Fantastic experience. The wait staff was exceptional. Started with appetizer of lobster bites. Went with the special of Michigan grown whitefish, baked with a cherry sauce. Red mashed potatoes and lobster bisque (soup of the day) as sides. Finished with homemade carrot cake. All aspects of the meal were phenomenal to say the least. I had a great experience and will return for sure. The next time your considering going back to the Frog for the second, or fifth or tenth time, I would definitely considering giving the channel marker a try!
(5)
Susie R.
Keep it in perspective! This is a nice place to have dinner on the lake just don't expect a restaurant with a Michelin star in this small community. This restaurant has a nice location, right on the Wawasee-Syracuse channel, with lots of windows and an outside deck. We have had wonderful service both times we have been here in the last few months. Our food has been above average for the area (way better than the Frog). I had a half slab of ribs (OK), spouse had the perch basket (quite good). I had the grilled fish tacos the last time we were here and they were wonderful. One complaint: the french fries were tepid, would have been outstanding if they had been hot. Don't shortchange us on that kind of detail. We'll give this another try during the busy season to see if the service stays the same. Fingers crossed!
(3)
Lisa H.
Service was excellent. Stacey provided great service and made our experience unforgettable. Food was fantastic too.
(5)
Chris O.
It's fun to ride to the channel marker by boat and sit out by the lake while you eat. The food is nothing out of the ordinary. They'll charge you for bottled water if you sit outside, so keep that in mind.
(2)
Olivia S.
Once again this summer, the BEST restaurant on the lake! The menus is awesome and the cocktails will not disappoint! If you are looking for the best martini around, it's right here!
(5)
Ray M.
My wife and I stumbled across this restaurant while on a day trip. The view and atmosphere was lovely, situated on a canal alongside lake wawasee. Many boats came and went at the dock alongside the outdoor seating, almost a full house on a Monday lunch hour ( it was after 4th of July weekend). We ordered the crab cakes and the days special, a combination of BBQ brisket and sausage paired with seasoned fries and slaw. The crab cakes were nicely cooked but the batter was very crunchy and a little thick. They were tasty, but an average portion of two. The BBQ sausage and brisket were okay. But overly sauced in my opinion. They weren't allowed to stand on their own flavor, given the amount sauce. The slaw was simple and crunchy, not overly dressed like some slaws can be. Our service was pleasant but very busy, which slowed service a tad. Understandable given the full outdoor area. Just be aware of this risk on nice summer days. They offer a full bar with daily specials. No draft beer outdoors but several bottle choices. All together we enjoyed our experience here, a solid three stars. We hope to go back again to try the evening menu someday.
(3)
Carol H.
Clam chowder was the consistency of wallpaper paste. The nachos were served cold. Not enough servers to handle the customer load. Meals not the best, but deserts were very good.
(2)
John B.
Was in Scot L's party. I contacted management and they were apologetic and assured me they would correct the problem with the server that was solely responsible for our poor experience. She was apparently having a very bad day and unfortunately mis represented The Channel Marker.
(3)
Kirstin B.
Went here with dinner with my family. Food was very good, but if you ask for something specific on your food (like: no mushrooms or add onion)....it won't come out right. And our waitress didn't know anything about the menu. Fun to be right on the channel though.
(2)
Lisa A.
Let me make a long story a little shorter. New menu, but food was not good. I had the SS ribeye sandwich. Whatever is spread on the bread to toast the bread tasted terrible. I actually could not taste the Philly cheesesteak without taking it off the bread. The smashed red potatoes were a bowl of mush. My sister had the coconut shrimp, which were not cheap. The serving was large, but they were cooked way to long to the point of being a little burnt. They were served with what looked like a half of jar of marmalade. My nephew had a burger but was burnt to a crisp and crunchy. Our server has worked there 2 years, but didn't seem to know much about the menu, and didn't ask how the burger should be cooked. We sat on the porch, which I love, but it needs some spring cleaning. The top of the fan blades were coated in thick dust, and we're on! There were spiderwebs hanging in the rafters. Was excited to see an updated menu, but they really need to work on the food. Probably won't go back for another 2 years.
(2)
Chris Z.
This place is really dirty. In the summer I went here and there were flies on everything. I ordered The fish tacos and my daughter did as well. Something just wasn't right. I threw up in their bathroom before I could even leave, my daughter at least made it home before getting sick. It used to be a really nice place.
(1)
Caleb C.
This place has everything going for it but flavor. The atmosphere is perfect the, but the food was very bland and greasy. With a Chef running the show it would attract people from miles around. You can tell that they have a bunch of teenagers working the line. Not impressed with the food wish I owned the place though Gold Mine awaiting.
(2)
Brier S.
Pros: Amazing steak, Cool atmosphere Cons: Very hit-or-miss, A bit pricey The Channel Marker is a good restaurant, but is very inconsistent. The Ribeye steak is amazing, if you are willing to pay for it. The atmosphere is nice, and the inside is nicely decorated. The other meals I've had at the Channel Marker are good, but nothing special. The menu is has some variety, but is a bit lacking. The service is average.
(3)
Nick M.
The evening started out well. Drinks and first sides came out fairly quickly. Even the main course came out in a reasonable time. The chicken was a little burnt, but over all not bad, but the steak was out right burned on the outside and hardly even warm in the middle. We didn't want to be bothersome, but when the waitress asked if everything was ok, we mentioned the steak. The owner came out and asked what we wanted him to do about it (without even a "sorry"). After that the waitress was not very nice to us, and make some very rude comments. The food is decent, but the service is terrible and they can't be bothered with even a small complaint.
(2)
Alex K.
A very nice Jimmy Buffett style atmosphere. You definitely should boat there in the summer and sit out at the tiki bar. The food is mediocre at best. I generally just get a burger to be safe. The pasta is overcooked and oversalted. The ribs are pretty bad as well. You go here for the atmosphere, not the food.
(3)
Jennifer M.
We love the new tiki bar area they have added! The more relaxed atmosphere seems to be a better fit than when it felt they were trying to be an "upscale" restaurant. The food is very good if you stick with the sandwiches, tacos, salads, etc. We had a horrible experience with their prime rib and an even worse experience when we switched to a strip and they butterflied it without even asking! Sitting outside on the water can't be beat! We think it is good with the family or just for adults.
(4)
Bernie H.
If you want to pay for water, get a sandwich with some plastic wrap left in the basket from something else (with meat inside of it), get your food made wrong, eat ribs that mine as well be tough ham, and get slow service you will be happy here. The only good thing is you get free entertainment watching drunk middle aged lake lubbers flirt with each other's wives and bring their tiny dogs to eat at the table.
(2)
John B.
This place should be shut down by the county health department! The tables are dirty, the food "baskets" are dirty, and it took three try's to get a clean fork. To top it all off a drunk older woman actually was vomiting at the Tiki bar outside! Needless to say we won't be back.
(1)
Jason R.
Not bad. But not good either. In this small town in IN, this was considered one of the nicer places. Seafood was actually really good, but the filet was absolutely disgusting. Doesn't even hold a candle to Outback, let alone an actual steakhouse.
(2)
Erin L.
For the past several years, my friend and I try the Channel Marker once in the beginning of the summer - usually out of some misguided, hopelessly optimistic notion that THIS year is the year that the Channel Marker will finally find its groove - and our hopes are always crushed like a hungry child whose delicious ice cream scoop falls on a pile of rancid dog shit. We wouldn't mind the whole "We went to Walmart and tried to find some vaguely Jimmy-Buffett-looking schlock" and "Look! It's a tiki bar!" ambiance quite so much if it weren't for three things: the service, the food, and the prices. Look, we're reasonable people. We don't mind paying for an expensive meal if, you know, it tastes like it was worth it. But the food at the Channel Marker basically tastes like anything that an even marginally-talented toddler could prepare. The food is bland and is usually lukewarm by the time you get it. You do get decent sized portions, but a decent sized portion of deep-fried, lukewarm broken dreams are still broken dreams. Dreams of a summer restaurant on Lake Wawasee that serves decent food. The servers always act like it's their first day. You'd think that when you show up to be seated, the servers wouldn't always appear to be dumbfounded that you'd like to sit down somewhere, and astonished that you might want blue cheese instead of ranch dressing. Pro-tip: You usually have to ask for everything twice before you'll get it, so just anticipate that facet of the experience. The hostesses, looking like hungover refugees from some Key West nightmare, always seem about five seconds away from taking an emergency smoke break and thus are uninterested in your petty issues such as finding the bathroom or getting your order taken. TL;DR: Underwhelming food, spotty service...and seriously, you can overdose on Jimmy Buffett, guys. Tone it down. Jesus. You're in northern Indiana, not Daytona Beach, for heaven's sake.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dessert Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Brandon J.
Fantastic experience. The wait staff was exceptional. Started with appetizer of lobster bites. Went with the special of Michigan grown whitefish, baked with a cherry sauce. Red mashed potatoes and lobster bisque (soup of the day) as sides. Finished with homemade carrot cake. All aspects of the meal were phenomenal to say the least. I had a great experience and will return for sure. The next time your considering going back to the Frog for the second, or fifth or tenth time, I would definitely considering giving the channel marker a try!
(5)Susie R.
Keep it in perspective! This is a nice place to have dinner on the lake just don't expect a restaurant with a Michelin star in this small community. This restaurant has a nice location, right on the Wawasee-Syracuse channel, with lots of windows and an outside deck. We have had wonderful service both times we have been here in the last few months. Our food has been above average for the area (way better than the Frog). I had a half slab of ribs (OK), spouse had the perch basket (quite good). I had the grilled fish tacos the last time we were here and they were wonderful. One complaint: the french fries were tepid, would have been outstanding if they had been hot. Don't shortchange us on that kind of detail. We'll give this another try during the busy season to see if the service stays the same. Fingers crossed!
(3)Lisa H.
Service was excellent. Stacey provided great service and made our experience unforgettable. Food was fantastic too.
(5)Chris O.
It's fun to ride to the channel marker by boat and sit out by the lake while you eat. The food is nothing out of the ordinary. They'll charge you for bottled water if you sit outside, so keep that in mind.
(2)Olivia S.
Once again this summer, the BEST restaurant on the lake! The menus is awesome and the cocktails will not disappoint! If you are looking for the best martini around, it's right here!
(5)Ray M.
My wife and I stumbled across this restaurant while on a day trip. The view and atmosphere was lovely, situated on a canal alongside lake wawasee. Many boats came and went at the dock alongside the outdoor seating, almost a full house on a Monday lunch hour ( it was after 4th of July weekend). We ordered the crab cakes and the days special, a combination of BBQ brisket and sausage paired with seasoned fries and slaw. The crab cakes were nicely cooked but the batter was very crunchy and a little thick. They were tasty, but an average portion of two. The BBQ sausage and brisket were okay. But overly sauced in my opinion. They weren't allowed to stand on their own flavor, given the amount sauce. The slaw was simple and crunchy, not overly dressed like some slaws can be. Our service was pleasant but very busy, which slowed service a tad. Understandable given the full outdoor area. Just be aware of this risk on nice summer days. They offer a full bar with daily specials. No draft beer outdoors but several bottle choices. All together we enjoyed our experience here, a solid three stars. We hope to go back again to try the evening menu someday.
(3)Carol H.
Clam chowder was the consistency of wallpaper paste. The nachos were served cold. Not enough servers to handle the customer load. Meals not the best, but deserts were very good.
(2)John B.
Was in Scot L's party. I contacted management and they were apologetic and assured me they would correct the problem with the server that was solely responsible for our poor experience. She was apparently having a very bad day and unfortunately mis represented The Channel Marker.
(3)Kirstin B.
Went here with dinner with my family. Food was very good, but if you ask for something specific on your food (like: no mushrooms or add onion)....it won't come out right. And our waitress didn't know anything about the menu. Fun to be right on the channel though.
(2)Lisa A.
Let me make a long story a little shorter. New menu, but food was not good. I had the SS ribeye sandwich. Whatever is spread on the bread to toast the bread tasted terrible. I actually could not taste the Philly cheesesteak without taking it off the bread. The smashed red potatoes were a bowl of mush. My sister had the coconut shrimp, which were not cheap. The serving was large, but they were cooked way to long to the point of being a little burnt. They were served with what looked like a half of jar of marmalade. My nephew had a burger but was burnt to a crisp and crunchy. Our server has worked there 2 years, but didn't seem to know much about the menu, and didn't ask how the burger should be cooked. We sat on the porch, which I love, but it needs some spring cleaning. The top of the fan blades were coated in thick dust, and we're on! There were spiderwebs hanging in the rafters. Was excited to see an updated menu, but they really need to work on the food. Probably won't go back for another 2 years.
(2)Chris Z.
This place is really dirty. In the summer I went here and there were flies on everything. I ordered The fish tacos and my daughter did as well. Something just wasn't right. I threw up in their bathroom before I could even leave, my daughter at least made it home before getting sick. It used to be a really nice place.
(1)Caleb C.
This place has everything going for it but flavor. The atmosphere is perfect the, but the food was very bland and greasy. With a Chef running the show it would attract people from miles around. You can tell that they have a bunch of teenagers working the line. Not impressed with the food wish I owned the place though Gold Mine awaiting.
(2)Brier S.
Pros: Amazing steak, Cool atmosphere Cons: Very hit-or-miss, A bit pricey The Channel Marker is a good restaurant, but is very inconsistent. The Ribeye steak is amazing, if you are willing to pay for it. The atmosphere is nice, and the inside is nicely decorated. The other meals I've had at the Channel Marker are good, but nothing special. The menu is has some variety, but is a bit lacking. The service is average.
(3)Nick M.
The evening started out well. Drinks and first sides came out fairly quickly. Even the main course came out in a reasonable time. The chicken was a little burnt, but over all not bad, but the steak was out right burned on the outside and hardly even warm in the middle. We didn't want to be bothersome, but when the waitress asked if everything was ok, we mentioned the steak. The owner came out and asked what we wanted him to do about it (without even a "sorry"). After that the waitress was not very nice to us, and make some very rude comments. The food is decent, but the service is terrible and they can't be bothered with even a small complaint.
(2)Alex K.
A very nice Jimmy Buffett style atmosphere. You definitely should boat there in the summer and sit out at the tiki bar. The food is mediocre at best. I generally just get a burger to be safe. The pasta is overcooked and oversalted. The ribs are pretty bad as well. You go here for the atmosphere, not the food.
(3)Jennifer M.
We love the new tiki bar area they have added! The more relaxed atmosphere seems to be a better fit than when it felt they were trying to be an "upscale" restaurant. The food is very good if you stick with the sandwiches, tacos, salads, etc. We had a horrible experience with their prime rib and an even worse experience when we switched to a strip and they butterflied it without even asking! Sitting outside on the water can't be beat! We think it is good with the family or just for adults.
(4)Bernie H.
If you want to pay for water, get a sandwich with some plastic wrap left in the basket from something else (with meat inside of it), get your food made wrong, eat ribs that mine as well be tough ham, and get slow service you will be happy here. The only good thing is you get free entertainment watching drunk middle aged lake lubbers flirt with each other's wives and bring their tiny dogs to eat at the table.
(2)John B.
This place should be shut down by the county health department! The tables are dirty, the food "baskets" are dirty, and it took three try's to get a clean fork. To top it all off a drunk older woman actually was vomiting at the Tiki bar outside! Needless to say we won't be back.
(1)Jason R.
Not bad. But not good either. In this small town in IN, this was considered one of the nicer places. Seafood was actually really good, but the filet was absolutely disgusting. Doesn't even hold a candle to Outback, let alone an actual steakhouse.
(2)Erin L.
For the past several years, my friend and I try the Channel Marker once in the beginning of the summer - usually out of some misguided, hopelessly optimistic notion that THIS year is the year that the Channel Marker will finally find its groove - and our hopes are always crushed like a hungry child whose delicious ice cream scoop falls on a pile of rancid dog shit. We wouldn't mind the whole "We went to Walmart and tried to find some vaguely Jimmy-Buffett-looking schlock" and "Look! It's a tiki bar!" ambiance quite so much if it weren't for three things: the service, the food, and the prices. Look, we're reasonable people. We don't mind paying for an expensive meal if, you know, it tastes like it was worth it. But the food at the Channel Marker basically tastes like anything that an even marginally-talented toddler could prepare. The food is bland and is usually lukewarm by the time you get it. You do get decent sized portions, but a decent sized portion of deep-fried, lukewarm broken dreams are still broken dreams. Dreams of a summer restaurant on Lake Wawasee that serves decent food. The servers always act like it's their first day. You'd think that when you show up to be seated, the servers wouldn't always appear to be dumbfounded that you'd like to sit down somewhere, and astonished that you might want blue cheese instead of ranch dressing. Pro-tip: You usually have to ask for everything twice before you'll get it, so just anticipate that facet of the experience. The hostesses, looking like hungover refugees from some Key West nightmare, always seem about five seconds away from taking an emergency smoke break and thus are uninterested in your petty issues such as finding the bathroom or getting your order taken. TL;DR: Underwhelming food, spotty service...and seriously, you can overdose on Jimmy Buffett, guys. Tone it down. Jesus. You're in northern Indiana, not Daytona Beach, for heaven's sake.
(2)