Parkside Tavern has quickly been put on our "let's go back" list. Use to eat here years ago when it went by another name quite frequently. We figured we would give the new place a try. It was so good we went back the next night and sat outside with a great view of the lake and park. First night I had the veal hunter style and my girlfriend had the pistachio crusted salmon, both were delicious. Next night we had Perch cheeks which were awesome. Had a French Dip sandwich for my entree. Great food. We got to talking with Anthony about what a great job they have done creating something wonderful in that location. Not only was Anthony a great GM but everyone of the staff was smiling and very welcoming. Very pleased with the food, service, and Anthony's attitude and professionalism. Looking forward to many more excellent meals here in the future. read more

We decided to try Parkside on 8/7 for their fish fry because it was a long wait at a different restaurant. We were seated right away on the screened-in porch area which had a nice view of the lake and park. The service was good, but there was only 1 other table there, so I can't speak for what it's like when it's busy. A few things to note: The portions were very small considering the price. I had the blackened perch with rice pilaf - the taste was fine, but the portion size was very small. For $18, I got 3 small pieces of perch that were about 3 bites each. My mom had the sauteed scallops and a baked potato ($20). The scallops were pretty bland, seemed under cooked and were kind of warm, but not hot. We asked for them to be pan fried to heat them up and so they could cook a few minutes longer. The server took them back right away but they came back clearly microwaved. I by no means am cheap, and am more than willing to pay more for a nice meal, but for what we got and the price we paid, it wasn't worth it. NONE of the servers, the bartender, or bus boy were wearing masks. Also, the menu is all online, so make sure you take your phone. We won't be returning for a second try. read more

Once again we had a really nice time at the Parkside Tavern. Thought I would give them some props and start Yelpping! We stopped on a Tuesday for Happy Hour (1/2 price drinks and apps; FYI HH specials are seasonal). Very good Ol Fashioned's and my wife (lil bit of a wine snob) liked her Cab a bunch. Ordered onion rings at the bar and loved them. Didn't want to ruin dinner so we shared them with others at the bar since our order was so large! Hand breaded and delicious. Pre dinner included fresh bread and an app plate including crab dip and chef's own homemade crackers. Light, tasty and just right. Thank you chef Brian! My wife ordered baked French Onion soup and loved it. Made with real Gruyere cheese as well. And now I'm wondering why I didn't try it! Oh well. I ordered the Tuesday special pan fried Bluegill. Being a Wisconsin lifer, I've had more fish fries than I can possibly remember, so I'm getting picky about them as I get older. I'm really sick of beer battered cod and pollock, so I usually get perch, walleye or bluegill. This was a fantastic meal and up there with the best fish fries I've had. Very lightly breaded and delicious. I was even very sparingly using the tartar sauce (which I love!) it was so good. Can't say enough about what a great job they did on it. Thanks chef Tom. I should mention I had fries and spinach salad with hot bacon dressing. Very good; I'm sure the dressing was made fresh. I guess they offer dessert too, but man were we full! Next time. Also want to mention how nice Linda our bartender always is. She always has a smile and is so good to our young daughter. Thanks again! Finally, I am using this forum to request the return of the black pepper shrimp appetizer! It's so good that to take it off the menu defies logic! Haha JK, hope it appears again soon. read more

Parkside Tavern - Baked French Onion soup; made with gruyere cheese - New American Near Me - Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin

See all

They are doing it right! Consistently great food and service. Please make a point to take in the bright spot in Manitowish Waters. We will be back again and again! read more

We waited five minutes to even be acknowledged when we came in. One group of four left because they were not greeted for at least ten minutes. The bar staff did acknowledge us, but was rude because we did not have reservations ( on a Tuesday night). Nice location and atmosphere. We had a table of ten. It took an hour to get the bread and soup/salad. Took 1hr and 25 min to get our meals. My husbands rack of lamb and pasta was cold. I had the chicken florentine which was cooked nice but was much too salty. The rest of the meals were sub par as well. We waited almost an hour for refills on drinks and got one refill in the two plus hours we were there. My husbands water was never refilled. When you pay 25$-35$ per meal we expected so much more. Staff apologized few times as they were short handed but nothing was compensated. read more

We dined this evening at Parkside. We both had the pan fried walleye, heavy on the breading and dripping oil all over the plate. As we only visit the "north woods" twice a year, we were surprised at the menu change. (Our last visit was this past fall.) We always plan an evening at the Parkside during our visit, this will be our last. We always look forward to the unique regional experience. The service was fine. The location overlooking the park and adjacent lake is lovely. The new menu is disappointing. Parkside is no longer the "north woods" experience. It is now a typical restaurant . No longer supplying the fun complimentary appetizer plate and a soup or salad choice. Everything is now "a la carte" except for a side choice. If you are looking for an evening of "north woods" dining, try somewhere else. If you are looking for a typical restaurant found in any other city, go to Parkside. read more

Outstanding first time! The bartender recommended that I had the Seafood St. Thomas. Although I'm not a big mussel lover, this was really fantastic. I've never had something like it in a pastry boat and I ate every bit. My father in-law had the Ribeye steak that also was very tasty. In order to give 5 star you need the entire package. A great welcome by the bartender Linda, friendly quick table greeting by our server Evie, outstanding service, drinks and being seated in the porch area topped off a perfect experience. It's been a long time I've had such a overall great meal and experience. My only regret was not trying the Parkside much sooner!! read more

Parkside Tavern - Seafood St. Thomas - New American Near Me - Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin

My wife and I came here last summer and had a mediocre experience. As other's have said we are happy to see a restaurant back in the location and it is beautiful in side. Our waitress was okay, but appeared to be inexperienced. This became more apparent because there was another waiter waiting on the table next to us and you could tell by how he checked on the table, explained menu items (etc...) that he was more experienced. For our appetizer we had the shrimp cocktail, which was okay, but nothing amazing, the shrimp were a tad rubbery. For our main courses I got the veal bolognese , which I'll admit I assumed was a bolognese sauce over pasta, but it was in fact breaded veal cutlets. They were good, but the menu should include more details about a given entree. My wife had a ribeye steak, which while well cooked, came out completely unseasoned. Some salt fixed the issue, but the kitchen should of caught that. Overall while not a bad meal, it didn't quite live up to the price. Our hope is that Parkside can make some improvements and become a home run. I know they have the potential to do so. read more

The setting and the staff were very accommodating. My wife had the salmon which was perfectly cooked with a tasty vegetable side. My veal scallopine picata was excellent but the serving size was less than 2 ounces, three small bites. I informed the server but nothing happened. So a mixed review. Get the veal if your're on a diet.. read more

This restaurant is amazing! Don't pay any mind to the previous comments! We had fabulous service! The adorable hostess greeted us with a friendly and attentive smile and seated us right away. Our cocktails were great! The professional bartender made us some amazing Lemon Drops with whipped egg whites and a candied lemon rind. Amazing. The tequila collection was top notch. The appetizer plate with the "homemade" crackers and spreads was a wonderful starter! And I recommend the fried avocado appetizer and brat bites. We had the Friday fish fry and it was perfectly battered and delicious. Our server was attentive and efficient and checked on us often. I can't say enough about this great little place next to the park. read more

$25 Prawn dinner turned out to be three large shrimp. What a joke. Could be so much better. Taste was fine but the serving size is not acceptable. read more

Very pleasant staff and good tasting food. Their home made bloody marry mix is delicious definitely worth trying!!! read more

Parkside Tavern - New American Near Me - Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin

Truly one of the biggest ripoff restaurants known to man. Called a tavern, looks like a tavern, but tries to be fine dining. Their prices are actually higher than authentic fine dining restaurants which is surprising when you're seated since you think you've come to a casual dining establishment. Not a single reasonably priced item on the menu. We shared the Canadian walleye but were not told we'd be charged a $6 plate fee (how tacky & outdated). Our granddaughter asked for a refill on her soda for which they charged another drink--again, without being first told. They have several salad entrees all of which are over-priced & void of any meat. We were seated next to kitchen door & though we didn't hear any cussing as reported on another review site, it was very loud & annoying next to the bus stations. My chair was directly above a floor A/C outlet making it pretty uncomfortable. The interior has been painted with drab grey paint making the ambiance quite unappealable. An unbelievably expensive tab. In retrospect, we should've politely left the place once we saw the menus. Needless to say, we won't be making any return visits. read more

Parkside is a great place to a stop! The food is great and the ice cream drinks are to die for. Love the ambience! Anthony has done a really nice job running that place!! read more

A couple of Sunday's ago, three companions and I stopped for dinner after facing long waits at Smoky's and Little Bohemia. We should have waited. In Parkside's defense, two of my companions were not quite as disappointed in the quality of their meals as two of us were. However, we all agreed that the place is extremely overpriced, none of us would return, and we all had fun with the appearance of my alleged steak and recounting our crabby server's reaction to my reaction. To cut to the chase, I ordered a Ribeye. A clear mistake. It arrived, late, thin, cool and grey. If it had ever started out as a ribeye in some past life, it went through a sad and tragic transformation. I was really hungry at this point and - being widely noted for being a less-than-picky eater - I ate it. In spite of the fact that it was tasteless, meager, overcooked and at least one-third fat. Not marbled, like ribeye is supposed to be, I mean at least one-third end of this thing was purely non-meat and inedible -- fat. The server was obviously more interested in calling it a night than serving, which became obvious when I asked for another drink when we sat down and got the 'talk to the hand' gesture, and was told to "hang on" while she read the specials to the table. The "reading" actually consisted of what they were out of. At the end of the meal when she stopped, sighed, and asked if everything was ok, I told her, matter-of-factly, that the steak was not ok and explained why. I did this objectively, without whining or being rude, knowing that the quality of the food wasn't her fault. In return I got a blank stare, a comment of "well, it's a ribeye"; and a lively pivot and a brisk walk away. This obviously is a take-it or-leave-it kind-of-a nort woods place. I'd suggest leaving it. It really sucked and they didn't care. read more

Went in for dinner on a Monday evening it was not busy but we waited over an hour for our salad. Can't comment on the ear since are still waiting read more

Very very very good I had the walleye and my wife had the bacon wrapped tenderloin and scallops We will be back Cathy was a great server Loved the service read more

Nice decor with choice of patio outside or inside air conditioned. We had the veal piccata and veal parm. Great side vegetables and home made breads and welcome tray spreads. Good service and server. Chef came around to say hello. He was at the Guides Inn in BJ for over 20 years as well as one of the servers. Good stuff- we'll be back. read more

Excellent! Great service, great food! Very relaxing atmosphere. Would definitely go back.

It's fine. Food is above average for the area, however I find it extremely overpriced and have yet to experience a hostess that didn't seem like she was doing us a favor by seating us. They're trying a little too hard to be big city and all they're getting right are the prices. If I ever come back, it'll be for happy hour only and the service is far better at that time, anyway. Too many other options in the area. read more

We were immediately seated at our designated reservation time on the beautiful porch overlooking Koller Park on Rest Lake. Definitely sitting there is my preference! The dinner started with a tasty relish tray with various spreads, seasoned crackers, and black olives. We then had mixed green or spinach salads with one in our party recommending the baked onion soup. My dinner was the veal parmigiana, a very flavorful dish and was a companied by my choice of stir fry vegetables. Others at our table had the broiled walleye, chicken piccata, and salmon Wellington. All were pleased with their choices and service was efficient. My only suggestion is that the menu could use a few vegetarian options, but after all, this is Wisconsin! read more

Very disappointed in food quality and service. Ambiance is great, but everything else is lacking. Well brands at the bar are subpar. We were served an appetizer tray that appeared to have been prepared hours earlier and consisted of only starches. Whitefish was days old and tasted fishy. Salad was wilted and meager. When we confronted the staff, they defended the meal but made no effort to offer a substitute or solution. At the end of the meal, the check was thrown down-- when we inquired about dessert, the server indicated that they were all out (8:30) so she didn't even offer. Server was pleasant but inattentive. Never refilled water , etc. there are lots of better places to go! read more

The restaurant is an older building which has been updated into a beautiful, relaxing environment. The screened porch was comfortable even though the temperatures were cool outside. Our waitstaff was great! The appetizer tray was appealing and had a beautiful presentation. Both of our entrees were delicious. We will definitely be returning! read more

This restaurant is a hidden treasure - I had the Seafood St. Thomas which was delicious, especially when served by the friendly waitress in the screened porch with a view of the lake. My friend had the lamb chops which she said were 'out of this world' and for dessert we had decadent chocolate jalapeno cake and a chocolate tart - we give Parkside Tavern two thumbs up!! read more

This place has amazing food...Best Walleye I've had up here, party of 6 all agreed. Do not go here if you are in a rush, it wasn't a quick dinner, but honestly great food. read more

This place is amazing!! Atmosphere is cozy and food is great! They are now open for breakfast and have 2 options for $6.95!! Either an omelet or biscuits and gravy. You get fruit, potatoes, and a muffin as well! My husband said it was the best biscuits and gravy he's ever had! read more

This is my third visit. We had a new waitress, Natalie. She needs better training. I've waitressed in Chicago, high end, for many years. She was unprepared and does not know her menu. Anyways, missed side dish for the veal parmesan, came without pasta or anything. Waitress said we told her we said didn't choose a side. NOT! Missed my beer order, wanted Alaskan Amber. I went to bartender who told me new waitress gave her the wrong one. My Mom's Chicken picatta was thick, no sauce (like at Guides where chef worked for 20 yrs.). When we complained it was dry and greasy, the waitress came back and told us the chef said "sorry". REALLY? Salad was supposed to have blue cheese crumbles, but came back with...no blue cheese dressing. Barely crumbles, so we had to ask for more and then a thick balsamic dressing to add some flavor. The beet salad was really tasty, after I realized there was hazelnut dressing to go on it. I didn't see it on the table and had to ask waitress, who should have mentioned it was there. She is very inexperienced and for the pricey cost you would have expected better service. Hey...it's a Monday night and we learned "Tom" the owner chef had the night off and they usually train new employees on that night. Our luck! We first went here when they opened and it was not good. Stayed away for a year. Tried early this season and it was nice. Went back and now not so sure. We live local and would hope they take this review seriously. read more