We hosted a milestone birthday party for 15 people at Willy's On the Water this past Saturday, and they were outstanding from start to finish. They seated us together, even though it was their lunch rush, and the staff took care of every detail for our large group. Service was excellent; servers were always nearby checking on beverages, food, and anything else we needed, without ever feeling intrusive. Everyone at the table commented on how good the food was - great flavors, generous portions, and well‑made drinks. We've always loved Willy's On the Water, but this experience really confirmed that they're a fantastic choice for larger parties as well. The manager, Gavin, and his staff--from hostesses to servers--were amazing and incredibly helpful throughout the event. I would highly recommend Willy's On the Water for both everyday dining and special occasions. read more

My aunt suggested grabbing a drink at this restaurant patio that faces the lake. They are busy, big parking lot but looks full. We were lucky to find a parking spot. Beautiful entryway with chandelier. The place looks newly renovated with an arcade room on the side. The restaurant is actually pretty big, hude bar on the right with seating and dining room to the left. Then covered patio and open patio seating area. We sat outside facing the lake. There's servers outside greeted us when we sat down. They gave us food and beverage menu, but we were so full from dinner. We just came for drinks and the view. read more

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We had an enjoyable meal here. We tried the pizza special. It was quite good, a little sweet for pizza but it had good flavor. The beer selection was good with a few local brews available. We also had an appetizer of stuffed mushrooms. They were very tasty. read more

Willy’s On The Water - Bars Near Me - Big Lake, Minnesota

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We went to Willys on the water and it was great, I know Russel's was a classic but Willy's has truly renovated the atmosphere to be clean, simple, and modern. The chicken wild rice was to die for, honestly just as good as Russel's if not better. I also tried the lemon sandwich, it was a bit salty but overall pretty good. The ranch is a thin runny ranch which i personally love. Staff was super friendly and kind, atmosphere was great. If we are back in the area we will definitely be here! read more

Willy’s On The Water - Lemon chicken sandwich - Bars Near Me - Big Lake, Minnesota

Willy's on the Water was a perfect spot to eat on a summer afternoon at the lake. We sat inside because it was very hot out and raining on and off but thanks to large windows we got to enjoy the lake view still. Our waitress wasn't overly friendly or helpful but she was attentive. Started with bloody Mary's which were loaded with a beef stick, hard boiled egg, a pickle and an olive. The bang bang shrimp wontons were a great app to share. I had the pistachio crusted walleye which was amazing. Others in my party got bowls, one bourbon chicken and one sesame chicken. I'd love to return to try other items on the menu. read more

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Online ordering was seamless. Order was accurate and reasonably priced. Service was great inside the restaurant upon pick up. Views of water out back are really pretty! The food reviews were varied amongst our guests. The nachos weren't really a great takeaway order- ended up dry and overcooked. The pizzas were really tasty and flavorful. The appetizers of tots/fries were pretty good. We are eager to try more entrees and likely dine in next time. read more

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Great food and service! We had Sam and she was awesome! The ambience is beautiful! We always sit outside when we can! Love this place! My steak was perfect! Thank you Willy's! read more

I have gone here 3 times in the past two months and 2/3 times was the worst service I've ever had. Both times it took over 15 minutes for someone to greet us at the table. Once they did we only saw the server twice in over an hour being here. I love this place and the food but super disappointed in the service. read more

Great service and cold beer! Food was terrible. Double smash burger was well done flavorless and very dry. Steak wrap lacking flavor. Boneless wings were good...expensive. Thanks read more

We went out for J4th dinner. Arrived at 5pm. Ordered at 5:11pm. Food arrived at our table at 5:30pm. We were done eating by 5:47pm. The place was not busy for a holiday. But maybe we went too early.. We sat by the window. The dining room, from where I sat, was well lighted by natural light from the windows. There were also outdoor seatings overlooking the lake. Perfect for warm sunny days if you don't mind the sun and breeze. (Haha, my family is allergic to the sun). I sat there by the window imagining I was sitting out there on the deck looking at the surface of the lake. The food portions matched the prices. The music went from country to a woman screaming like a banshee. This place is romantic for date nights with the twinkling ceiling lights if the big screens on the wall are turned off. It's a perfect spot for family dinners or a group gathering for special occasions. I liked the atmosphere. I like the fast service. I liked the food, well, at least what I ordered. I have had many burgers from many places. The last burger I still daydream about ten years later was from a burger joint in the Black Hills in Custer, SD. And now I don't have to drive to Custer for a burger anymore. I could drive ten minutes to Willy's and have the second best burger. My hubby loved his ribeye steak. My children loved what they ordered. I went into this restaurant with an open mind. I have had many unsavory experiences in small town restaurants over the years across this country. I was hoping to have a good experience. And we did. We will go again. However, it was very noisy with the loud music and conversations echoing off the ceiling and the televisions on the wall. The server checked on us twice during our meal. He was probably a high school kid working a summer job and learning how to deal with people. No judgement. Great job, kid!! read more

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Went to Willy's on the Water for the first time with my husband for some after work drinks and apps. Really liked the atmosphere and views of the lake, however the host that sat us appeared to be about 12 years old. He mumbled the specials under his breath, dropped the menus off at the table and basically ran away. Then our server approached us. He was also a younger male maybe around 17 or 18. He did not smile once nor explain any of the 2 for 1 specials. My husband and I were so confused when we received two drinks each so it would have been nice to know prior! I will say, the apps were really great! We ordered the cheese curds which had a ranch dipping sauce and a blueberry dipping sauce. Such a nice combination of salty and sweet! My husband ordered the wontons which were also very tasty. I have read other reviews about the restaurant being very loud and that was definitely my experience as well. Hard to get a conversation in with my husband and could hear every single table. Our waiter also did not check in on us other than one other time and that was disappointing. read more

Willy’s On The Water - Wontons - Bars Near Me - Big Lake, Minnesota

I love this place. We have been several times and they are consistently great. Service has always been good. read more

Willy’s On The Water - Pistachio crusted walleye. - Bars Near Me - Big Lake, Minnesota

We love Willy's! Today we both ordered the chopped salad and it was great. I loved the variety of items included in the salad. The french fries were very good too. We sat outside on the deck and enjoyed the view. What a great way to spend a summer day. Our waitress was exceptional. She stopped by several times and asked us if everything was OK. And she always had a smile. read more

We really enjoyed our trip to Willy's on the Water. It was very busy on a Sunday afternoon. We were seated quickly and service was attentive. The food was good. We had stuffed mushrooms as an appetizer. We had a delicious salad with nuts and apples and a pizza. It was very clean. The windows look out over the water. It was really cold when we ate there but there is an outdoor seating area and bar that look like it would be really fun in the good weather. read more

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While visiting from Florida, our family took us here. We were quite impressed by the cleanliness, ambiance and good tat of the restaurant. Although closed for the night, I walked the patio and saw a beautiful second bar, plentiful tables and a large dock. Quite lovely. We only ordered drinks, but we were very impressed with our bartender. Miranda was the perfect blend of knowledgeable and sassy. She made us laugh and made sure we always had drinks. All 4 of us will return and ask for her. She fabulous!! Great hire! read more

I was here years ago when it was called Russells. When I came through the door, I could tell that the recent changes make this place so much nicer. Classier and cleaner. I sat in the bar area on a small table overlooking Big Lake. It was a terrific view. My server was the bartender and he was very good. There was a little confusion at first on I whether the beer I wanted was available, but it all worked out well and in the end, I found out there was two for one beers! I had the Pistachio Crusted Walleye for lunch. It was served on a bed of jasmine and wild rice with fresh sautéed green beans and pico to Gallo. There was a hollandaise sauce on top that made this entrée delicious! This is my first fourth walleye dinner on my Minnesota adventure and best one! read more

Willy’s On The Water - Pistachio Crusted Walleye - Bars Near Me - Big Lake, Minnesota

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Avery was great. Beautiful place with a great view even during winter. Delicious food. Well definitely be back! read more

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We were visiting from out of town and our friends took us here and it didn't disappoint. 2 for 1 drinks was a surprise when we ordered and there were alot of taps to choose from. We had the cheese curds and blackberry sauce 10/10. We also got a pizza and chicken sandwich which were all delicious. Outside near the water had live music playing and it was enjoyable to listen to. read more

It is well operated and well run! They have great staff operating the joint. Every item on the menu is perfect.!

Really enjoyed the ambiance outside right on the water and the food was delicious as well! Generous portion with enough to take home

I have been to the newly opened Willys on the Water a handful of times now and have enjoyed every visit. Whether it's a Saturday afternoon lunch, Sunday Funday, or a midweek dinner, the service is always good and the food is excellent. The space is casual yet classy and has a nice modern chic to it with beautiful views of Big Lake. So far I've had a couple different appetizers and a couple different burgers and have enjoyed everything. Will be returning to start exploring more of the menu. read more

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I love this place. When I visit Mn this is my go to for a great meal, a great drink, and great service. The wall of windows is amazing in the summer and winter overlooking the lake. Everything we ordered was shockingly good. Apps, sandwiches, salads, all piping hot with the requested modifications. So appreciative of quality food establishments at a time when things are so tough. Thank you! read more

Great place to come have a meal on the water. Our favorite is the steak bites and chicken skewers. They seem to have ironed all the kinks out from when they first opened! read more

Best food service is amazing ambiance is a little bit noses wise but not bad love this restaurant it's fun to go to its my favorite restaurant to go to read more

This place is great we have came here so much and all the food is so good I recommend coming

Went here on vacation last week, everyone had to go to big lake. Food was very good, others had walleye, fish and chips, a burger. I had the hot beef open face. Awesome to see that on a menu and it was great, gravy, mashed on the bottom, tasty meat, and a slice of sourdough for a little extra flavor. Service was great, view of the lake by the window, love it! Oddly enough I thought the beer was a little pricy until they brought 2-4-1. Had to drink'em read more

Poor service. There were multiple open tables and it took us a long time to be seated. When we were finally seated, we sat there for at least 10 minutes and no server greeted us or attempted to take our order. We walked out. Plus there was a Yankees game on TV from last year when another TV was playing a different game from this year. We have come here a few times and had a great meal but this time sucked. I am so frustrated that I am not sure I ever want to come back to this place. Is it by a lake. Sure. Picturesque? Sure. The food is sometimes good, but we would not know this time. Go elsewhere. Also, the Illinois v Indiana football game was going on - two top 25 ranked teams and it was not on any TV. Seriously, so disappointed in this trip. read more

Everything about this place was amazing, food, price and ambiance! Can't wait to go back!

Wow this place was so good. Best food we've had from a restaurant since pre covid. The patio is super nice one the water and has a bar outside. Looked busy but it wasn't. Got seated right away. Order a beer and cocktail and to our surprise it's 2 for 1 all day everyday! The service was great and quick! I wish we were closer to this gem. read more

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We went to celebrate a birthday and brought our own pie. Our server said they don't accept outside desserts. Totally fine. We ordered two cheesecakes there instead. The manager came over and accused us of still eating our pie, and we told him this was purchased from their establishment. He kept saying he's never seen this cheesecake in the restaurant. We brought pie which is clearly different than cheesecake. He asked us to leave because we kept eating the cheesecake we brought there. I asked him to ask the server to come over to verify that the cheesecake was from there. Then when we left, they followed us out. read more

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way way over priced and rated,,server was very good but the meals were not,,,,wings ok ,,,the so called prime rib soup was a can of campbells vegy beef ,,just horrible,,garlic toast was about the size of nabisco cracker and cost 1;50 ...what atotal joke ,,,,other meal was chicken strips ,,,,wife said were all grissle and couldnt even cut them ,,,othe strips were almost burnt,,,,to top it off ,,they charged 1;50 for a cup of bbq sause,,,now that is total bull sh-t,,,,this place is not what the rerviews say ,,,overalll not happy with willys ,,,,,unless you hve big pockets and want inferior food have at it read more

Met clients here for lunch. The space is open and looks nice after the remodel. Sports bar on the lake. Service was good, food portions were plentiful. read more

Great food, service, awesome drinks and don't forget the fantastic views. We have been here many times and have always had a great experience! read more

The atmosphere was good, love what they have done with the place. Our waitress was great! BUT the food... We all got burgers. They were half off. California burgers. Pretty sure they use frozen burger patties, some buns seemed old... crumbled apart. 2 burgers only wanted pickles and cheese took everything else off. Got charged extra for pickles and cheese... The other 2 had a lot of onions, a soggy leaf of lettuce and a tiny tomato... If I would'nt have gotten these 1/2 off, I would have complained. We probably will not go back. EVERYONE is charging $15 for a burger these days, IT IS ridiculous. Especially if they are going to do a half a$$ed job. I'll go to Culver's. $8 for a burger basket and EVERYTHING is made fresh and delicious. Thanks for reading. read more

Service 4.5 Blackend Steak Bites 1.0 Ultimate Nachos 2.0 This is disappointing because in past visits everything had been a 5 across the board. This is the first time the food was not a wow. :( read more

I had the Lemon Chicken, and it was one of the best meals that I've had at a restaurant in a long time. The portion size, taste, and affordability couldn't have been any better. The service was also friendly and quick. Great place to eat! read more

This restaurant is loud. Very loud. Its interior is cement floors and a wide open floor plan. There's also outdoor dining near the lake but we haven't tried that yet. The food was quite good and reasonably priced. Our servers have always been polite and helpful; so no issues there either. But the noise... the first time we tried this restaurant we assumed the overall volume was largely due to a party of drunk women. Additional visits have proven that was not the case. If you're looking for pleasant dinner conversation this ain't the place. read more

This place was hopping on a Friday evening. The view overlooking the lake was impressive. The service was quick and on point, especially given how busy they were. I had the Sunflower Crunch Salad, which tasted fresh and the grilled chicken was prepared well. The other person in my party had the Open Faced Hot Beef, which was an impressive mound of mashed potatoes, pot roast, and fried shoestring onions. This must have been a tasty comfort dish, because they never finish all their food...yet this disappeared quickly. I was pleasantly surprised with the food, service, and ambiance and wouldn't hesitate to come here again when in the area. read more

This restaurant is always packed and really cool. How is it is on the water. If you're going, don't try to have a conversation with anyone you won't be able to hear them. read more

Fantastic!! We were in town visiting relatives & decided to drop in. We almost kept going after seeing a lot of bikers... but there also were a lot of minvans, so we decided it was safe! lol The food was amazing! Everything was perfectly cooked. We started with cheese curds- excellent. Not super greasy. I had the fish sandwich with tots. My husband had the bacon ranch chicken wrap with the fries. The fries were soooo good- they were closer to chips than fries. They were thin but wider like a steak fry. Big thumbs up. HUGE beer/cider list. Nice environment-seems family friendly (the "bikers" were the nice ones- more like Harley afficiados versus gang members). Our server was friendly & fast. The entertainment on the deck was top notch. The singer was talented & performed a number of covers. Highly recommend if you're in the area. read more

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