This was our first visit. We saw older bad reviews, but newer ones are positive. The restaurant is under new management. We sat at the bar and had stellar service. I ordered the walleye and my husband had the rib eye. Both were well seasoned and delicious. The outside deck would be a great place to hang out in warmer weather. Completely recommend this little place! read more

We were so disappointed we called yesterday to get a reservation for today Sunday on the weekend and we got the longest sad story. No, we're not open. We've run out of food. But isn't that good? She said that means we're so popular that people are flocking and eating all of our food. All I could think of is somebody needs a new manager so that they can order enough food to handle the weekend people we have been turned down so many times at this restaurant it's becoming old and we understand the food is good. We've understand there's new management, but we'll never know. Will we because we can't get in and eat so I would be thinking twice calling them up trying to figure out if they can feed you or not and no matter how complicated it is and how burdens it is on the customer just let me tell you management is perfectly fine with their lack of diesel philosophy of aren't we good aren't we popular but oh by the way we don't have food. read more

This year was so disappointing.... No unique fish options; no various ways of preparation; no delicious dill aioli; and no perfectly seasoned shoestring french fries. Our fish and chip lunch was so incredibly fishy, and the fries had a strange aftertaste. The caper sauce they served with the fish was an attempt at a dill aioli replica, but it really missed the mark. Our server was sweet, but completely unaware she was pouring water onto our kiddo while serving. Service was very slow, and the attire of the kitchen staff coming out to check on tables was questionable. The new management has some work to do to meet the level that was their in years past. read more

For those of you who have had bad experiences at the Waterfront Bistro, give it another try! It is now a whole new experience!! Bailey is the chef/manager and does a fantastic job! We had the bruschetta as well as the clam chowder and mushroom soup. Our group said all three were the best they've ever had. And some of the best news is Duncan is back in the bar on Friday and Saturday nights! He's the best!! When you're boating, remember the frozen margaritas, daiquiris and piña coladas to go!! The Bistro is Back!!! It's a lake visit must!! read more

The new restaurant looks a lot like the previous iteration, but the food is better! The service is prompt and friendly, and there are plenty of specials to pick from. read more

I had the home version of the mussels and they where bad they didn't even taste like the garlic butter or nothing and they were dry I'm sorry but so far that's the one product that they have that's disgusting read more

Great service and food. Better than it used to be. Last time my wife and I went everything was terrible.

I would give a zero if I could. The food server was the rudest I've ever experienced. We ended up waking out without even ordering because of her! Recommend going somewhere else read more

Third time is the charm. Won't try to support this local restaurant any more. 45 minutes before posted closing and got turned away again. No wonder you can't stay open if you turn customers away. So sad to see what was once a nice place go down hill. read more

The server acted like she didn't want to be there (she's always that way), my fries were so salty I couldn't eat them, and I got one itty-bitty piece of fish. read more

The wife and I decided to finally try this place. The atmosphere is really nice and they have a great patio to sit on and watch the boats go by. First thing, if you look at the old pictures of the menu, disregard them. The prices are different and many of the items are gone. I was going to take pics of the menu and forgot. My wife had the steakhouse burger with a few modifications and fries. The burger was the best part of both meals. Taking after the now popular smash burgers, it was 2 - 4 ounce patties, flattened and cooked. The patties had a nice crisp crust and were still juicy and not overcooked at all. The burger was extremely good. I had the Cuban and fries. Not really like Cubans I have had in the past but it was ok. The only real problem I had with the sandwich was the pulled pork. It was very dry and the bark on some of it was very tough. The sandwich was fairly small but good for a lunch size portion. The fries were seasoned and tasted pretty good. They are the thinner fries, which I am not fond of but I still ate them. Service was on point and extremely friendly. I found it a little expensive but it's waterfront and very nice. We may or may not try it again, it's up in the air. read more

See all

One of the only places to sit on the lake which is nice. Food and service is ok. Wish they still had breakfast.

Don't come in alone, they will seat you in the sun on the e deck on the side and refuse to give you a table. My plan was to have a great meal and order several for the cottage guest to go. I left and went next door to a great restaurant and they were great there. So sad since I have good empties there but sometimes plan b was meant to be. read more

Extremely disappointed! Sat in bar area,used restroom toilet bowl orange,wow! Asked for asparagus for side presented yellow green all woody,replaced with Mac and cheese My spouse ordered hamburger,catsup and mayo packages thrown on top of food?? Yet at table behind us was catsup bottle? Dirty glassware-on bar,a very disheveled area.decor on self above tables, water spotted covered with dust,salt and pepper on table need filled and were greasy. I can't imagine this staying open with such terrible food,unclean restrooms and disheveled areas read more

A friend am I went to lunch there 2 weeks ago and we were completely underwhelmed. On the board it listed the different fresh fish which were very pricy. I got pan fried walleye ($17) and my friend got the cod ($16) . We both had the Caesar salad as a side. When our food arrived we were shocked at the extremely small portion. Both the salad and the fish was on a small plate. The portion of fish had to only be 3 - 4 ounces. After looking at her plates we decided that would not be enough food for us so we ask if we can get some dinner rolls. Our waitress said they don't have dinner rolls until suppertime but we could order some garlic bread which did so we wouldn't leave there hungry. $$$ Needless to say we won't be going back there. read more

Long time customer, one of our favorite menus in the area, wait staff is great, atmosphere is great But on a recent visit with 5 other previous customers and good friends, we ordered, were served, ate and finished our meals; table of 6, were told making the reservation only single checks for up to a party of 5. We understood that fully, but Amy (you're awesome) the server, because there were 3 or less tabLes active in the whole restaurant offered to try. My radar went off that their systems stink. The Manager/Chef came storming out of the Kitchen to our table to tell us "no way, we will not allow" 3 checks on one bill - "too much of a hassle". I believe were the words. I do believe that they can't properly handle customers needs because of a poor computer system. Anyone in the business of hardware/software out there - these people need a proper restaurant system or customers are not going to come and endure a self created issue. I don't care how good your food is people won't put up with being treated like children when your restaurant issues are self created. Just sayin' read more

Terrible, tough, no flavor, money wasted. won't buy again. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I gave this place a great rating a year ago. Hard to believe it's the same place. The food was below average and the service was the worst I've had in years. We had a party of 7 and wanted to sit at two tables outside in the shade. We're told we all had to sit at one table in the sun. Tried to order sandwiches but were told at 4pm you could only order from the dinner menu. There wasn't another single customer in the restaurant. We paid for our drinks and left. We've spent over $600 during out last 3 visits but I promise you we won't ever be back. Suggest they sell the place to someone who knows how to run a restaurant and send the current crew to charm school. They are pathetic. read more

The food was awful, the service was worse. It felt like we were in an episode of punk'd. The only good part is the view of you sit outside.

If I could give it a zero I would give it a zero, decent location but food, service, management I've gotten worse every year the last five years. Now, to add insult to injury, the physical condition of the place is starting to wear down with the bathrooms being dirty and ugly, outdoor tables being chipped and uneven, just overall poor. When you have one of the very few limited waterfront spots in a restaurant, you could have a home run but either ownership or management or whatever is always missing a beat. read more

Lunch time it's April & we're on the water,stopped by for the Cuban & Cod fish Tacos & chowder- excellent! We will be back, they were remodeling the porch seating So we sat inside today read more

The Waterfront Bistro - Cuban Sandwich - American Near Me - Angola, Indiana

See all

What a terrible customer service and incompetent staff. I made a reservation yesterday for 3pm and called again to request outdoor sitting, at which point I was told it's 1st come 1st serve basis and had to cancel my existing reservation. When I arrived at the restaurant, they said can't take anymore people and it's reservation only for both indoor and outdoor ‍. And no one suddenly knew what I was talking about. Instead of resolving the issue the blonde hostess made a big scene and yelled to her other co-worker, do you know what she talking about? Like I'm an idiot. Never will I recommend or go to this place. Get your shit and staff together, whoever the manager is for this place. Your lucky to be open and have jobs. read more

Best seafood around Lake James, never have had anything to complain about. Nice change from the other local spots :)

When the server suggested trying the crab cakes at this lakeside stop, I was skeptical. But WOW was it perfect. Each cake was well balanced and filled with actual crab. No filler! read more

Poor professional behaviors from several members of staff including cook and wait staff. I am sure the food is as good as it is costly, however, to arrive at 1:10PM and be told that only dinner meals will be served and not lunch menu was quite a surprise. At one point the cook / chef came out to where customers are entering complaining to a waitress about preparing something other than dinners where the waitress stated out loud that she understood his request and passed muttering curse words about the alleged customer(s) and their non-dinner order. This really put into perspective the type of environment that I did not wish to patronize or subject my family to, so we left. Having spoken directly to three staff members in my short stay all being very short and rude I could tell that there was a high level of stress occurring. Did not eat, likely will not go back. It's the price that must be paid when bad service is received. I am not saying that it is always like this, however, I cannot imagine this type of environment being established out of thin air. When management allows customers to see such short comings then that reflects how important customers really are to that establishment. read more

Loved this place. Enjoyed eating lunch on the patio and watching the boats go by. The food was very good and the service excellent. Will definitely go back the next time we are back in the area! read more

I am very disappointed. I bought your Smoked Salmon Seafood Dip from Safeway. Nowhere did it indicate it was SPICY. It said sweet red peppers which are NOT usually spicy. I couldn't eat it. I gave i to my sister, who loves spicy things, and it was even too spicy for her! Please label your products accurately. I have severe GERD and your product set off a night of misery for me. read more

Been coming here since they open and this was a very pleasant visit. Got the ribeye smothered in blue cheese. Totally yummy. Day before I got the crab cakes and they were amazing. read more

This place needs a new owner and management. Owner wouldn't put the awning out because he said it was too windy, yet there was no wind. Out of everything except some fish. Servers are awesome but the manager was an idiot and very rude. Should maybe consider finding an occupation where you don't have to deal with people before you drive your business into the ground. Also, maybe don't throw stuff and cuss at your waiters around customers, figure it out bud. read more

If they're trying to go out business, they're well on their way. I have never been so embarrassed by an establishment that's supposed to provide hospitality to the point it made me cry. I tried to take my weekend guests here for a nice dinner and was met with pure anger, hostility, and aggressive rudeness. Their website encourages making reservations, which we did. We arrived to an empty restaurant and asked if we could sit outside, which resulted in me and my guests being bullied and berated. Again, there was one inside table occupied and absolutely empty on the patio. We were told that it was their policy that if you made a reservation, you MUST sit inside. No excptions. We tried very politely to resolve the situation which made seemed to make them even angrier. The awful waitress felt now felt it necessary get the cook to get involved and bully us. Needless to say, we left very upset with our afternoon ruined and ended up at The 6 which thankfully made up for one the worst experiences I've ever had at a restaurant. They were kind welcoming and provided us with exceptional service. 5 stars to them. read more

We had reservations for an inside table by a window, and it was granted. Tables were spaced apart and the inside wasn't busy. The patio followed social distancing. Seating is on a first come first served basis, and it's a popular place. It's located on the canal and boats were continually floating by. We had good service by Hillary in this better restaurant--seafood is its specialty. The fishes of the day are on the board, and there are many to choose from. When ordering you choose its preparation. We chose Walleye fried, Asian and naked. All were delicious. One guest chose Red Snapper with leek and lobster. Delicious. The beer and wine list had plenty of selection. I liked a Lefthand Stout, but with fish I chose a Land Shark. Tho others chose Hoegaarten and a Piñot. All areas are handicapped accessible. Watching the boats was nice. An ice cream shop is next door. read more

Amazing surprise when you see the menu and receive your food!!! WAY better than you could imagine for such a small place, even open in the winter.....a "hole in the wall" restaurant that you don't want to miss! Ken Riverside RV read more

We came for a getaway for my birthday and had Torri/Tori for our waitress and she was absolutely amazing. Fun environment, good drinks, great food & amazing service. Recommend 10/10. read more

The Waterfront Bistro - American Near Me - Angola, Indiana

We were in town for a hockey tournament and decided to try this place out. It was so good we went back the second night! The Walleye is the best we've had! read more

Anything g waterfront catches my eye so I will always give it a try. This place is an embarrassment, don't waste your time. The servers were high unprofessional chatting and visiting with their friends and bothered that they had to serve us. The food prices are highly overpriced and the food is nasty. The Margherita flat bread tasted like a can of tomato sauce and cheap motz cheese. read more

Best parts of this place seem to be the drinks and service. Great waiter who was very attentive. Bloody Mary was okay, good consistency but on the sweeter side with a small kick. I ordered the Mahi-Maui fish n' chips. The fries were good and crispy but the fish were basically sticks and were somewhat rubbery. For the price, definitely not worth it. The batter would have been a lot better if the fish were bigger pieces. The rest of my group liked the food but nothing stood out. Had the crab dip for appetizer which was flavorful and very creamy but the crab was scarce. Given the limited restaurants, not a bad place to eat but I would stick the the more simple options. read more

The Waterfront Bistro - Mahi-mahi fish n' chips - American Near Me - Angola, Indiana

My husband and I TRIED to have dinner here tonight. We arrived at 7:15 and the restaurant closes at 8:00 pm. After waiting at the hostess stand and no one acknowledging us ( while servers continued to walk by us) the manager asked how many were in our party. We were told we could sit at the bar (covered in dirty glassware)and they would TRY to serve us. What?! He said they were slammed and he had already turned the sign. I asked him what he was talking about, "the sign". He said he put the "close" up and it must have flipped when reopened the door. The sign said open. He was incredibly rude, unwelcoming, and disrespectful to potential customers. Needless to say we left, I would not spend a cent there. Unbelievable! read more

I really do not like giving bad reviews because I respect sometimes there is an off day at a restaurant and maybe I just was there when that was happening.... But enough is enough, you can not always be having an off day! I have been to this restaurant many times giving it chance after chance to change or fix there it... and always have very similar experiences... And today was no exception... I know this area well and hope my posting helps change this so others can enjoy the amazing space and waterfront/channel this restaurant offers. Today... I called ahead to see if they could seat us so we decided to go inside... We sat ourselves because the waitress at the door told us too; we headed to the deck and waited for a waitress to come.. Another waitress passed us 5 times and I finally asked if we could order a drink... She said the other waitress was ours and she was really busy. 20 Mins later I walk inside to see if I could find help... Staff saw me but no one would address me and ask what I needed. Later our supposed waitress walk out to the deck and took one look at us and turned around. I contacted the waitress to the talk next to us again and she was helpful and brought us waters but still not caring we needed drinks and wanted to order. 25 plus minutes later we walked out and nobody cared :( Last year the air conditioning was never working and it seems to be no different this year... The staff does not wear masks and they place doesn't look feel clean... What is hard for me to understand is if you are under staffed call back all your waitresses who are waiting to come back to work... Be happy to serve customers inside your business... If they can not even get a drink order at 50 percent Capacity in 30 minutes how will they survive when they are able to open up all there tables!!!! Owners/Managers please respond to this review and let me know how you plan to make it better... Address the issues of employees not wearing masks, not coming to our table in 30 minutes; the air conditioning; the dirty bathrooms and cluttered bar. The lack of caring for your guests.... read more

We are done with this place. Second time this month we've tried to eat here. Last time we came for dinner well before their published closing time. Open sign was lit up. Walked in and hostess rudely just says we are closed. Still plenty of people in the restaurant. I would understand if she said they were short staffed or low on menu availability, but no explanation. Came today for lunch and arrived before 2pm. We wanted to sit outside but the only options on their main deck was to sit with another couple. There were 4 of us. We asked if we could sit on the Yo-yos side because that's now bistro seating. Nope for overflow only. So we went inside. We were the only ones inside. I was looking forward to having fish tacos off the lunch menu. Sorry we have switched to the dinner menu. It was 2 and the menu says lunch till 3. My husband ordered a soda and us waters. As we were waiting we decided we didn't want to eat off the dinner menu. So as she was coming out with drinks we told her we decided to leave because we wanted lunch but you can put his Pepsi in a to go cup. She takes the Pepsi that was in a very larger cup and comes out with this pictured and says that will be $3.21. It really stinks their service is so bad with the limited options available on sundays. read more

The Waterfront Bistro - A $3.21 Pepsi - American Near Me - Angola, Indiana

What we experienced at this place on Sunday was something I have never experienced in any restaurant!! I cannot recommend this place, and we will never come back. We came up to spend some fun time with friends on their lake and stopped for lunch. We parked the boat and the sign said to come in to inform the hostess of how many were in our party. As we were standing at the entrance a very rude waitress/hostess said to us " you need to stand outside your in the way until we seat you" So we go outside and sit down on the rail and the same girl comes out and tells us very rudely "to not sit at these rail seats either". Those are for people waiting for seats! Which no one else was waiting for. So we then sit down on the empty picnic tables at the currently closed for the year yogurt shop, and then get told to not sit on those tables either? 15 -20 minutes go by and they told us they could seat us on the rail in the direct sun, we ask if we can possibly sit under an awning or sit at picnic tables, and were rudely told "NO" and that if we switch, we would have to wait further now for other customers now were ahead of us? There were none?? My wife went in to inquire about this as we were waiting for a waitress and seated at the rail area that we were told to sit in in the hot sun. She was interrupted and cut off by the same rude waitress again. I don't see my wife upset very often but she was so mad she was shaking. Then after another 5-10 minutes of baking in the sun, another one of our party went in to ask the manager about the issues and spoke to him and he was very dismissive and said he didn't have time to deal with anyone as he was backed up, another young waitress then came out and said that we should leave and that "They would not be serving us today" because WE??? were rude. Many customers already eating outside were shaking their heads in disbelief at how we were being treated!! Most said that this place is normally always this way and that they just ignore them, otherwise they wouldn't eat here. It is sad as this place really has the market cornered as there are very few options to eat on Lake James. We went next door and ate an Amazing burger at Tom's Food Truck on a great patio on the channel. And their employees at Tom's were fantastic and nice to the customers. We live on Lake Wawasee and have 4 amazing restaurants that treat people wonderfully! We will not be going back to James anytime soon! read more