This place was so fun! We rode our bikes over on a nice day and sat on the patio. It was fifty cent wings special so we tried them. Wings were nice and big, could have used a bit more sauce. We also got the perch sandwich which was crusted in potato chips. Very delicious. Lastly we got the fried beet salad. This is quite a substantial salad! I will definitely be back especially on a nice day! read more

Well... I'm pretty sure this building is haunted or something. Why? Cause every business that tries to have success in this location really struggles. "I just started 2 weeks ago". - first thing out of the waiters mouth. Ugh... it didn't get better from there. 25 minutes for the drinks to arrive at table. He brought them out one at a time on top of that! Food took 45-50 minutes to arrive. Yup you guessed it! All plates brought out one at a time. I was finished eating prior to others in our group getting their food. The food was decent. Not worth that kind of wait though. Bill time. You guess d it! 25 more minutes. Then when he finally did bring it out the bill was all messed up. It was supposed to be four bills. Once sorted out, he took the cards one at a time (what the hell??) and wasted another 10 minutes of our time. Don't bother with this place. (Or the next place and the place after that in this location). Something about this location breeds failure. read more

A friend and I had lunch here on a Friday. We found a lot of items on the menu that were appealing but decided on a Reuben sandwich, clam chowder, white cheddar cheese curds, and the Brussels sprout salad. All the servings were plentiful and delicious. My friend asked for "light on the sauerkraut" and the chef obliged, and there was plenty of corned beef to make a hefty sandwich. (Although surprised no side dish came with it). The soup was tasty and we ate every single curd and loved the Cajun aioli that came with them. My salad was outstanding and I look forward to ordering it again. The servers were nice and very attentive. I was sorry to see only a few tables taken and hope that this hidden gem gets the attention it deserves. It's on the Yahara river channel and would be a lovely place to eat in summer. On a winter day we sat by the window and enjoyed watching a few geese go by. read more

Highly recommend Breakwater in Monona not only for the great food but first class service! My friend & I stopped in on Friday when we were out boating & once Chef Bob found out I had just acquired my boat and was in the naming process, he sprung for a bottle of Blu Prosecco to christen the newly named boat! BTW we have a video LOL. The fish sandwich we had was great with some red cabbage and wonderful aioli sauce added the perfect touch! Very reasonable prices. We learned they have great music lined up & will definitely tell everyone we know about this great place on the Yahara River! read more

meh. Yes I intended the meh to be lower case. I had higher expectations for this place. I'm only giving it 2 stars because my husband's potato crusted walleye and fries were actually pretty good. The issue I had was with my dinner, the service and atmosphere. Let's start with the service. Our waitress was friendly and helpful. That was when we actually saw her. I don't blame her necessarily. I think they are understaffed and have poorly trained the waitstaff. I had to prompt her to tell me the specials. Then when I asked about the price of one, she had to go ask the manager (who by the way was sitting at the bar within earshot and was unaware that dish was a special). After I ordered it, it took her 15 minutes to come back and ask how I wanted that steak. The place wasn't even half full and our dinners arrived at least 30 minutes after we ordered it. Next the atmosphere. I have always been confused by the layout. It seems part pub part church basement. There is no cohesiveness. They even booked the front room for some paid talk that people were filing in as we left. I would never disparage a restaurant for making money where and when they can. More power to them. It just seemed odd. I don't know if it was a "how to get rich quick" seminar or "find the power within you", but it was a little odd. Lastly let's talk about my dinner. If you are featuring a special, then making it special. At least make sure it is damn good. I ordered the sirloin with haystack onion rings and garlic mashed potatoes. When it came, it looked very presentable and smelled great. That lasted about 10 seconds until I tried to cut into my steak. When the first experience I have with my beef is trying to saw and saw and saw to get through it, that is an issue. It was cooked to medium to medium-rare but it was a horrible cut of meat. Come on! I was born in South Dakota and live now in Wisconsin. I know a good piece of steak. Then there was the issue of the mashed potatoes or more accurately named smashed potatoes. They were fine, nice flavor with a hint of garlic. That was until I hit the 4 large pieces of undercooked potato hiding underneath the top layer. Two minutes would have saved these potatoes from being just OK to very tasty. I may give this restaurant another try, but I won't be extremely eager to go. read more

Enjoyed Breakwater for the first time during their Mother's Day buffet this weekend. Everything we tried was great; the roast beef, omelet station, and French toast were delicious. We got there pretty late, but the staff is what set this place apart. Every single encounter we had with staff was amazing. It's obvious that ownership really cares about their customers. Really looking forward to coming back and trying their regular menu! Oh and Chef Bob is awesome! read more

Food is not inexpensive but very well prepared. We had the breaded Perch and the Pesto Fettuccine (with Chicken & Shrimp, paid extra) . Both were very good although Fettuccine was slightly dry - could have used more Pesto or a light sauce. Garlic Shrimp was great. Had two margaritas. First was weak, second was much stronger & better. Dessert was large and very good. Took home 1/3 of dinner for another great meal! Our server Aubrey was great. Friendly staff. read more

The overall experience was terrible. Our server wasn't very knowledgeable on the menu, she also seemed quite irritable answering our questions. Next came the food. My walleye wasn't cooked all the way through. And it also was very tough and difficult to eat. The vegetables were so overcooked it resembled baby food. So mushy. Definitely would not recommend. read more

Host was sooo awkward. Waitress didn't know what kind of mix the bloody marys were made with nor was willing to find out. Also, didn't know if the burger was served with fries. I ordered the pork benedict. The pork was inedible. It was so tough my butter knife would not cut through it. The potatoes were great though. My bf said the burger was really good. The chicken wings were pretty good, but so spendy. Overall, I will return to this place for the view and some cocktails and skip the food. I was tempted to try the poutine, but it was $25! read more

This place is just so great! The manager is wonderful. It has a local, non-corporate feeling. They care about their service, food, and drinks! I LOVE their Brussel sprout salad and fish sandwich. The cocktails are poured generously and they make you feel at home. I'd recommend this place to anyone. read more

Great beer selection to start. Service was a bit slow to start but very pleasant. Food was great. Salt and Vinegar chip coated walleye was the Friday special and was served with a large portion of tasty slaw and very addictive, thin and crunchy house-made potato chips. The brussels sprouts salad was very substantial and very delicious. Roasted sprouts, squash, goat cheese, chunks of bacon and port soaked cranberries. So good. We will go back for sure. Thanks for coming to Monona :) read more

Went back to Breakwater to eat somewhere outside and because BF likes the wings. Service was much better this time and can really make such a difference. Winona our waitress was awesome -- fast, accurate, friendly and knowledgeable. The place seemed to be keeping pace with the big outdoor crowd and a reception. The first time we visited earlier this spring that was a struggle for them. The seafood chowder and fish fry were pretty decent too. read more

Food use to be the only reason I stopped here after the owner/management change but even then it was 50/50. My bad for wanting to keep stopping, hair in 2 of the 4 meals, black and long. Waitress was on something (if you know what I mean)and the table next to us said the same thing. Our visit included her dropping the tray, water, and other drinks on us at 3 separate visits to our table. The wait staff or cooks have always been terrible here during the daytime hours but I put up with it because there food is descent and it's convenient when on a boat. I'm sure some of the staff is top notch but I can only go 1 for 3 overall so many times until I finally give up. The chef asked "how was everything" but I prefer to say fine, leave my 20% tip, and finally stop pretending it will get any better. I'm sure there are some awesome people that work there but I'm not going to chance it again after years of hoping it would work and constantly being disappointed. i finally decided never again. If you decide to stop bye I wish you the best and maybe for once someone will be lucky enough to go 3 for 3 on food, service, and timeliness but for me I say goodbye. I'm no longer going to deal with either waiting for drinks, food, descent service, or for once them getting it right. To you I wish you the best and find that unicorn. Good luck and this is my first review ever so maybe that gives you an idea on how disappointed I am. read more

Breakwater - Landscape - New American Near Me - Monona, Wisconsin

I love the location of this restaurant! Eating on the patio overlooking the river ALMOST makes up for the terrible experiences we've had. Slow service and bad food were not enough to keep us away before, but after this experience we are done with this restaurant! My martini was obviously watered down and when my husband brought it up to the bartender, she became defensive and rude. She threw out the drink and remade it. Again, It was watered down even though the gin was being poured from a "newly opened bottle". I am an avid drinker of Bombay Sapphire gin so when I was told that "my taste buds must be off today" I sure did go home and taste my bottle. IT WAS NOT MY TASTE BUDS, THE GIN WAS WATERED DOWN. Needless to say, we will never go back to this restaurant. read more

My husband and I stopped in here after we read about their Poutine!! We both may have a slight Poutine obsession, and had to try it. Our server was friendly, the Poutine was AMAZING, and the service was good....quick and reliable, a huge upgrade from Bourbon Street. Based upon only one experience, I would say this place is great - and I only gave it four stars because I personally do not believe that any dish that includes fries as its main base should be $25. $18 Poutine? Yes, definitely. $20? Maybe...but man, I don't think I'd pay $25 for a Poutine again. That definitely didn't stop us from trying it though and we don't regret it! ...and for what it's worth my brother says I'm nuts and the toppings alone are worth the $25 price tag. read more

Decent place not overly exciting food is ok, atmospheres nice on the water, Service was a little slow that you were there they were fairly busy read more

Food was fantastic!! Service couldn't have been better! Very professional, friendly, great service! Their food was a 10!! I can't wait until summer & we can sit outside! read more

The food was great, but what put this restaurant over the top was their Chef! Chef Bob I believe? When we asked for the menu for the dessert the chef came and told us in detail about the menu. He was very nice and obviously passionate about his work. The porter chocolate cake was amazing. He is a real asset to this place. read more

Have been there in the past and everything has been ok. Was shocked on my last visit to see the price changes. $13 for a Reuben or French dip with no side ? $13 for nachos that when you ate the top half where all the toppings had been and being left with a huge pile of plain chips? Hasn't "Chef" ( and I use that term lightly) Bob ever heard of layering nachos? Adding a cup of soup to an already overpriced sandwich was $4.50!? We also ordered a $13 shrimp app that consisted of only FOUR shrimp.(maybe 21-25 size) I am seeing a pattern with the number 13! Clearly just go for drinks which were somewhat reasonable and outdoor seating. The band playing in the bar was so loud that we decided to sit in the dining room and still had to yell across the table. Maybe because there are now two other overpriced restaurants nearby they want to get in on the price gouging?! read more

Great views, great establishment. the perch hoagie was good and huge, the Brussel sprout salad was good and different and the cheese curds were perfect! The service could have been better, a little slow. The website is not updated at all with their events. Able to come by boat and with views like this I'll be a regular. read more

Love this place can't wait for warmer weather to sit on the patio overlooking the river

We arrived at about 6:45 on a nice summer evening. When we approached the hostess about a table and asked if anything outside was available I got an eye roll and we would have to wait about an hour. Understandable about a wait on a nice evening but wasn't expecting the rudeness. We opted for a table in the bar area. We ordered cheese curds and fried pickles for apps but ended up being served truffle fries instead of the curds. Entrees were excellent just wish the service was as up to par as their food. read more

I attended a wedding reception at the Breakwater recently and everything was great. The food was the best I've ever experienced at a wedding. The appetizers were extremely varied and tasty. The main courses and the service were wonderful. I'll definitely go back. It was a perfect evening to be on their rooftop terrace. read more

Dane County doesn't have enough waterfront dining and this place has a lot of attractive and comfortable outdoor seating overlooking Yahara. However, all the wine was sweet, and many of the beers. The food was just average Wisconsin fare - more hospitality/event style and not much attention to quality or flavor. Location five stars. Beverage menu 2. Menu 2.5. The thirteen year old, however, loved his meal and soda. read more

I just dined at Breakwater, the 4th time I have been there. The atmosphere is laid back, the service good and the food is great! My husband ordered the onion rings for a side and they were HUGE, lightly battered, not too greasy and he had no trouble eating them all; and it was a big serving! I had the Reuben with a side of truffle fries, both great and I truly think this was one of the best Reuben sandwiches I have ever had. A perfect place, especially in the summer, where you can relax and watch the boats go by and also eat some great food. Needless to say we will be back, probably again and again. read more

Awesome atmosphere, beautiful night on the patio. So disappointed in everything other than that. Order salmon and sprouts for $18. Salmon piece was the size of a chicken strip. Sprouts, which I love, I could not finish , not because I was full. Salads where brought out after our dinner? I believe hostess just forgot. Even the Moscow mule I got wasn't good, pretty sure they made it with club soda. They did acknowledge the slow service and gave us kids meals free, which we very much appreciated. Such a nice setting, to bad service and food is spotty at best. read more

I would give zero stars if I could. $13 for a Reuben sandwich with NO sides? Did the chef slaughter the cow and then cure the corned beef? Service was AWFUL and the worst part was the dish I ordered.... salmon and sprouts...it's ridiculous when the food is so skimpy and sketchy that you need to eat when you get home. $20 for a 3 oz. piece of fish, a few sweet potato fries and burnt brussel sprouts.... no sauce either. When I told a server the sprouts were burnt, she said "they're deep fried" omg, what a horrible experience read more

Atmosphere is nice and the food was good (Sunday brunch was semi decent) but the service is extremely slow! A bar full of customers and not an employee in site for 20 minutes?! read more

Lunched there with 2 others for the first time. Had the roasted broccoli salad which was excellent. The others had soup & salad & also said it was very good. The server was very pleasant & efficient. Definitely would recommend. read more

Breakwater did an amazing job when I called to ask very off the wall questions about how they prepared their food. I called on 02.27.19 and spoke with Naly! Amazing customer service!! Never once did I feel uncomfortable asking my questions and I was reassured of my concerns regarding my dietary restrictions. And, Naly was our server for lunch and remember speaking with me the day before. If you are working through the Whole30 eating plan, Breakwater is a GREAT place to dine. My food was delicious and completely compliant with the Whole30 plan!!! Thank you Naly for making my first dining out experience, while on the Whole30 plan, a success! You took the stress out of my business lunch! Two thumbs up and I'd toast you, but it will have to wait 26 days. ;-) read more

Chef Bob, your salt and vinegar crusted perch is amazing! This is a must try for all fish fry lovers. Aside of that, anything on the menu is worth a trip here. Hidden gem in Monona. read more

Chef Bob is fantastic! We recently hosted a party for 100 family and friends and everyone raved about the food, service and atmosphere. The Breakwaters staff made the planning and hosting easy for an event we won't soon forget. Thank you. read more

The Breakwater offers a great prime rib on Saturday nights. The flavor is delicious and it is cooked to perfection (medium rare). We have been there for the past 2 weekends. Chef Bob is a jewel. read more

Food was awesome, the Cuban sandwiches were very good. Service on the front end was good, but not so much after that. First drink was slow to come, and to get the waitress for a second one was slow to come. Now we are done eating, the drinks never came and we r waiting for the bill to go. Might just be the waitress though...,, read more

New Years eve dinner here was outstanding. Great choices prepared well with fantastic service.

Great Friday night fish fry with the family, was there earlier last year and service and food were dos so, but dinner tonight was fast, delicious, original and reasonably priced! Service was super! read more

Very disappointed with this place. Will not go back there. We went during happy hour and got one drink discounted but not the second one. We order food of the menu that included soup or salad and 1 side. We had 2 dinners and got charged for both sides that should have been included in the meal. Also had the walleye dinner. Full of bones. I would suggest not going here. read more

Service was excellent. It was a busy Friday evening, service was great, food arrived quickly and was well prepared. I had the salt and vinegar chip crusted Walleye which was tasty with a good portion size read more

This is probably the best restaurant for dinner in Monona. The decor could use an upgrade and our server was a bit slow...that being said, the food was way above average. We plan to come here every Friday night to give them the business! The outdoor seating is a major bonus and the place is huge. No doubt there is some serious potential. Somethings that they could improve---access to more GF options. Both meals we had were excellent and super reasonably priced. We generally frequent farm-to-table restaurants in and around Madison and so we were happy to see local meat and produce on the menu. This is a brand new place and so I know it takes time to work out the kinks and get into a flow...I trust they will find their groove! read more

The previous incarnation at this location didn't quite hit the mark, so we'd been looking forward to the opening of The Breakwater for most of the summer. We boated in on an early Friday evening and headed straight up to the the outdoor patio/ bar. My initial reaction was meh, as nothing had changed since new ownership took over. The tables and walk-up bar were still the old, tired design from the old place. It wasn't clear if there was table service and, after sitting for 5 or so minutes, we decided to order our drinks at the bar. Things didn't go so well as we clearly interrupted a conversation between the bartender and another employee. There was no beer list available and I had to crane my neck to see the taps, additionally, the cooler with bottled/canned beer was in such disarray that I couldn't even figure out those selections. After ordering a refreshing pint of Bells Oberon, we settled in at a table overlooking the boat traffic on the channel.Should have been a beautiful summer evening, right? Wrong! We had intended on having dinner, as well, but the odor from the sewer pump out was so offensive we took our beer back to the boat and headed out to Lake Waubesa for dinner elsewhere. I really wanted to like The Breakwater, the Madison chain of lakes has a dearth of restaurants for boaters and I was hoping this was going to fill that gap! The lackluster upper patio and awful sewer odor were incredibly disappointing. read more