Channel Marker - Syracuse

Six of us dined at The Channel Marker for an early dinner yesterday. The restaurant is situated on the channel that connects the two lakes, Wawasee and Syracuse... read more Six of us dined at The Channel Marker for an early dinner yesterday. The restaurant is situated on the channel that connects the two lakes, Wawasee and Syracuse.

I had a wonderful dining experience on the patio. The Chicken Alaska paired with a bowl of lobster bisque was fantastic. My husband ordered the yellowfin tuna s... read more I had a wonderful dining experience on the patio. The Chicken Alaska paired with a bowl of lobster bisque was fantastic. My husband ordered the yellowfin tuna served with wild rice, and it was also excellent.

The food was delicious, the ambiance was fantastic, and the service was exceptional. It's best to call ahead for a reservation. The ideal time to visit is durin... read more The food was delicious, the ambiance was fantastic, and the service was exceptional. It's best to call ahead for a reservation. The ideal time to visit is during the summer.

The service was excellent—quick refills and prompt food delivery. They really did everything right. The menu was extensive, offering plenty of options for seafo... read more The service was excellent—quick refills and prompt food delivery. They really did everything right. The menu was extensive, offering plenty of options for seafood lovers as well as those who prefer non-seafood dishes. There was a nice variety of both budget-friendly choices and higher-priced items, and it seemed like most of the dishes were made fresh. The food was well-prepared and had a delightful mix of flavors. The Clam Chowder was outstanding—I could easily enjoy a large bowl of it on a cloudy day, and the cup-sized portion made for a perfect appetizer. The fish tacos, which were on the lighter side, were fantastic. I’m not usually a big fan of fish, but these were expertly prepared, with just the right mix of spices and a refreshing mango salsa that gave off an island/Florida vibe—definitely a five-star dish! My wife’s sandwich was equally impressive, topped with a creamy coleslaw that complemented it perfectly. What a great combination! For dessert, we had Key Lime pie, which was delightful. I’ve had versions that are so tart they could strip the paint off cars, but this one was subtle and almost creamy, with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, perfectly balanced by the graham cracker crust. Overall, it was definitely worth the hour's drive to Syracuse for a lovely dinner. I’m looking forward to visiting again in the summer; I hear it really comes alive then!

We had a lovely dinner! The sea bass was cooked to perfection and packed with flavor. However, the Brussels sprouts could use a bit more seasoning and should be... read more We had a lovely dinner! The sea bass was cooked to perfection and packed with flavor. However, the Brussels sprouts could use a bit more seasoning and should be served warmer. The fried perch was also quite tasty. Unfortunately, I was disappointed with the onion stack—it didn't resemble a stack at all, but rather a pile of bland onions and dough. On the plus side, the atmosphere was cozy and relaxing, and while the service was good, it could be a bit slow. I definitely plan to return this summer to enjoy dining by the water!