I feel like I’ve been under a rock for the last 6 years! This place is captivating. The wow factor when you walk through the doors! No part of this experience disappoints. From the service, food and drinks, down to the small details of the record player broadcasting over the whole restaurant. Matt, keep going! Thank you!
Jessica Beshears
I understand that table turnover is important to the Half Nelson (there's a bit on the menu taking up more space than their cocktail list asking you to promptly get out when you're done). But on a night when there's tables empty, I would hope to not be rushed. Had I been able to *finish* my dinner before being asked about dessert, I would've gotten one and another drink. Our server was nice and the food was great, but it's a significantly better dining experience at the bar. Also, I love MGMT, they're one of my favorite bands. I didn't want to hear Oracular Spectacular playing the entire time
Ark Bak
While The Half Nelson in Davenport promised an upscale dining experience, our visit left much to be desired. Despite the attentive service from our waiter, the food did not meet expectations, especially given the premium price point of $35–$45 per person.
Three out of four diners found their meals disappointing, with no one feeling compelled to take home leftovers. The swordfish, even with its accompanying sauce, was noticeably dry. The goat cheese pasta lacked flavor and failed to impress. Additionally, the restaurant's menu was surprisingly limited, offering little in the way of variety, making it difficult to find an appealing option.
Overall, The Half Nelson did not deliver the high-quality dining experience we anticipated. While the service was commendable, the lackluster food and restricted menu make it hard to recommend, especially at this price range.
Kiril Vangelov
Great food and excellent service.
Trevor Sumner
We routinely travel to the Quad Cities to enjoy their wonderful bike trails. Naturally we end the ride with a nice dinner. This spot never disappoints. Solid cocktails, had a Sazerac that was made very well. Duck breast was juicy and cripsy on the skin! Iberian pork collar stole the show! Like fried pork belly but better served atop mushroom risotto. Personally believe this is the best restaurant in the Quad Cities. Keep up the good work!
Eddie F.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – A Must-Visit Gem in Davenport!
The Half Nelson is hands-down one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in the Quad Cities. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between modern and cozy. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the food and drinks they serve.
Speaking of the food—absolutely phenomenal. Every dish we tried was packed with flavor and beautifully presented. The steak was cooked to perfection, and the crab-topped deviled eggs were a creative, delicious surprise. Their cocktail menu is top-notch too—crafted, not just poured.
Whether you’re planning a date night, meeting with friends, or just treating yourself, The Half Nelson delivers a memorable experience every time. Can’t wait to go back!
corie willet
half nelson has been so consistently amazing every time ive gone! this past saturday, we stopped by & our server was awesome, our drinks were perfect & our meals were just SO freaking good! the ambiance in there is so lovely as well. definitely one of the best restaurants in the QC ❤️
Nick Tarpein
This place is a gem! Great menu, really good atmosphere and excellent wait staff. Drinks and menu items are all very unique and well thought out. QC fine dining staple.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Karen VanOpdorp
Heads up.. new menu its not good. Paying $32.00 dollars just for a piece of salmon..bunch of fancy words like you get more food..nope just salmon..
Robin Naeger
Just passing through Davenport and so glad we picked this place to have dinner! We thoroughly enjoyed the crab beignets and garlic kale salad. The salmon was atrocious Atrociously delicious! And the CauliflowerTiki so so satisfying! The Pinot was the perfect pairing! Staff was excellent! Menu online is an updated so don’t look at posts over a month to pick?
Food was terrible. We were a party of 7 and the only thing ordered that was decent was the burger. All 7 of us said we'd never go there again.
Kathy Yoke
The wait staff was exceptional, especially the young woman who granted every request, saying "I've got you"! The Pear and Beet salad had crispy kale that was a surprise burst of flavor. Cauliflower Tikka Masala was new to me and very good! Carrot Cake extraordinaire was an unexpected treat! A great cup of decaf! Thank you for a lovely experience!
Vegetarian options: The Cauliflower Tikka Masala and Pear and Beet salad were very good
Parking: More parking available now on street.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kathy and Ted Graff
We had dinner here last night and really enjoyed it. We highly recommend the crab beignets and the halibut. Our service was great. We look forward to going back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Robert Popp
The waitress helped with our appetizer selection and it was Amazing. Unfortunately it was the only thing we were impressed with. We were extremely disappointed with the quality of the entree. Basic things like seasoning were missed on meats. 1 of 3 meats were seasoned properly. This should not be an issue at the price point of the restaurant/food. The sauce for the Ribeye was appalling. I don't know if this was just an "off night" for the kitchen. Sadly, I don't like to gamble at the prices they charge. We won't be returning.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
Elijah Hughes
A great place, beautiful decor, good starters and mains, great staff who are interested and attentive. I had probably the best negroni sbagliato I've tasted (not a drink on their list, but one which I like, so often ask for when I'm dining out).
I feel like I’ve been under a rock for the last 6 years! This place is captivating. The wow factor when you walk through the doors! No part of this experience disappoints. From the service, food and drinks, down to the small details of the record player broadcasting over the whole restaurant. Matt, keep going! Thank you!
I understand that table turnover is important to the Half Nelson (there's a bit on the menu taking up more space than their cocktail list asking you to promptly get out when you're done). But on a night when there's tables empty, I would hope to not be rushed. Had I been able to *finish* my dinner before being asked about dessert, I would've gotten one and another drink. Our server was nice and the food was great, but it's a significantly better dining experience at the bar. Also, I love MGMT, they're one of my favorite bands. I didn't want to hear Oracular Spectacular playing the entire time
While The Half Nelson in Davenport promised an upscale dining experience, our visit left much to be desired. Despite the attentive service from our waiter, the food did not meet expectations, especially given the premium price point of $35–$45 per person.
Three out of four diners found their meals disappointing, with no one feeling compelled to take home leftovers. The swordfish, even with its accompanying sauce, was noticeably dry. The goat cheese pasta lacked flavor and failed to impress. Additionally, the restaurant's menu was surprisingly limited, offering little in the way of variety, making it difficult to find an appealing option.
Overall, The Half Nelson did not deliver the high-quality dining experience we anticipated. While the service was commendable, the lackluster food and restricted menu make it hard to recommend, especially at this price range.
Great food and excellent service.
We routinely travel to the Quad Cities to enjoy their wonderful bike trails. Naturally we end the ride with a nice dinner. This spot never disappoints. Solid cocktails, had a Sazerac that was made very well. Duck breast was juicy and cripsy on the skin! Iberian pork collar stole the show! Like fried pork belly but better served atop mushroom risotto. Personally believe this is the best restaurant in the Quad Cities. Keep up the good work!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5 Stars – A Must-Visit Gem in Davenport!
The Half Nelson is hands-down one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in the Quad Cities. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between modern and cozy. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the food and drinks they serve.
Speaking of the food—absolutely phenomenal. Every dish we tried was packed with flavor and beautifully presented. The steak was cooked to perfection, and the crab-topped deviled eggs were a creative, delicious surprise. Their cocktail menu is top-notch too—crafted, not just poured.
Whether you’re planning a date night, meeting with friends, or just treating yourself, The Half Nelson delivers a memorable experience every time. Can’t wait to go back!
half nelson has been so consistently amazing every time ive gone! this past saturday, we stopped by & our server was awesome, our drinks were perfect & our meals were just SO freaking good! the ambiance in there is so lovely as well. definitely one of the best restaurants in the QC ❤️
This place is a gem! Great menu, really good atmosphere and excellent wait staff. Drinks and menu items are all very unique and well thought out. QC fine dining staple.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Heads up.. new menu its not good.
Paying $32.00 dollars just for a piece of salmon..bunch of fancy words like you get more food..nope just salmon..
Just passing through Davenport and so glad we picked this place to have dinner! We thoroughly enjoyed the crab beignets and garlic kale salad. The salmon was atrocious
Atrociously delicious! And the CauliflowerTiki so so satisfying! The Pinot was the perfect pairing! Staff was excellent!
Menu online is an updated so don’t look at posts over a month to pick?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Food was terrible. We were a party of 7 and the only thing ordered that was decent was the burger. All 7 of us said we'd never go there again.
The wait staff was exceptional, especially the young woman who granted every request, saying "I've got you"! The Pear and Beet salad had crispy kale that was a surprise burst of flavor. Cauliflower Tikka Masala was new to me and very good! Carrot Cake extraordinaire was an unexpected treat! A great cup of decaf! Thank you for a lovely experience!
Vegetarian options: The Cauliflower Tikka Masala and Pear and Beet salad were very good
Parking: More parking available now on street.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had dinner here last night and really enjoyed it. We highly recommend the crab beignets and the halibut. Our service was great. We look forward to going back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The waitress helped with our appetizer selection and it was Amazing. Unfortunately it was the only thing we were impressed with. We were extremely disappointed with the quality of the entree. Basic things like seasoning were missed on meats. 1 of 3 meats were seasoned properly. This should not be an issue at the price point of the restaurant/food. The sauce for the Ribeye was appalling.
I don't know if this was just an "off night" for the kitchen. Sadly, I don't like to gamble at the prices they charge. We won't be returning.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
A great place, beautiful decor, good starters and mains, great staff who are interested and attentive. I had probably the best negroni sbagliato I've tasted (not a drink on their list, but one which I like, so often ask for when I'm dining out).
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
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