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The Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern, La Crosse, WI

The Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern

4.8 (1243)
$31 to $50
American
328 Front St South, La Crosse, WI 54601

Make a reservation

2 people
11:00 PM
Booked 11 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Great for scenic views
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 certified angus 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!

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American, Steak, Cocktail Bar
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Sat 11:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Jordan Freit
  • 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

What 1,243 people are saying

The Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern delights with "great service and ambience," offering a "beautiful setting on the River." Patrons rave about "outstanding mussels," "delicious seasonal menu," and "excellent food and high-quality service." With friendly staff and sophisticated menu options, it's "the best restaurant in La Crosse" for special occasions.

1,243 Reviews
  1. Sherry

    Coastal Georgia1 review

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Throughout every step of the meal, from the Lavash to the salad to the entree, everything was amazing. We were very impressed with the service and the atmosphere as well.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Kristin

    Chicago5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our server, Brittney, was amazing. We would recommend anyone going to request her. She was helpful answering any questions we had and informed us of all of the specials. The timing of our meal was perfect. We had plenty of time to enjoy our appetizer and had some time before our meal arrived. It felt nice and relaxed. The restaurant was very nice and pretty. Loved that it over looked the river. Great place for any special occasion!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Bev

    Unspecified1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Service was amazing..i don't remember her name but she was very very good

    Is this helpful?

  4. Richard

    Milwaukee1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Consistently excellent! Setting on the River is beautiful.

    Is this helpful?

  5. IMELDA VIP

    Milwaukee160 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on April 12, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    We were greeted and seated by Hostess. Mojito and Pomegranate margarita were great cocktails. The burger served with homemade chips and steak sandwich with house salad were delicious. Great service and ambeience .

    Is this helpful?

  6. Julie

    Phoenix8 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on March 22, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    The food was pretty good except for a small glitch from the kitchen but was handled professionally when the bill came. I will be back in the future as I’ve never had a bad experience in all the years they have been open.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Susan

    Milwaukee1 review

    2.0

    Dined on March 9, 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Overpriced for the area Steak overcooked, they offered to replace but too late into dinner. Free dessert given. Some food was cold The surf and turf special made us sick all night, poor food handling. Charging $2 a dinner roll? Constantly taking plates and dinnerware off the table and then having to bring it back. Creme Brule was runny
    The Waterfront Restaurant and TavernResponded on March 10, 2025
    Dear Susan, Thank you for taking the time to review your visit with us. We’re sorry your experience didn’t meet expectations, and that our team wasn't able to fully resolve your issue on Saturday. Our team strives to provide high-quality food and service, and we regret any missteps. We appreciate you bringing these concerns to our attention and will address them internally. We’d love the chance to provide a better experience in the future—please reach out if you'd like to discuss your visit further. Best, Augusta Favre General Manager, Waterfront

    Is this helpful?

  8. Ben VIP

    Denver11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 8, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food, staff, and view. Very relaxed setting. Nice choice of wine and cocktails.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Robin

    Milwaukee1 review

    5.0

    Dined on February 28, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Anything was great your waitress very knowledgeable (Mel) and a delight.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Tanisha

    Cleveland1 review

    5.0

    Dined on February 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Would absolutely recommend. Delicious food and high quality service.

    Is this helpful?

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 1243 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Wisconsin
  4. La Crosse
  5. La Crosse

Make a reservation

2 people
11:00 PM
Booked 11 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
    Mon–Sat 11:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • 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
    Jordan Freit
  • 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
  • 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.
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