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Pier 290 Reviews List
Pier 290
Good Food for Good People. We are focused on clean flavors, fresh ingredients and attentive service.
See more Pier 290 details
53 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Rating Breakdown 53 reviews
5 stars
(22)
4 stars
(21)
3 stars
(4)
2 stars
(4)
1 star
(2)
Food
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- scenic view(36)
- great for outdoor dining(34)
- neighborhood gem(29)
- special occasion(23)
- fit for foodies(20)
- good for groups(20)
Pier 290 Reviews List
Review 1 for Pier 290
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Pier 290 - Year 2
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The restaurant is lovely and the newer outside dining area is wonderful. Although I miss the small, medium, large plate concept that the restaurant initially opened with, my guest and I split the arugula salad and an order of tenderloin with diver scallops dressed in a potato, cauliflower and apple ragout that was delicious. We each added a reasonably priced glass of wine and were fully satisfied. I am so glad to see that Pier 290 is coming into its stride! Except, now reservations will be even harder to come by!! And being able to arrive by boat is the best! We'll be back very soon."
Dined on 6/10/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, scenic view, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 2 for Pier 290
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Dominic Zaccone
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Nice job guys! Third time there and each time it's been great!"
Dined on 6/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, kid-friendly, scenic view, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 3 for Pier 290
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was our third meal there and it was outstanding. The view, ambience, food, and service were great!! Will definitely come back!!"
Dined on 6/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, scenic view, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 4 for Pier 290
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Very nice
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"10 of us were seated at a very nice table set apart from the main dining room. Those of us seated on one side of the table had a clear view of Lake Geneva, very pretty. The wait staff was extremely attentive and knowledgable. The food very good. My trout was seasoned well and cooked perfectly. Everyone at the table was happy."
Dined on 6/08/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, scenic view, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 5 for Pier 290
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Needs a food fix
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Would be such a great place to drink & eat apps, but the
App menu is so limited and not impressive.
My short ribs were drowning in some sauce that tasted
like soy sauce. My friends got the special skate and were
both extremely disappointed. Our arugula salads were ok.
The wine was good. The waitress seemed to be very new
to her job and didn't really know about the food."
App menu is so limited and not impressive.
My short ribs were drowning in some sauce that tasted
like soy sauce. My friends got the special skate and were
both extremely disappointed. Our arugula salads were ok.
The wine was good. The waitress seemed to be very new
to her job and didn't really know about the food."
Dined on 6/08/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, vibrant bar scene, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 6 for Pier 290
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food not hot.service lousy
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"House wine rejected.waiter suggests another and was good.waiter didn't tell us it was twice as expensive. My order was not completed.one others meal was not served on time.perhaps messed up by kitchen or waiter.after pouring wine and placing in cold bucket away from table,waiter forgot us and didn't attend to wine until I motioned him after meal was finished. My meal was
Luke warm,sent back and retrieved luke warm. However, it was tasty anyway as we're the others,I'm told. Manager comped the wine and the late meal. We were not happy campers."
Luke warm,sent back and retrieved luke warm. However, it was tasty anyway as we're the others,I'm told. Manager comped the wine and the late meal. We were not happy campers."
Dined on 6/04/2013
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Review 7 for Pier 290
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always a treat!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Celebrated our daughters high school graduation. Missed our reservation because the ceremony went long. We were still able to enjoy ourselves and listen to great music!"
Dined on 6/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, scenic view, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 8 for Pier 290
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fabulous Lunch!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had lunch at Pier 290 on Saturday, June 1st and it was a memorable experience. The atmosphere is great inside and out and the food was delicious. Our server, Brian, was top notch! This was our first visit, but it will NOT be our last."
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, scenic view, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 9 for Pier 290
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Beautiful restaurant on Lake Geneva
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Pretty views, great atmosphere, excellent food! The restaurant is full of character and nautical themes. Really fun! Highly recommend!"
Dined on 5/26/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, scenic view, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 10 for Pier 290
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ladies Night Out
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A group of five of us (celebrating a couple birthdays) came to Pier 290 on a Monday night and we were running so late for our reservation, having driven in from Chicago. We called to make sure they could still take us and they welcomed us with open arms. Instead of feeling rushed, we felt like celebrities and had the best service we've had in quite some time. The food was amazing and between all of us, we tried almost the whole menu. Amazing oysters, great martinis, fantastic surf and turf!
We were only in town for about 24 hours, but managed to come back the next day to sit outside and enjoy a few bottles of wine. Any place worth revisiting the next day, must be pretty spectacular. Hopefully we can still get in next time we're in town!"
We were only in town for about 24 hours, but managed to come back the next day to sit outside and enjoy a few bottles of wine. Any place worth revisiting the next day, must be pretty spectacular. Hopefully we can still get in next time we're in town!"
Dined on 5/13/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 11 for Pier 290
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Not bad, not outstanding
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The restaurant is gorgeous, and the view is very pretty. They also have a cool outdoor area by the docks with blazing fires and a separate bar area. Service was a little slow, but they had two large parties going on so it was understandable. No mixed drinks from the bar, but the wine list was extensive.
The food wasn't anything special. The scallops were impressive looking but didn't taste like much, and the steak was fine but not what you'd expect given the upscale steakhouse prices. I feel like I've had comparable steaks at chain places. No complaints, but we weren't blow away by the food.
I'd recommend it for a relaxing meal with a great view. Improve the food a bit and it's a real winner."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, scenic view, notable wine list
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Review 12 for Pier 290
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Evening with friends
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We dined with our oldest and dearest friends. Our lives are very busy and we do not get together often. This was a perfect evening out. After eating we went outside and sat and talk around one of your fire pits and watched kids play in the sand pit. It was such a lovely eveing and we will surley return."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, scenic view, great for lunch, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 13 for Pier 290
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The restaurant has a great
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The restaurant has a great location with gorgeous views of Lake Geneva and a lot of potential for fine dining in a semi casual setting. However, they have a few kinks to work out. Service was friendly and attentive but the kitchen ran very slow. They should get a new supplier for their grassfed beef as it is normally much more flavorful that conventionally raised beef. Unfortunately, our steaks were bland and the ribeye was so tough and gristly, we sent it back. To their credit, our server replaced it with the roast pomegranite chicken which was delicious, as were the sides for both meals."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 14 for Pier 290
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Pier 290 was a real treat,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Pier 290 was a real treat, very nicely laid out restaurant with gorgeous views of the bay. The food was perfectly prepared, cooked & presented. The service was very good, a tad bit slow (in comparison to some other restaurants in the area) but they were very crowded & it is a large area. It is however quite pricey so save it for a special occasion, unless dropping a hundred per head (for a lovely dinner with wine ) is not an issue for you."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 15 for Pier 290
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Could be a great venue....need
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Could be a great venue....need to work out some kinks."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2008
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Review 16 for Pier 290
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Nah
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Very interesting place. Eclectic but poorly executed menu. Service was average or below. Probably not a place I would return to. The manager, when requested, did NOT make us feel welcome"
Dined on 03/17/2013
2008
Special Features: kid-friendly
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Review 17 for Pier 290
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had a fabulous time. Service
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We had a fabulous time. Service was excellent. Meal was good (not exceptional) but view, restaurant itself/decor, and service were outstanding. We cannot wait to come back!"
Dined on 04/04/2013
2002
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, scenic view
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Review 18 for Pier 290
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
we have eaten here several
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"we have eaten here several times since they opened and have been happy. The waitress was not well trained, the presentation was sub par, menu changes eliminated several choices. 2 steaks were gray and not good. The manager offered to take them off , our host said no just wanted to inform her. She should have offered something !"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2011
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Review 19 for Pier 290
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great place!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Very beatiful restaurant. Looking forward to going there again! Will be telling all our friends!"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 20 for Pier 290
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Lobster roll was yummy! And
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Lobster roll was yummy! And I love the fried yucca!"
Dined on 03/29/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 21 for Pier 290
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Go for the cheese soup!
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The cheese soup was amazing! I would go back in a heart beat for that soup. Plus, my 5 year old loved it too.
The steak salad was incredibly chewy. It had good flavor, but it was hard to get through.
The iced tea was the worst I've ever tasted. It was murky colored and had a very strange taste. Another member of our party agreed that the iced tea was yucky.
Not a place for kids and they weren't overly kid friendly.
The dining room was gorgeous!"
Dined on 03/26/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, scenic view
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Review 22 for Pier 290
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
3rd visit. Food not as good
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"3rd visit. Food not as good this time. 6 of us. Our server seemed new to the place and not up to speed on his Ipad. We'll come back because the place is so inviting, but with lower expectations for the food prep."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 23 for Pier 290
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We love all the attention
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We love all the attention to detail that was used when creating the atmosphere of this restaurant. The creative way they repurposed salvaged parts and sections of boats not only creates a great nautical mood but many points of interest to discover and learn about.
We have only visited the restaurant for lunch and have found the food to be delicious, creative and reasonable along with very good service."
We have only visited the restaurant for lunch and have found the food to be delicious, creative and reasonable along with very good service."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 24 for Pier 290
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Up and coming!!!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our second time here. This is a great place and might just become our favorite in the Lake Geneva area. Perfect nautical decor, our server was competent and personable. My saute perch was the best that I have ever eaten. One of our friends had divers scallops which were excellent. The ladies each had Mahi Mahi, which, unfortunately was slightly over-cooked,, maybe a bit greasy. Since I did not have the Mahi Mahi, I will overlook that for this review. I believe this place will only get better over time. Guys will appreciate the unusual floor plan in the men's room. I just wish that they would replace the noisy hand dryer with a Dyson or paper towels. We'll be back!"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, scenic view
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Review 25 for Pier 290
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Gem of Geneva Lake
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Pier 290 has become a favorite with our family and we try to dine there at least a couple of times a month. Each time the service is outstanding and the food delicious. We have never been disappointed. The location on the banks of Geneva Lake offers a gorgeous scenic view that everyone is sure to enjoy. The half baked chicken with pomegranate, mashed potatoes and brussel sprouts are a must try!"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2004
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, scenic view
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Review 26 for Pier 290
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Been here 3 times and each
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Been here 3 times and each visit has been great. For Valentine's day, they had a jazz trio that really set the mood. The bar was busy, 50+ crowd."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 27 for Pier 290
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My wife and I had a great
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My wife and I had a great time. We recommend Pier 290 every chance we get."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 28 for Pier 290
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Check it out!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great place. Outstanding food. Found them on opentable, I love this app!"
Dined on 02/17/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 29 for Pier 290
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Valentine's Day Perfection
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We visited Pier 290 for the first time on Valentine's Day. We had no idea what to expect and we went in thinking it would be a typical southern Wisconsin dinner. We were completely wrong. Everything from our appetizers to our entrees had fantastic flavor, beautiful presentation, and was the perfect portion size. The service was impeccable as we were never left wanting. The drinks were also excellent. The bartenders know how to make a martini. I can't say enough good things about Pier 290. We're looking forward to going back. I'm sure the summer atmosphere there is amazing. One more note: When the waitress recommends the Creme Brulee for dessert, take her advice and get it."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 30 for Pier 290
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Pier 290 was a pleasant surprise!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Pier 290 was a pleasant surprise! The food was excellent as was the atmosphere. Nice fire in the fireplace accented the smooth sounds coming from the bar. Staff was professional and very courteous."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: late-night find, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Pier 290
Based on the average of (23) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
6 out of 6 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic