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Waterfront Lakeside Grille: Scenic South Haven Dining with Fresh Minnesota Flavors

Waterfront Lakeside Grille, nestled on the shores of a scenic lake in South Haven, MN, offers a warm, wood-accented setting with stunning waterfront views. This inviting spot shines with classic Minnesota dishes like perfectly cooked Walleye and hearty sandwiches, praised for their fresh, flavorful execution. The menu features comforting staples—famous Walleye dinners, crispy nachos, and robust burgers—that satisfy diverse tastes. Service is friendly and earnest, complementing the relaxed, rustic atmosphere. While some menu nuances may puzzle, the genuine lakefront charm and well-prepared food make it a memorable destination for those craving authentic, lakeside dining.

Waterfront Lakeside Grille at a glance

  • Address 13195 Bayview Rd, South Haven, MN 55382, United States
  • Phone +1 320-274-9988
  • Restaurant type Bar & grill , Bar , Girl bar .
  • Popular for Popular for lunch , Popular for dinner , Good for solo dining .

Photos & Gallery

Waterfront Lakeside Grille: Reviews & Ratings

Jennifer Blood
5

We ate at your restaurant this past Sunday night, August 10th and had a wonderful experience! The food was absolutely delicious and our waitress very friendly. Loved the atmosphere as well. We will go back for sure! Jennifer

Deb Bjorlin
5

It was our first time there. The service was great & we loved the view of the lake. My dad said it was the best Walleye dinner he's ever had. The nachos were fantastic & the Walleye fingers were cooked perfectly. We will definitely be back.

Cortney Phillips
4

The food came out fresh and hot. The drinks came cold and strong. There is some good variety in the menu including several classic Minnesota dishes.

Critical Chris
4

On my two (2) recent trips here, in the summer of 2024, I experienced a restaurant that does some things well, and others, not so much. I am being generous and reasonable with a four (4) star rating. The atmosphere of the place is perhaps one of its strong suits, with wood beams and wood appointments comprising the interior, and stained glass too. The views of the lake are delightful also. The service was personable and reasonably attentive, and overall was good, even if it is on the brusque side, and more like what one would see at a diner. In one occasion, my request for a substitution of a side item in exchange for an upcharge was rejected by the server. On another occasion, the server couldn’t tell me what kind of marinade or sauce they sautee or broil the perch with. So, I didn’t order the more expensive perch. Instead, I ordered a $17 half portion of pork back ribs. And let me tell you, they were five diminutive ribs from the small side of a slab. The smallest rib was maybe 2.5 inches long (see my uploaded photos of the rib bones). The redskin mashed potatoes were decent, with a noticeable note of garlic salt, which I didn’t mind, though I would have preferred fresh garlic, or at least garlic from a jar. On a previous visit, I had a corned beef reuben sandwich on marble rye, and the meat had a decent pile/portion. And I didn’t think I could find a decent sandwich like that in these parts. I would consider returning again, but will probably stick with some kind of sandwich, or a burger. I’m really not sure what kind of steak or lobster I could find here.

Location

  • Waterfront Lakeside Grille
    Waterfront Lakeside Grille
    13195 Bayview Rd, South Haven, MN 55382, United States Hotline: +1 320-274-9988

Nestled on the shores of South Haven’s tranquil lake, Waterfront Lakeside Grille offers more than just a meal—it delivers an experience shaped by vibrant views and a cozy, wood-accented ambiance. The rustic interior, adorned with wood beams and stained glass, creates an inviting setting perfect for those seeking a relaxed, waterside dining retreat.

The culinary offerings showcase a solid variety of Minnesota classics, focusing heavily on fresh, straightforward flavors. Locals and visitors alike rave about the Walleye dishes, often hailed as some of the finest in the area. From perfectly cooked Walleye fingers to the standout Walleye dinner itself, the menu honors the region’s fishing heritage with dishes that land on the palate with genuine satisfaction. Compliments for the nachos and sandwiches, especially the corned beef Reuben on marble rye, highlight the kitchen’s ability to balance comfort food with quality sourcing.

Service tends to be friendly and personable, though at times it may carry a diner-like brusqueness, adding a no-nonsense charm to the experience. While flexibility with substitutions might be limited, the attentive nature of the staff generally enhances the overall visit. Drinks come fresh and robust, complementing the hearty meals perfectly.

While some offerings, like the pork back ribs, may fall on the smaller side, they still deliver pleasing flavors that speak to a focus on quality over quantity. The redskin mashed potatoes, subtly spiced with garlic salt, further demonstrate the kitchen’s intent to highlight simple, well-executed sides that honor Midwestern tastes.

Waterfront Lakeside Grille stands out as a destination for those who appreciate a casual lakeside atmosphere paired with dishes that evoke regional pride. Its charm lies not only in the stunning lake views but also in the honest, straightforward food that appeals to both fish enthusiasts and sandwich lovers. It's a place where the ambiance and the fare come together, inviting diners to savor not just a meal, but the spirit of Minnesota lake life.

Business Information

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Has outdoor seating
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
    • Delivery
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Credit cards