River Lane Inn

The food was decent at best. Certainly not good enough to be worth the price. I would return based on the food alone. The problem started the moment we walked in, when the host, who I assume was the owner, sat us and then whispered in my ear: ""It is no hat night tonight."" I saw no sign posted indicating that I could not wear a hat, and my hat was a designer hat that went with my outfit, not that it should matter, but it was a real turn off for him to do this. Frankly the rest of the meal was insignificant as far as whether or not we would return, but I have tried to be honest here. The food is a 5/10, value is a 3/10, overall experience was a 0/10 I would not recommend this establishment to anyone based on this one bad experience. If you want people to dress a certain way in your establishment, you post a sign so they are aware before they walk in and get surprised. I wear the same outfit in my Country Club's dining room all of the time, which does have a posted dress code, so this really caught me off guard. more

I have been to River Lane Inn twice in the last two months and heading there again tonight. The service is outstanding, very cozy warm dining room. The seafood selections are the best in the city. The cajun sea scallops are my favorites, on my last trip, the waitress went out of here way to make blue cheese olives for my martinin....what a place more

My wife & I have been devotees of Jim Marks' ""River Lane Inn"" since 1999. Outstanding service. A place where you can call several days ahead of time, ask that they get oyu something at the market and they will have it for you. On several occasions everything we ordered was ""off the menu."" For years they did not have a printed menu for their fresh fish, just a chalkboard.\r \r Called today to check on something for lunch tomorrow. Sad to report that they are no longer open for lunch. A sign of the current economic realities. \r \r 1 appetizer, 2 entrees, a bottle of wine, dessert and coffee is usually $110-$125. Not cheap but worth every penny and I live almost 50 miles from the place.\r \r Pros: outstanding fresh seafood, great attitude toward service Cons: a long drive for me more

Good & friendly service, great ambiance and the best of food although a bit pricey. Very busy place so reservations are recommend even on a weeknight. I went there on a Wednesday and fresh lobster was the special; although I didn't have it, other diners around me did and it looked scrumptous & the price for it was an unbelievable $22. Great experience! Pros: Great food, service & atmosphere Cons: A bit pricey more

I've been to Riverlane Inn probably 6 times over the past five years. Every time I've discovered something new, and every time I leave very well satisfied. The service is excellent, and the prices are reasonable considering the extremely high level of cuisine. The seafood selection is always one of the best in the metro Milwaukee area and it is always prepared perfectly. The Clam Chowder is clealy the best I've ever had. The lunch salads are incredible. This is a nice cozy restaurant where you can enjoy a wonderful glass of wine, enjoy some of the best prepared seafood in the nation and it won't cost you a fortune. Dinners can be "expensive" in the $20-30 range, however it is really a value when you compare it to other restaurants offering comparable cuisine. PROS: Seafood, lunches are great, soups are fantastic CONS: Decor could use some updating more

I used to work at River Lane Inn when I was a teenager and in my adulthood I have been able to go there and enjoy it from the other side (that of the dining room as opposed to the kitchen.) It's a very nice place with super friendly/accomadating staff, and some of the best food you will find on the Northside of Milwaukee. The restaurant dates back to either the early 1900's or late 1800's and alot of the old charm remains. Overall this restaurant has been rated as a four or five star joint from any critic who has ever been, so go check it out! PROS: Seriously, some of the best seafood in the city! CONS: Pricey, Pricey, Pricey! ...but go anyways. more