River Deck - Hayward, Wisconsin

Arena B. I. P. D. C.

This is, without a doubt, the most unique place to dine in Hayward… on the water, at the historic stadium for world champion logrolling. The atmosphere is very charming with nice details like fresh wildflowers and atmospheric music. The cocktails are well prepared and served in frosty glasses. The food was very good. We especially liked the crispy chicken wings, salmon, and elk burger with blue cheese and blueberry compote! For dessert, we went next-door to the ice cream shop… Icing on the cake of an enjoyable dinner out. The prices are at the top level for Hayward fine dining, but the atmosphere on a nice evening is worth the extra dollars spent.

Missy K.

The people at this restaurant know EXACTLY what they are doing, and what they are doing is creating an experience like no other that I've had. It was nothing short of spectacular. Everything about it was top notch. When walking up to the restaurant, we were greeted with a smile immediately. The outside dining creates an atmosphere of relaxation. Overlooking the lake/log competition arena was super nice. There was no competition happening, so we got to see the serene view of the still water, an occasional kayaker paddling by. I commented several times that it felt as if you were sitting in a southern outdoor restaurant, enjoying a fine dining experience, while sitting in an up-north cabin. It was a surreal and awesome combination. Our server, Emile, was quick, knowledgeable and friendly. She added a comfortability to our experience that you don't often find. The food....the food that Chef Troy planned and Sous Chef Angela executed for us was truly spectacular. The new tastes and knowledge that Chef Troy have brought to the restaurant is phenomenal. It was beautifully served, perfectly seasoned, the taste was indescribable in the best way. We had crab cake as the appetizer, which was the only crab cake I've ever enjoyed. Fresh crab, not fishy at all. Just delectable seafood. My husband had the salmon sandwich as an entrée. He said he's never had anything so delicious. The salmon was perfectly cooked, and the aioli went perfectly with the dish. He even commented on the how wonderful the bun was, which we found out later was brought in directly from the Big Easy. I had the filet mignon. This steak was so flavorful, and so tender I literally cut it with my fork. I tested it just to be sure. Finished off with a very rich chocolate cake that could have easily fed 4 at that table, with the right amount of semi-sweet cream that was the perfect compliment to cut the richness and bring out the chocolate. I mean, I literally cannot say enough good things about this restaurant. I would return again and again, and drive from Minnesota over to Hayward JUST to eat there. I would recommend this place to anyone who is looking for dining in Hayward, and be confident that it would hold up against any place out there as outstanding.

Tech S.

Biggest walleye sandwich I have had 👍 grilled perfect prices are worth the food quality and great Lakeside dining. Pricing is very fair …..big portions👍It’s a great country but you can’t live in it for nothing.

Donna P.

Food was pricey, $19 for a hamburger. Grilled chicken salad was good, service was good. I would go back, not too often. High end food. Great dry martini

John K.

Absolutely delicious steak, baked brie and cocktails.

Our server was very nice and offered us a different table with an umbrella for a little shelter from the elements.

Great evening

Colin W.

What happened to this place? We come here every year on vacation and have even spent an anniversary dinner here - normally great food/service. Came tonight for one of our favorites- the ahi tuna nachos- and they were SOOO SALTY. Such a bummer. We were still going to stay for an entree but watched the table next to us let their server know they never got an entire entree (after the rest of their table was already finished) and another table next to us let their server know the dinner rolls were frozen (confirmed when their server came back and said they don't have any dinner rolls that were thawed currently). When you're asking $58 for a steak and $52 for scallops, this can't happen. Super bummed as this was always our go-to date night spot in Hayward but will be looking elsewhere from now on. I'll still give it 2 stars because the setting is great and the servers were trying hard!

Tim J.

The menu is so small this year. I really like the Chefs menu last year it had a lot of variety. There was some pretty good steaks on that menu I had a ribeye last year that was on of the best steaks, I walked into the kitchen to give the chef a tip. My father always had the rack of lamb last year too. Last night we tried the tenderloin or some would say Filet Migon which it was. It was okay.

Jessica H.

Loved this restaurant! We had the filet and the scallops along with an old fashioned and a cosmopolitan to drink. The meats were perfectly cooked and the sauces and sides were awesome. We loved sitting outside and looking at the river while we ate