Harborside

We are in Winter Haven for our daughter's College softball tournament and decided to give this place a try. We had the gator bites as an appetizer and they were really good. We all had catches of the day for our dinners Mahi and grouper and all were very good. The wife got a slice of key lime pie to go and said it was some of the best she's had!! Great place,great service! If we are ever in Winter Haven again we will for sure go back

We really wanted to like this place. It has a great view, with the ability to have fresh air "outdoor" seating without being exposed to the bugs or the rain. The food was mediocre. The lobster roll was $35 and the lobster was dry. I couldn't even eat half of it because it just didn't eat right. The coleslaw tasted off. The fried mozzarella also tasted funny and it was soggy because it was plated over the marinara.The service was super slow.

Having been to Harborside many times over the past few years, we grew fond of the place. It was a popular place that had an upscale feel to it, they had my favorite beer, we enjoyed the signature salad (made and served at our table), the seafood seemed fresh, and we enjoyed the fresh Italian seasoned bread that accompanied the meal. That said, Harborside was purchased by Tim Kirby in May 2023 as the new owner. On Facebook there is a bio that introduces his new team, however, since their takeover, several disappointing changes have been made. The team has been consistently missing the mark ... First, they stopped selling my favorite beer (Space Dust - an IPA). They stopped making and serving the Harborside Salad at the table, and when we went there this past weekend, the waitress stated they removed sliced olives from the Harborside Salad. Trying to save a fee bucks? Moreover, rather than including the salad in the price of the meal, they now charge an extra fee for it - trying to make an extra few bucks? Rather than serving the tasty Italian loaves of fresh made bread, they now serve a flavorless dark bread, one I believe I have seen sold on Publix shelves. Lastly, the meals served to us that evening were not warm enough and the shrimp had an odd flavor. Finally, each time I have been to Harborside since Mr. Kirby took over, we have noticed changes to the staff. Most of the folks who worked there before Mr. Kirby's takeover are no longer visible, and when I have shared my disappointment about the changes noted above, the waitresses have stated that they have heard similar complaints from other customers. Indeed, they have encouraged me to write this review as a passive protest to Mr. Kirby's changes. In addition, the last few times we have been to Harborside, the upscale feel to the place has noticeably disappeared, and the staff stands idly by chatting among themselves rather than promptly serving their tables. It is far less busy than I recall it being, the clientele seems more like that of a Golden Corral, the bathroom seemed unclean, and, sadly, we have crossed Harborside off our list of go to places. Fortunately, a new Millers Ale House location has opened up in Davenport, and all of their meals exceed the declining quality we have been getting at Harborside. One less reason to make the drive up 27 to Harborside. That said, for those who didn't know the pre-Kirby Harborside, enjoy your meal, until additional changes are made.

Lovely outdoor view of a lake. The clam chowder was OK, I've had better. Unfortunately while my steak was cooked beautifully to perfection at medium rare, it was unfortunately doused with waaay too much salt. The fish sandwich was good and plentiful. Service was excellent.

We were here celebrating my son's birthday with a party of eight. When we first sat down, we were not given menus so eventually, I just went to the hostess stand and got them myself. Our server was attentive, but it seemed to take a while to get our drinks. My sangria was probably the best sangria I've ever had. It was just light, fruity and just hit right. My mahi tacos were flavorful. Several of our party had steaks which were cooked just right. The big catch fish sandwich was delicious as well as the grouper sandwich. The french fries were exceptionally crispy and tasty. When we first got there, it was a little difficult to hear each other because the acoustics are not good. But as people left the restaurant, it was better. The views at Harborside are breathtaking. The food is good. The service was just kind of haphazard, but Santa was there.

Third time to visit. Earlier times we had excellent food and service. Unfortunately this time we returned for lunch expecting the same and was very disappointed. After being seated it was nearly 10 minutes before a server arrived. We placed our order and over 5 minutes before bread was delivered. However we had to flag someone down to request silverware. We then waited for over 30 minutes and had to chase down a server and asked about the meal. She said the people in the next booth were also waiting. We waited another ten minutes and finally got up and left. Not once did our server even bother to check on us. Very disappointed considering our earlier visits. That's why I am leaving 3 stars not the 1 star this visit deserves.

The family went to Harbourside December 24th to celebrate our sons and daughter in laws wedding. There were seven of us . We made a reservation at 7 pm and were there ten minutes early . My son checked in and we were greeted right away and told our table was ready and waiting. The place was busy and I was pleasantly surprised as I heard walk ups being told it was a 30-40 min wait . It's a great location on one of the local lakes with plenty of seating and great views . We were greeted at the table by out primary waitress "Latasha" I say primary as she had help running food . Latasha was on the ball as she took our drink order immediately after seating . We ordered cocktails, beer , and a bottle of wine. And five minutes later the drinks were on the table a cork was being popped and we were toasting the new bride and groom . Without hesitation Latasha was on the appetizer order . We ordered a couple dozen oysters, fried gator bites, lobster bites, and Dunkin'' mussels . By that time I was about to order another drink and Latasha was already reading the table and walked up with a refill on my beer and my dons beer and took another order from everyone else . Along with our entrée order.. I ordered the sea bass as did both my sons, my wife had the crab cakes and the brides mom had the salad with mahi topping, and her husband had the sirloin. It was all fantastic. Came promptly within 15 minutes of ordering we had a remarkable dinner. The service was unbelievable and.I could say enough about Latasha . She did an absolutely fantastic job and even though the food was great and cooked perfectly, Latasha busted it out and really made the experience even better . I was compelled to seek out the manager just to tell her how outstanding the food and service was . Well done HarborSide !

Great location, views and staff. Food was flavorful and came out quickly, well priced with great drinks. Lauren was our waitress and she was attentive, personable and friendly. Would absolutely go back again.

Overall a pretty decent place. Overpriced for the quality of food, but there aren't a whole lot of options in WH. I've been 4 times when guests from out of town are looking for seafood. So there is that. Food is slightly above average. Restaurant is pretty. It's expensive. And we always seem to have some issue. But it's ok.

Excellent food and service. Had the seafood appetizer and seafood main course. The environment is pleasing. Coffee was weak but a minor complaint. Very reasonable priced for the quality.