The Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern, La Crosse, WI

The Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern

Name: The Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern
Address: 328 Front St South, La Crosse, WI, United States, 54601
Telephone: (608) 782-5400
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.6

4.6

1099 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Top Tags:

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

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 23, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 3 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Cuisines
American, Steak, Cocktail Bar
Hours of operation
Lunch Thu–Sat 11:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(608) 782-5400
Website
http://www.thewaterfrontlacrosse.com/
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.

Location
328 Front St South, La Crosse, WI 54601
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 1,099 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.8Service
4.8Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

1,099 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Coastal Georgia
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very good food, great wait staff and a beautiful location. Parking is a problem. There is no parking near the restaurant entrance and their parking further along the road is inadequate.
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TM
ToddM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was great and the service was just as good! Definitely a go to place in LaCrosse!
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R
Randy
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was our anniversary and we decided to try a restaurant that we had never been to before. The food was fabulous and one of the best meals we have ever had. Our waiter was so helpful in helping us decide on our meal choices. We even were given a choice of a free dessert in honor of our special day. We love The Waterfront and will be going back very soon.
The Waterfront Restaurant and TavernResponded 2 days ago
Thank you for choosing the Waterfront to celebrate your anniversary. We are so happy to hear that the two of you enjoyed your experience and we can't wait to serve you again soon!
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MS
MikeS
Milwaukee
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
As usual, the food and service were exceptional. Our favorite place for a night out.
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DS
DanielaS
Chicago
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service and food. Great views as well! Esp enjoyed the top sirloin from a local butcher and the mashed potatoes.
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T
Tilda
Minneapolis
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall3food2service5ambience5
The lamb chops had maybe 3 bites of meat on the plate. Salmon had a greasy taste. Disappointed that they took the crab off the menu. Staff were very friendly & great atmosphere but the food was not great.
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RL
RonaldL
Milwaukee
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall2food2service5ambience5
The salads, bread, swordfish was excellent. Service and ambiance of dining room was tremendous. However, I ordered 6 oz filet, medium. What I got was a well done, end cut. Very, very disappointing. Potato salad had way too much dill in it. That’s all you could taste, was the dill seasoning. I wish I had better news and I don’t ever complain much, but when one pays $50 for a steak, someone in Management needs to know, so it doesn’t happen to someone else.
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B
Bethany
Milwaukee
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My husband and I come to The Waterfront every anniversary! We’re always blown away by the food, but this year was the best. So delicious! The service was spectacular as usual as well!
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DR
DonR
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 29, 2023
overall3food2service5ambience5
The pork chop has so tough I couldn’t chew. Dry with little flavor. Salad was excellent as was the appetizer. Service was perfect.
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JG
JuliaG
Minneapolis
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall3food5service1ambience3
Steak was great, waiter - bad. Did have a wonderful young bus girl get us some bread when our waiter was nowhere to be found.
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WW
WheresWaldo
Minneapolis
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Once again Waterfront and their staff do not disappoint. Drove from Rochester to La Crosse for celebration for family. Arrived early but luckily was able to be seated. Waitstaff Reagan was very attentive and helped make the meal very enjoyable. We had a selection of appetizers including cheeseboard, oysters Rockefeller (could eat these all day), escargot (served a little differently on a base of bread with goat cheese and red wine reduction), and a crab cake. It was all good, although I preferred the escargot served in the traditional way. Having said that, they DO pair well with goat cheese. Mains included the Ahi Tuna with Asian Slaw (what I’m ordering next time), Salmon (I don’t care for salmon, but I would happily have devoured this), and lamb with almonds. The lamb didn’t have a lamb flavor, such as you’d expect with chops, or a rack and I probably wouldn’t order again, but it was okay nonetheless. If you like butter pecan ice cream, and it’s available you’re in for treat. It’s homemade and loaded with pecans.
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r
roundhouse
Milwaukee
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 20, 2023
overall2food2service1ambience3
4-5 wait staff in hostess area and all appeared to be confused- lots of kerfuffle and long wait before being seated. Waiter was brusque, wait for food was lengthy. We had reservations to celebrate our birthdays - no mention or attention to that.
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NB
NaomiB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very good food and service. We had one entre' that came well done instead of rare, and though we just gently mentioned it, when we received our check it had been credited. We will definitely be back.
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KP
KenP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
If I could go to 6 stars, I would. We started in the Tavern which we didn't even pay attention to last time. A couple of amazing apps (first time for oysters Rockefeller) and a bourbon flight, then dinner in the restaurant, which was nothing short of exceptional. On top of that, my daughter works at this restaurant and she says it's SO well run and for the first time she LOVES her job. 100% top to bottom.
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j
jjustbeck
Orlando
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 10, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
The waitress was very good and tem service excellent. The only thing was the server was a it robotic She was young but took care of us. I just want tobe honest.
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MN
MaryN
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We enjoyed our anniversary meal and drinks at The Waterfront. Our server was wonderful and we were offered a free dessert in honor of our special day. The quality of the food was excellent from the Crab Cake and Oysters Rockefeller appetizers, to the main courses of Salmon and Scallops. We traveled from out of town for our meal and it was an excellent choice for our anniversary.
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KM
KatMN
Minneapolis
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was outstanding. Variety of menu choices. Featured wine was delicious and reasonably priced. Option to dine indoors in an elegant setting, or on the outdoor patio adjacent to the river. We were very pleased with the entire experience.
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LG
LizG
Minneapolis
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Beautiful setting! So clean. The food is delicious & pricing is fair.
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NT
NancyT
Milwaukee
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on August 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food, great service. A beautiful place to dine on the Mississippi River and a wonderful experience .
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MS
MarkS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service, water went above and beyond. Made my birthday a memorable day
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JG
JohnG
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on July 29, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
charcuterie board is much smaller than years past. Made reservations a head of time asking for a window seat and didn’t get one unfortunately. Dillon our server was absolutely amazing and great humor. Great salmon. Would like to have seen pork on the menu.
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E
Enjoyed
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great evening for a special event a little noisy but memorable
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very enjoyable experience. Have gone multiple times. The oysters are amazing!
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SJ
SharonJ
San Francisco
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 26, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience4
The wine by the glass selections are awful. I know profits are needed on alcohol, but please curate a better selection. So disappointing to have a lovely meal—the swordfish was delicious— but the cheap wine !!!!!
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JN
JudyN
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent wine and the escargot was delicious, a totally unexpected preparation
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SC
SueC
Milwaukee
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on July 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Waterfront is one of our favorite restaurants. The tuna starter was fabulous. My salmon was crispy crusted, but juicy and tender in the center. My husb had the swordfish which he said was delicious. We received a free dessert because it was our anniversary.
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TG
TucsonGJ
Tucson
60 reviews
vip
4.0
60 reviews
Dined on July 18, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
We were visiting LaCrosse and dinner with relatives at the Waterfront. The location is excellent; the views beautiful and the service was very attentive. Entrees were beautifully presented and everyone enjoyed their meal. We did not feel rushed and enjoyed the experience immensely. The only negative (and the reason for four stars) was with the drink order. A martini was ordered and was brought in a very small glass. We were told that they had "run out" of the larger glasses. So, instead of a normal sized drink, one of my guests had a drink that was embarrassingly small.
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B
Bruce
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our dining experience at The Waterfront to celebrate my husband’s birthday was outstanding. The food was delicious, artfully prepared, and full of flavor. The dining room at TWF is tastefully decorated and shows a breathtaking view of the Mississippi River. The noise level in the room is extremely low encouraging meaningful and lingering conversation. Our server, Eli, was knowledgeable, professional, and very accommodating. We would ask for him again. We even received a free dessert to celebrate our special event. If you want the finest dining in La Crosse, choose The Waterfront. Their quality is uncompromising and always outstanding.
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PO
PaulO
Raleigh
22 reviews
1.0
22 reviews
Dined on July 15, 2023
overall1food1service5ambience2
The waterfront was at one point in time the absolute “go to” spot in the city. We made reservations based upon that historical recollection and it ended up being a very sad occasion. It was like meeting a friend who has a terminal illness and feeling sorry for their decline. The place was deserted at the dinner hour on a weekend evening. The very few diners they did have came for the outdoor river front seating - not the food. We ordered the air dried pork ( grisly and undercooked with a crispy edge and cool “wet” middle ) the tenderloin ( delightful cut but cold interior) , the scallops pasta dish ( undercooked scallops), escargot- tasted dirty - and all in all finished the meal with most if the food uneaten. We didn’t eat because we weren’t hungry. We didn’t eat because whoever runs the kitchen can’t cook. There weren’t 15 diners and the kitchen got zero of the dishes prepared properly. The meal began with salads but the pear salad was comprised of pear shavings as opposed to flavorful slices, wilted, room temperature lettuce and soaking in a less than enjoyable dressing. The “wedge” salad wasn’t a wedge at all but a cross-cut of lettuce with thin, watery blue-cheese dressing. The one bright spot in the wedge salad was the delightful distribution of flavorful home cooked bacon bits that offered the only reason to continue eating it. All in all the dinner was a $300 disaster. I would have felt better giving the money to a local charity. Someone put this place out of its misery. It hates being a restaurant.
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S
Scotty308
Las Vegas
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 7, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Our waitress Lauren was what made our experience so great. Super friendly and welcoming. The hostesses could use some training on greeting as we felt like maybe we were in the wrong place. We were not under dressed for the occasion but were still made to feel like we were in the wrong spot. The wine was terrific the crème brûlée was delicious. We both had fillets. One Oscar and one Gorgonzola encrusted. They were decent. Nothing I would or could rave about. However, again I would like to say that the manager stopped by our table and greeted us and was very friendly everyone except the first 3 hostesses we came in contact with were terrific. All in all a pleasant evening
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WL
WayneL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our waiter, Michael Angelo, treated us royally and the other staff as well.
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RT
RichardT
St. Louis
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on July 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Has to be the finest restaurant on the Mississippi from the Twin Cities to St. Louis. Everything was outstanding. A wonderful experience.
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B
Beth
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a very pleasant experience while dining at the Waterfront. The wait staff was excellent. Our waiter, Michael Angelo was the best! He was very helpful with the menu and had a fun sense of humor.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Waterfront is always an experience that my wife and I enjoy! No matter who our server is, or what we order, we are always walking away like we spent our money in a good place. For the quality and price, there’s no restaurant in the area that compares.
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RM
RichardM
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 28, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
The service was outstanding and the food was good. Great view of the river.
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d
dinnerout
Chicago
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on June 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I love going to The Waterfront. All staff is helpful, cheerful and Lauren is absolutely fabulous!!!
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PR
PeterR
Kansas City
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A wonderful riverfront venue with great service and delicious food.
Is this helpful?
DS
DeanS
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on June 21, 2023
overall2food2service4ambience3
Sea bass was just ok. Chicken breast was like a brick, even with a steak knife. We've been going there for a number of years and were pretty disappointed with the entrees. Appetizers and wine were good but the rest of the meal was only fair.
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KK
KathyK
Philadelphia
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on June 15, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
We had a great time, perfect setting, terrific service, food was very good. All in all a wonderful evening. Thank you
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JK
JandK
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our food was amazing, with great attention to detail. Since it was our anniversary, we were presented with a wonderful and personalized dessert! A key factor in making our evening was our wonderful server, Lauren. She gave excellent advice about menu choices and was charming and engaging.
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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 4.6 stars by 1099 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 23, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 3 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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
Lunch Thu–Sat 11:00 am–2:00 pm 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

Website
http://www.thewaterfrontlacrosse.com/
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.

The Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Popular dishes

Escargot

Oysters Rockefeller

Crab Cake

Menu

What 1,099 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

Does The Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is The Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern restaurant rated?

Is The Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information