Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Wisconsin
  4. La Crosse
  5. La Crosse

The Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern

4.8
4.8
1053 Reviews
$31 to $50
American
We are currently open for dine-in, take-out, and curbside delivery.
The Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern has been changing the dining experience in La Crosse since 2006. By offering supreme product and hospitality, we have become a favorite of locals and a travel destination all in the same. Our menus highlight seasonal American cuisine that includes USDA Prime beef and fresh day-boat seafood. With a focus on the freshest foods of each season, our culinary team allows the ingredients to speak for themselves. Every detail is appreciated in everything we do – enjoy the results of hard work and high standards. Our current menus can be found by visiting www.thewaterfrontlacrosse.com
Thank you for supporting local businesses!

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 13 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Fine Dining

  • Cuisines

    American, Steak, Cocktail Bar

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (608) 782-5400

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Brian Plum

  • Catering

    Four unique dining spaces plus outdoor patios offer an elegant backdrop for any event from a private business presentation over lunch, a bustling conference with 300 guests, a wedding, or a relaxing cocktail reception. Your guests will feel at ease with every need artfully met.

  • Private party facilities

    The Cargill RoomThe largest of our event spaces, The Cargill Room is a grand, light-filled ballroom with panoramic views of the river and park. The subtle elegance of the Cargill Room makes it a stunning venue for wedding receptions, conferences and banquets. Dedicated amenities include two private bars, coatrooms, powder rooms, Wi-Fi, customized lighting and projection systems. The Banquet RoomDesigned as a stylish, comfortable venue for 24 to 100 guests, The Banquet Room showcases breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and Riverside Park. Amenities include a private bar, coatroom, powder rooms, private parking lot and complimentary presentation technology.The Private Dining RoomA secluded dining or meeting space for a small group, The Private Dining Room looks out over a spectacular river scene. Adjacent to the restaurant and tavern, it seats up to 16 guests.

  • Neighborhood

    La Crosse

  • Cross street

    Jay Street

  • Parking details

    There is a private parking lot located between the restaurant building and Riverside Park that is free of charge to all Waterfront guests. There are also reserved spots on the first floor in the parking ramp located on the corner of Front Street and Jay Street that are free to restaurant guests.

  • Entertainment

    Local and regional musicians fill the tavern with classic and contemporary music. In the warm season, enjoy our casual entertainment on the patio!

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 1,053 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.9Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Wisconsin

    Best Service

  • Wisconsin

    Best Ambiance

  • Wisconsin

    Romantic

  • Wisconsin

    American

Sort by

  1. Sandee

    Milwaukee

    24 reviews

    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our waiter was John, and he was excellent. We had a view of the river and the sun was shining. It was beautiful. I ordered the salmon (it was delicious), and my husband ordered the scallops dish, and it was so good as well. We ordered the Brussel sprouts with bacon as an appetizer. Yum. Their rolls were served warm with delicious butter, and they were the best we've had in a long time. The meal was spaced our well. I ordered the pinot noir, and it was very weak with no body. My husband kept it and drank it as his 2nd glass of wine. I ordered a cabernet, and it was much better so I had a second. We would definitely go back again. This is a higher priced restaurant, but it was worth it. We felt very fortunate to have John as our waiter. He took great care of us.
  2. AlanG

    Minneapolis

    33 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    33 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and excellent service and attention to detail by our server! Could not ask for more
  3. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was very good, waitress was awesome (so knowledgeable on their food), great view of the river
  4. BruceM

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Over all it was fantastic. Prices are high, but the quality is fabulous. We always enjoy ourselves at the waterfront.
  5. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    At first we waited 20 minutes before we saw a waiter/Waitress. Once I went to the hostess station our waiter soon arrived. Normally I would have left, however, I've been to the Waterfront several times and usually service is top notch. Patrick our waiter was very apologetic and he and management made up for the wait we initially had. Once Patrick came to our table service was top notch as it usually is. Food as well was cooked to perfection and the flavors were good
  6. JohnS

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Food was way too salty, even vegetables. Dessert looked old.
  7. JerijoB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a great meal at the WaterFront. I enjoy going early so I can sit at the Beautiful bar. The happy hour is awesome, I enjoy the wine and the appetizers. Best cheese curds ever!
  8. danielP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was great for our anniversary Thank you for the desert
  9. SheilaO

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The atmosphere was very nice and the food was very good. Our waiter, Zach, was amazing. He was funny, extremely attentive and gave us impeccable service.
  10. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    75 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    75 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Certainly among the best, if not the best in La Crosse. The tenderloin was excellent; the accompaniments could use improvement and keep the restaurant from deserving a 5 star for the food.
  11. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service, and delicious food… sat down right away, and servers were awesome
  12. PhilA

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding! Fine dining in LaCross. Service staff great. Waiter a professional.
  13. George

    New Mexico

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food is always outstanding and service is excellent. Zach did an outstanding job taking care of us.
  14. Ruger

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service, the atmosphere, and the food was excellent, and we will be back again. Great place for a night with friends!
  15. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was amazing and prepared perfect for my dietary restrictions. The waiter even asked if I would be interested in a gluten free dinner roll when he brought out rolls for the table. Staff was friendly and food was timely. View was beautiful!
  16. JackieK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is probably the best place in the area for consistently great food and superb service. We save it for special occasions only because it’s pretty pricey unless it’s just 2 of you and you’re not having multiple drinks, apps or dessert. The food and service are perfect 🤌
  17. CindyT

    Minneapolis

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful meal, lovely space, excellent service. Highly recommend.
  18. GrammaCyn

    Chicago

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We spent the weekend of our 55th wedding anniversary in LaCrosse, driving up river from our home near Dubuque. We had reservations for the Waterfront Restaurant for Saturday night and it did not disappoint. In fact everything about it was way above our expectations. We were able to easily walk along the river from our hotel, The Charmant (another five star review). The table was perfect, the sunset beautiful, the food hot when it should be hot, cold when it should be cold, the waiter, outstanding, and all in all... we couldn't have had a more perfect evening.
  19. Kate

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I can't stop thinking about how good the Trout and Caramel Pecan Whisky Martini were! Great meal!
  20. Erica

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Mel, our server, is amazing! Great food and drinks!
  21. CBarz

    Key West

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We enjoy the Waterfront food, staff, ambiance. It’s just perfect for us.
  22. CC41

    Dallas

    31 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on March 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Brittany was amazing! Food drinks and ambience were perfect
  23. JenniferC

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Loved our waiter, Joseph! The food was amazing, a great start to a wonderful night.
  24. SusanK

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was excellent and waitress so helpful and pleasant. Perfect place to celebrate a birthday. The steak, scallops ,short ribs, & calamar all excellent.
  25. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent server and staff. Amazing food.
  26. Zach

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Patrick was phenomenal! All the providers made our experience wonderful, but his customer service was excellent. Food was amazing excited to be back again!
  27. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience5
    I came here for valentine's day and have always wanted to try waterfront and overall I was not impressed with the food. Especially with the steak i ordered, yes it was juicy but it had no flavor and for how much the steak was I should have been blown away but i was not. Our waiter was great, very knowledgeable on the menu and was able to recommend a popular dish for my partner to try. But for how expensive it was, the experience was not worth the money. Was hoping to be amazed and blown away and I walked away feeling okay about it. Maybe next time will be better.
  28. JulieS

    Minneapolis

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our experience was absolutely incredible. We went for Valentines Day. Beyond their already delicious menu selections, they also offered a lovely specialty menu. The cocktails were creative and delicious. The oysters were fresh and our waitress was incredibly knowledgeable about the oysters, the special and the whole menu.
  29. SteveM

    Cincinnati

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful place. Wonderful atmosphere. The service and food were great.
  30. RyleeD

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our service at The Waterfront was outstanding. Our server Amanda was polite and helpful when deciding what to order. Overall a great experience and such a nice date night.
  31. JoellynE

    Minneapolis

    5 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience5
    Steak and pork chop were not as good as usual. Very bland.
  32. JenniferS

    Milwaukee

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We celebrated an early Valentines Dinner Date.
  33. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience3
    Pepper pot soup was great. Crab cakes were so smooth they were more like paté. Restaurant was quite bright for dinner. Our server was outstanding!
  34. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was outstanding per usual.
  35. KatieF

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server was so excitable, knowledgeable, and fun to talk to!
  36. ChrisC

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was excellent, the background music was tasteful (to say the least... Love the American songbook), and the service was excellent. Mathew was friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient... a great young man.
  37. DavidP

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 4, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    The restaurant was fairly quiet. the ambience very nice. The service was excellent. The menu had variety and was interesting. The quality of the food was excellent. I say this as someone who cooks for a hobby. The negatives and this may sound petty, the wine pour was fairly small and the brocolini stems were tough. The Ceasar salad was good, I was asked if I wanted anchovies and said , of course, it is after all, a Ceasar salad. The anchovies added an additional cost to the salad. Would I go back? absolutely! It is one of the few restaurants in LaCrosse where one can go for a " night out " and not be surrounded with baseball hats and camo.
  38. oldman

    Detroit

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on February 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a favorite and never disappoints. Great place to relax and enjoy some really good food.
  39. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and even better service!
  40. OpenTable Diner

    Minneapolis

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great selection of bourbon and drinks. We had some amazing appetizers, all of our meals were great and we could resist the desserts…..they were amazing too!

FAQs

The Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (608) 782-5400.

The Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern is rated 4.8 stars by 1053 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 13 times today
Google Map for The Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern

328 Front St South, La Crosse, WI 54601

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Jay Street

  • Neighborhood

    La Crosse

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    American, Steak, Cocktail Bar

  • Dining style

    Fine Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    There is a private parking lot located between the restaurant building and Riverside Park that is free of charge to all Waterfront guests. There are also reserved spots on the first floor in the parking ramp located on the corner of Front Street and Jay Street that are free to restaurant guests.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Brian Plum

  • Entertainment

    Local and regional musicians fill the tavern with classic and contemporary music. In the warm season, enjoy our casual entertainment on the patio!

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (608) 782-5400

  • Catering

    Four unique dining spaces plus outdoor patios offer an elegant backdrop for any event from a private business presentation over lunch, a bustling conference with 300 guests, a wedding, or a relaxing cocktail reception. Your guests will feel at ease with every need artfully met.

  • Private party facilities

    The Cargill RoomThe largest of our event spaces, The Cargill Room is a grand, light-filled ballroom with panoramic views of the river and park. The subtle elegance of the Cargill Room makes it a stunning venue for wedding receptions, conferences and banquets. Dedicated amenities include two private bars, coatrooms, powder rooms, Wi-Fi, customized lighting and projection systems. The Banquet RoomDesigned as a stylish, comfortable venue for 24 to 100 guests, The Banquet Room showcases breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and Riverside Park. Amenities include a private bar, coatroom, powder rooms, private parking lot and complimentary presentation technology.The Private Dining RoomA secluded dining or meeting space for a small group, The Private Dining Room looks out over a spectacular river scene. Adjacent to the restaurant and tavern, it seats up to 16 guests.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo