Social Profile: 
![]()
✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in
… View more
Discover The Boatyard Bar & Bistro a vibrant waterfront restaurant located in Ottawa, IL just minutes from Starved Rock State Park. Immerse yourself in breathtaking views as you savor fresh seafood & pasta, hearty handhelds, dry-aged steaks and more. Unwind on our outdoor porch overlooking the Illinois River or dine by candlelight in our romantic dining room.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 1134 N 27th Rd, Ottawa, IL 61350
Phone: (815) 431-6281
Website: http://theboatyardbarandbistro.com/
Menu Photos
Related Web Results
The Boatyard Bar & Bistro
Welcome to The Boatyard Bar & Bistro. Gorgeous views. Delicious Food … 1134 North 27th Road, Ottawa, IL 61350. Open now • Closes at 9PM. All hours.
The Boatyard Bar & Bistro | Ottawa IL – Facebook
Are you tempted by sautéed chicken in a roasted red pepper sauce? We’d be happy to help. Chow down. The Boatyard Bar & Bistro 1134 N 27th Rd, Ottawa Illinios …
menu – The Boatyard Bar & Bistro
The Boatyard Bar & Bistro Location and Hours. (815) 431-6281 · 1134 North 27th Road, Ottawa, IL 61350. Closed • Opens Thursday at 4PM. All hours. Order online.
Last Updates
Reviews
Andrew Stone
The food and atmosphere is phenomenal I’ve been boating on the river and going right past this place for 2 years and never knew it was here… Stumbled across it by accident while exploring the river and getting closer to shore. I feel like if the sign facing the water was bigger or lit up we would have stopped sooner. Waitresses are quick friendly, Definitely making this a regular weekend stop!
… moreAl Boko
Everything was great, and Marsha took wonderful care of us. For our main dishes enjoyed the French Onion Soup, Chicken Parm Sandwich, and Parm Garlic Fries Appetizer. To top the meal off we had 10/10 desserts, Red Velvet Cake and a Tiramisu. Can’t wait to go back and try some more delicious food and drinks! Sorry about the pics, we started digging right in before I snapped them.
… moreLaura Boyer
From the moment we walked in, we were warmly greeted by several staff members, which immediately set a welcoming tone for our visit. Ella, Paige, and Chris are clearly experienced professionals who take great pride in what they do — their attention to detail and friendly service make every visit a pleasure.
We’ve been here several times since the new owners took over, and every single meal has been consistently outstanding — flavorful, beautifully presented, and served promptly. The atmosphere is relaxed yet refined, with amazing views that make dining here feel special every time. The restaurant is clean and well-kept, showing how much care goes into maintaining the space.
We only wish we lived closer, because this would absolutely be one of our regular go-to spots!
… moreWe’ve been here several times since the new owners took over, and every single meal has been consistently outstanding — flavorful, beautifully presented, and served promptly. The atmosphere is relaxed yet refined, with amazing views that make dining here feel special every time. The restaurant is clean and well-kept, showing how much care goes into maintaining the space.
We only wish we lived closer, because this would absolutely be one of our regular go-to spots!
Krista Fandel
This was our first time here, and we were so excited to try it. It was MISERABLY hot in there. I get that its hot outside but the inside thermostat read 84 degrees. We ordered 2 Tennessee mules when we first sat down, they were good , but it did take a while to get them, and my husbands had a gnat in his. We also ordered gorgonzola nachos as an appetizer, those also took forever and came out the exact same time as our actual meals, and there was more bare chips than there was toppings. They did give us bread about 20 min after getting there, but the bread was cold. As far as our meals , they were good. We ordered the salmon. Our waitress was nice , but for the price we paid , I think our drinks and appetizer should have come out well before they did, and we shouldn’t have to be dying of heat while trying to eat dinner. Would like to give it another try, but I’d have to see some better reviews before we do.
… moreMichelle Lowe
The food is fantastic. Beautiful view and our server Ellissa was great and very attentive!
… moreA Niedzwiedz
Was there for lunch on a MONDAY! so happy they’re open on Mondays. Everything was delicious. Great service and atmosphere.
We will be back. 🙂
… moreWe will be back. 🙂
Ashley Squitieri
I had what can only be described as the absolute worst dining experience of my life. We waited a staggering three hours and never received a single meal. To add insult to injury, the table behind us informed us it took them two full hours to get their food, and one of their orders was just a wedge salad! If it takes two hours to prepare something so basic, perhaps it’s time for a serious reevaluation of operations.
The wait for our drinks was equally disheartening. It took a staggering 45 minutes to receive them, followed by another 30 minutes just to get a refill. We ordered Miller Lites served in cans, and for the first hour of our wait, there wasn’t even anyone at the bar. After nearly two hours of waiting, we were presented with nothing but cold bread. Such a generous gesture!
What truly added to my frustration was the complete lack of accountability. Being assured that our food would arrive in just 10 minutes only to wait an additional hour is simply unacceptable. I felt a pang of sympathy for our young waitress, who was clearly in the dark about when our meals might arrive, and the manager’s indifference was equally disheartening.
Fortunately, Ottawa is home to numerous restaurants that genuinely prioritize their customers and understand the vital importance of exceptional service.
… moreThe wait for our drinks was equally disheartening. It took a staggering 45 minutes to receive them, followed by another 30 minutes just to get a refill. We ordered Miller Lites served in cans, and for the first hour of our wait, there wasn’t even anyone at the bar. After nearly two hours of waiting, we were presented with nothing but cold bread. Such a generous gesture!
What truly added to my frustration was the complete lack of accountability. Being assured that our food would arrive in just 10 minutes only to wait an additional hour is simply unacceptable. I felt a pang of sympathy for our young waitress, who was clearly in the dark about when our meals might arrive, and the manager’s indifference was equally disheartening.
Fortunately, Ottawa is home to numerous restaurants that genuinely prioritize their customers and understand the vital importance of exceptional service.
Austin McDonnell
I’m not sure if I’ve ever cared enough to leave a review for a dining experience.. but this was such an awful experience that I have to share.
In a nutshell, we had reservations at 7:15 PM, were seated shortly after, ordered our drinks and food, only to eventually have to leave around 9:30 PM after never receiving our meal….
My 8 month pregnant wife and I met a couple friends for dinner. The dining experience started off a little weird by receiving the smallest of water cups while noticing all other tables had full size cups. It took about 45 minutes to even get the chance to ask for full size cups which took awhile to receive as well. After waiting about an hour and a half and being checked on a few times for refills, we were assured our food was coming. However, we started to notice that all the tables around us were receiving their meals in a timely manner. Some groups were even showing up, eating their entire meal, and leaving before we ever got anything. Finally, a member of our party spoke up to a waitress nearby to speak to the manager about what the problem was.
I assume the lady that came out and spoke to us was not even the manager as she seemed to be speaking to everyone that was having issues and gave the same excuses. It felt like she was the one willing to deal with people as who I assume was the actual manager just stayed inside. After what was over two hours our young waitress comes out saying that she honestly doesn’t even know when the food will be done and gave us the choice whether or not to stay… so we left. We felt so bad for the young waitresses that were clearly forced to come out and speak to us about the matter. At least stand up for your employees and try to fix things instead of putting it on someone else.
I tried to be polite to whom I thought the manager was when I was leaving.. but I had to share with him and on here how unacceptable the experience was. Nobody stepped up to come out and talk to us let alone even try to fix the issue. It was the one and only time I have ever walked in to an establishment and left without being served. Let alone we were there almost a total of 2.5 hours and given the run around when it really wasn’t even that busy.
People make mistakes, things happen, but someone needs to be held accountable. Incredibly disappointing, bizarre, and ridiculous behavior by whoever is running this establishment.
… moreIn a nutshell, we had reservations at 7:15 PM, were seated shortly after, ordered our drinks and food, only to eventually have to leave around 9:30 PM after never receiving our meal….
My 8 month pregnant wife and I met a couple friends for dinner. The dining experience started off a little weird by receiving the smallest of water cups while noticing all other tables had full size cups. It took about 45 minutes to even get the chance to ask for full size cups which took awhile to receive as well. After waiting about an hour and a half and being checked on a few times for refills, we were assured our food was coming. However, we started to notice that all the tables around us were receiving their meals in a timely manner. Some groups were even showing up, eating their entire meal, and leaving before we ever got anything. Finally, a member of our party spoke up to a waitress nearby to speak to the manager about what the problem was.
I assume the lady that came out and spoke to us was not even the manager as she seemed to be speaking to everyone that was having issues and gave the same excuses. It felt like she was the one willing to deal with people as who I assume was the actual manager just stayed inside. After what was over two hours our young waitress comes out saying that she honestly doesn’t even know when the food will be done and gave us the choice whether or not to stay… so we left. We felt so bad for the young waitresses that were clearly forced to come out and speak to us about the matter. At least stand up for your employees and try to fix things instead of putting it on someone else.
I tried to be polite to whom I thought the manager was when I was leaving.. but I had to share with him and on here how unacceptable the experience was. Nobody stepped up to come out and talk to us let alone even try to fix the issue. It was the one and only time I have ever walked in to an establishment and left without being served. Let alone we were there almost a total of 2.5 hours and given the run around when it really wasn’t even that busy.
People make mistakes, things happen, but someone needs to be held accountable. Incredibly disappointing, bizarre, and ridiculous behavior by whoever is running this establishment.
michael dunn
What a wonderful dining experience for the wife and Zi on Fathers day June 2025. Jennie and Matt ( trainee Matt) were our servers and they did not disappoint. All smiles and professionalism. We ordered an appetizer ( grouper bites) and they had a very bitter flavor. So much so that my wife and I refused to continue eating them. Upon mentioning this to Jennie she immediately whisked the plate away and advised us that the cost will be removed from the bill. Our main course arrived shortly thereafter and it was delicious. Restaurant manager upon hearing of our dissatisfaction with the appetizer offered to comp our choice of deserts. Well we did not take management up on their generous offer but was nonetheless very very nice of them to do so especially considering that they did not charge us for the appetizers Dining on the deck overlooking the river with pleasure boat traffic and pleasant temperature was in itself enjoyable but when you add to that our two courteous servers and a delicious meal it was an over the top dining experience. Thanks everyone st the boatyard. Fine establishment
… moreRyan Donovan
We went to the Boatyard Bar and Bistro and had a wonderful experience! Paige was a fantastic server! The food was delicious and everyone was very accommodating! We will be back!!!
… more