The Fish - Harbor Springs

I can't speak for the reviews below, but if you're vacationing in Boyne and craving seafood, I highly recommend this restaurant for its delicious food and pleasant atmosphere.

This was definitely a mixed bag. ATMOSPHERE (4/5): Pretty cute set-up here: someone has put some thought into the atmosphere, with lots of fish-shaped decor and nicely strung lights. SERVICE (1/5): The wait was an absurd hour and 1/2 given the relative dearth of customers, and the (cute and otherwise friendly) server didn't apologize or even acknowledge the wait, which was odd. We also saw 3 tables who sat after us get served first which was also weird. I think the server must have been new to the biz, she also didn't clear away any plates until we asked. FOOD (3/5): I enjoyed my filet mignon with mashed potatoes and veggies, altho it had evidently sat under the warmer for some amount of time, as the mashed potatoes had a crispy skin and my butter pat was reduced to a melty froth. My brother's tuna was also so overcooked it had to be sent back, so that was a drag after the long wait, but the new cut was evidently tasty when it came out. It was still a pleasant evening since it was good food and nice company, but definitely not a place I'd run to return to.

We heard about this restaurant after attending the annual Taste of Harbor Springs event held each fall (to which I recommend anyone to attend). My wife tried out some of their samples, and very much enjoyed what she had tried. So we went to the place for a visit. We were a bit surprised with the decor. It struck us as tacky as if they were attempting a contemporary feel, but ended up feeling more like we were stuck in the 70s. We had ordered an appetizer platter, which had some good samples as part of it. We both enjoyed that, but once we got to the main course, we felt that our meals didn 't have the flavor that we found in the appetizer. On top of that, the dishes are fairly expensive, considering what you end up with. If there were more taste, or better service at the restaurant (the place was pretty much empty, maybe two or three other tables at the time the staff wasn 't particularly friendly), then I would not have minded so much. The following year, we attended the next Taste of Harbor Springs, and we noticed that The Fish was not around at least, not from what we saw. We also overheard the couples in front of us, and they made the same observations about the price and decor. The place was okay, but considering the cost, and the service, there wasn 't enough to make us want to go back. Not particularly suitable for a romantic evening out either. It is a better place to go with a group of people who all enjoy seafood and conversation.

Fast service. We dined here with our 9 month old and they were great (seated us appropriately and several staff members couldn't stop entertainig him). We decided to go here because my husband loves fish however I'm allergic and so we hardly ever go somewhere with fish. My husband said his walleye was outstanding. My chicken was good (but not great) because I thought some flavors were strong an left the dish unbalanced. But their bread was great and served piping hot. Overall great experience and we will patronize this business again in the future!

Our party of six had reservations and was promptly seated by the owner. The waitress was attentive and we started with mussels and delicious warm bread. My husband and I enjoyed a cup of clam chowder, while the spinach salad could have used a bit more dressing but was still tasty. More warm bread was brought out before the walleye with risotto and fresh vegetables was served. There is a nice wine selection available. Our friends ordered the perch dinner and we all enjoyed our meals. For dessert, we had creme brûlée, which was delightful. Everyone at our table had a great dining experience. Fish is our favorite restaurant in Harbor Springs. They rely on word of mouth and the owner always comes to visit the tables, making us feel welcome and appreciated. It's important to check the website for limited hours before making the short drive from downtown HS. The restaurant is closed in winter and reopens in June.