Stafford’s Pier Restaurant
102 W Bay St, Harbor Springs, MI, 49740
Stafford’s Pier Restaurant Menu
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Address :
102 W Bay St
Harbor Springs, MI, 49740 - Phone (231) 526-6201
- Website https://www.staffords.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:30 am - 9:00pm
- Mon : 11:30 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Touristy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Steven L.
This place is great, from the views to the staff and landing on the fare. Simply delicious. I had the pier burger, which was fantastic and cooked medium rare, the only way to eat meat. But the true stars were the morel mushroom bisque and the unique french fries, stood no chance of survival on my plate. They extremely great with the 2 and 5 year old patrons. Great job and I cannot wait to return.
(5)Patti N.
Stars for the view. Very disappointed by the lobster salad: lobster meat and noodles in a spicy (although tasty) sauce. Vegetables would have completed this dish and made for a lovely presentation for the $$$. Don't waste your time on the seafood chowder which was white sauce with seafood (no seasoning). Fried perch and lemon chicken were very good dinners. We never saw cottage rolls...
(3)Sharon M.
Our luncheon could have been the poster child for poor service. Menu orders were messed up, then not communicated to the kitchen, we received food ordered by a neighboring table, two of our entrees were inedible, and we received someone else's check. All in all, the dining experience took double the normal time. Pretty sad.
(1)Julia J.
Lunch outside is a MUST DO. So here's my dish-- I've gotta moan about this because every time I come here, I'm so disappointed with Stafford's salad selection. Please Stafford--add some more tempting options! Not to be to demanding--But, aw, what the heck--I'd also like to see them add something light and sweet for desert--like a fresh berry plate. It really would go nicely with the atmosphere... My husband and I really enjoyed the gaspacho soup. The portion size was so tiny. (I can't imagine how small the cup would be!) Thankfully, we added a grilled chicken breast to ours. The way they fired it up was so delish. The chicken was perfectly tender, slightly sweet, juicy and hot! Our server was attentive and the manager was genuinely enthusiastic about our experience. And...you really can't beat the view, so it's all good.
(4)Howard N.
Stafford's continues to grasp defeat from the jaws of victory. It was a nice day and we sat outside and had great service, but, the food was mediocre. My roasted veggie wrap was served cold (which they should have noted). It was wet and leaked all over the plate so it dissolved the flour tortilla. The waffle fries were not waffle fries and they must have come off the truck. Tough and overdone. Stafford's should do more from scratch and less pre-made from Sysco and Gordon's.
(3)Mister O.
Good food. Annoying, condescending, and seemingly annoyed waitress. Fish dishes we just average, at best. Cottage rolls were good. Calamari was pretty good.
(3)Melissa B.
I'd love to give it 5 stars but will have to go some other time and see if there is improvement. The pros: No dress code, so while we were dressed casual, but not too casual, they were happy to seat us in the dining room. Lovely Marina view to dine by. Their warm bread is amazing Our server was lovely (Betsy) attentive, kind to our children and friendly. I enjoyed the Brie app and Bibb salad as my whole meal. Quite tasty and more than enough food. Wikki stix for the kids Lovely wine menu The cons: Husbands perch dinner was lacking in flavor. He said the fish had no taste and the garlic potatoes seemed to be missing the garlic. (Yes, I encouraged him to alert someone but he chose not too) he said the sauce with capers was the only flavor on the plate. My kids ordered - buttered noodles and cheese ravioli. The noodles look tired in a crock and the grapes that accompanied them had seen a better day. My sons ravioli was breaded with sauce on the side to either pour or dip. The breading was too heavy. It's already pasta, it didn't need breading. Interesting but unnecessary. Kids menu is a coloring page but no crayons are available. Either have crayons or print the menu differently. I normally carry crayons for my kids "just in case" but didn't have my normal bag since we are on vacation. All and all it was a lovely experience. I know this is a standard for some of the locals and a favorite for many but at that price point we may have second thoughts.
(3)Cyndi K.
When we finally have summer up here it comes with a vengeance....hot, humid and everybody who hasn't been here in forever is lined up to eat lunch at exactly noon. I tip my hat to the professional and unrelenting cheerful (if somewhat wilted) servers who managed unending lines of hungry diners and did so with a smile. My sandwich was fresh and crisp, my fries were hot and tasty, and my ice tea glass was never empty. Kudos to the kitchen, the waitstaff and the hosts for a wonderful experience.
(5)Joe L.
It was a great meal but for the price the portions were a bit small. Overall, the staff was alright, at times they were a little rude. The environment and decor were really nice but in general the place was pretty loud. I would recommend the restaurant if you are in town or nearby but i wouldn't tell anyone they should go out of their way to stop in.
(4)LIsa W.
Perl and eat shrimp were so delicious I ordered some more to-go. Very pleasant wait staff. Please update the patio decor it is so tired it ruins the whole experience of being up north on the water. This place needs a face lift big time.
(4)Mary C.
Very disappointed in my lunch at the pier today. I ordered the pier burger which had a long black hair lying on the french fries. The waiter got me another burger but seemed somewhat annoyed that I sent it back. I ordered peanut butter pie for dessert ( the main reason I went there.) the waiter returned to tell me that it wasn't frozen yet and couldn't be served. I changed my order to chocolate mousse. The mousse arrived frozen so hard I couldn't get the spoon in it. This. Was suppose to be a special luncheon with my daughters and my 96 year old father. Very disappointing!
(2)John E.
Food was delicious, service was excellent, and the view was spectacular! If we're ever in the area again we'll be back.
(5)Jacqueline S.
If you go- get the whitefish plank, it's absolutely amazing, so fresh and tasty. Definitely one of the more expensive places in HS but very nice ambiance, great family place or date night spot. Food isn't quite as amazing as you would expect for the price but it's pretty dang good. Overall probably my favorite dinner place in the city. Located on the marina so you have a great view of the bay and a nice place to stroll off your food baby. Definitely recommend!
(4)Kristine R.
My husband and I absolutely LOVE their morel mushroom bisque... Worth every single calorie. We were very pleasantly surprised at our most recent visit last weekend to find out they have a new chef. In the past we never were really a fun of anything on the menu but the morel soup, however this new chef has changed that!! I got the lobster ravioli and it was UNBELIEVABLE. I can't even explain the rich flavor of this dish. My husband got the whitefish and was very pleased. At the end of our meal I had asked the server if there was a new chef because our food was so much more flavorful than in the past ~ I was not surprised when she said yes! Excited to go back now!!
(5)Steve H.
Great atmosphere and a nice view of the water. The wait staff was friendly and attentive. The clam chowder and potato encrusted whitefish were fantastic. When I'm back in Harbor Springs, I plan to stop in again!
(5)Nigel A.
A very disappointing meal on the patio, our waitress couldn't have cared less that it took the kitchen three tries to get a salad right. The burger was over cooked and not very good. We came for the view and were hopeful about the food but were extremely disappointed. Way over priced for what you get. I would like to point out that Jody contacted me from the restaurant and apologized for our experience and made a very generous offer to have us back. I appreciate the effort to make it right and I think it shows a real concern for their guests.
(2)Carol J.
Okay- we are locals and I am fed up with the choices Stafford and his staff are making in Harbor Springs. They have closed the Chart Room and have no more salad bar. If you are a vegetarian, there are very few choices. We can't afford the fancy dining room, and we won't go back to get crammed into the bar. Salty soup to boot!
(2)Nick T.
we have been visiting the pier yearly for over 10 years, always meeting our expectations until this year's horrible service will turn us away for good. Never have I had been treated with so little respect by the host stand, never made it to wait staff. We went with my mother, wife, and 2 children. We told them 5 for dinner and we're told " they can help you downstairs" I then stated if there is a wait that's fine, we can wait. the woman then stated again. " they can help you downstairs" implying we were not welcome upstairs and we're even directed where the downstairs dining was located. I pressed the issue once more but left as I will not stand for such disrespect especially from a host at a restaurant. manner courses are much needed.
(2)Sarah E.
With so many splendid views of Lake Michigan in this region, it's difficult to judge one over the other. But, I can honestly say our table at the edge of lawn and the corner of the pier was priceless. I can only imagine how romantic this place can get at night. I introduced my friend to a Dark n Stormy during our lunch. Coming from RI, these drinks are a summertime staple and the Pier did not disappoint! Thanks for the great lunch! I hope to make it back someday :)
(4)Jane J.
Wow! I had the whitefish sandwich......but the 5 star winner were the homemade potato chips!!!!! I know, I know...... What could possibly be the big deal you ask? They look like they would be super hard and crispy but after the initial crunch they are light and airy. WONDERFULLY dusted with a seasoned salt with fresh herbs. My God....who knew I could be so impressed by chips! Everything else coming to others tables looked ample and excellent. Giant, beautiful salads. The view of the marina and bay are so nice. It's good to be able to experience such lovely areas of Michigan.
(4)Laura N.
I recommend coming here not only for it's unique location, but also for it's awesome morel bisque. Aside from the perfect location right on the bay, the morel bisque is a must-have whenever I come here because of the perfect balance of creamy & savory flavors.
(4)Trish T.
Service was really great. We sat outside on their "dock" area. The hostess was all smiles and so was the server. Plus, she would bs with us but was speedy. We ordered mussels which were good. There was some seaweed in a couple - but kelp is good for you, right? The drinks were cold and the view was nice. Now the flying ant-looking things were OUT OF CONTROL but I guess they flair up like that from time to time and that's out of their control. Overall a nice place.
(4)Robin B.
Ok so I ordered the "turf and surf", iced tea ( no lemon ), Hubby ordered salmon. I must say our meals were fantastic. My steak was like melted butter in my mouth! Hubby felt the same way about his meal. The mashed potatoes were to die for! Our server Corrie ( I think ) was fabulous. My tea glass was half empty when she strolled by and said she'd be right back with a fresh glass for me. I picked up my half empty glass and took a huge swig from my straw and there it was.... a big black dead fly! And now despite the amazing meal, the fly in my tea is going to be the main thing I remember about it. I believe our server was as mortified as I was, she hooked me up with a pretty tasty dessert for free. And I did drink the replacement glass . She still got a healthy tip out of us...., I might return again.
(3)Sandra C.
What a weekend! Five star restaurants, fantastic views. Stafford's Pier Restaurant was on the pier. I'm talking luxury yachts and champagne tastes here. It's pricey, but where else can you see million dollar yachts from around the country... California to Maryland. I uploaded some photos to give you an idea of how special this place is. My sister, Debbie Z. and I both ordered Chicken salads and Sangria. The salads were wonderful, but expensive. I'd go there again, but next time I'm taking more money
(5)Michael P.
Location, location, location. I think the view is the only thing that has allowed them to serve such substandard fare for so long. We hadn't been here in a decade and thought we'd give it another chance. Oops. The creamy chowder is the only reason I gave them two stars instead on one.
(2)Ally K.
My mom and I only get to go up north once every one or two years, so my grandfather and his wife usually take us out for a nice dinner while we're there. I'm thrilled to say that coming here was a wonderful experience. Our waitress (who I remember saying that she was also a chef) was very professional and knew what was good. We all had the filet mignon and both my grandpa and I got the whitefish with it. I have to be honest, that steak was probably the best I've ever eaten. Insanely tender and melt-in-your-mouth, it pretty much burned itself into my memory. As for the whitefish, it was also extremely delicious and had a delicious rich sauce on it. You also can't beat good old mashed potatoes and green beans. Finally, a vegetable that doesn't taste like it was nuked in a microwave! Obviously, I ate judiciously to save room for dessert. I got a peanut butter ice cream pie and my mom got a cream puff sundae with ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate, and caramel. Sure, it was raining, but I'm always in the mood for a mess of ice cream goodies during the summer months! Five stars all the way!
(5)Susannah P.
I love this place. The view is the best, food is outstanding "the whitefish sandwich ",and the service top notch.
(5)Amy G.
I love the Pier. The best table in the house (in the winter months) is in the bar area by the fireplace. It is so relaxing after a long, cold day of skiing to sit by the fire with a glass of red wine. I can even watch my Spartans on the TV . The menu has some nice selections, depending on what you are in the mood for that night. You can't go wrong with the perch (my personal favorite) or any of the other fresh fish dishes. There are some nice salads on the menu as well. The Pier has a great selection of wine, beer and speciality drinks (including hot toddies). The kids always have plenty to choose from on the kids menu. There are several dining choices in HS and Petoskey, but we often return to the Pier where I know the food will be yummy and the fire toasty.
(5)Mark C.
This was our first time dining at Stafford's Pier Restaurant and our meals weren't what we expected. The soup and bread were good and the dessert (peanut butter ice cream pie) was outstanding! But the entrees - you know, the main event - were huge disappointments. They were mediocre at best. For what we paid, I expected to have my socks knocked off. ----------------- 4/30/2012 UPDATE: Recently, I was contacted by management at the Pier Restaurant who expressed sincere concern about our dining experience and asked for details so they can have an opportunity to correct any problems They said that constructive criticism is very important in their business and they welcome it. I have written to other high-end restaurants to offer feedback on dining experiences only to have them fall on deaf ears. In one case, I didn't even receive a "We're sorry you had a bad experience..." reply. Nothing. Any restaurant so willing to ask for constructive feedback and then take actions to correct problems deserves another try. My wife and I will go again.
(3)Lichen W.
Foods were beyond average. Seats outside provided a beautiful view in the dusk. Service was good. However we spotted quite a lot sluggish and weird flies or flying ants, which were considerately annoying as they accumulated. We went there on 08/24 for dinner, so would expect better arrangement against those inspects around this time in Fall.
(4)Ingrid P.
One of the best places in town for dinner, if only for the view. (But not just for the view!) The food is excellent (I wish they would bring back the wedge salad). Here's what you do: make a reservation for dinner inside, by the window. Have drinks at Dudley's Deck (the food there really is terrible, but there's no reason you have to eat it). Come inside after cocktails and have really nice wine (their list is really decent) and lovely food (the best you're going to find in the area) and absolutely perfect, warm, friendly, exceptional service. Everywhere in the world should have service this good. The best service and the best view in town, and food as good as you'll find in the area.
(5)Ivana J.
I was very disappointed with our dinner at the Pier. We came here on our trip up north for some planked whitefish on the recommendation of our hotel concierge. The whitefish was ok, but had no trace of oak; I feel that we would have gotten the same taste in their baked whitefish for half the price. We were not very hungry, so we decided to split the whitefish and the cherry bibb salad. This was listed as $7.50 on the menu, but was priced as $13 on our bill for the "entree" version. There was no indication that there was a separate entree price, nor was the size of the salad sufficient for an entree, and this surprise price increase definitely soured our already underwhelmed opinion of the meal. I will say that the salad was good taste-wise, as was the service, so perhaps it was an off night on the whitefish? Nonetheless, for the quality and quantity of food, our dinner was definitely overpriced.
(2)Lauren M.
Favorite place in Harbor Springs. Kathy is an amazing waitress. Ask for seat next to the window if you want best water view.
(5)Ellen P.
A quality dining experience all around. We dined here on a weekday evening after a day of driving; it was so nice to truly relax in a quiet, well-appointed atmosphere with well trained staff who were friendly and helpful. We had morel mushroom bisque to start; I followed that with lamb shank while my partner chose local whitefish. Wonderful meals; we'd certainly visit again. And even though it was dusk on a cold off-season day we enjoyed the waterfront view and the last blooms in the perennial bed outside our window.
(5)Jennifer G.
Something has happened to this place and not for the better. The food, the upkeep, the drinks, just not at all what it used to be. Very average food, cocktails just tasted like strong alcohol, and didn't even bother to try a dessert. I visited this restaurant as a child annually and have many delightful memories and even a photo of my now deceased grandfather standing on the pier. I won't return because I just don't want those memories tarnished with what it has become. The server even walked up to us with a dirty shirt on...really?
(2)Debbie Z.
We sat on the patio. Looking over at the pier with all the expensive and humungous boats, yachts, or shall I say ships is spectacular! I ordered the chicken salad and was very impressed with it. The dish came out beautiful and was extremely delicious - every morsel of it. I also ordered a Bloody Mary - just enough spice and tomato juice that satisfied me perfectly, the only thing missing was my celery stick. I was with someone who cannot walk all that well so they sat us relatively close. The staff was wonderful and were very attentive. Went inside and the decor is very nautical!!! Will do again.
(5)Shelly K.
This is the 2nd year in a row that I went to this place. It is good. I had the whitefish and they were familiar on how to prepare gluten free which was appreciated. The food was all good.
(5)Bill H.
The food is excellent but the portions are good for one person. We sat on the porch outside next to the water; a great venue.
(4)Kathleen M.
Come here and get the best of Harbor Springs. Our annual week in town meant a trek to Stafford's Pier. Fresh, great-tasting food for the entire family, unbelievable staff from the hostess who greeted us to the waitstaff who served us. There was even a hello from Jody, who called me last year after our less than stellar experience. Yummy gazpacho, fresh, flaky whitefish, bloody mary's with a kick, a view of the boats and a chance to have normal family conversation. Thank you, Stafford's!
(5)Crimson T.
We just dined here for the second time, lucky enough to have MaryBeth as our server both times. She is friendly, fun, and knowledgeable about the food, cocktail, and wine menus. Her recommendations are spot-on! I suggest the planked whitefish and lake perch combination. Both are exquisitely prepared, accompanied by delicious duchess potatoes. We dined outside at Dudley's Deck, one of several dining "rooms." We had a great view of the harbor and boats where people watching is very entertaining. You can dock your boat and walk onshore for dinner. I highly recommend this restaurant to locals as well as vacationers!! It was excellent overall. I don't give 5 stars easily. :-)
(5)Ginger S.
Please, this place is total crap. Just pull up the Gordon Food Service truck and dump it directly in the microwave. Yuck! I do like the chips in the bar and used to enjoy piling it on at the salad bar (yes, a place that still has a salad bar). But, the salad bar here is not what it used to be. Or maybe i am not what I used to be. Maybe I no longer delight in a small amount of greens smothered in shredded cheddar cheese croutons and ranch dressing. Mediocre, at best. This place gives me the heebeegeebees. Still, if i need a beer and chips, you might find me in the bar. But, I really should go to the Bar Harbor across the street.
(1)Chad C.
For the price, it's just not that good unfortunately. I've been here multiple times to meet various folks for a meal. Now there is an exception...they have a pretty good clam chowder. But it's still $7 a bowl even in the run down Chart Room. Interior simply looks worn. There are better options in HS now.
(2)Maggie K.
After a long day on the road to our vacation home, we needed a nice bite to eat. After deciding on the Pier we ate inside due to a 45 minute wait for an outside table. No problem eating inside, but it reminded me of a Frishes Big Boy or Ponderosa complete with a gross salad bar, big screen TV on the wall and lots of loud kids running around. All of us ordered the fish special... Planked Perch. While the staff was friendly, the food was sub par by a long shot. Fish was frozen before cooked (no flavor), mashed potato's we very dry and burnt on the top, and the spaghetti squash was like a mush with absolutely no taste. Thank God we were tired and were able to wash all this down with a bottle of wine, otherwise we would have been very cranky. We won't be back.
(2)Sally B.
N.B. I'm pleased to note that the Pier management actually monitors what is being written about them here. Only a couple days after I wrote the review (below), the manager emailed me. She had investigated all of my concerns and encouraged me to come back soon for a meal more like I've experienced in the past. Thanks! I have had many wonderful meals in the past at the Pier, which is the only reason I'm giving it 2 stars at this particular moment. My husband and I had dinner there on Thursday and I can't recommend a single thing we had. The bartender either had a cocktail shaker that hasn't been washed in a month or she thought it would be ok to substitute some awful gin for the Beefeater we asked for. The Caesar salad was gloppy and the dressing was flavorless (a terrible sin in my book); the seafood chowder was waa-aayy too salty; the planked whitefish was greasy (how is that possible?); the perch was so-so; the mashed potatoes were whipped then baked until they were as dry as sawdust. The management was clearly not expecting any one to show up that evening, because the one waitress in the dining room was running from table to table (while 2 hostess-type employees sat across the dining room having soup and reading a newspaper!). We'll likely try it again in the future... with the hope that it won't be another awful meal like this one.
(2)Dave C.
The Pier, like its sister restaurant The Weathervane (in Charlevoix) is a "Stafford's" property, and like the Weathervane, it is also a Northern Michigan institution. Also like The Weathervane, The Pier has had its ups and downs over the 30+ years I've been going there. The Pier, though, has had fewer downs than ups, and remains a safe bet for a really nice meal in this area. The prices are on the high side, but the food (and location, and view) mostly justify the expense. There are 2 other restaurant spaces here: - Dudley's Deck, which is an AWESOME spot for lunch in the warmer months, located outdoors between The Pier and the Harbor Springs municipal pier. -The Chart Room, which is in the back/downstairs area of The Pier building. The food for all 3 spaces comes out of the same kitchen, but the Chart Room's pricing is noticeably lower, and it's more family-friendly and less formal than the main dining room. All in all, you're not likely to go wrong at any of these spots - highly recommended when in the area.
(4)Duane R.
Great view of the Harbor from the dining room. Food was excellent (salmon for my wife, walleye for me). Waitress was polite, not too attentive (just right) and very accommodating. We had the recommended wine which was excellent and not expensive ($36). My wife complimented the waitresses on the salmon, and within five minutes the chef was at our table thanking us. He recommend other restaurants in the area and gave us his card. A very pleasant meal.
(4)Brad F.
This place was pretty good. I ordered the stacked big b, which is a large burger with bacon on it! Can never go wrong with that! The fries were awesome! It was nice to sit outside by the boats and see the lake. Great view!
(4)Zachary E.
(see my update at the end).Reasonably good food, and incredibly unfriendly and uncompromising waitstaff. Every question about substitutions or clarifications was met with a contrite "NO!" ... (exaggeration not added for emphasis). We have been there previously and had a great time with great service and excellent food, but after this trip, it's very low on my list. UPDATE: After a very pleasant conversation with the general manager at Stafford's Pier, I was reassured that the experience we had last week was not typical (this agrees with our previous great experiences at Stafford's), and I would definitely return again. Back on my list. BTW, our experience at one of the 'sister' establishments, Stafford's Bay was outstanding...
(4)Sam B.
We ate dinner here and the experience left a lot to be desired. For $30 dishes, you'd expect a savory, unique meal with a memorable atmosphere. The offerings here were unique, but not savoring. And the "pier view" is really only enjoyed by those sitting along the far windows. This place reminds me of the Signature Room at the top of the Hancock building in Chicago. It's pricey, you're paying for the view (if you're lucky) and to say you've eaten at "The Pier" in Harbor Springs. For a fulfilling meal that's just as memorable, I'd save 80% of your money and go somewhere else.
(2)Gerrit L.
I probably eat here 9-10 times per year. They have a very friendly staff. The food quality is always top notch. There is really something abot that old bulding that brings me back to when I used to come in as a child. There are 3 differant rooms that range from casual to formal, plus outdoor seating on the water. Great spot for lunch!
(5)John C.
Great setting amid the yachts, new bright decor, super friendly waitstaff,and marvelous food. Calamari was outstanding. We shared a great Spinach Salad, and my Seasame Tuna was rare and delicious as ordered.
(4)Mountain B.
We had lunch on the patio on a warm day in August. The lunch menu is simple but very good -- an excellent chicken salad with cherries, a terrific burger, and tasty sweet potato fries. The service was very good. The patio is about 20 feet from the pier in Harbor Springs -- can't beat the location.
(4)John O.
We have been regulars for dinner inside and lunch outside and have always loved The Pier. However, we had dinner outside the other night and it was awful. The service was very slow, and the quality and preparation of the steak and whitefish were bad. It was like eating at a different restaurant. It was run by kids. The steaks had to be redone and were overcooked again. We will come back to eat dinner inside only and hope that is as good as it used to be.
(2)Jennifer D.
Basically, the Staffords own all of the big restaurants up north. This is one of their signature locations and it has a terrific view. There are three options for dining- on the patio outside, inside the main dining room and in the bar. The bar has great ambiance but it's stinky. I think that even though you can no longer smoke in restaurants in MI, they have never really gotten rid of the stink. It smells like a mixture of a mildew-y closet and old smoke. They need to rip out the carpet- but if you don't have a keen sense of smell, the ambiance in the bar is great! Basically, the menu is the same throughout the restaurant, you are just choosing ambiance and price point- the bar is the cheapest. The main dining room is outdated and very old-style- sort of reminds me of a hotel banquet room- but it does have a lovely view. The patio is awesome and sitting outside is always such a treat on a warm summer evening. However, the food is just so-so. They have a very boring menu- steak, white fish, burgers and so forth. Nothing innovative. I have eaten here lots of times and for some reason I always make the mistake of getting the whitefish- it's always dry and overcooked. But, it's local and I guess I keep hoping for a miracle given that it's a fresh local ingredient. But, each time they cook the life out of it. On the plus side, last time we ate here, I accidentally left my credit card on the table. Two days later when I realized what I had done- I called them. They had it in their safe- no problem. This is obviously one of the last places in America where crime is not the norm and people are generally honest and good. I just wish that with such a great location that Staffords would seek out some new blood and turn up the volume on these old restaurants. It just feels like they are either living in a bubble and have either no interest in what is going on in the food world or don't care. The menu probably hasn't changed -- ever -- it's definitely a "meat & potatoes midwestern fare" kind of place and it's sad. It could be so much more! If you go- eat outside- at least that will make up for the lack of excitement with the food.
(3)