Pier Restaurant

We had dinner around 6 PM at Pier Restaurant, and it was truly one of the best dining experiences we’ve ever had. The location is absolutely breathtaking—both inside and outside—and the service was excellent. Our server, Alex, took such great care of us, making sure we had a wonderful time. We ordered the Harbor Springs Smashed Burger—it was huge, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. We also had the pleasure of personally thanking Chef Alex for the amazing food. We highly recommend this place and will definitely be back. Thank you for such a memorable evening!

We had an absolutely fantastic experience at The Pier Restaurant tonight! Our party of 8 showed up knowing they had a large group of 30 arriving at the same time, and we were so grateful they found a way to squeeze us in. Despite the busy night, the service was above and beyond. Katie, the manager, was incredible, she stopped by multiple times to check in and make sure everything was perfect. There was one small mix-up during dinner, but the staff didn’t just fix it, they went way overboard to make it right. It was clear they genuinely care about their customers and take pride in making the experience exceptional. The food was delicious, the setting in the harbor is beautiful, and the entire team made us feel valued and well taken care of. We’re so thankful for the warm hospitality and a memorable night. Highly recommend!

Pier Restaurant was an enjoyable experience. We sat on the patio where it felt a little more casual. The inside has a country club vibe. We had cocktails, wine, oysters and entrees. The salmon was very good. The risotto with the salmon was a little gummy. The pesto pasta was awesome. Service was friendly. The view of the harbor was fantastic.

We stopped in late afternoon to grab a drink and gaze at the piers on the waterfront. Flowers out front were so pretty. The inside was beautifully decorated. The bar area a cozy place to catch up on sports or warm up by the fire.

Danielle, you made me feel like a guest in your home. You were so gracious and kind. You took care of our group you knew what we were celebrating. Working in the foodservice industry for decades you are an absolute treasure!

From the moment we sat down, Danielle transformed our evening into something truly special. She struck that perfect balance of warmth and professionalism that’s so rare to find. Her attentiveness was remarkable—she seemed to anticipate our needs before we even voiced them, yet never felt intrusive. Drinks were refreshed with impeccable timing, and every course was delivered with a genuine smile and thoughtful touch. What impressed us most was her knowledge of the menu and her ability to guide us seamlessly through recommendations. Danielle described dishes with such passion and detail that it elevated the entire dining experience, and her suggestions were absolutely spot-on. She made us feel less like customers and more like honored guests. In a place as stunning as Harbor Springs, with views as breathtaking as those at Pier, it’s easy to let the scenery carry the evening. But Danielle’s service was every bit as memorable as the surroundings. Her grace under pressure, her ability to make each table feel like the only one in the room, and her genuine kindness set her apart as a world-class professional. Pier Restaurant is already a gem, but with Danielle as our waitress, it became unforgettable. She turned a simple dinner into an experience we’ll rave about for years.

Not worth the visit or the wait. Waited over an hour for a table. We arrived and a very dismissive waiter waited until after we ordered to tell us items were 86ed then brought us unsatisfactory food checking in only as we finished our meals . We were hungry so we ate. Issues, whitefish was overcooked, risotto was overcooked, waiter never brought silverware our runner brought us some. I know they are busy but clearly they can’t handle this level of business.

With attentive service and a stunning view, this restaurant definitely delivers on ambiance. The staff were friendly and went above and beyond to ensure a pleasant dining experience. However, while the food was enjoyable, it felt a bit pretentious and overpriced. The presentation was beautiful, but the flavors didn’t quite match the premium we paid, and the portion sizes left us wanting a bit more. Overall, it’s worth a visit for the atmosphere, but the food could use a bit more substance to justify the price.

The service by Danielle was outstanding. She had a great personality and handled our group of 10 with humor and grace. The salmon was great. Everyone liked their meals. The ambiance was amazing with the open air and views.

This place exceeded our expectations after seeing a 3-star rating. Our boys loved the kids noodles with a shared petite filet, my wife's clam chowder and salad were great (I ate all the dried cherries), and my smash burger was really tasty. The only issue I had with the burger (and this is a burger pet peeve of mine), is that the bottom bun was too soggy from all the juices. Otherwise it was a pretty good experience, including the dock seating and views of the water.

My brother and his wife got food poisoning here. I believe they notified the health department. It hasn't been the same and I miss the old Pier which was distinctive and well known for its quality fare and style.

We came to the pier today after the 4th of July parade hoping to grab some food before heading back home. Unfortunately our experience hit all the wrong notes. While we understand it was a holiday, the restaurant was barely half full and it took us over an hour to receive our food. During that time our waiter visited our table maybe once after taking our order to bring us drinks. We had to request refills from the host area. Once we received our food, our fish and chips was undercooked and the salad we'd ordered had no dressing. Oh and it was also the wrong salad... The burgers we ordered must have been cooked and prepped ahead of time because the buns were so soggy. We love to spend our time and money supporting local spots in harbor springs but it will be a long time before we return to the Pier... if ever

The Ambience at The Pier is incredible. combine the harbor views with an inventive designer and the interior of The Pier is worth seeing. the service was a little slow for an off time lunch with no crowd but our server was nice. Clam Chowder-Excellent. 8/10 French Fries-Very good LOBSTER ROLL ($36)-POOR/INEDIBLE the bun looked classic but the lobster looked strange. the mayonnaise or whatever prep they used was no longer white as if heated. The lobster may have been de thawed 2 times? Its texture was gooey and spreadable. It wasn't fishy. But usually lobster prepared for a lobster roll is white and firm yet rich. This lobster meat was a translucent blu. Every restaurant has its screw ups and off shifts so I might go back but am staying away from the Jelly Roll. Great soup. Worth a visit just for the interior and view.

Great little cocktail place before dinner with snacks. The inside is cute and it has a nice view of the boat harbor.

When you charge a high dollar you better come with some game. My family of four (me, brother, mother and father) went here and two got the white fish and two got the herb chicken. My mother complained of the white fish lacking salt and was bland. The table had zero salt or pepper to add. My brother and I had the herb chicken. It was okay but really seemed to lack in the herbal category but it was still a big chunk of chicken that was moist (maybe too wet) and buttery with the sauce they did have on it. My biggest complaint was the drinks. I remember coming here earlier this year and thinking the drinks I got were lacking. One being an old fashioned. At this meal I got a margarita and it was one of the worst margaritas I have ever had. The old fashioned wasn't fantastic but it was still okay and enjoyable. I saw a young girl behind the bar. No idea if she's the one making the drinks but if it is young seasonal help that's making high end drinks then you have already set yourself up for failure as a bar/restaurant. My entire family had the same feelings leaving. Unimpressed. I would never eat here again. At the cost of poorly made drinks of which I had several over the course of two trips, I would pass on drinks here also. I know not everyone will have the same experiences but this was my family's experience. When I talked to the waiter he had a touch of shortness with me as I appeared to mention things to him he already knew. I was not sure of his experience which is why I was trying to understand what his knowledge was on what they served if the menu was not accurate. I was not saying this in an off tone either. They had lacking organization with the menu and had liquors there that were apparently not found in the computer system or not on some list they refer to. I would go to the New York restaurant in a second over this as my experience there was much better. And my suggestion to anyone in this area is that if you want a real unbelievable chicken dinner, head to the Dam Site Inn just outside of Petoskey. Even the New York has a better chicken dinner. I have gone to places around where I live in Grand Rapids for epic drinks. MDRD at the top of the Amway, the Drip Drop and Nightwatch cocktail lounges and so on. A good drink shouldn't take you more than a few seconds to realize. I fought to find any benefits here with mine.

My wife and I had dinner last night at this restaurant and she had the escargot risotto and clam chowder soup. About 4 hours later she was vomiting and had diarrhea... this was the only thing she ate all day. My best guess... food poisoning as she usually has guts of steel. Of course, we won't be returning. I should mention the dining room floor is carpeting (not clean), there were gnats and a fly buzzing around and a hair was found on my wife's plate. Not worth $155.00...

The food was very good, but the service and staff were awesome! Laila, our server, was amazing- what a great personality and so fun! She is awesome! We were there twice in two days- once for lunch and once for dinner. If we ever come back, we will definitely be coming here again! Loved sitting outside on the water for lunch. Nice bar area also!

Lovely view and great service. We prefer eating in the cozier bar but they also have these cool booths in the main dining room with a nautical theme. Consistently decent fish & seafood with wonderful water views on the deck.

A classic northern Michigan restaurant that has gone through recent changes to ownership and staff. The menu still offers some of the old standby entrees but many are no longer available. I tried the scallops that were served on a bed of risotto with a tasty zesty sauce. Very good. The Caesar salad was just ok. Not special. Our server Maverick did a decent job with a group of eight although I was hoping he could give us individual bills. This restaurant doesn't have the "old-world" charm that it had 20-30 years ago but it's still one of the better options if you're looking for a solid dining experience in Harbor Springs.

I arrived looking to sit outside to have a cocktail and take in the scenery of the harbour.. the hostess informed me that there was no tables available outside i inquired about inside on the harbour side nope no tables available.. I was given the option to sit in the bar area in which I referred to as the blue collar bar.. I ordered a drink then took a stroll to the upper part of the restaurant it was empty and the outside had 6 tables open.. not sure why I was lied to about but I was dressed in nice clothes and didn't give the appearance of a person who didn't belong.. I chose a 2 star because the bartender was nice instead of a 1star for the way I was treated.. don't waste your money on this restaurant.. between this town and Petoskey way to crowded and snooty.. much better places that will appreciate you..

The seafood "tower". When asked if there are usually crackers for the dip, our waitress said "I've never actually seen this ordered before".

We arrived around 4pm on a Saturday night. The restaurant was fairly empty. The food was overcooked and under seasoned. We sent back the filet and the salmon was fishy and overcooked as well. The short ribs resembled pot roast with undercooked carrots. The clam chowder is fantastic and mainly the reason for the second star.

We came here as we had a Stafford's gift card to utilize. I Will note we came on a Saturday night about an hour before close in early May, so this likely contributed to having no wait time. But we were greeted promptly and staff seemed to make an effort to seat us at maybe the table with the best view in the place, in the corner wall of windows. Service was pretty prompt and polite. I got the ribeye which I believe was a special, served with scallops, mashed potatoes, and asparagus. It was cooked very well and delicious. My husband got the whitefish sandwich with sweet potato fries and he didn't leave much on the plate! The clientele seemed to skew older, not a complaint, just an observation. Probably a great place to take parents and family to impress them. We enjoyed a walk on the pier after as well.

We waited 10 minutes. Not one person acknowledged us! We left. I have left 2 restaurants in my life. This was one. Very rude! Do not recommend

I read a lot about the food "not being what it used to be". Well, I had never been there, so had no preconceived notions. Went for lunch. Got a table facing the water. Had a lovely 9 oz pour of French white. The seafood chowder is fab. If you're getting the seafood chowder, get the bread service. The homemade focaccia is great. The crab cakes are the best I've ever had. They are delish on their own, but served on greens/corn with a delicious drizzle = mwah.

I think there were probably a lot of great things about this restaurant. The rest of my party really enjoyed their meals. I guess I ordered the wrong thing. Anyway, where to begin... We had reservations 3-4 weeks out for a party of 7. Upon arrival, they half-hazardly threw us all around a round table that was *maybe* for 4-5 people max. Not preset, kind of in a dirty, forgotten corner on the patio. Meanwhile, other reserved tables were preset with waters, menus, etc. Not sure what that was about, but we made it work. The whitefish trio appetizer was insanely good. The smoked whitefish pate was CRAZY GOOD. Everyone else in our party enjoyed their meals, and service was generally good. Unfortunately, my meal was the most flavorless, bland thing I have ever eaten. It was the whitefish with couscous and veggies. I couldn't even get the attention of our waiter to ask for salt and pepper shakers, unfortunately. Got the vibe that it was one of those places you don't ask for salt. Bummer. I would try this place again with a smaller party and different order. The patio view of the bay was beautiful. When we walked out of the restaurant, the local band was playing on the lawn. Cute.

Tried to order take out and you can't. I always could under the previous owners. This place used to be so awesome the new owners have altered the menu and taken away the super customers service. Disappointed that my favorites are gone.

The atmosphere is nice and was able to talk easily. The service was friendly and fast. The food was delicious with small changes that would make it wven better. The menu is seafood heave, as expected from the pier. The escargot was delicious, and the salad was very nice, the whole anchovies were a surprise, but not unwelcomed. Pasta was cooked nicely. The lobster roll is served cold and could use more dressing or butter. Overall a very nice experience.

I've always loved The Pier but today was an exceptional experience due to the service we received. Maverick was our server and we were a party of 15. He had such a lovely demeanor and made sure that everyone was taken care of. It takes a special person to balance a table of 15 while serving other tables as well. Thank you Maverick!

Ambiance is amazing, food is way overpriced and absolutely horrible. Hostess is rude. Waitstaff added drinks to our bill that we did not have--glad we caught it.

Used to be great, ruined by new ownership. New menu, horrible service, bring back the old Stafford's Pier experience. Will not be back.

We used to love The Pier. I've had the whitefish at least a dozen times. Our most recent visit was disappointing. The food came out 45 minutes after ordering. It wasn't cold but lukewarm. An app ordered to split came on one plate. The whitefish was questionable. I left most of it on the plate. New ownership has been a significant downgrade. Won't be dining there again.

I walk in there and get seated fairly quickly, but that's where it went downhill. I ordered a glass of wine and it was 19 minutes from the time I ordered it to the time that it got to me. The server that was serving me was on her second day and she was training another girl under her that was doing her first day, and there were no senior servers. It was almost comical, watching the roulette of dishes and glasses of drinks get to the wrong table consistently while I sat there therefore I decided not to order food.. I believe the staff manager came by and started asking everybody how their meal was and it was Discontent with everybody in the entire section that I was in. I was only going to give one star, but they had a great recovery. Not only did I get another glass of wine, but it was all on the house. If it weren't for the beautiful view And the incredibly nice with no excuse manager, it would've gotten a one star. Good recovery, but really bad service.

Go here! Everything was incredible! The food is amazing. We got the crab cakes, fish and chips, and reuben! Afterwards you can take a walk to the docks and see the views!

Food was very good, staff was very friendly and attentive, but the best part was their beautiful new china. Pretty blue patterns that really made the table and dinner feel special. Seems like a small thing, but interesting to see what the new owners are up to and what we may look forward to for other changes.

Dinner tonight was very disappointing. Limited menu and not the same quality or variety as this restaurant was when it was Stafford's. Lobster roll had very little meat, mostly bread. Service was fine at our early dinner. Ambiance is same as when it was Stafford's. I will think twice before coming back for just that.

Delicious, giant cut of white fish with nice seasoning. Had a great view of the harbor and quick service. A touch overpriced but much of the places downtown are, so a solid choice regardless

We came here for my mom's 70th Birthday dinner on 07/08/24, and it did not disappoint! We had a thirty minute wait, so we went to the outside bar, and had a round of drinks poured by Grace, who was as friendly as she was beautiful! When our table became ready, we were seated and our (new to the restaurant) server was a young gentleman from Virginia, Andrew G., who is working in MI for the summer. Andrew was GREAT! Just who we needed for a celebration and genuine personality. Bravo, Andrew! There was a band playing out in the park lawn, and she ships/boats all coming in with a beautiful sunset, when we dined outside. The Crab Tostada, Mediterranean Linguine, Waygu Burger, and Seafood chowder were AMAZING. So so good! I pairs it with a little Honey Bubbles Moscato and enjoyed it immensely. The young ladies at the front door were also great to have an exchange with, and the young man who was hosting. Way to go, Pier Restaurant staff!

Our family has been visiting Harbor Springs for years and decided to go to the Pier Restaurant on the last night of vacation with reservations set at least 2 months in advance. While there, the timing for our table had been pushed out multiple times and we were ultimately told that we would have to be seated elsewhere. As I approached the manager to better understand what was going on, she and the waitress were talking to another individual who was expressing his disappointment with delays and mismanagement of the restaurant. When I ultimately had a conversation with the manager, I was met with a very defensive and unapologetic demeaner. All they had to do is take some responsibility and treat us like customers. We ultimately left and will not be back, at least until they look themselves in the mirror and make the necessary changes or until this all takes care of itself, and the new owner/managers take over.

Really enjoyed our drinks and apps on their lovely patio. High points for the Michigan Manhattan--best cocktail all week on our vacation. Skip the crap cakes and get the crab tostadas...so good! The seafood chowder was also a highlight.

My wife and I have spent 25+ summers in Harbor Springs. One or two nights a week we dine at up -scale restaurants. We returned to HS for the season a week ago and went to the Pier for the first time this summer. It will be our LAST visit, not only for the summer, but until the current ownership changes. We chose the Pier last night because several items on the web site particularly appeal to my friends. The manager told him the web site hasn't been updated from last year, the items are no longer available. I ordered a caprese salad-which they were out of. They were out of others menu selections also. My wife's white fish entree was about 3 inches square, thin, and overcooked. After dinner I ordered black coffee-they even screwed that up: it was at best lukewarm and so weak I could nearly see the bottom of the cup. The waitress was a pleasant young woman, but had clearly not been trained on how to be a server in a higher end restaurant. After the place was remodeled a few years ago, it improved. Last night showed all the signs of a financial buyout, hired management, and neglect. Go to New York (across the street), DLB, Walloon Inn, but don't go to the Pier!!

Super nice server. Steak and fries arrived cold. Prices are crazy high and they are severely understaffed. Supposedly completely booked but 1/2 the restaurant was never seated.

Our golf group of 13 sat at the iconic "captain's table" which is a semicircular both which faces the harbor. Incredible view, and the service was outstanding. The food was great. The seafood pappardelle, Scallops and White Fish in particular.

Awesome calamari. Service was great! I really recommend getting the seven dollar bread and oil, they gave a ton of bread and it was so good. The calamari was one of the best I've ever had.

We were a party of 11 and were treated like royalty. Our server, Paige, got every order right, was super friendly, and very efficient. We had such a good experience we actually came back a few days later (party of two) and specifically asked for Paige. Again, great service, good food. Try the grilled octopus as an appetizer. Can definitely recommend the seafood chowder and the Pier burger.

Delicious, friendly, great view, great for small or larger groups, but should call ahead for large groups. Best morel bisque you'll ever have!!!! Since my last review (7 years ago) the whole restaurant has been updated. It's got a great nautical theme, and the menu that was once different on the deck is now the same menu as the dining room.

Go for the ambience. Go for the view. Go for the service. Don't go for the food...well except the morel bisque, which was very good. The caprese salad was average (unripened tomatoes) and the white fish was flavorless, (even though cooked on an oak plank) and just not good. We don't mind paying for good food. This was just not that.

Sat outside on Dudley's Deck with our dog in tow. Waitress was super sweet and had many recommendations especially the clam chowder which was epic.

What a beautiful location, right on the harbor. Harbor Springs is a charming town. The food was delicious and we had excellent service.

I have been going to staffords restaurants for years. I went to the pier and was very underwhelmed. It wasn't bad, but I was left not happy with what I had. I hope the food gets better because it is a beautiful location.

Called around 5PM on Tues 7/16 to make a reservation & they could get us in at 7:15PM. Drove 30 minutes to get there (from Bay Harbor) and upon arrival, were told there was no reservation & they couldn't get us in for nearly 2 hours. Showed them our call & they did not care or try to help in anyway. At this point in evening, most shops were closed and restaurants had long waits so not worth the 30 minute drive to Harbor Springs. :( Nothing we let ruin our trip, but def would not recommend!

During the craziest of times, July of 2020, my husband and I ate at the Stafford's Pier for the first time. The food, service, and view were amazing. So, when my husband and I were celebrating our 25th Wedding Anniversary, there was no hesitation that he would book our special day here. When he booked the reservation, he made it a point to let them know it would be our 25th anniversary. We both left the restaurant feeling very disappointed. The food and service definitely was not the way it was in the past. Then, my husband apologized to me because he thought that we would have had at least some sort of acknowledgment about our anniversary but nothing was said. We now know to never book special occasions at the Stafford's Pier.

We had the best experience over the holidays! We ate at the pier for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve both nights our service was excellent and all courses were timed perfectly. The highlights were the Bibb salad and prime rib (cooked perfectly) from Christmas Eve's menu and the roasted tenderloin/lobster tail and scallops from the New Year's Eve menu. The staff here go above and beyond as well. On Christmas Eve they gifted us with a baby's first Christmas ornament off their tree in the bar that one of the bartenders made and then on New Year's Eve Jody (the GM) saw me go change our baby and that my dessert arrived. She offered to take our baby and walk him around (keep him entertained) so I could have a quiet moment with my husband and enjoy dessert. Seriously that was the nicest thing ever! We can't wait to be back again. This is our new fav! -Anne, Ryan, and Christian Cram

Food was good... have an issue with our service and drinks though... drinks are expensive and at a place like this I do not care as they are expected to to top notch. But my wife ordered a dirty martini and did not get it... when brought up to the waitress that it was not dirty she brought my wife a shot of olive juice to add to her drink once she drank enough to add more, instead or remaking the drink. So low class. Ruined our entire dinner with such rude cheapness. And then to change you $15 for it. Really!!! Our entire table of 6 was so surprised at how this was addressed. It seems the Pier is no longer a high end establishment that cares about the customer.

Meh! I have been coming to the pier my entire life. So, I remember the 1970's and what a big deal this restaurant used to be. Always impeccable service, as I remember nothing was written down. Well, things have changed pretty drastically. I brought 7 of us to dinner, it's much more casual now. $320 out the door with tip. Our waitress was hapless. She really shouldn't be a server. She was handing out drinks asking us to pass to the appropriate people. Complaints about people going home sick? She seemed like a nice person, but come on... I ordered the motel bisque, which I have liked in the past. It was too think with flour and Luke warm. $11 I believe. My scallops were over cooked, $46. Meh. No Huge complaints about the food, just no one was excited. Sad. I miss the old days. That place used to be alive!

dessert. Actually was tasty but poor sized portion for $11, asked for whipped cream and berries to be packaged separate. Define berries ... plural, would expect more than 4 petite blueberries. Service in bar began upbeat, but had to wait for more tartar for fish while wait staff tended bar, played scrabble. Disappointed with lack of attention to customers. We come here several times a year, first mediocre experience. Room cold. Normally eat in dining room; first time seated in bar. We chose the bar feeling underdressed after visiting the falls and bears today.

I never write negative reviews but this of a special exception. This was the worst service in history!!! I was told the wait would be 25 minutes. It was an hour and a half. Then once we were finally seated, we waited 30 minutes with no service at all. We finally left in absolute disgust. What an embarrassment as I had an out of town guest.