half but one of us got there food 15 minutes after all of us. I was raised in the business this should not happen. This is an example of our society not caring about there job. Would I recommend this place maybe. The food was mediocre. I would blame everything on lack of proper management. Our server worked hard. No one helped and we saw many other servers just sitting around. So I still blame management lack of. Shame on you for not training a very willing staff. Best of luck if you go there. 50 50 chance in might be good. read more

Food was delicious. The view of the lake was beautiful and the pork Wellington was delicious. Our server, Alayna, was amazing and professional even though she was dealing with difficult customers next to us. The food and drinks were delicious and worth the price. The service we received alone is worth coming back again. Found our new place when visiting here in the future!!! The manager was also amazing and runs a great restaurant. read more

Food is amazing. Service was prompt and professional, even while our server was dealing with a table of unsatisfiable idiots near us. This is our new go to spot. Did I mention the food is amazing? Thanks Alayna read more

One of the few places staffed to run. Although short staffed were friendly, congenial and professional.

Nope!!! We walked in they were dead we sat down and we waited for 10 mins and walked out as we didn't get ANY service. The environment was clean. I have been there before and was not that impressed. I won't be back again. read more

Welcome addition to the Lakes area. Nice Sunday brunch with a killer Bloody Mary bar. Dinner menu looks nice. Upscale decor with a nice patio area. If in Okoboji, you must give it a try Tried this place for dinner. One word. Excellent. Steaks were perfectly cooked. Nice touch that they torch the steak butter table side. We had the lobster flatbread for appetizer. It was nice. Sides were very good. Best was Bang Bang Brussel sprouts. The Bourbon flight was excellent value. 4 different bourbons that looked like full pours for only $23. read more

The WaterFront - Seafood Near Me - Arnolds Park, Iowa

I had the crabcake crepe and it was fabulous!!! Defiantly recommend it! Great service and pretty view.

Outstanding view. Ask to be seated outside for miles of Lake views. The pork chop is one of the best I've ever had, and generally I would not pick that item on a menu. Great craft beer selection read more

The WaterFront - The outside seating view - Seafood Near Me - Arnolds Park, Iowa

This place has a cool atmosphere and the food was out of this world. Loved sitting outside enjoying the view. Service was great. Hubby and I had burgers & fries, a pizza for my son, and my daughter had the chicken alfredo pasta bake. The whole family loved it. They made an honest mistake and forgot my son's pizza in the fire, burned it, and had to remake, so they gave us a complimentary dessert which was also delicious. It was some sort of chocolate layered cake with ice cream. I only have one complaint. It's too expensive! A family of 4 really cannot eat there for under $100 (that includes tip). We didn't even have drinks; just tap water. Other than that it's terrific. read more

Fantastic atmosphere overlooking West Lake Okoboji. The Shrimp & Lobster Mac and Cheese was amazing!

We had a big party of 13 with reservations and the service and food were incredible. Would highly recommend Waterfront to anyone.

Sister restaurant to braco. On a high bluff above the lake. Specialty is flat bread pizza. Great service, well trained staff. Pretty much nailed the flavor profiles. Some very good sides, lobster mac and cheese, garlic mashed potatos. Large servings, good ffor sharing. A bit pricey, but well done read more

The WaterFront - Seafood Near Me - Arnolds Park, Iowa

We sat out on the porch and had a lovely view. Our service was quick and the food came quickly and was perfect. We shared a wedge salad, had the bread rolls, filet Mignon (which was perfectly cooked) and scallops. We will definitely come again as this was the best service we have had so far this summer in Okoboji. read more

We arrived 30 minutes before closing to get drinks with a group of 13 and it took over 30 minutes after multiple attempts to get service. We finally went to the bar to get them direct and that still took 20 extra minutes. Very slow service! read more

We were a party of 17 and had a really great meal and service. The crepes were delicious and our kids loved their steak. Krayton was a super star server. read more

The WaterFront - Great view and loved our private room. - Seafood Near Me - Arnolds Park, Iowa

Horrible service and most unfriendly hostess. We made a reservation through Open Table knowing it would be busy Labor Day Weekend. When we arrived there was a couple debating and asking a million questions about the amount of time it would take to get a table. The hostess didn't acknowledge anyone else and kept chatting away with this unprepared couple. Finally the next couple goes up and she does the same with them. When it was our turn she does take us to our table but it was to a table in the furthest booth away from everyone and doesn't say a SINGLE word to us. We sat for over 15 minutes before anyone came by and finally had a manager come to the table. He blamed it on being short staffed (which isn't my problem) and that he was sorry for the rude hostesses. I would NOT come here on a busy weekend unless you want to deal with the same type of terrible service. read more

Really so much potential. Y'all got a great view! You could really make better food! First, everything is a la carte. So you're paying about $30 for a steak. Just... the ... steak... I got a gouda add on thinking that it might add some yummy flavor to the dish. I also got the loaded mashed potatoes... Ok the steak: they really should mention that it's basically a crusted steak (I got the filet). There was SO much spice and salt that it made eating the steak almost unbearable. The gouda made it even more intense. I tried to convey this to the waiter. He just kept coming up with excuses as to why it was this way. Every time he came to my table, I tried to tell him how potent the combo was. He just kept talking about the flavor and that he 'told the chef' and also something about them changing the recipe soon. I'm not one to complain... but not ONCE did he offer to comp me. He wanted to give me a free dessert. Really?!? I'm buying a steak that costs upwards of $30 and you want to give me a free dessert? I said I don't eat sweets and he laughed it off. No other compensation offered. So finally I asked if I could at least get the gouda charge removed seeing as I had to scrap it all off because of the potency of it. So at least I got that. And the mashed potatoes?! Also LOADED with salt, cheese and spice. Barely edible as well. It seems this restaurant's idea of fine dining is caking spice and salt into everything. I was so disappointed. I tried letting my waiter know, but it didn't seem like they had any other way but 'letting the chef know' and 'we're changing the recipes soon' as a way out of it. Y'all can't be charging the money you do for the low quality of food you are serving. PLEASE CHANGE THIS! You have been around long enough to have a proper menu and proper recipes! Get it together... Really... They got a second star because their wine and beer menu was delicious and spot on. At least something was right! Please change things. I love a good steak. But I'd like 100% more steak with my salt please! read more

Wonderful steak and seafood. The mashed potatoes are great as well. We ordered takeout the first night of our stay and were so impressed we booked reservations to eat there again the next night. I highly recommend them. read more

i received a gift certificate and gave this place a try knowing that it's a higher end restaurant in the area. the food was incredible and we couldn't wait to return. this winter we've eaten there several times and the service and food have been outstanding. it's on the spendy side, but you get what you pay for. cant wait to return. read more

I'm a local and this was my first visit to the waterfront. I've been to the other side but not the Waterfront. I've never had better service. Thank you so much, John. You made my experience absolutely wonderful. My order was delicious, kudos to the kitchen but I honestly am impressed by my server. read more

Absolutely delicious!! Best restaurant in Okoboji!! Made reservations and we got a great table inside with a view of the lake. Service was spectacular!! Beautiful views outside too. Everything we ordered was amazing! I definitely recommend any of the flatbreads, the walleye, and cornbread brûlée!!! Yummy!! Great for groups, families and couples! This restaurant is a Must while on vacation!! read more

Kudos to our waitress Krayton today for taking care our party of 16. We had an awesome time today at lunch and she did a great job.

Located on east Okoboji, the Waterfront offers a huge deck for dining as well as cushioned chairs for having a drink. As far as ambiance goes, I was there on a less than busy night but the crowed seemed to be middle aged couples and families which you'd expect from an establishment like this. Hard to ask for more in terms of setting. As far as the food goes, I've heard great things about the flatbread pizza and was not disappointed. They had a list of maybe 10-15 different options as well as a "create your own" option so there's something for everyone. The other meals I saw ordered also looked good including the salads and fish entrees. The drink menu has quite a good selection with lots of craft beers from the area as well as the country to suit everyone's tastes. Also had a good selection of wine and cocktails. For a slightly nicer lakeside dining experience with good food and drink options I would recommend the Waterfront. read more

Foods pretty good we've been eating there for years since they open but they just instituted a fee for using a credit card at 3.85% won't be back read more

Food was good mac an cheese. Just thought it was a lot of money... guessing you have to pay to play and eat on the waterfront read more

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