Stafford's Pier Restaurant

The service was terrible. The hostess and bartender were both rude. I made the reservation a month in advance asking to sit by the window for my wife's birthday, but they just couldn't possibly have made that happen. Cocktails and food both overpriced.

A couple years ago, The Pier remodeled for the better, changed out wait staff and reworked their winning menu. Unfortunately, with change not everything works out. While the dining room is a huge improvement the staff is still not note worthy. They removed their signature dish, Escargot and Cedar Plank, Whitefish. Recently they combined their lunch menu with the dinner menu and no longer serve their cocktail winner, Midnight in Kentucky. I'm not saying that change is good. Something are positive BUT, don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. It's no only a marginal restaurant that doesn't compare to New York or even Piersons. For the money, go elsewhere.

Hostess would not seat us at a table with water views because those tables accommodate up to 6 even thou we requested a lake view, then proceeded to put a couple at table 10 mins later. Received luke warm Clam Chowder. Ordered the short rib, small portion and had to send back the potatoes as they were all skin and no potato. Overall, would not recommend this place and we will not be back

Our forest Time here and we were not disappointed. The Clam Chowder was great and My wife ordered the Fillet with smashed potatoes and asparagus, I was leaning towards fish but I asked about both ends of the spectrum. Danielle said Whitefish and Fillet are different but our Fillets are amazing. We will be back in the warmer weather to see boat docks and parks around the restaurant full of people. Well done Pier

Atmosphere was great, Service was Awesome, Food Great...... not so happy with all the flies buzzing around us and the food....

Hostess was super pleasant and so was the server.I should have ordered a meal instead of a sandwich. Rueben was like a pulled pork sandwich didn't taste like true corned beef

The salmon was incredible. The cocktails were excellent & definitely a generous “pour.” The service was impeccable & delightful. Our server could not have been more congenial yet professional & delightful. It was a beyond perfect culinary & dining ambience experience.

Danielle was fabulous!
So knowledgeable and so personable

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The Pier Restaurant provided my wife and I with a fanatastic (yes I said fanatastic) experience. The Herb Fennel roasted chicken was by far the most tender, juicy and flavorful bird I've ever had the pleasure of consuming. And that's coming from a chef. The Ribeye was made to perfection at medium rare. It was so delicate and juicy. I made the right choice for a special dinner night. 10/10 recommend!

Danielle was the truth, but she didn’t provide the worst condiment known to mankind…ketchup. thank you Danielle. 10/10!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great time. Service was outstanding. Danielle was very informative and provided great suggestions. Made our experience that much better!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Wonderful meal and great service. Danielle ( our server) was over the top

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

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.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Danielle was awesome, pan seared whitefish was amazing!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Danielle = amazing!

Service: 5