The Riverside Inn

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• 0

  The food was outstanding. Newly engaged, I wanted to enjoy a beautiful dinner with my fiancée and this place came highly regarded. We were given a table on the patio outside which initially seem like a great idea. However, on a beautiful day with a perfect breeze, we found ourselves in the sweltering heat without an umbrella. Be forewarned, the patio does not have even the slightest breeze. Our waitress, Cat, who had already been incredibly accommodating and gave us incredible recommendations for our appetizer (and we would soon find out our main course as well) made an extraordinary effort to accommodate us. She gave us the option of sitting outside on the patio to the side of the restaurant (after all, the entire restaurant was practically empty- it was 530- and not a single person was outside). Not to mention, we had no intention of staying too long, which to me seemed pretty clear. As we are about to be seating one of the waiters (a head waiter I could only assume) storms out and yells out that the side patio was only for parties of 5 or more (let me say that even when we finished paying our bill there was still no one out there).  Not only did he maker me and my fiancé feel incredibly uncomfortable and unwelcome, it was obvious that our waitress felt humiliated as well. I did not appreciate his snobby attitude, not to mention if you feel the need to correct a fellow employee, there is no need to make it public. I paid well over $100 for our meal and deserved to be treated with the same dignity and respect as any other customer at this restaurant. I would not have rated this restaurant with more than 3 stars (if at all) if I hadn't had a delicious meal and an enthusiastic passionate and kind waitress. The waiter who disrespected us had no right to do so, he should be taught that not one customer is more important than the next.
  
  All in all, if you go to this restaurant make sure to order the charcuterie/cheese platter as an appetizer and the New York strip was phenomenal. Oh and if you can, ask for Cat as a waitress.

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  Posted on 07.13.13 Kelly B.

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  I came to the riverside on June 26th to have dinner with my wife and two friends.  Being early in the season we didn't expect a crowd and thought they would welcome the business.  When we asked if we could have drinks on the outside patio, the host asked the manager, who said we could only have drinks if we sat on the benches down by the river.  The restaurant was empty.  Half the tables had no place settings, but they wanted to make life difficult for us.   We took a table anyway and had an average experience, no bad, not great.  The view of the river is excellent.  We told the manager about our experience and she blamed a "young" hostess.  I have heard that Leeland is a little "cold" to visitors, but I know the Riverside is

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  Posted on 07.07.13 Jim H.

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  This is a superb restaurant! Highly recommend the scallops and the whitefish. This was our second time here and it was even better than we remembered. Our only complaint is that if you are seated inside in the summer, it tends to be overly warm and stuffy. Otherwise, excellent food, staff, & ambiance!

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  Posted on 07.29.12 Regina T.

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  Amazing new menu, scallops were outstanding, short ribs sous vide were amazing, halibut sous vide delicious, charcuterie and cheese plate was the best we ever had! If you are a foodie and in the area don't miss this fine dining experience! Thank you Chef DJ and Chef Kyle, you are outstanding!

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  Posted on 05.20.12 Sherry W.

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  I have had dinners here before, and they were good, but not great. But tonight the menu was average, and the service was slow and the waitress just didn't seem on the ball. Ordered 2 bottles of wine (Burgundy) to start, only to find that they just sold the last two bottles(yeah, right). I will go back, but I just get the feeling that they just don't care.

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  Posted on 07.23.11 Carl G.

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  Consistently great food and service.  The setting on the river is beautiful and a soft summer night on the deck with friends is Leland at its best. They have a terrific bar that offers every drink you can think of (including killer Hummers!) along with great atmosphere and a view of the river and their gardens.

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  Posted on 07.20.09 David H.

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  Brunch is always the best.  As a resident, get there a few times each year and usually stay away from the fudgies who pack the place in during the summer.  A great setting right on the Leland River.  My favorite is to take the boat up to the dock, enjoy a brunch, then spend the rest of the day on the water.

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  Posted on 03.19.09 Abe M.

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  In a tourist town packed with overpriced standard fare, the Riverside Inn is a standout.  In fact, it wouldn't matter where it was, the food here is always incredible.
  
  Located in a bed and breakfast, this place has been tempting my taste buds for about 10 years.  We heard from neighbors that there was a new place in Leland, and have been enjoying muy delicious meals there ever since.  The dining room and bar area are quite lovely, done in a Mission style and very understated without being cold and minimalist.  A wonderful environment in which to enjoy a great meal.
  
  Menu changes regularly, a few standouts are always available.  We generally go in groups and get one of everything and have yet to be disappointed!  
  
  The Tenderloin Tower is always available, meat is fork tender and expertly prepared, the demi-glace and blue cheese whip are perfect compliments, the mashed potatoes are fantastic and the vegetables are always cooked correctly and very fresh. They generally have duck, ostrich and lamb on the menu as well and they are always wonderful as well.  I tend to get nervous when I see a restaurant in Northern Michigan with a very ambitious menu as I'm generally disappointed, but this place is the exception - they can do no wrong, everything that comes out of that kitchen is delicious!
  
  Fantastic staff, wonderful wine list, beautifully located - make reservations and get a table outside looking over the river.  This is a great place for a dress up dinner, a date, or to mark a special occasion.
  
  *******Edit 11/7/2007*********
  Check their website before you get too excited in the off season - they are closed the ENTIRE month of November and most of December as well. Sob.

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  Posted on 09.01.07 Jenny z.

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