Pier W

Pier W was a Cleveland-area favorite of mine, an extremely well-run restaurant, with excellent cuisine. Note the past tense. Sad but true, but Pier W has suffered a tremendous drop in quality. I was running late, so I called twice to let the restaurant know I was stuck in Thursday Night Football traffic. No one answered the phone, either time. Upon arrival, no greeting, just ""Two for dinner?"" Then seated at a two-top near the side windows. Had to immediately move, as the heater was on high, and blowing directly on my legs. Twenty minutes later for drink orders, and the pattern of the evening was clear: decent food, oblivious service. For the price of this meal, I could have had two better ones in the area. Sad to say, but I think Pier W has jumped the shark. Pros: Appetizers, salads Cons: Entrees, service, atmosphere more

Although pricey, Pier W continues to draw us back. The food is fantastic. Even on New Year?s Eve, at a time when most restaurants struggle to serve a decent meal, Pier W remains consistent in its high quality of service and food. There is a great view from nearly every seat in the restaurant, especially in the summer months, when there is a lot of activity in the water. Since their recent reopening, after a total renovation, Pier W has become a favorite once again. Pros: Great food, service and view Cons: Expensive more

This is one of the best restaurants I have ever been to, period. I booked my reservation on a Thursday for a Sunday night through Opentable. There were no problems with my reservation and we were immediately sat (despite arriving 15 minutes early). The hostess led us to possibly the best table in the house which was at the windows overlooking the Cleveland skyline. My husband and I took my dad there to celebrate his birthday and the staff did a wonderful job of making him feel special. \r \r For drinks, dad ordered his signature martini, my husband ordered a gimlet and I had a glass of the pinot grigio, all of which were wonderful. We drank an Oregon pinot noir with dinner and it was a bit too fruity for my meal but a good choice overall.\r \r We started with the oysters Rockefeller and lobster bisque, both of which were sinfully rich and perfectly prepared. Then dad decided he wanted to order some Blue Point oysters as well. They were out in a flash and tasted perfect. For our entrees I had the diver scallop picatta which featured a beautiful presentation of 5 enormous scallops in a delicate picatta with spinach and a crown of crispy sweet potato strings. My husband had the boullibaise which offered a hearty portion of mussels, clams, shrimp and fish with plenty of sauce for dipping. Dad chose the lobster pappardelle which was rich, filling and interesting with its flavor combination of cream and roasted red pepper. \r \r For dessert my husband and I ordered the fondue which came with a generous but not overwhelming portion of fresh fruit, cookies and homemade marshmallows. I asked our server how they make these and he returned from the kitchen with 2 perfectly toasted marshmallows and the answer to my question. Dad ordered the vanilla creme brulee and refused to share, so it must have been amazing. Since it was his birthday, they brought out a tea light and a small cup of whipped cream with a white chocolate ""happy birthday"" sign on top. Pier W=perfect! Pros: Ambience, Food, Service Cons: Expensive, but worth it more

This restaurant has always been one of my favorites. The view at night is very romantic and it is a great... more

Do not expect a lakeside seat - even if they promise it to you when you make your reservation months in advance. They will promise you the view, and re-make that promise when you call to verify. When you show up - at the reserved time - they will seat you in the back - or if you are in a group they will sit you in a room with no view at all. \r \r Food was very good but these are many other places to eat in Cleveland that will keep their promise. \r \r more

This restaurant has a great view of Lake Erie plue they are known for having very good seafood. Check out... more

one of the most hyped restaurants in all of Ohio\r does it live up to the hype? no, but it's got a lot of great qualities\r very nice interior decor, although I was disappointed it did not have more of a nautical theme. This is PIER W, after all. The appetizer was superb, the bread was superb, the drinks were superb, the dessert was superb, the main course (walleye) was a joke. I realize it was not regular walleye--it was some kind of specialty with a bunch of fried onions or whatever--but it hardly had ANY fish at all! I would rather eaten frozen fish for $3 from Giant Eagle.\r The service was superb, though, from the maitre'd to the waitress.\r Very expensive $$$ Pros: service and food (except for the main course), ambience Cons: main course was a joke more

This restaurant was our traditional family treat just before Christmas. Unfortunately they remodeled it apparently planning on taking a good thing to a new level. Unfortunately, with that remodel, they raised the price to a price point that is over the mark. It is over priced and for the first year this year we will not go back over the holidays. There are other brunch restaurants that are just as good with lovely atmosphere that are by far much more reasonably priced. We noticed this past holiday we could get a reservation very easily as compared to before we needed to plan in September or at latest October for a December reservation. It's unfortunate the owners/management took it to this level. Hopefully they will get more reasonable as the location is lovely as you can look out over the lake. The best reviews I noticed are from those that didn't have to foot the bill. more

Overpriced. Poor value at $35/person. Limited menu since remodeling and basically the same footprint. They moved the bar & stuck a piano player right in the crowded middle where the food was. My first impression was, where's all the food? There was a paper thin roast beef carving station, where you had to beg for a decent slice but no ham or turkey as in the past and this was just about the only meat. There was a cajun chicken dish but it was dry and tough. There was breakfast sausage but no bacon, for a brunch! Along with a small plate of grocery store prosciutto slices and salami that was it. Even the sea food was lacking. There was no breaded fish, no lake Erie perch as in the past, just smoked salmon and forked size pieces of smoked kippers. There were salmon cakes & patties - too much salmon. Shrimp were small - 30 cnt size. The cheese, all 3 varities, tasted like they came from a Kraft variety pack of cubes. No special cheese as in the past. The eggs benedict were over cooked with hard yokes and again paper thin Canadian bacon slices. And don't expect anything approaching a salad bar. There was a small bowl of pre-mixed caesar salad and a small bowl of mixed greens with about 6-8 toppings. You had to pre-order an omlet & there was no waffle station - just soggy limp waffles in a steam tray. The rest of the dishes were nothing to write home about! The desserts were good but gone were the full size chocolate cakes and such. Everything except for the bread pudding was served up on little dishes. Cheese cake, custard, pudding and little pieces of chocolate cake. Nothing decidant and mouth watering to be sure. Our server was good and removed dishes & replaced silverware, however, she only offered orange juice as a beverage. The coffee was so strong you couldn't drink it & I like expresso. It tasted like it had been brewing for hours. Bottom line at $112.00, before tip, for three people, we felt like we had been ripped off. Try elsewhere. Pros: Good view of Lake Erie Cons: Poor food and value more

It had been about 2 years since I was at Pier W for Sunday Brunch. This time I was surprised how much they raised the price. $35.00 per person for a Sunday brunch! Last time it was only 19.95 per person. The food has suffered and the new decor makes it less inviting. I can see why it was not busy at all. Don't bother! Pros: Lake setting Cons: Overpriced, food not impressive. more

This is a cutural and culinary gem that is nestled into the most populous area between New York and Chicago. From dinner at the window with the city sparkling in the horizon, to brunch after church on Sunday, Pier W's impeccable service, exqisite food and contemporary comfortable atmosphere makes a visit to remember. I would know....having had my first date there, getting engaged there as well as celebrating birthdays there. Pros: Location, Food Quality, Wine List, Great Service Cons: Price more

The gentleman I'm dating took me here for my birthday in mid-January and it was fantastic! He's enjoyed Pier W for many years and always loved it.; I can see why! The atmosphere was romantic, the pianist was wonderful, the food was perfect ... the entire visit was spectacular! It's been where he's celebrated the special events in his life and I look forward to future trips to Pier W with him!\r \r If you're looking for a place to celebrate any special event or occasion you wouldn't be disappointed! Not optimal for ALL children, but well behaved children should have no trouble enjoying the evening with you. Pros: ambience, atmosphere, perfect for special occasions more

I hope you enjoy the view because it's all downhill after that! This used to be a good restaurant but has slipped of late. They brag about their steaks and seafood but can't hold a candle to Hyde Park Grill or Morton's. Very disappointing! more

We have been Pier W customers for years and we love it! The food is great and the service is as well. The only thing is the remodel they did recently. I don't care for the new atmosphere! It is ultra contemporary, which is quite different than what it used to be. BUt still in my top 5 and always a favorite! Pros: location, views, food Cons: atmosphere, prices more

My wife and I visited Cleveland for the first time and chose Pier W for a romantic dinner. We made the right choice. The most beautiful view of Cleveland's skyline complimented the knowledgeable, courteous service, delicious, beautifully presented food...all in a recently rennovated, elegantly decorated restaurant. Even the tableware was interesting and handsomely contemporary. We wouldn't consider a return to Cleveland without reserving a table at Pier W. Pros: Great service, Delicious food, Beautiful setting more