I’ve never been treated so poorly in my life as Friday night at Pier 500. We walked in the door around 10:00 and the staff did their best to ignore while we were standing there. Then, when they finally acknowledged us, they told us that they only serve appetizers until 11 despite the fact that their website clearly states that dinner goes until 11 and they have a late night menu from 11-12. So we said that’s fine, we’ll just have appetizers and they brought us a cold meatball and the chicken in the nachos was clearly not fresh and the bartender couldn’t care less when I told him but he was fine chatting forever with the people in the booth. I’ve never had a bad experience here before. I’ve been here for many lunches and dinners, including an igloo dinner but I can honestly say that I don’t think I’ll be back.
fredinmn
A nice place on the river in Hudson, WI. Offers plenty of outdoor seating, when the weather is nice. Reservations may be recommended during peak season. Overall, staff did a good job even though it was fairly busy. A good selection of gluten-free options is available. The Mediterranean Angel Hair pasta was outstanding, and I would definitely order again. It was full of flavor while not being a heavy meal.
RWGast
I gave them 2 stars only because of their recovery attempt, other wise it was 1 star. We stopped on this past Saturday, mid afternoon. 3 Hostesses on duty, immediate seating at outside patio. But thats when things got bad. It took a full 30 minutes to flag down a waiter. He was no help but he advised the bar manager who dropped by apologizing but said it was a bad time of day because it was shift change time. ( That is not my problem.) After the bad experience started, we paid close attention to how other guest/customers were treated. One guy, sitting at a table alone did not get service for 1 hour! Another couple that came in right after us, just walked out. Another couple, at a table right next to us, got great timely service because after we finally got a waitress, she took care of them too, immediately. What I found especially curious, was the 3 hostesses just kept on seating people, who were not getting served and walking out. I used to own 4 restaurants-and if any of my managers were this clueless;, they would be gone! Also, according to the reviews, this is a repeat problem. That indicates to me, the ownership doesn’t really care and responds to bad reviews with no intent of correcting the problem. The only reason I gave you 2 stars is because once we got attention, the assigned waitress was great and the on duty managers comp’d the drinks. It was comical and a bit disappointing to watch 2 mangers go to various tables to apologize for bad service. I find it incredible they still work at this place, since they have to make excuses for bad shift management and this place exploits their employees by paying them barely $4 per hour and then adds their reported tips to their paycheck to get them up to minimum wage. This is a common practice in Wisconsin, but I think it is based on greed and exploitation. On the other-side of the River, in Minnesota, that practice is illegal. If you are having a hard time hiring employees, perhaps that is why?
Rauzer65
This was our second visit after an average experience last time. I really wanted to like the menu more. We used to come here quite often living in area over 30 years. Last few years it just hasn’t tasted like I was used to. Menu seems smaller. They are on upper end of pricing for the area. Which is ok if it has the wow factor. It just doesn’t for us. We love the patio, best in town. The drinks are good. Indoors cozy in the winter. We’ll be back for drinks at the outdoor bar.
Roxy Linder
My husband & I ate here for our Anniversary. His steak was perfectly done, & my mediterranean pasta was so good! Our waiter was great too!
showmemo61
We enjoyed a wonderful lunch with friends. The service was excellent, and the food was delicious. If eating outside the view of the water would have been great. My only complaint is that when paying the bill my credit card was taken away instead of using a credit card device to process the payment at the table, and for this I lowered my rating of this restaurant.
not-naturally-red
Went on a Sunday evening and they were busy. We were told could be 30-40 minute wait for the patio. After 40 minutes, we noticed the next 4 couples who walked up to the outdoor hosting station from the parking lot were immediately seated. My husband approached the stand and the hostess said, “Oh yes, your table is ready!” As she walked us back to a table, we noticed half of the tables were empty and a couple that had arrived when we did were half finished with their meal. We were obviously forgotten. Food was good (our favorite walleye), but our waitress was a mess too. Forgot silverware. Had to ask twice for salt and pepper. Did not refill drinks even after she mentioned it. It took her 4 trips back and forth to remember to bring kids menus to the table next to ours. This is the third time we have had lousy service from hostess and/or wait staff. Good thing the patio has a nice view to distract us. But those woven chairs? Ugh!
Lu Ma
Just had a beautifull crusted Parmesan Valley at Pier, been fortunate to be served by Johnatan! This handsome charming boy has some fantastic interpersonal soft skills, got me by surprise with quick chitchat when I realised his superb knowledge level of geography.. Specifically about Armenia!
What a pleasant way to get connected with customers .
Thanks Johnatan, we will definitely be back!.
BTW, smart and proactive Management would use Johnatan's charisma, outgoing character and h people connecting skills for future International relations specialist for this establishment when you decide to spread, make branches in different country.
L.u
142lusinet
Just had a beautifull crusted Parmesan Valley at Pier, been fortunate to be served by Johnatan! This handsome charming boy has some fantastic interpersonal soft skills, got me by surprise with quick chitchat when I realised his superb knowledge level of geography.. Specifically about Armenia! What a pleasant way to get connected with customers . Thanks Johnatan, we will definitely be back!. BTW, Smart Management would use Johnatan's charisma, outgoing character and h people connecting skills for future International relations specialist for this establishment when you decide to spread, make branches in different country. L.
900shaunf
What happened to the quality, food has become sub-standard. Rotisserie chicken sandwich; slimy pile of slop, G.... Awful!
Newer wait staff... likely didn't help her much as her service wasn't quite Pier 500 quality yet. She'll get there, without a doubt. Will definitely return.
Ryan Guilbert
1st visit dining in - sat at the bar. Manager was doing inventory and I could tell that she took her job seriously.
The hosts were very friendly and courteous.
The bartender could definitely read the room and wasn't cheesy or overbearing. She gave me straightforward service and took care of the service well in a timely manner.
The Old Fashioned cocktail on the menu is pre batched, but still rather solid.
French onion soup was delicious!!!!
The bowl i had was very light eating with a decent portion but I felt the shrimp lacked flavour.
I'll definitely return.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Mark McCorkel
Best spot in Hudson for a quite dinner. The patio in the summer is the best!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jody Whiting
Excellent atmosphere, staff, and the food was amazing!! Never disappointed here!! ✨️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Blackened Salmon, Szechuan Green Beans, Parmesan Crusted Walleye, Walleye Cakes, Wood Fired Rotisserie Chicken, Sandwich, Fish and Chips
bradleyafoss
The food lacked, the service slow, and prices high. Skip this one
I’ve never been treated so poorly in my life as Friday night at Pier 500. We walked in the door around 10:00 and the staff did their best to ignore while we were standing there. Then, when they finally acknowledged us, they told us that they only serve appetizers until 11 despite the fact that their website clearly states that dinner goes until 11 and they have a late night menu from 11-12. So we said that’s fine, we’ll just have appetizers and they brought us a cold meatball and the chicken in the nachos was clearly not fresh and the bartender couldn’t care less when I told him but he was fine chatting forever with the people in the booth. I’ve never had a bad experience here before. I’ve been here for many lunches and dinners, including an igloo dinner but I can honestly say that I don’t think I’ll be back.
A nice place on the river in Hudson, WI. Offers plenty of outdoor seating, when the weather is nice. Reservations may be recommended during peak season. Overall, staff did a good job even though it was fairly busy. A good selection of gluten-free options is available. The Mediterranean Angel Hair pasta was outstanding, and I would definitely order again. It was full of flavor while not being a heavy meal.
I gave them 2 stars only because of their recovery attempt, other wise it was 1 star. We stopped on this past Saturday, mid afternoon. 3 Hostesses on duty, immediate seating at outside patio. But thats when things got bad. It took a full 30 minutes to flag down a waiter. He was no help but he advised the bar manager who dropped by apologizing but said it was a bad time of day because it was shift change time. ( That is not my problem.) After the bad experience started, we paid close attention to how other guest/customers were treated. One guy, sitting at a table alone did not get service for 1 hour! Another couple that came in right after us, just walked out. Another couple, at a table right next to us, got great timely service because after we finally got a waitress, she took care of them too, immediately. What I found especially curious, was the 3 hostesses just kept on seating people, who were not getting served and walking out. I used to own 4 restaurants-and if any of my managers were this clueless;, they would be gone! Also, according to the reviews, this is a repeat problem. That indicates to me, the ownership doesn’t really care and responds to bad reviews with no intent of correcting the problem. The only reason I gave you 2 stars is because once we got attention, the assigned waitress was great and the on duty managers comp’d the drinks. It was comical and a bit disappointing to watch 2 mangers go to various tables to apologize for bad service. I find it incredible they still work at this place, since they have to make excuses for bad shift management and this place exploits their employees by paying them barely $4 per hour and then adds their reported tips to their paycheck to get them up to minimum wage. This is a common practice in Wisconsin, but I think it is based on greed and exploitation. On the other-side of the River, in Minnesota, that practice is illegal. If you are having a hard time hiring employees, perhaps that is why?
This was our second visit after an average experience last time. I really wanted to like the menu more. We used to come here quite often living in area over 30 years. Last few years it just hasn’t tasted like I was used to. Menu seems smaller. They are on upper end of pricing for the area. Which is ok if it has the wow factor. It just doesn’t for us. We love the patio, best in town. The drinks are good. Indoors cozy in the winter. We’ll be back for drinks at the outdoor bar.
My husband & I ate here for our Anniversary. His steak was perfectly done, & my mediterranean pasta was so good! Our waiter was great too!
We enjoyed a wonderful lunch with friends. The service was excellent, and the food was delicious. If eating outside the view of the water would have been great. My only complaint is that when paying the bill my credit card was taken away instead of using a credit card device to process the payment at the table, and for this I lowered my rating of this restaurant.
Went on a Sunday evening and they were busy. We were told could be 30-40 minute wait for the patio. After 40 minutes, we noticed the next 4 couples who walked up to the outdoor hosting station from the parking lot were immediately seated. My husband approached the stand and the hostess said, “Oh yes, your table is ready!” As she walked us back to a table, we noticed half of the tables were empty and a couple that had arrived when we did were half finished with their meal. We were obviously forgotten. Food was good (our favorite walleye), but our waitress was a mess too. Forgot silverware. Had to ask twice for salt and pepper. Did not refill drinks even after she mentioned it. It took her 4 trips back and forth to remember to bring kids menus to the table next to ours. This is the third time we have had lousy service from hostess and/or wait staff. Good thing the patio has a nice view to distract us. But those woven chairs? Ugh!
Just had a beautifull crusted Parmesan Valley at Pier, been fortunate to be served by Johnatan! This handsome charming boy has some fantastic interpersonal soft skills, got me by surprise with quick chitchat when I realised his superb knowledge level of geography.. Specifically about Armenia! What a pleasant way to get connected with customers . Thanks Johnatan, we will definitely be back!. BTW, smart and proactive Management would use Johnatan's charisma, outgoing character and h people connecting skills for future International relations specialist for this establishment when you decide to spread, make branches in different country. L.u
Just had a beautifull crusted Parmesan Valley at Pier, been fortunate to be served by Johnatan! This handsome charming boy has some fantastic interpersonal soft skills, got me by surprise with quick chitchat when I realised his superb knowledge level of geography.. Specifically about Armenia! What a pleasant way to get connected with customers . Thanks Johnatan, we will definitely be back!. BTW, Smart Management would use Johnatan's charisma, outgoing character and h people connecting skills for future International relations specialist for this establishment when you decide to spread, make branches in different country. L.
What happened to the quality, food has become sub-standard. Rotisserie chicken sandwich; slimy pile of slop, G.... Awful!
Restaurantji Recommends
Newer wait staff... likely didn't help her much as her service wasn't quite Pier 500 quality yet. She'll get there, without a doubt. Will definitely return.
1st visit dining in - sat at the bar.
Manager was doing inventory and I could tell that she took her job seriously.
The hosts were very friendly and courteous.
The bartender could definitely read the room and wasn't cheesy or overbearing. She gave me straightforward service and took care of the service well in a timely manner.
The Old Fashioned cocktail on the menu is pre batched, but still rather solid.
French onion soup was delicious!!!!
The bowl i had was very light eating with a decent portion but I felt the shrimp lacked flavour.
I'll definitely return.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Best spot in Hudson for a quite dinner. The patio in the summer is the best!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent atmosphere, staff, and the food was amazing!! Never disappointed here!! ✨️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Blackened Salmon, Szechuan Green Beans, Parmesan Crusted Walleye, Walleye Cakes, Wood Fired Rotisserie Chicken, Sandwich, Fish and Chips
The food lacked, the service slow, and prices high. Skip this one
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 2
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