The Windlass Reviews

First time to this restaurant and I loved it. It was nice sitting outside, overlooking the lake and eating good food.

They are open but make reservations about a week in advance. Swings, as always, are still first come first serve

Stopped by for appetizers and a drink. The food was delicious.

Very nice experience. The food was delicious. The atmosphere was so relaxing while enjoying the view of the lake and eating. Alyssa was an awesome waitress.

Wow the renovation is fantastic. Beautiful views of the lake year round no matter where you sit. Private party room available. The lunch special (soup and salad or sandwich with dessert) is a great value.

Had to wait 1.5 hours...but it was worth it!

Came in for our Anniversary dinner Oct 2020 and was pleased with the service, food, and ambiance of heated outdoor tent dining. There was two other parties with birthday celebrations for 50 & 80! The windlass doesn't disappoint us...Thank you so much for all that you do! It was much appreciated, xo

I am very impressed with all the changes they made. The food was on the money! Can't wait to go back for drinks and dessert to go on the outside rocker.

Portions were great for the price. Views were great from where we were sitting Service was good..

The food was amazing. There were 6 of us and everyone was equally pleased. The red sangria is delish, the beer cold and staff was awesome. We arrived by boat and their having dock hands made docking in the wind so much easier. Can't wait to go back. Oh.. .try the fried calamari it's outrageous!

My family and I went with a group of 16 people. It was so much fun. Great food, drinks, and staff.

Food was excellent. Views are amazing. Wait staff top rate. Pleasant and efficient.

Great views which boosts this from a 3 to 4.. Food was 3.5/5 and service could have been better...seemed like there weren't enough servers on the floor for how many people were there.

Horrible, my chicken sandwich was raw they took it back and gave me cold soup! What a disappointment. Will never go again

The view from the patio is great, we ordered two appetizers: fried calamari that was fresh and tasty, and the guacamole-chips that was 4 out of 10. Chips were a little stale and guacamole was plain(no spices). For dinner we had: Mediterranean bowl, was cucumber salad, feta cheese, hummus, cheek peas salad: very plain, no herbs or spices.
Eggplant sandwich: overcooked eggplant in a roll with very little pesto, the Cole slaw was good.
We had ice cream for dessert: good flavors and texture, very good. Overall it was a good day the food was not delicious but it was good. There is room for improvement.

The outdoor area on the lake is beautiful and the rocker tables on the dock with the canopies was so nice to sit with a cocktail and enjoy the view!

My wife and i have been to the windlass about 6 times in this month alone not counting in the past... so far every visit it's an amazing time .
From the sangria, fried calamaris, burgers, shrimps. Wow I can mention the entire menu.
Food is absolutely delicious.
customer service ,waiters, waitress ( pamela) you're awesome. We made it our spot. and now my entire family is hooked as well.

Despite the fact the restaurant was crowded on a Saturday afternoon and my group of seven came here last minute, we were able to get a table outside after waiting about 20 minutes, which was great.

Oh, my, oh my! The Windlass. My husband grew up on Lake Hoptacong. I did not. So this past month was the first time the two of us went together. The Windlass does not have a cook. They have a chef. I say that because the food was superlative. My son in law graduated from the Denver Culinary School so I have some inside knowledge about being a cook as opposed to a chef. The portions were perfectly sized. You would never be likely to take a white box home with you. Everything is so very good you will promise yourself to return (and we have). My husband enjoys single malt scotch and not many places are familiar with the brands. No problem at the Windlass. They have a number of choices and know how it is be served - neat. You can eat inside or out. Be prepared for a crowd but it is worth the wait. This restaurant is a class act.

Nice place came when it was the old place the remodel looks great. Food was good but place was really crowded and finding parking was hard.

Was there on a buffet night when they were partnering with the local high school for a Christmas special

Nice restaurant overlooking Lake Hopatcong. Food was good although the prices are a bit high. I guess you pay for the view (which is nice). The cheese steak is just that - a couple small steaks with cheese in a long bun - not the traditional Philly version. It was good though. The burgers are huge as is the fashion now. The bowls were great and generous. Small selection of craft beers.

The setting is stunning. A great place to have dinner or cocktails. Reservations are a must on Friday or Saturday nights. Call a day or two ahead so youre not disappointed. The service is also very good.

My boyfriend and I came for dinner. Food and drinks were amazing, especially the calamari. The service was phenomenal, attentive without making us feel rushed. Can't beat the view, we'll definitely be back.

Had a baby shower in the private room. Fantastic staff, great service, fabulous views. Highly recommended. It was a Uuuuuuugggggggge success. Thank you so much to the Windlass.

Excellent food. They have half price drinks and apps weekday happy hours off season. They also have a limited but great Italian menu for $16 midweek except they're closed Wednesdays. BEST deal on the lake for reliably good food.

First time, and not the last! Very good food, excellent service and ambiance.... and the view, to die for! Will be back with all my family!

Really nice breakfast with Santa! Kids had fun, food was good and loved the atmosphere.

Great service, great views, great food. Do you need anything else?

if you don't want to wait 2.5 hours for your table (eventhough you were told it's an hour wait), go really early or late for dinner. Other than that, the food and view (outside seating) are good.

Food was awesome. Service terrific. And the view is gorgeous and very relaxing!!

I go for an afternoon.. burgers are tasty and well presented. Fun to sit by the lake and relax. This tent was a bit too noisy.

We just recently started to enjoy the gorgeous Windlass being new from Ohio. How FUN is it to pull up from a great day of boating to enjoy a fabulous dining experience! Not to mention the really fun Summer concert series. Folks even pull up just in the water nearby & can hear the music via the speakers, though you miss the food that way lol.
Recently we took our son to the Windlass who was visiting. He really enjoyed the entire experience and was surprised at the menu serving everything from mozzarella sticks & burgers to the lamb chops & mushroom ravioli. There is something for everyones palate. And- it is casual yet gourmet tasting. My husband has enjoyed tasting some of their more local beers on tap. If dining al fresco is your thing, you cannot beat the Windlass! Best tables and view and a great breeze. I thought it would be hot but there is always a good breeze going. Our servers have been delightful. Personable but not over the top. We really enjoy them. Ok and silly but the architectural features of the building are gorgeous!! Love it! Features I would like in my next house when we move. The bathroom sinks are a MUST SEE!
We have eaten around here and had the same price tag on the bill....but not received the same service,atmosphere, not gourmet food. So BRAVO for a triple star. We shall be back many times with all our visiting guests!

Everything was excellent, We had a party for my son Joey. It was 15 of us, what a great time, great service , and great food thank you so much for making a Great night for all of us!!!

Incredible place. What a transformation! We drive the hour just to go eat there.

One of those rare places that has a spectacular waterfront view, with food quality to match! And I've paid a lot more for lesser-quality food. Only drawback is the lack of parking-- don't even try on summer weekends unless you uber/bribe someone to drop you off and pick you up.

Hard to find parking, long waiting times to be seated and food is good. I love the scenery.

Super friendly staff and amazing food with a beautiful view! Who could ask for more?

Good food ,nice location Outdoor dinning, pricing is good dinner on the water is lovely. Good menu .

Amazing views, service, food and drinks! Definitely recommend although plan to wait and wait for your table. We had a lunch reservation on a Monday afternoon and still waited 90 minutes for a table!

Visited The Windlass with my family and some friends for a nice dinner. Service was excellent, food was excellent and the atmosphere is perfect for a social night out. Highly recommend! Prime rib was excellent, Harvest Margarita was a table hit and we all really enjoyed the carrot cake!

Great restaurant sitting on lake Hopatcong. If you want to sit outside expect to wait 30 to 60 minutes. Very good food...very nice servers. ..great view of the water and mountains surrounding the lake seen from inside or outside the restaurant. Free parking but not enough spaces. Very good prices and portions.

Hrwst view. Terrific outdoor dining in warm weather. Lively bar. Best calamari!

Arianna at the windlass was absolutely incredible! 10/10 would recommend!

I love this place! The food, the service, and the view. Just can t seem to get in there anymore with needing a reservation.

Awesome food, beautiful outdoor seating. Reasonable prices.

Gorgeous sunset they give you free pizza what's there not to like

GREAT FOOD AND AWESOME SERVICE. Came here last Sunday looking for a nice breakfast we had gotten there and the buffet was still out but by the time we got to the buffet they were cleaning up. The cook offered to cook us breakfast we turned down the offer and ordered off the menu. Our bar tender Jennifer was amazing she manages a full bar and still remembers exactly what you ordered for food and won't even bring it out to you if it is wrong. We came back again today and had Jennifer at the bar again she greeted us by name and remembered what we wanted to drink. When we went to go to the breakfast bar this time and when we got there we were not impressed by the egg selection the cook walked out to bring us plates and made us some eggs on the spot and then he brought us out to where we were sitting.

The Windless was great. I had the veal saltimbocca and also mustard encrusted salmon. Also a bottle of red. A Melbec.

Nice atmosphere ,the chefs are awesome and cool to please

Great service. Great seating and view. Food was okay.

Love the Windlass. We go here all the time while boating on Lake Hopatcong. Great service, awesome menu options, great specials that change regularly. They're part of the Live the Lake group which make the lake awesome to visit. Also, there's mini golf next door to pass the wait time!

Never disappoints. Some of the best lamb chops around.

AVOID THIS RESTAURANT!! It was such a beautiful day so I decided to take my daughters out to dinner on the lake. We ended up at the Windlass. The food was not gross. My daughter ordered a salad with steak and the steak was literally raw and ice cold. The service was horrendous. I really couldn't believe it. Our waiter disappeared for a half hour and I had to ask for the check. The manager came over to see how it was and when we told him the steak was undercooked he said that it is hard to order thin steak medium rare. So basically it was my daughters fault for ordering it medium rare? He did not apologize and just handed us the check. Literally the worst service I have ever experienced. We will not go back and I strongly recommend that you avoid this restaurant. The food is not good but the service was even worse! There are plenty of other lake view options. Try Stone Water. So much nicer!

Amazing place. Service was great. Food was good. Just a few suggestions - Ahi Tuna was awesome. Octopus was chewy. Chicken piccata could have been better - I would suggest Switching from Linguine to Angle Hair as the pasta overwhelms the chicken. Chicken could a a tiny bit more thinner (slightly more pounded) and a few more capers to give the look. All in all a great experience.

Nice place. Still like this place a lot but last visit took 45 minutes to an hour get meal. I want 3 in the afternoon was not busy but still love this place!

Italian night was excellent...Great selection,awesome value!

Great service! Excellent food and good portions. Everyone was so nice! Nice atmosphere and good music selection too.

Great place, moderate prices, good personnel, beautiful view. Love sitting outside near fire pits.
Coming here often even though we are from Morristown(it takes a little bit to get to the place).
HOGHLY RECOMMEND TO EVERYBODY!!!

Great views of Lake Hopatcong, friendly staff, good size bar, good food.

Everything is wayyyy overpriced and the food is not good!! They use cheap canned ingredients, you can tell the kitchen staff is very lazy!! I will never be back.

Lets just say its a very nice place on Lake Hopatcong, we waited over an hour for a table so we had some appetizers and drinks at the bar. The bartenders were very attentive and helpful. The pretzel and beer cheese appetizer was just ok, the pretzel itself looked like it was anorexic! Finally to our table outside, seated with no napkins, nor utensils! Then came some cold bread, no dishes for the bread! Main courses, eggplant parm, just ok, minimal pasta, Chicken parm, the same! Our daughter ordered a cheeseburger, just ho hum! Couldn't wait to leave! Noisy as hell! Not goin back! Overrated!

My wife n i go here for breakfest. Such a nice spot.

Good scenery on Lake!
Finding a parking spot can be a problem!
Cuisine is just so , so. Pricey !!!!

Excellent food excellent views and great wait staff. Truely enjoyable!

Geat views. Reasonable prices. Good service. A waitress will take a drink order if while you wait to be seated.

Always have great food here. Love the Sunday brunch!

Great food and very accommodating towards my small children!

Beautiful day. Went on a boat ride and drinks afterwards.