The Waterfront Restaurant & Tavern recently announced plans to close after nearly two decades of business along the Mississippi River in La Crosse.
In a post on its official Facebook account, the restaurant wrote, “After nearly 20 years, it’s time to close the doors. Our last date of service will be March 14.”
The fine dining restaurant has been a premiere place for people looking for the best farm-to-table ingredients and an intimate atmosphere. In its last weeks of service to the public, the restaurant staff continue to provide the standard of service customers have come to expect.
Maria Jerabek, who has worked at the restaurant for seven months, said the final month has been emotional yet fulfilling.
“It definitely has been a little sad, but everyone is still working hard and providing the best service we can,” she said. “The Waterfront prides itself on the hospitality and love we give to our customers.”
In the restaurant’s announcement, they spoke on the demands of the industry, describing it as “beautiful, brutal, exhausting” and saying that after a long run, stepping away felt honest.
Dillon Yang, who has worked at The Waterfront for six years, said the restaurant has been part of his life since high school.
“I’ve been working at The Waterfront for about six years,” Yang said. “I started there in high school and just stuck with it. I’ve learned a lot, especially how to handle busy nights and build relationships.”
When asked what he will miss most about the restaurant, Yang said, “I think I’ll miss the atmosphere the most. It’s always busy and kind of chaotic, but in a good way. There’s something about the energy on a packed night that makes it fun, and I’ll miss being part of that.”
The Waterfront’s impact is not only limited to its staff, but to the La Crosse community. After the announcement, community members took to social media to express their emotions and gratitude.
In a comment on the restaurant’s Facebook page, Jessica Pearse wrote, “This is heartbreaking. My husband and I had our wedding in 2015 in the Cargill Room and have the most amazing memories from the staff and our date nights at the tavern — everything was just so special about The Waterfront.”
For many, the restaurant was a place for celebration, whether for weddings, anniversaries or birthdays. Even as closing day approaches, the routine of setting tables, pouring drinks and serving food continues, just as customers have come to expect.
Jessica Pearse • Feb 25, 2026 at 1:02 pm
Thank you so much for writing this, Sam! We will miss the Waterfront dearly.