Wild Dog — Restaurant in Douglas

We chose to try this establishment to celebrate 3 birthdays while on a mini vaca to Douglas/Saugatauk. The vibe was off from the beginning. I had called a week ahead to make a reservation and I was told they don't take reservations but they do call ahead. Before going last Saturday evening, I called and the Hostess said at first they don't do call ahead. I explained I was told other wise. After putting me on hold for sometime she came back and said it would be an hour and a half wait for our party of 8. She took my name but no number etc. It was decided we would just head over. First we were told we could not sit outside with 8 people and then I said ok and explained I called and was told the wait was an hour and a half this person said "no, we can seat you now". Huge difference. So we were being seated and the server came over and I said that this was a special occasion and we are celebrating 3 birthdays! I was trying to set the tone that this was to be upbeat and we wanted to have a great time. It was like wah wah....no enthusiasm or excitement. Moving on...we ordered 2 orders of mussels for the table. Our family throws down on mussels often and had them just the day before at another restaurant near by that were amazing. When the server sat them at the table, half of us were like...ewww...the smell was pretty rough. My husband would not even try them...I was game but there was nothing to them and the flavor was over powering. My otherwise mussel loving tribe was like meh at best. I mentioned that they were a bit off putting and the response was like oh..huh...I'll mention it to chef. We ordered....how a kids mahi mahi taco meal is only $1.50 less than then adult version with one less taco is beyond my reasoning but ok. Then we waited.....and waited....and waited.....I ordered my salmon medium and it was well...the mahi was dry as can be and everything else was mediocre at best. When I got up and said something privately to the server she said she would send management. I spoke with the manager at the end of the table near my adult daughter who heard the conversation. She works in the service industry herself and as she said....telling a customer that it's Saturday and we are busy unapologetically doesn't cut it. He offered a to go order of a meal and free desserts. We get the bill and the meal was on there. At that point, I was just over it all and wanted out of there. I was very upset and disappointment as this was to be the high light dinner of our trip. I was sad for my family that we had this experience. I spoke with a local business owner the day after who had told me she had recently heard the same thing that it's not been very good as of late. Very unfortunate. The only positive to mention was Rombaurer Chardonnay was offered at...

A very nice experience at Wild Dog version 2024 with a new menu, updated decor, and a new drink and wine selection. We had four at our table and the appetizers (special of the day ravioli, and the meatball selection from the menu) were very good as well as the mixed drinks to start off the meal. Terrific and attentive service to get the meal orders in. All the main plates came out well-prepared, seasoned very well ,and are markedly more creative in composition and presentation with this iteration of the business. Portions were appropriately generous. I had the pappardelle from the menu and it came to me slightly too firm... like maybe 2 minutes shy of being spot on al dente. The server promptly took the dish back, and quickly returned to the table stating chef/co-owner Rachael agreed, and was putting another dish together. Chef Rachael brought it out in short order, and it was perfect! Wine with dinner was very good and the pours were generous. The restaurant was about 3/4 full in the main dining area (bar area and tables there completely full), and we were able to talk at a normal level. Gelato of the day was very good for dessert. So, absolutely recommend visiting for dinner, locals who have eaten there before should be happy with the updates, and visitors to the area can put this eatery (back) up with the better restaurant experiences in Saugatuck / Douglas. Very pleased to see Wild Dog at the front of the very strong pack of local dining spots again as the summer nears (Deck will open...

Our experience at Wild Dog couldn't have been more of a let down. From the moment we arrived to check in for our reservation, the Host sneered at our two children while informing us that they could not honor our patio reservation because it is reserved for guests 12 and over. No big deal - we rolled with it, including the rude way he chose to communicate the policy to us. After being seated, we immediately ordered drinks and entrees for our kids. Seventy (70) minutes later, we flagged our waitress down to ask for refills because we hadn't been checked on and inquired about the status of our kids' dinners. During that time two tables of families seated after us had come and left in disgust for the service and wait times. My husband and I were determined to try to enjoy a night out and a nice meal so we tried to be patient and wait. After 80 minutes, our kids' meals arrived without an apology or acknowledgement of the wait and about 15 minutes after that our entrees. Our drinks were constantly empty and the food was fine, but not worth the wait, cost, or treatment. This was a Wednesday evening so not a busy night compared to weekends and the restaurant was not full. We frequent Douglas/Saugatuck a lot and will be permanently removing Wild Dog from our restaurant list and not referring to friends. I would only recommend this place if your sans kids and not in a hurry while not minding to overpay for average food and cocktails. Severely...