Pickle Bill's Lobster House — Restaurant in Grand River

Shift manager steps in for the win!

We visited for their clam bake after a multi-year hiatus. We live approximately an hour away, so the location wasn’t very conducive for regular visits.

We were having some major concerns with our waiter and his quality of service from the time we sat down. Upon finally getting his attention to voice our frustration, the manager happens to walk by to check on us. She overheard our concerns and immediately stepped in to address them. She was attentive and understanding that we simply came in to have a meal and enjoy our experience. She made sure that although our experience started off rocky, it ended on a high note. I even overheard her offering some coaching to our waiter which was very encouraging and impressive.

10/10/25 Update:

So we did this again a year later for the clambake.

Again, the service was questionable. Our waitress just didn’t seem very interested in checking in on us for minor things that are very important to the experience. Things like asking if we wanted refills or another drink from the bar. Her appearance at our table was so rare, that a few times we forgot who she was!

It didn’t help they were promoting a clambake… at a seafood restaurant… and were out of clam chowder! How???

Anyway, I would have really enjoyed a few more drinks, but was never asked if I wanted another during the whole 1.5 hour visit.

What also didn’t help was that we were sat by a very large table with younger children who continued to be kids (which was unfortunate, but understandable) but also kept running outside and back in leaving the door open and letting cold air in. There was a reason that we chose to sit inside as opposed to outdoor dining.

In summary, 2024 was saved by the manager. 2025 there was no rescue, unfortunately. They dropped the ball.

Without her intervention, this would have been a MUCH different review.

Our interaction with her and how she was able to positively influence our experience was enough for us to choose to return. Hopefully we start AND end on a high...

Have been to Pickle Bills many times but this time was the last. Four people for dinner on a Sunday wait time was 20 minutes which was fine. When seated another 15 minutes until the server came to greet us. Took the drink order which was 2 waters an iced tea and a soda. 15 more minutes until it was delivered. Took an appetizer order put it in came out from the kitchen with a food runner before the server came back to take the order which was ok it was kind of busy. She came back took the order. Waited about 30 minutes the dinner order came out with 2 entrees then 15 minutes went by then the other two entrees came out not sure why it was split like like that. But none of the side dishes came out until we flagged her down and asked for them unacceptable experience at this point. Waited 20 minutes for the check at this point in going over the bill there was a service charge for credit cards on the bill wasn’t using a credit so asked why this was on the check and she had to go ask. Came back and said it’s a seven percent service charge to defray bank fees we call it a service charge so it’s legal. Well I have worked in the service industry for a very long time and this is not acceptable by any means. Just do not accept credit cards. There is not one bank or processing center that charges seven percent fees! This is a cash grab! Told her I was paying cash asked for it to be removed she said it could not be done it did not matter how I paid. Well with that being said switched from cash to a card. With it being called a service fee I promptly signed my card and adjusted my gratuity to include taking off the service fee hope the server gets the service fee so she receives the amount of the gratuity I would have left if this wasn’t randomly put on the check. First time I have ever not tipped 25% even for mediocre service at best because I do understand being overworked and understaffed and possibly overwhelmed at that point. Warning look...

If you haven't been to Pickle Bills or it's been a while, you have to come back and try it again. The place is fantastic! It feels like you're on vacation. From the nastalgic decorations inside to the beautiful views out on the patio this is the place to eat, drink and enjoy. We begin with our hostess with the mostess, Jennifer. She is so welcoming, enthusiastic and informative. She was so knowledgeable of the history and the size and accomodations of this establishment. We were seated by our wonderful waitress Chancey. We took a chance on Chancey and she didn't disappoint. She started us off on our drink selections. We chose a Blue Moon draft, a Great Lakes Octoberfest draft, a lemonade and a shrimp bloody Mary. Everyone loved their selection. We skipped on the appetizers but still we're served fresh fried dough balls with whipped cinnamon butter. This paired very well with our drinks, so well that I opted for a second draft beer. The menu is very extensive with a good variety and very reasonably priced. Our food choices were two lake perch dinners, the seafood sampler and a grilled walleye dinner. I chose red beans and rice for a side paid an extra dollar for an additional side of coleslaw. Both sides were good and the coleslaw had a hint of horseradish which really set it off. Everyone else chose the French fries and finished every last one. The food came out rather quickly and was hot and crispy. We did not find one thing wrong with our dinner experience. Everyone raved about how good their choices were. The lake perch were the best I have ever eaten. The walleye was good but the perch was off the charts. You must come here and try the perch, I guarantee you will like it. We were out riding our motorcycles and stopped in around 2 O'clock. Even the scenery around the Grand River area is great for riding. We will definitely be back to enjoy this...