If you are looking for a fun place to eat / drink on the water this would be it. We can't really rate the food too much as we just got a coconut shrimp appetizer which was good. It was just nice to sit on the water and have a drink. I had a white sangria which wasn't bad and my husband got a SHIT (South Haven iced tea). A nice relaxing yet fun location.
(4)
Ann R.
Met a few friends. I got the fish and chips and the fish was good. My friends ordered baked potatoes, clam soup and a salad. My friend said the soup was excellent. I was not a huge fan of the deck where we sat since the tables were so close everyone was constantly bumping into each other and apologizing. The chairs on the deck were extremely uncomfortable. The place didn't appear to be very clean and there were no towels in the bathroom towel dispenser. Three stars means "just ok". Since I enjoyed my fish I gave 3 stars; otherwise I would have only given 2.
(3)
Yanja B.
The late night atmosphere was cool, pretty laid back. Only reason I am leaving this review, is to let you know about "Tha Shit." Ask for it if you are ready for a fun night! (note: limit 2 per person). hehe
(4)
Quinn T.
Nachos are great! Has friendly staff and a great atmosphere. Food is amazing along with the drinks!
(4)
Tim W.
Small selection of beer on tap. Really good bar food type stuff on menu. Fun to watch boat traffic float by. Service was good.
(4)
Rozalina B.
I've only been here on Saturday nights with my BF and it's always hot, sticky, and crowded. Not my jam but I guess this would be the place to go for "young" people on the town lol. Anyway we come here for the coconut shrimp. The first time I was disappointed because my BF hyped it up and the actual shrimp were tiny and over-fried. The second time they were meaty and perfectly golden and crispy. Maybe it depends on the catch. I like the Moscow mule I had here too. When we were here the owners (I think?) were having some issues with a group of extremely annoying, rowdy guys that wouldn't leave but they remained patient and avoided causing an altercation so props for that.
(3)
Antonio R.
Regular bar food with regular service. It's only good for watching yachts passing by and having a drink... Other than that...if you are looking to bring your loved one for a romantic night...maybe not the right place.
(3)
Elaine M.
This is a review only for the riverboat bar on the top deck. Really fun atmosphere. They have lots of really great cocktails. The bartender was very friendly and helped us choose our drinks. A very pleasant way to spend a summer evening.
(5)
Kevin M.
Shrimp tacos were poor. Kids Mac n cheese was okay and grilled cheese was the same. Great place for drinks and watch boats.
(3)
Caitlin B.
Good drinks, not so good food. Have a S.H.I.T. but skip the shrimp tacos (or any of the seafood options).
(3)
Josh P.
Food is ok, a little pricey for what you get. Drinks are pretty good and the atmosphere is upbeat and fun. Must stop by if your in south haven.
(3)
A B.
This is the worst restaurant in South Haven! The only positive is that they have a decent drink selection but that's where the positives end. If you come here, do not order food! We ordered shrimp and nachos. The nachos were horrendous, similar to something a middle schooler would make from whatever ingredients they had at home. No flavor and nothing special. The shrimp arrived half frozen and we both felt sick after eating it. The service was terrible. I don't know how they are still in business. I can't say enough bad things about the food here! Spend your money elsewhere!!
(1)
Maddy M.
Stopped in on a bar hop of South Haven with my boyfriend. I had a Moscow mule and he a Pina colada. Neither was super strong but both were tasty. The mule was pretty good, refreshing and with a nice ginger bite. His pina colada was amazing! Super smooth and with a huge hit of coconut. The perfect refreshing drinks for a summer night out!
(4)
Leslie M.
Absolutely fabulous setting and dinner. We sat below on the main floor outside and it was perfect for our family. The Gouda port sandwich and the gumbo were phenomenal! Will definitely go again if we are ever in the area!
(5)
Claudia M.
Love this place. The food is a bit bland but the drinks are great and not pricey. I've been here at least four times and they are always ready to serve you with a smile. No loud obnoxious music so you can bring your kiddos on board too. Downstairs is the best area for families. My daughter loves to feed the ducks from the boat. I always get the fish and crisps and a fruity drink. FYI...there is a letter posted in a frame on board (as soon as you walk in) that seems to imply that this boat belonged to Vincent Price's family. I'm a fan!
(4)
Melanie B.
The Idler is an old riverboat permanently docked and made into a restaurant and bar. There is a lower enclosed level with lots of wood and a more intimate atmosphere and an upper level where you can bask in the sun and watch the goings on in the marina. My husband and I had an early lunch there trying to beat the 4th of July crowd who were busy watching a parade. There were others having lunch as well but it wasn't crowded enough to cause the long wait from the time we ordered until we received our food. But we really didn't mind, we were in no hurry so we just relaxed and enjoyed our drink and watched the ducks and the comings and goings of the boats in the harbor. And the fried green tomato, bacon and lettuce sandwich was out of this world! Very much worth the wait. My husband had a burger and said it was good also. The wait staff was polite and very attentive.
(3)
Toni F.
You can't find a better dining spot in South Haven that's for sure - I gave them 3 stars because the view of the riverfront is top notch. The food and drinks are ok. The service on the night we visited was very friendly and accommodating. On a recent trip to South Haven with our family we went to The Idler for dinner and ordered a variety of menu items - everything was tasty. My hubby ordered a Mai Tai and was told they were out of white rum....really??? It was a Monday evening and they weren't really busy. They must have had a run on white rum over the weekend I guess. I would definitely go back to The Idler if I wanted to spend some time sitting in the sun and watching the boats go by - I don't think the food or drinks are anything that would bring me back if it weren't for that.
(3)
Melanie I.
I love this place for the drinks and the view. Great specialty drinks for all tastes. Food is ok, but 5 star but passable. If you come here, get a seat on the deck and order up a drink.
(4)
KJ V.
We went early evening. Lots of people were there. Our service was still top notch with it being that crowded. I drank the rum runner and it was delicious. Prices were reasonable. My husband had a local draft beer and liked it. I recommend sitting out on the patio.
(3)
Kelly D.
Sat at the bar outside and got ignored by 2 bartenders. Needless to say, we didn't stay much longer...
(1)
Jim M.
The Idler is an old boat turned into a bar and restaurant. It was fun, but better resembles a big party than a dining experience. The menu is limited and the drinks are average at best. Wine menu is severely limited and the cocktails were not the best. The sandwiches were good however. Our waitress was also very good, even though she was new. We sat downstairs away from the party and enjoyed a nice view of the Black River with relative privacy. Like I said, it was fun.
(3)
Dave K.
Have you ever been to a bar/restaurant where you can smell the dumpster from your table? If you said "No" then you haven't been to the Idler. Really, it's bad. It doesn't really matter if the food is good or not, the ambiance is garbage. Literally. There are plenty of better places to eat in South Haven.
(1)
Cassie M.
The S.H.I.T. drink is THE BOMB. The food was just ok, I had the fish and chips. The fish tasted fresh but the batter was soggy and still doughy, but that's not why I'm rating this place with only two stars. Our service was just awful. Our waitress had no menu knowledge at all. She didn't even find answers to our questions, only threw down our drinks and walked away. My husband had to figure out what he was drinking, because she was never around. Without asking us if we wanted dessert or another round of drinks she presented the bill and took off. We kindly stopped her and asked for a second round of drinks, only to have her blankly stare at us and say, "Sure, I guess." We weren't difficult guests. I don't understand why our waitress was so rude. It's a shame to say that we will NOT be back and it's sad because its a beautiful location, with so much potential.
(2)
Jen L.
We stopped in here for an after dinner drink on Thursday night. If you want to drink strong liquor drinks and shots on a boat, this is probably a great place, so take my review with a grain of salt. I ordered a summer shandy on tap, it wasn't even cold. The wait staff seemed to have regulars that they were friendly with but no one really said a word to us. It was fine, but I probably wouldn't go back.
(3)
Mark H.
This is a great place, the food is good and isn't to pricey for it being in the tourist district. I had the chicken salad wrap and it was actually pretty good and the staff where very helpful. I would suggest sitting in the back because there is shade and you are closer to the water.
(4)
Mick B.
Had a great lunch experience at The Idler during a Lake Michigan tour recently. It was a beautiful day and we had a light lunch at the outdoor bar with a couple of cocktails. I'd suggest the cajun shrimp taco if you like shrimp- even though it looks like a wrap. Very tasty indeed! We had so much fun that we were still talking about it days later. A small downer was having to wait until a table was available rather than the hostess seating people in the order that they arrived. It wasn't a huge deal though. A real don't miss if you are in the area.
(4)
Darek D.
Slightly hidden gem that I feel like I'm selling out. Good food but that's not why you go. Your on a boat! The cocktails are great, big and cheap. Did I mention that you're on a boat. Wanna get away from the crowd, eat downstairs. lots of old wood that feels cozy. Hosts can be flaky.
(4)
Cameron S.
The food sucks, you're paying to eat GFS on a boat. Enough said.
(1)
Jon F.
Great atmosphere, a go to place in South Haven. Great drinks, good dinners and attentive wait staff. Will return!
(4)
Sarah V.
There are few things greater than drinking on a boat you are not driving. Am I right? The beauty to this boat, no one's driving it! Docked next to the Old Harbor Inn and the adjacent restaurant/bar York's Landing, this super casual South Haven hotspot provided delicious Bloodys and wraps at brunch, after dinner cocktails and plenty shots of tequila until 2 a.m. Helpful tips to nagivating a boat while superbly intoxicated: -There are objects protruding from the floor that you can and will trip on. Pop those peepers open and look around, especially you ladies. Not that I saw many girls in heels around SH, but still. The meager flip flop was not meant to defend against the strength of a very sturdy rope attached to a metal anchor in the floor. -The bouncer is a cutie. And genuinely nice. He even remembered my driver's license photo from the night before because he loved my smile. Awwww. I think all guys love the smiles of eight girls on a bachelorette party but hey, I'll take it. -Boats move. It isn't you. Actually... it's you a little. But it's mostly the boat. -You might throw up when the boat and you move. Bathrooms are downstairs -Which brings me to the most important tip of all- stairs are NOT your friend when you are hammed and on a moving boat. These stairs also appear to be created from the depths of hell because they are steep as a mother and difficult to manage. Ignoring all said tips above (except the one about the bouncer. Definitely don't ignore him.) will ensue a hilarious, if not painful evening. Go forth, drinkin'-on-a-boaters!
(4)
Ritu R.
This place is super fun to go to when in South Haven! The service is great and food is pretty good too! Their apps are all good portions and tasty! The whitefish entree with the lobster sauce is delic! That is what we keep coming back for! Its a resturant on a boat. Great bar area and indoor seating if u prefer that. We will continue to return. The food is a bit cajun but not too spicy.
(4)
Lucas L.
When it comes to drinking on a boat on Lake Michigan you cannot beat this experience. The service is a little lacking but the atmosphere makes up for it. We were here for a wedding and we tore this place up for almost 4 nights in a row. We even had brunch here twice and the food was so-so, but good for bar food i suppose. Come here for some great night life and enjoy the sights of Lake Michigan.
(3)
Sam C.
Hey, when you go to a restaurant, do you like to eat food? Well, if so, the Idler may not be for you. Post-lunch on the day before Memorial Day I get that a restaurant like this is busy serving hurricanes to trashy customers repeatedly, loudly dropping f-bombs. But still, I'd expect food. We ordered (table was cleared, never cleaned) and waited. And waited. After finally asking an hour in, and soon being told that the kitchen was small and backed up, we were later apprised that our ticket had never printed in the kitchen. Or some such nonsense. Anyway, we were never fed. We left. And here's the great thing - we got to pay for our drinks anyway! It's worth noting that this sort of issue is rarely the problem of waitstaff or the kitchen. Serious process problems are the fault of management, and this management is lost at sea. Skip this ugly Jimmy Buffett wannabe and go somewhere in South Haven that'll feed you.
(1)
Kirsten A.
We went on a crazy cold, rainy day and were the only ones here! Good service, good food and a fun atmosphere on the river. We sat inside downstairs and It feels a touch dated, but he drinks were cheap (Mai Tai's are $6.75). The food was a bit more pricey than I was expecting. It's a good stop if you're in the area though.
(3)
Robert D.
Along with Captain Lou's, The Idler Riverboat is a mandatory inclusion in any South Haven pub crawl. The main event here has always been the open air drinking and appetizer-driven dining atop a retired riverboat that hasn't moved in years. Once confusingly themed as the "Bayou Beach Club" (South Haven is a long way from the Bayou) and separate dining downstairs in the form of The Magnolia Grill things are now consolidated into a single venue - The Idler Riverboat. Formerly associated with Three Pelicans across the river (rest in peace 3P - you are missed!) the signature drink here is the South Haven Iced Tea. $6.75 served in a festive hurricane glass and formerly limited to 2 per person per day. They're a tasty slightly sweet treat that's indistinguishable from a Long Island Iced Tea but a great way to get the party started nonetheless. It's relatively kids friendly for little ones 4 and up I'd say, but get there early for a lunch snack on a quiet day for a relaxed experience. As the afternoon draws on the crowd gets rowdier not surprisingly. The Idler succeeds for bringing the diverse mix of customers together, focused on a common goal of having some good summer fun, and ensuring everyone has a good safe time. 4+ stars. A South Haven mainstay.
(4)
L.J. P.
Another go-to place of mine in South Haven. I enjoy the atmospher and the outdoor area on the old riverboat. usually very busy on the outer deck. And just a heads up, only about half of the deck is shaded. But definitely stop by this South Haven staple
(3)
Tony D.
HORRIBLE service. Waited almost 2 hours for food and it came out over 45 minutes. By the time my wife and I got our food it our entire party had eaten. Asked why it was so bad and apparently they have a tiny kitchen and for some reason no computer system is installed and all the tickets are hand written. Needless to say, on a busy day this is a recipe for disaster. Mediocre food even when we got it, and weren't offered any discount on anything.
(1)
WP L.
We were told you cannot leave South Haven without having the S.H.I.T. and that was very true. The South Haven Ice Tea was awesome!! Also suggest having the Dessert Nachos. The atmosphere was great!!
(4)
Amy R.
We dined here on a beautiful Friday night. We ate on the outside deck. The service was good, very friendly waitress. The drinks were delicious. The food was okay. The menu was more of a typical bar menu than an actual meal menu. My friend got the ribs and although they were good, they weren't served on the hotter side. The restaurant has a wonderful view of the Maritime Museum and we saw the tall ship sail from the dock. One of the big drawbacks in my opinion is the noise level. With so many people on the outside deck it was pretty hard to hear the conversations of the other people in our party.
(3)
Shanna B.
My boyfriend and I discovered this spot when we first visited South Haven (live in Chicago) a few summers ago. The sun-filled bar on the top deck of the boat completely won us over, and we've gone back every summer since. I can't speak to the food because we've only gotten drinks there...a LOT of drinks... Ohh the drinks...we've literally lost hours of our day just basking in the sunshine, listening to fun summer music, and sipping on all of their yummy summery cockatils. Whether an ice cold beer special, one of their signature concoctions, or a good old fashioned margarita or pina colada (SO good!), our experiences have never been disappointing. We've come by at night once or twice as well and it was very fun yet mellow. Always friendly servers, and usually friendly bartenders. Downsides: deck can get veryyy crowded during the day so there is sometimes a slight wait for seats. Occasional stinky cigg smoke in the face. Tiny bathrooms (I know, I know, it's an old creaky ship, but still). OHHH also worth noting is that we tried to go here on a Sunday morning (11am-ish) for bloody marys and they wouldn't serve alcohol until the afternoon. I think this may be a Michigan thing, though. Overall, can't wait to go back in August.
(5)
Jay P.
A must go in South Haven!
(4)
J W.
A great place to watch the boats come into port. Often crowded, a mix of young people having drinks, older people getting food, a few families. The downstairs rooms are less crowded if you can snag a table. I would not be happy with the half of the on-deck seating that is in the sun on a hot day, but a lot of people didn't seem to mind.
(4)
Travis L.
Cool atmosphere as this is actually on a boat (incase you didn't believe the riverboat portion of the name). We went on a beautiful Pure Michigan summer day of 40 degrees and raining so the outside bar wasn't open which I heard is awesome. I got some wings that were a little too hot and sloppy for me so I would recommend getting something else. One the plus side they had mega Summer Shandys to warm of us for $8. I recommend checking this place out if you are in South Haven.
(3)
Kayla S.
It was not the greatest food I have ever had. The potato skins were good except for the bugs in them. My burger came out cold and was raw in the middle when I asked for it medium well. I would go there for the drinks and that is about it.
(1)
Susan N.
Loved the Idler! We had a large party of 13 for dinner. They seated us pretty quickly in the lower level near the windows so the view was wonderful! I had the Lobster Melt and it was amazing! Fish 'n Crisps, Burger and Cajun Fried Perch were other favorites of our group. The drinks were great and inexpensive too. I wish we had eaten here at the beginning of our vacation instead of on the last night. I would have gone a few more times because there were so many other things on the menu that I wanted to try!
(5)
Veronica B.
Awesome to sit on a boat in the water having drinks and dinner. Had the sirloin steak salad it was very good. Had a Mai Tai for a cocktail yummy. Will definitely return on our next trip to South Haven
(4)
Allison E.
I love the boat itself. It's just cool. Sometimes you end up getting seated in your own cabin. As a bar and late night hot spot, this place is great. Good crowds, friendly folk. A great party night. As a restaurant, I was disappointed. The food tasted like it was frozen, microwaved, and then served. I've had better meals on airplanes. My recommendation: come here to drink, tour the cool boat. Don't come to eat.
(3)
Ab B.
This is a must for visiting South Haven. We try to go here every visit. Every loves the SHIT (South Haven Iced Tea). We had beer as well and is offered in 2 sizes. i previously have not been impressed with the food. This time we had the artichoke spinach dip. It was soupy with a hard crust top. They did something wrong and when we told the waitress she just kind of shrugged. I still give this place a 4 star because I have ALWAYS had a blast any time I've been here. It's ok to bring kids but much more fun if you don't!
(4)
Scott J.
I lived in south haven all this summer and this was one of my favorite spots! The top deck can be hard to get a spot, but the service is great and not terribly priced. The food is consistently delicious, and I have never been disappointed. Good spot to start off your night all summer. And also a good place to start your day with a bloody Mary!
(4)
John P.
Beside the fact that this antique treasure is docked on one of the most beautiful places in south haven, they have a deck that serves booze. Need I say more? Like most popular hot spots, there might be a bit of a wait but it is well worth it! The drinks are cold and served strong. The staff is friendly and always willing to talk you through the perfect martini or mixed drink. The food? Well, lets just say start with the booze and everything seems to fall into place :)
(5)
Meg Z.
A summer time classic for tourists and locals alike! The Idler is a large boat that is permanently docked, turned into a bar and restaurant. It's a gorgeous place to sit and have a drink (try the S.H.I.T.!) during the day or night, while overlooking the harbor and Lake Michigan. They have some decent bar food, but a small menu. Down below is the Magnolia Grille, which I don't know anything about. Definitely a must see in the summer!! Warning - the bathrooms are downstairs, cramped, and you'll realize you're on a boat when you get down there!
(5)
Christy W.
I love spending summer days on the top deck of the Idler! I love South Haven Ice Tea. The boat never leaves but is a great place to belly up to and enjoy some drinks in the sunshine!
(5)
Nicole N.
What a poor poor experience. I went on a bachelorette party to South Haven last weekend. Despite the rain, we opted for a night out at the Idler. It was far from busy (b/c of the rain) and still got poor service at the bar. When I recieved my bill I noticed the bartender ( tall bald gentleman) had over charged me. When I kindly mentioned it to him he yelled at me " THEN DON'T F*ING PAY IT" . At that point my cc was already charged and didn't want to bring drama to a lovely evening. One thing is for sure, I will not be returning to the Idler.
(1)
Jill E.
What could be better than hanging out on the back of a boat with a full bar? The Idler Riverboat is a great spot for hanging out and having drinks in the sun or on a nice evening. It is not large enough for huge groups so get there early if you want tables and seats. The bar food is bleh in my opinion, but we only tried the coconut shrimp and another item that I can't recall (not memorable!) Definitely a fun destination while visiting South Haven in the summer.
(3)
Nomad M.
Excellent cocktails, people watching on the river! What else do you need??????
(5)
Scott T.
Great place to have a few drinks and some lunch or apps. Like one of the reviews stated..."its a boat on the river that serves drinks" it was really crowded at about 4 pm on a Sat. We sat on the top deck. Its a fun atmosphere and we had a good time. We also tried the wings and they were decent. Our waitress was attentive. Would go back for sure.
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner, Late Night Parking : Street Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Anjanette V.
If you are looking for a fun place to eat / drink on the water this would be it. We can't really rate the food too much as we just got a coconut shrimp appetizer which was good. It was just nice to sit on the water and have a drink. I had a white sangria which wasn't bad and my husband got a SHIT (South Haven iced tea). A nice relaxing yet fun location.
(4)Ann R.
Met a few friends. I got the fish and chips and the fish was good. My friends ordered baked potatoes, clam soup and a salad. My friend said the soup was excellent. I was not a huge fan of the deck where we sat since the tables were so close everyone was constantly bumping into each other and apologizing. The chairs on the deck were extremely uncomfortable. The place didn't appear to be very clean and there were no towels in the bathroom towel dispenser. Three stars means "just ok". Since I enjoyed my fish I gave 3 stars; otherwise I would have only given 2.
(3)Yanja B.
The late night atmosphere was cool, pretty laid back. Only reason I am leaving this review, is to let you know about "Tha Shit." Ask for it if you are ready for a fun night! (note: limit 2 per person). hehe
(4)Quinn T.
Nachos are great! Has friendly staff and a great atmosphere. Food is amazing along with the drinks!
(4)Tim W.
Small selection of beer on tap. Really good bar food type stuff on menu. Fun to watch boat traffic float by. Service was good.
(4)Rozalina B.
I've only been here on Saturday nights with my BF and it's always hot, sticky, and crowded. Not my jam but I guess this would be the place to go for "young" people on the town lol. Anyway we come here for the coconut shrimp. The first time I was disappointed because my BF hyped it up and the actual shrimp were tiny and over-fried. The second time they were meaty and perfectly golden and crispy. Maybe it depends on the catch. I like the Moscow mule I had here too. When we were here the owners (I think?) were having some issues with a group of extremely annoying, rowdy guys that wouldn't leave but they remained patient and avoided causing an altercation so props for that.
(3)Antonio R.
Regular bar food with regular service. It's only good for watching yachts passing by and having a drink... Other than that...if you are looking to bring your loved one for a romantic night...maybe not the right place.
(3)Elaine M.
This is a review only for the riverboat bar on the top deck. Really fun atmosphere. They have lots of really great cocktails. The bartender was very friendly and helped us choose our drinks. A very pleasant way to spend a summer evening.
(5)Kevin M.
Shrimp tacos were poor. Kids Mac n cheese was okay and grilled cheese was the same. Great place for drinks and watch boats.
(3)Caitlin B.
Good drinks, not so good food. Have a S.H.I.T. but skip the shrimp tacos (or any of the seafood options).
(3)Josh P.
Food is ok, a little pricey for what you get. Drinks are pretty good and the atmosphere is upbeat and fun. Must stop by if your in south haven.
(3)A B.
This is the worst restaurant in South Haven! The only positive is that they have a decent drink selection but that's where the positives end. If you come here, do not order food! We ordered shrimp and nachos. The nachos were horrendous, similar to something a middle schooler would make from whatever ingredients they had at home. No flavor and nothing special. The shrimp arrived half frozen and we both felt sick after eating it. The service was terrible. I don't know how they are still in business. I can't say enough bad things about the food here! Spend your money elsewhere!!
(1)Maddy M.
Stopped in on a bar hop of South Haven with my boyfriend. I had a Moscow mule and he a Pina colada. Neither was super strong but both were tasty. The mule was pretty good, refreshing and with a nice ginger bite. His pina colada was amazing! Super smooth and with a huge hit of coconut. The perfect refreshing drinks for a summer night out!
(4)Leslie M.
Absolutely fabulous setting and dinner. We sat below on the main floor outside and it was perfect for our family. The Gouda port sandwich and the gumbo were phenomenal! Will definitely go again if we are ever in the area!
(5)Claudia M.
Love this place. The food is a bit bland but the drinks are great and not pricey. I've been here at least four times and they are always ready to serve you with a smile. No loud obnoxious music so you can bring your kiddos on board too. Downstairs is the best area for families. My daughter loves to feed the ducks from the boat. I always get the fish and crisps and a fruity drink. FYI...there is a letter posted in a frame on board (as soon as you walk in) that seems to imply that this boat belonged to Vincent Price's family. I'm a fan!
(4)Melanie B.
The Idler is an old riverboat permanently docked and made into a restaurant and bar. There is a lower enclosed level with lots of wood and a more intimate atmosphere and an upper level where you can bask in the sun and watch the goings on in the marina. My husband and I had an early lunch there trying to beat the 4th of July crowd who were busy watching a parade. There were others having lunch as well but it wasn't crowded enough to cause the long wait from the time we ordered until we received our food. But we really didn't mind, we were in no hurry so we just relaxed and enjoyed our drink and watched the ducks and the comings and goings of the boats in the harbor. And the fried green tomato, bacon and lettuce sandwich was out of this world! Very much worth the wait. My husband had a burger and said it was good also. The wait staff was polite and very attentive.
(3)Toni F.
You can't find a better dining spot in South Haven that's for sure - I gave them 3 stars because the view of the riverfront is top notch. The food and drinks are ok. The service on the night we visited was very friendly and accommodating. On a recent trip to South Haven with our family we went to The Idler for dinner and ordered a variety of menu items - everything was tasty. My hubby ordered a Mai Tai and was told they were out of white rum....really??? It was a Monday evening and they weren't really busy. They must have had a run on white rum over the weekend I guess. I would definitely go back to The Idler if I wanted to spend some time sitting in the sun and watching the boats go by - I don't think the food or drinks are anything that would bring me back if it weren't for that.
(3)Melanie I.
I love this place for the drinks and the view. Great specialty drinks for all tastes. Food is ok, but 5 star but passable. If you come here, get a seat on the deck and order up a drink.
(4)KJ V.
We went early evening. Lots of people were there. Our service was still top notch with it being that crowded. I drank the rum runner and it was delicious. Prices were reasonable. My husband had a local draft beer and liked it. I recommend sitting out on the patio.
(3)Kelly D.
Sat at the bar outside and got ignored by 2 bartenders. Needless to say, we didn't stay much longer...
(1)Jim M.
The Idler is an old boat turned into a bar and restaurant. It was fun, but better resembles a big party than a dining experience. The menu is limited and the drinks are average at best. Wine menu is severely limited and the cocktails were not the best. The sandwiches were good however. Our waitress was also very good, even though she was new. We sat downstairs away from the party and enjoyed a nice view of the Black River with relative privacy. Like I said, it was fun.
(3)Dave K.
Have you ever been to a bar/restaurant where you can smell the dumpster from your table? If you said "No" then you haven't been to the Idler. Really, it's bad. It doesn't really matter if the food is good or not, the ambiance is garbage. Literally. There are plenty of better places to eat in South Haven.
(1)Cassie M.
The S.H.I.T. drink is THE BOMB. The food was just ok, I had the fish and chips. The fish tasted fresh but the batter was soggy and still doughy, but that's not why I'm rating this place with only two stars. Our service was just awful. Our waitress had no menu knowledge at all. She didn't even find answers to our questions, only threw down our drinks and walked away. My husband had to figure out what he was drinking, because she was never around. Without asking us if we wanted dessert or another round of drinks she presented the bill and took off. We kindly stopped her and asked for a second round of drinks, only to have her blankly stare at us and say, "Sure, I guess." We weren't difficult guests. I don't understand why our waitress was so rude. It's a shame to say that we will NOT be back and it's sad because its a beautiful location, with so much potential.
(2)Jen L.
We stopped in here for an after dinner drink on Thursday night. If you want to drink strong liquor drinks and shots on a boat, this is probably a great place, so take my review with a grain of salt. I ordered a summer shandy on tap, it wasn't even cold. The wait staff seemed to have regulars that they were friendly with but no one really said a word to us. It was fine, but I probably wouldn't go back.
(3)Mark H.
This is a great place, the food is good and isn't to pricey for it being in the tourist district. I had the chicken salad wrap and it was actually pretty good and the staff where very helpful. I would suggest sitting in the back because there is shade and you are closer to the water.
(4)Mick B.
Had a great lunch experience at The Idler during a Lake Michigan tour recently. It was a beautiful day and we had a light lunch at the outdoor bar with a couple of cocktails. I'd suggest the cajun shrimp taco if you like shrimp- even though it looks like a wrap. Very tasty indeed! We had so much fun that we were still talking about it days later. A small downer was having to wait until a table was available rather than the hostess seating people in the order that they arrived. It wasn't a huge deal though. A real don't miss if you are in the area.
(4)Darek D.
Slightly hidden gem that I feel like I'm selling out. Good food but that's not why you go. Your on a boat! The cocktails are great, big and cheap. Did I mention that you're on a boat. Wanna get away from the crowd, eat downstairs. lots of old wood that feels cozy. Hosts can be flaky.
(4)Cameron S.
The food sucks, you're paying to eat GFS on a boat. Enough said.
(1)Jon F.
Great atmosphere, a go to place in South Haven. Great drinks, good dinners and attentive wait staff. Will return!
(4)Sarah V.
There are few things greater than drinking on a boat you are not driving. Am I right? The beauty to this boat, no one's driving it! Docked next to the Old Harbor Inn and the adjacent restaurant/bar York's Landing, this super casual South Haven hotspot provided delicious Bloodys and wraps at brunch, after dinner cocktails and plenty shots of tequila until 2 a.m. Helpful tips to nagivating a boat while superbly intoxicated: -There are objects protruding from the floor that you can and will trip on. Pop those peepers open and look around, especially you ladies. Not that I saw many girls in heels around SH, but still. The meager flip flop was not meant to defend against the strength of a very sturdy rope attached to a metal anchor in the floor. -The bouncer is a cutie. And genuinely nice. He even remembered my driver's license photo from the night before because he loved my smile. Awwww. I think all guys love the smiles of eight girls on a bachelorette party but hey, I'll take it. -Boats move. It isn't you. Actually... it's you a little. But it's mostly the boat. -You might throw up when the boat and you move. Bathrooms are downstairs -Which brings me to the most important tip of all- stairs are NOT your friend when you are hammed and on a moving boat. These stairs also appear to be created from the depths of hell because they are steep as a mother and difficult to manage. Ignoring all said tips above (except the one about the bouncer. Definitely don't ignore him.) will ensue a hilarious, if not painful evening. Go forth, drinkin'-on-a-boaters!
(4)Ritu R.
This place is super fun to go to when in South Haven! The service is great and food is pretty good too! Their apps are all good portions and tasty! The whitefish entree with the lobster sauce is delic! That is what we keep coming back for! Its a resturant on a boat. Great bar area and indoor seating if u prefer that. We will continue to return. The food is a bit cajun but not too spicy.
(4)Lucas L.
When it comes to drinking on a boat on Lake Michigan you cannot beat this experience. The service is a little lacking but the atmosphere makes up for it. We were here for a wedding and we tore this place up for almost 4 nights in a row. We even had brunch here twice and the food was so-so, but good for bar food i suppose. Come here for some great night life and enjoy the sights of Lake Michigan.
(3)Sam C.
Hey, when you go to a restaurant, do you like to eat food? Well, if so, the Idler may not be for you. Post-lunch on the day before Memorial Day I get that a restaurant like this is busy serving hurricanes to trashy customers repeatedly, loudly dropping f-bombs. But still, I'd expect food. We ordered (table was cleared, never cleaned) and waited. And waited. After finally asking an hour in, and soon being told that the kitchen was small and backed up, we were later apprised that our ticket had never printed in the kitchen. Or some such nonsense. Anyway, we were never fed. We left. And here's the great thing - we got to pay for our drinks anyway! It's worth noting that this sort of issue is rarely the problem of waitstaff or the kitchen. Serious process problems are the fault of management, and this management is lost at sea. Skip this ugly Jimmy Buffett wannabe and go somewhere in South Haven that'll feed you.
(1)Kirsten A.
We went on a crazy cold, rainy day and were the only ones here! Good service, good food and a fun atmosphere on the river. We sat inside downstairs and It feels a touch dated, but he drinks were cheap (Mai Tai's are $6.75). The food was a bit more pricey than I was expecting. It's a good stop if you're in the area though.
(3)Robert D.
Along with Captain Lou's, The Idler Riverboat is a mandatory inclusion in any South Haven pub crawl. The main event here has always been the open air drinking and appetizer-driven dining atop a retired riverboat that hasn't moved in years. Once confusingly themed as the "Bayou Beach Club" (South Haven is a long way from the Bayou) and separate dining downstairs in the form of The Magnolia Grill things are now consolidated into a single venue - The Idler Riverboat. Formerly associated with Three Pelicans across the river (rest in peace 3P - you are missed!) the signature drink here is the South Haven Iced Tea. $6.75 served in a festive hurricane glass and formerly limited to 2 per person per day. They're a tasty slightly sweet treat that's indistinguishable from a Long Island Iced Tea but a great way to get the party started nonetheless. It's relatively kids friendly for little ones 4 and up I'd say, but get there early for a lunch snack on a quiet day for a relaxed experience. As the afternoon draws on the crowd gets rowdier not surprisingly. The Idler succeeds for bringing the diverse mix of customers together, focused on a common goal of having some good summer fun, and ensuring everyone has a good safe time. 4+ stars. A South Haven mainstay.
(4)L.J. P.
Another go-to place of mine in South Haven. I enjoy the atmospher and the outdoor area on the old riverboat. usually very busy on the outer deck. And just a heads up, only about half of the deck is shaded. But definitely stop by this South Haven staple
(3)Tony D.
HORRIBLE service. Waited almost 2 hours for food and it came out over 45 minutes. By the time my wife and I got our food it our entire party had eaten. Asked why it was so bad and apparently they have a tiny kitchen and for some reason no computer system is installed and all the tickets are hand written. Needless to say, on a busy day this is a recipe for disaster. Mediocre food even when we got it, and weren't offered any discount on anything.
(1)WP L.
We were told you cannot leave South Haven without having the S.H.I.T. and that was very true. The South Haven Ice Tea was awesome!! Also suggest having the Dessert Nachos. The atmosphere was great!!
(4)Amy R.
We dined here on a beautiful Friday night. We ate on the outside deck. The service was good, very friendly waitress. The drinks were delicious. The food was okay. The menu was more of a typical bar menu than an actual meal menu. My friend got the ribs and although they were good, they weren't served on the hotter side. The restaurant has a wonderful view of the Maritime Museum and we saw the tall ship sail from the dock. One of the big drawbacks in my opinion is the noise level. With so many people on the outside deck it was pretty hard to hear the conversations of the other people in our party.
(3)Shanna B.
My boyfriend and I discovered this spot when we first visited South Haven (live in Chicago) a few summers ago. The sun-filled bar on the top deck of the boat completely won us over, and we've gone back every summer since. I can't speak to the food because we've only gotten drinks there...a LOT of drinks... Ohh the drinks...we've literally lost hours of our day just basking in the sunshine, listening to fun summer music, and sipping on all of their yummy summery cockatils. Whether an ice cold beer special, one of their signature concoctions, or a good old fashioned margarita or pina colada (SO good!), our experiences have never been disappointing. We've come by at night once or twice as well and it was very fun yet mellow. Always friendly servers, and usually friendly bartenders. Downsides: deck can get veryyy crowded during the day so there is sometimes a slight wait for seats. Occasional stinky cigg smoke in the face. Tiny bathrooms (I know, I know, it's an old creaky ship, but still). OHHH also worth noting is that we tried to go here on a Sunday morning (11am-ish) for bloody marys and they wouldn't serve alcohol until the afternoon. I think this may be a Michigan thing, though. Overall, can't wait to go back in August.
(5)Jay P.
A must go in South Haven!
(4)J W.
A great place to watch the boats come into port. Often crowded, a mix of young people having drinks, older people getting food, a few families. The downstairs rooms are less crowded if you can snag a table. I would not be happy with the half of the on-deck seating that is in the sun on a hot day, but a lot of people didn't seem to mind.
(4)Travis L.
Cool atmosphere as this is actually on a boat (incase you didn't believe the riverboat portion of the name). We went on a beautiful Pure Michigan summer day of 40 degrees and raining so the outside bar wasn't open which I heard is awesome. I got some wings that were a little too hot and sloppy for me so I would recommend getting something else. One the plus side they had mega Summer Shandys to warm of us for $8. I recommend checking this place out if you are in South Haven.
(3)Kayla S.
It was not the greatest food I have ever had. The potato skins were good except for the bugs in them. My burger came out cold and was raw in the middle when I asked for it medium well. I would go there for the drinks and that is about it.
(1)Susan N.
Loved the Idler! We had a large party of 13 for dinner. They seated us pretty quickly in the lower level near the windows so the view was wonderful! I had the Lobster Melt and it was amazing! Fish 'n Crisps, Burger and Cajun Fried Perch were other favorites of our group. The drinks were great and inexpensive too. I wish we had eaten here at the beginning of our vacation instead of on the last night. I would have gone a few more times because there were so many other things on the menu that I wanted to try!
(5)Veronica B.
Awesome to sit on a boat in the water having drinks and dinner. Had the sirloin steak salad it was very good. Had a Mai Tai for a cocktail yummy. Will definitely return on our next trip to South Haven
(4)Allison E.
I love the boat itself. It's just cool. Sometimes you end up getting seated in your own cabin. As a bar and late night hot spot, this place is great. Good crowds, friendly folk. A great party night. As a restaurant, I was disappointed. The food tasted like it was frozen, microwaved, and then served. I've had better meals on airplanes. My recommendation: come here to drink, tour the cool boat. Don't come to eat.
(3)Ab B.
This is a must for visiting South Haven. We try to go here every visit. Every loves the SHIT (South Haven Iced Tea). We had beer as well and is offered in 2 sizes. i previously have not been impressed with the food. This time we had the artichoke spinach dip. It was soupy with a hard crust top. They did something wrong and when we told the waitress she just kind of shrugged. I still give this place a 4 star because I have ALWAYS had a blast any time I've been here. It's ok to bring kids but much more fun if you don't!
(4)Scott J.
I lived in south haven all this summer and this was one of my favorite spots! The top deck can be hard to get a spot, but the service is great and not terribly priced. The food is consistently delicious, and I have never been disappointed. Good spot to start off your night all summer. And also a good place to start your day with a bloody Mary!
(4)John P.
Beside the fact that this antique treasure is docked on one of the most beautiful places in south haven, they have a deck that serves booze. Need I say more? Like most popular hot spots, there might be a bit of a wait but it is well worth it! The drinks are cold and served strong. The staff is friendly and always willing to talk you through the perfect martini or mixed drink. The food? Well, lets just say start with the booze and everything seems to fall into place :)
(5)Meg Z.
A summer time classic for tourists and locals alike! The Idler is a large boat that is permanently docked, turned into a bar and restaurant. It's a gorgeous place to sit and have a drink (try the S.H.I.T.!) during the day or night, while overlooking the harbor and Lake Michigan. They have some decent bar food, but a small menu. Down below is the Magnolia Grille, which I don't know anything about. Definitely a must see in the summer!! Warning - the bathrooms are downstairs, cramped, and you'll realize you're on a boat when you get down there!
(5)Christy W.
I love spending summer days on the top deck of the Idler! I love South Haven Ice Tea. The boat never leaves but is a great place to belly up to and enjoy some drinks in the sunshine!
(5)Nicole N.
What a poor poor experience. I went on a bachelorette party to South Haven last weekend. Despite the rain, we opted for a night out at the Idler. It was far from busy (b/c of the rain) and still got poor service at the bar. When I recieved my bill I noticed the bartender ( tall bald gentleman) had over charged me. When I kindly mentioned it to him he yelled at me " THEN DON'T F*ING PAY IT" . At that point my cc was already charged and didn't want to bring drama to a lovely evening. One thing is for sure, I will not be returning to the Idler.
(1)Jill E.
What could be better than hanging out on the back of a boat with a full bar? The Idler Riverboat is a great spot for hanging out and having drinks in the sun or on a nice evening. It is not large enough for huge groups so get there early if you want tables and seats. The bar food is bleh in my opinion, but we only tried the coconut shrimp and another item that I can't recall (not memorable!) Definitely a fun destination while visiting South Haven in the summer.
(3)Nomad M.
Excellent cocktails, people watching on the river! What else do you need??????
(5)Scott T.
Great place to have a few drinks and some lunch or apps. Like one of the reviews stated..."its a boat on the river that serves drinks" it was really crowded at about 4 pm on a Sat. We sat on the top deck. Its a fun atmosphere and we had a good time. We also tried the wings and they were decent. Our waitress was attentive. Would go back for sure.
(4)