The Boat House - Winona

First time visitors with future college daughter. Was looking forward to a nice meal here. Sadly, it was not. Terrible food. Walleye sandwich “special” was a freezer burned soggy minced frozen patty they deep fried $15 the cost of a side salad and they don’t even give you a choice of dressing- only some interesting purée carrot topping that was unappetizing). The cheese curds $12) were nothing more than greasy cheese balls served with literally burned slices of bland toast. We spent over $70 and unfortunately, my nice husband was kind enough to tip at this odd restaurant model where you pay first, set your own table, get your own water and condiments and they could care less how the food is or how your experience is as a customer. VERY overpriced!! Bad food. Poor service. Highly disappointed. Waste of our money. Would not recommend. Save your family a whole lot of money and get a burger at McDonald’s and enjoy the view for free at the nearby park.

This used to be a nice restaurant where my husband and I would go for special occasions. We left our son at his grandparents to celebrate my birthday and the experience ruined the meal. First of all, you’re not seated and allowed to look at a menu, instead you order and then find your own seat. Which being understaffed is understandable. However there is a sign of no refunds due to the wait. We saw it was busy and asked before we ordered if we’d have a place we could sit. We were told yes after she looked inside the mail indoor seating area. We ordered and went to sit down to only find all the tables were being used. The seating we had was outside and it had been raining pretty hard shortly before so everything was soaking wet and no one had even tried to dry the chairs off. We ended up sitting at the outdoor bar which a waitstaff has to bus for us to sit. Our food came out fairly quickly, once my husband got his steak we realized he never was asked how well he’d like his steak cooked. Which they had cooked to well done. Seasoning on it was great but the steak was very tough. The sauces also were not like they were in the past. The seasonings were gone. It tasted like regular Mayo and ketchup. Nothing special. We will not be returning for a very long time if ever.

From Los Angeles to visit, you never know what you expect from restaurants in small cities. I usually have no high expectations. But... the boathouse was a nice surprise and I couldn't have a better meal! If you first board, you will be welcomed by the entire staff immediately. You are then using simple instructions as you see the menu and order your drinks and foods. You can then sit somewhere where you want where most seats have a great view. While you enjoy the view, your food quickly makes its way out. I had shrimps and steak tacos that were incredibly delicious. They do not expect to have good tacos in the Middle West, so it was a fantastic surprise. Super fresh and delicious food. I can't wait to come back when I'm in town!

I love the panko baked chicken finger with three sauces! I wish it was a dinner with fries instead of just an appetizer. My children also love it and it would be great if it were also a children's menu.

I never had better chips and Guac in the state of Minnesota. You took my friends and I with our dogs and set up a table outside so we can enjoy brunch. The service during the brunch was a little dirty, but every service place nowadays needs some grace, right? The Walleye was delish and my friends really enjoyed their crispy chicken sandwiches.