Only redeeming quality of this restaurant is the phenomenal view and building. The food is not worth the exorbitant prices they charge. The food place would be out of business in any other building in Williams Bay. The service is nice and I like supporting the local high school and college kids in the area. But they need to fix their pricing model or fix their menu because the food here is really really dreadful. read more

Cute little bistro on the shores of Lake Geneva. Our waitress Hailey was prompt, professional, and had a good understanding of the menu. She explained the Friday fish fry special, which was one of the items we ended up ordering. In addition to the fish fry, we also got the fish tacos and the double stack burger. All of the food was really good. The pricing here was a little on the high end, but the food was good, our server Hailey was awesome, and the views are really great. The people making the price gouging comments probably don't have experience running a seasonal business on a lake front property. The comments about Michelin star restaurants having better prices??? Simply untrue. read more

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We had sandwiches. Just wanted to check it out . The view was everything . Very loud. Lots of drunk women sadly. 4 pm We sat by the sand away from everyone trying to just enjoy the lake and have a bite. Service needs a serious attitude adjustment. The manager of the bar / restaurant outside has a very rough attitude. My husband and I don't go to places for just eat. . We go for the whole experience. Unfortunately this restaurant disappointed. Maybe if they offer little bites in between all the drinks that they allowed their customers to have. The environment wouldn't be so unfriendly. Honestly the view is such a privilege!!! read more

We dined at Pier 290 on a busy Saturday night and had a fantastic experience with a group of 7. We loved the spinach and artichoke dip, chips and dip, and cheese curds as appetizers and then had the lobster roll, veggie pasta, and steak stack as entrees. Everyone was very happy with their choices and our service was phenomenal. Pam and Quin went above and beyond to take care of us all and ensure we had a great dining experience. We will certainly return when back in the area! read more

Always the cream of the crop when in the Lake Geneva area. Food and drinks are always outstanding. Service can get a bit slow depending on the time of day and where you are seated. Food and drinks are a bit pricey but for a higher upscale restaurant it is to be expected! Be sure to wonder out onto the patio's and soak up the views of the lake and even find a chair in the sand to sit and relax by a fire pits! A must stop if you have never been when you are in the area! read more

4.5* (out of 5) Food: 5* Atmosphere: 5* Value: 3* Service: 5* 07/31/2022 Our friends set us up for dinner here one day during our visit and what a great place! For starters, we ordered the Ceviche with chips (see picture) - and it was oh, so delicious! For our meal, I ordered Atlantic Salmon (see picture) and my wife ordered the Chilean Sea Bass (see picture). As per the usual, we both shared with each other and both of us absolutely loved both dishes. The fish was cooked to perfection, the couscous quinoa was light and clean and the flavors were fantastic! If you follow my posts, you also know that I love ending the meal with dessert, so we couldn't pass up sharing the Cobler of the Week (see picture) with the group at our table. Warm, crumbly cobbler and cold creamy ice cream - what a way to finish a fantastic meal! While it is admittedly pricey, the view of the lake, atmosphere and service are fantastic! Not something most of us can afford on a regular basis, but highly recommended to try on your next special occasion. If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. read more

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You can never go wrong with Pier 290! Their drinks and food are always great if you want to get out of the downtown Lake Geneva area.

Old Fashions were great. The bread served as an appetizer was great. The chicken pot pie was awful. The crust was good. Served with brown gravy which was a total mis. The filling tasted like canned chicken with a few carrots pieces and peas. Wished I'd gone to the store and got a Banquet pot pie. Wife got the chicken sliders. Worst thing ever. Tyson chicken strips on Hawaiian rolls would have been way better. Homemade chips were very good. Felt like they mailed it in tonight. read more

We've visited Pier 290 every year since they've opened. We've taken visitors and guests, we've attended wine and liquor dinners, music events and have spent a great deal of time at Pier 290. When they opened, the big draw was, and is, the setting, the view and the decks and patios. The food has been inconsistent over the years and the chef has changed from time to time. The "dinner" events have had better meals than the restaurant in general. Servers are nice, but the pace of dinner has always been slow, even for our relaxed Wisconsin environment. We took friends last night, docked our boat and sat on the deck for our reservation. View, setting, excellent! Service was slow. Nice server, but a very slow process (and the restaurant was not full). Drinks took much longer to arrive than should have been the case. Appetizers were very slow and ultimately dinner was, also, slow to arrive. The food was average and has become very expensive. The Lobster Roll is appetizer size and nothing exceptional for over $30. We've decided that we'll take our visitors to Pier 290 for a drink before going to dinner elsewhere in the future. Too many "average" experiences and below average meals. I don't like to leave negative reviews, but this last experience had both of us thinking it was a disappointing meal that don't want to repeat. read more

The Caymus wine dinner was outstanding. Great wine paired with a wonderful menu! The upstairs setting was nice and the service was terrific. Thanks to the entire team for a special evening. read more

So we had a great Mother's Day dinner. All three entrees were out of this world: steak, halibut, and scallop pasta! In fact, for the first time in a long time, we ate out at a restaurant and didn't bring anything home with us because the plates were empty! Speaking of which, the only addition I would suggest to the bay scallop pasta is some garlic bread to finish off the sauce--it was that good! See you next time. BTW, the old-fashioned peach, Ill be trying to make that at home this week. read more

This was one of those restaurants that we were recommended by a family member whose name I will not reveal. Service was not a problem. We were seated right away, and our server was wonderful. This is definitely about the food and the price. I ordered their beef patty you can get as a double or a single and from many other beef patties that I've had I didn't think I could eat a double so I got the single. Boy was I wrong. I got the hamburger and it was thinner than a McDonald's patty. And the french fries were no better. Thankfully it came with lettuce tomatoes and pickles otherwise I would have felt like I was just eating a plain bun. I was shocked at the size of this patty and I think it was $19. My date had a Caesar salad and they must have ran out of Caesars and salad thank God we added chicken for an extra $5. I'm not sure what the big deal is about this place besides maybe the view during peak season when it's wide open and looking over lake Geneva but overpriced McDonald's is all I can think of. I had a chocolate martini that was $22. My date had the watermelon margarita very tasty but $15 yikes. In a small glass with a lot of ice. I couldn't say I can recommend this place, unless of course you like overpriced McDonald's. I did provide a picture of my date after seeing the bill. read more

PIER 290 - Picture of my date after seeing the bill. - American Near Me - Williams Bay, Wisconsin

Incredible service, ambiance is top notch. Food is understandably pricy, but wish portions were larger. That's the difference between 4 stars and 5. That being said, I'll definitely go back. read more

love this place but the food quality has really gone down hill starting this summer. I dont mind the higher prices because the location and views are great but they need a new chef or commitment to serving quality food. read more

This place is HUGE, and right on the water. The inside looks really nice, but we opted to sit out on the patio along the lake since it was a nice evening. The service was friendly, and we all enjoyed our entrees. Three of us had the same thing, the pan-fried walleye, and one person had the short ribs dinner, and everyone cleaned their plate. The portions were generous, too, but we had all skipped lunch so we were famished by the time we had dinner here, otherwise I'm sure we would have taken leftovers home. Our only complaint is our patio table was very wobbly. The staff had put some little stacked wedge-style risers under one of the legs, but they were flimsy and get knocked around easily, so we were constantly having to put them back or be extra careful to not bump the table. read more

We hiked the Lake Shore Path (a 26 mile path around the lake) and around the 15 mile mark we hit Williams Bay. We thought we wanted something quick for lunch, but we are glad we opted for Pier 290. It gave us extra time to relax our feet, the food and service were excellent, and we had a great view of the water. We started with cheese curds. I was extra hungry so they tasted extra good but they deserve the hype regardless. They were so crispy and the cheese pull was unmatched. I also got the white bean chicken chili and split a chicken pot pie with my boyfriend. Both were so warm and flavorful. It is on the pricier end and not sure I would eat here regularly, but after hiking 15 miles, it was the perfect reward! read more

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Had a large group of 25 which is sometimes stressful but the Pier 290 staff were amazing! Great service, great food, great ambiance. We can't wait to come back! read more

When it's Friday night in Wisconsin, it means 3 things. Fish Fry, Old Fashions and cheese curds! So our group headed over to Pier 290 on Williamson Bay on the famous Lake Geneva. We got in relatively early so the crowds weren't to bad. To give you and idea how popular Old Fashions are, most places have just one with different bourbons. Pier 290 has 3 different Old Fashions. Lol So many delicious looking entrees but we all came for the fish fry, so I'll have to wait till next time to try some of their other dishes. I had the Blue Gill (or Brim if you're from the South) lol, all you can eat fry. It was amazing. With small fish you have to be very careful not to over cook or they will come out like potato chips. Not the case here. A very tasty breading with an excellent crunch followed by a tender moist piece of fish. And the potato pancakes were amazing. Golden brown on the out side and soft and tender on the inside. The servers were amazing. Telling us all bout the history of the restaurant and Lake Geneva. Always filling the water glasses and clearing empty plates quickly. A+ plus job. A delicious meal and delightful time had by all. read more

The food was awful, overpriced, and took way too long (I have a feeling it sat under the warmer for 30 minutes). The place blows, despite the beautiful views. You're better off ordering Dominos pizza read more

We stopped in for a late lunch here today. On sundays kids eat free! We were sat out on their heated patio and it was really comfortable. There are some igloos along the water as well. The staff was friendly and pretty efficient. We ordered the artichoke dip, fish tacos with coleslaw, and the kids Mac and cheese with fries. I love that the artichoke dip came with fries and bread! The bread was super delicious. The fish tacos were really great too! Our daughter seems to enjoy the Mac and cheese as well, more so the fries actually! The ambiance inside is nice, upscale but not fancy. I wanted to walk through the store in the lobby/entrance. But didn't get a chance to. The bathrooms are actually really nice, but I didn't see a baby changing station, which is a ding for me. read more

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What a treat for my friends and I. We discovered this place while on a boat tour. We had appetizers and drinks ( half priced). We spent the evening there. Our waitress was wonderful. This place was the highlight of our trip. Thank you!!! read more

PIER 290 - Cheese Curds - American Near Me - Williams Bay, Wisconsin

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Keep driving....do not eat here if you don't want to feel like you've been taken advantage of. Of course the view is wonderful but that's not worth the horrible experience of eating here. The food was cold, and very sub par for the price. We ordered Margaritas and it came in a small tub and they put in a whole lime! Any idiot can see why they do that, less alcohol for the $15 drink! I had a pasta dish and the sauce was like tasteless glue, terrible! Would never return! read more

At first, it did not start so great, Made reversations, as the lady was seating us she says "omg they took your seats" i understand accidents happen confusions happen. Coming from out of town visiting a spot well recommend. Going forward 10 minutes later got seated. Now here comes the best part. The view was outstanding! The view along the lake side having a nice dinner! The food has great flavors! Crab cakes were amazing fresh! The crust and mango salsa! Suggestion to incorporate chunks of crab with the shredded crab. Till the next visit to enjoy. read more

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Haven't been here since I posted my 5-star review 8 years ago... and this once is still a fabulous hidden gem!! Amazing views and cocktails. Service was top notch! read more

PIER 290 - Lovely outdoor patio dining! - American Near Me - Williams Bay, Wisconsin

I was really expecting this place to be amazing! But the reviews stand true. Very over priced for the lack of food you get. The drinks are nothing special- just as overpriced ! Went there for a special event, the waitresses had no idea what was going on, had to keep asking around to get answers. The parking is horrible so you will need to valet ! Basically the whole parking lot is reserved for valet. Just a nothing special kinda place. read more

The setup at pier 290 is great. You truly cannot beat it in the area maybe region! Mars provides a similar vibe but different area. The service was great everyone's super pleasant friendly and enjoyable. Our waiter did a fine job and was timely. I came a year ago to the months and the food was great. But expensive. Today the food was kind of not good at all. The prices are that of the top restaurants in the region and even the city of Chicago! They don't come close to the same taste. While I sat at a table of 9 I think only I left somewhat happy with the meal. The steak was good. But not the price of Gibson's steakhouse good. The potato that came with the steak was over cooked and hard making it hard to choke down. The chicken was drier than the Sahara and the mashed potatoes kind of stuck to your mouth from being so dry you had to chase it with water. I really want to love this place because it's amazing. But if they're going to charge the prices they do you kind of want to enjoy the dinner. The short rib didn't melt in your mouth as you'd like a nice meat too. And sadly I don't have photos of the walleye but that as well came out, dry. I know it's Sunday night but it May just be a drink spot going forward, the views make that okay with me! read more

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This was a total embarrassment. This was a big day for us and had some expectations of this place. In a nutshell it's a one and done establishment. Tourist come eat very disappointing food served by kids that could care less and afterwardsyou charge the prices of a very nice place that actually takes pride in their restaurant. read more

Such a great spot! Beautiful views. Great service. The food could be better, bland and not impressive but the rest of the atmosphere makes up for it! read more

Service and ambiance are worth coming for, but the food is a whole other discussion. I genuinely love this place, but $22 for a tiny salad with day old grilled Chicken? Do better Pier 290. read more

PIER 290 - American Near Me - Williams Bay, Wisconsin

The food is simply overpriced. Inflation number are down, but their menu is so far out of pricing it's as close to price gouging as it comes. Plus, the food is not great. read more

Other than the setting this place is a total rip off! We had 1 small salad, and 1 avocado toast (maybe 2/4 slice total) and ricotta eggs. Eggs were ineatable-soupy slop!. We had to plead for a sub. Got 5 chunks of watermelon (free of charge waiter kept telling us). Drink: 1 club soda ($4) & glass of -I think (!) free water...and that is IT...for $44, thank-you! We'll never go back and advise readers and will advise friends to move on. read more

A wonderful atmosphere on the lake with friendly and efficient service. The hummus was awesome and the burgers were decent. We had a wonderful server and she was very attentive. Someone even came over to our table to check on us to ask how things were going. We had positive things to say. The only obscure observation was that all the servers were white women and the people who cleaned the tables and poured the water were young black women. It felt very awkward as the only two black people dinning in the restaurants. Perhaps it's time to change that around a bit, surely they can do more than wipe tables and pour water. Just an observation. In response to Adam's reply- Thank you and yes, I was well aware that at least one or two were there for three months on a J1Visa and then will return to their homeland. However, I also had a couple of conversations with other wait staff (who took orders and did more than wipe tables) who were Only there for the summer because they too were college students, but I won't state the obvious. read more

PIER 290 - On the covered patio. - American Near Me - Williams Bay, Wisconsin

The perfect place to celebrate a birthday lunch. All of our meals were delicious. The service was excellent. read more

PIER 290 - Lunch over looking Lake Geneva - American Near Me - Williams Bay, Wisconsin

Great place to eat! My boyfriend planned a date night for us here and I really enjoyed everything about this place! The location is nice, right by/on the water so the views, especially during the day are great! We went at night and got seared right by a fire place. The decoration is nice and it's so lively inside with people singing songs and cute decor. The service was fast and the food was amazing. We ordered from the dinner menu and got cheese curds for appetizers. For my main I got the Paccheri And Vodka, it was a great portion and the taste was great. For dessert, we got to choose anything from the dessert menu due to a special occasion so we chose any apple crumble which was incredible. I will be going there again! read more

We had dinner with our grandchildren before the 6 pm Santa Cruise. We sat in the enclosed, warmed 'outdoor area.' Our waitress was wonderful with the grandkids and the food was delicious. read more

Woof, these prices. Truly unbelievable price gouging as seen in the menu photos that I posted. Two fish tacos? $21. Caesar Salad with chicken? $24. Cheese Curds with three sliced of red bell pepper? $15. I live downtown Chicago and frequently dine at Michelin starred restaurants that have far better prices than Pier 290. There's simply no reason to dine here. Come here for a beer or two, enjoy the view, and then leave. read more

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Pier 290 was a great spot for lunch! We booked one of their igloos the day after Christmas for a little extra price and it did not disappoint! The views were fabulous so I recommend going during the day for the lake views. The food was very good and so were the drinks. Drinks were a little bit pricey but everything else was on point. Our waitress was also amazing and provided great recommendations and service. I'll definitely be back. read more

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My parents visited Pier 290 for their anniversary on 10/14 . I wanted to surprise them with a bottle of champagne. I called and made arrangements gave my information explained that I just wanted them to get the champagne from me as a surprise when they sat down to tell them it was from their daughter. They said yes of course, no problem! I reiterated the whole meal isn't from me , the girl assured me she understood. She also said we have all your information we Will call you if we have any questions. My parents reservation was for 5:15 PM around 5:45 PM I called there to make sure the champagne went well, I was shocked because it was out of character for my mother not to text me and thank me for this surprise gift as soon as I mentioned it the girl said yes, they received the bottle! I was glad. So about an hour later I was charged for the entire meal. My mother called me saying she was confused because they told her we already have your card and then she said what are you talking about? I never gave you a card number and then they said my last 4 numbers of my card . Then said oh this Meal is from your daughter, all of that would've been fine and dandy (even though that wasn't the case) however when they got there, the waiter said there's a complementary bottle of champagne from us (the restaurant) and I can't find it. ..... My parents thought the bottle of champagne was from the restaurant!!! They never mentioned me. They said it was complementary.. We were indeed charged for that $92. I will say my parents said they enjoy their meal. They did say they were very busy and seemed to be in disarray. I just wished that my parents could've sat down, toasted to her with their bottle of champagne from their daughter and enjoy their meal without all the chaos and confusion, especially being that I made two phone calls to ensure all went well .. so I wouldn't say it's not a good restaurant to eat at. I just would say don't plan anything special there . Ps after that they brought them dessert and They said this is complementary on the house and they charged them for that too as well. $15. lol perfect end to the unorganized chaos . read more

Finally got to 290 after many years visiting LG. Location and building is cool. Right on water. Outdoor seating. Very cool. Snobbish cliental at times with that "my parents own a house on the lake and i get to use it when theyre not there" vibe. Basically rich posers at times. But thats the cliental of the area. Also had regular not putting on heirs folks there as well. Service- our server gave us a poop face bc we didnt start off with drinks or apps. Gave the immediate this aint worth my time feels by her face and actions. Very ignored as a result. Other servers looked on top of their tables. Ours never even saw us to check on drink refills. Saw her at the beginning and when she dropped the check. Some other server dropped our food off. Also charged us for the kids meal when the promo was for kids eat free. Called them on it. Rescinded the charge claiming didnt know management was running that promo even though its been in place since OCT 1. Tried running up the tab for increased tip bc again. No apps or liquor. Very obvious. Prices: very high. Limited menu. Not worth it imo. But i get it. You gotta pay to keep that space on the waterfront. 23 bucks for a dbl cheeseburger and fries? Get outta here. 28 for shrimp tacos? Laughable. Save your cash and go somewhere better for those same prices. Im telling you now. You have been warned. Food: ok. Nothing to blow my skirt up at all. Basic food at best. Very average. Burger was not flavored for cost. Fries were basic too. Charging Au Cheval prices for WI. Ha. Way better options in the area imo. But do you boo. read more

Pier 290 is full of atmosphere. With options to eat indoors, at the open-air bar or on the outdoor patio, with a view of the lake, there's a place for everyone. The nautical decor is unique without being tacky. Surfboards near the patio, ceiling fans with blades made from boat rudders, and even a porthole that lets you peek in at the kitchen staff. My friend and I were there for lunch, and I had a grilled chicken sandwich. It was good, although not particularly memorable. Prices were on the high side for what we ate. What made our visit memorable was the environment and the personality of our server, Seth, who was extremely friendly, attentive and funny. Thanks, Seth, for making our afternoon even more fun! Overall, it was a good first experience at Pier 290 and I'd return. read more

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