Jail House Restaurant image

Jail House Restaurant

Restaurant Seafood restaurant

Casual bar & grill supplying steaks, seafood, wine & cocktails in an 1800s wood building. People often mention great, good, service, time, drinks, meal, waitress, ordered, dinner, amazing,


Address

897 Pleasant Valley Rd, West Bend, WI 53095, United States

Website

www.jailhousewi.com

Contact

+1 262-675-9302

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (915 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 4 to 9 pm
  • Saturday: 5 to 9 pm
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 5 to 9 pm
  • Wednesday: 5 to 9 pm
  • Thursday: 5 to 9 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: great (26) good (25) service (25) time (17) drinks (15) meal (12) waitress (11) ordered (11) dinner (11) amazing (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Amber J. 1 year ago on Google
    Decent meal and decent drinks. It’s a busy place. The first time we tried to go they couldn’t seat us without a really long wait. We made a reservation and ate a pretty good meal. I wasn’t extra impressed but the husband loved the set up on the surf and turf with the butter over candlelight. Overall a nice place for a meal. Service was a tad slower but our waitress was super sweet and very informative.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Chris 2 years ago on Google
    Went for prime rib. Saturday night at 6pm. Usually a great place, until recently. Waited 2 1/2 hours for a table. The hostesses was extremely rude.! When we finally got seated they took our order, we waited for ever, then came back and said they were out of prime rib. Just trying to push customers though with out enough tables. Terrible experience.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tracy G. 4 years ago on Google
    Good food and service. Will definitely be back.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 ROSE R. 2 years ago on Google
    We have eaten at the Jail House several times. The food and desserts are very good. The one exception was the bacon wrapped chestnuts. They were way too salty. But we will continue to eat there. Nice atmosphere and good service too.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 TN 2 years ago on Google
    DISASTER!!!! If I could give this a zero I would! Hostess was not friendly, and downhill from there! My husband ordered his steak medium well, it was medium rare and ZERO flavor! Ordered chicken with my salad, the chicken came when I was done with my salad. Was told we wouldn't be charged for it, as I told the waitress I no longer wanted it. Maybe, she should write stuff down while taking your order. We were charged for the chicken, and the Manager said we needed to be charged for it because they brought it out. When I said I wasn't paying for it, was told we could have a credit for the next time. I let the waitress know there WILL NOT be a next time, as we won't be going there again. Credited us for the chicken. I was so disgusted by the time we left! This is not a cheap place for dinner, I will take my business elsewhere!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 John R. H. 1 year ago on Google
    Typically, the food here is pretty good, but tonight I ordered a roasted tenderloin rare. The First serving was well done, and the replacement was medium well. The server should’ve never served either meal, but I understand in the current environment they may not be very well trained. Disappointed that there was no accommodations made for a poor meal. They need to do a better job in training both their chefs, and their servers.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dave P. 2 years ago on Google
    Went to the Jail House Resteront for dinner had the Prime Rib awesome. It was cooked perfectly and it just melted in your mouth. Great flavor also had the garlic mashed potatoes also great flavor. The place was full good to see. And our waitress was very polite and gave us great service . Can't wait to go back and try something else off the menu.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Valerie P. 3 years ago on Google
    Been there several times always great food and service!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Terry C. 1 year ago on Google
    Had a wonderful dinner at Jailhouse tonight. My wife and I both had the stuffed shrimp as we have been looking for this all over Wisconsin. Well we found it and it was delicious!! We also had the baked potatoes, soup and salad. All were excellent. The cheese curds and the warm breadsticks with cinnamon butter were great. My mother in law had the lasagna and also said it was fantastic. We had no room for the gigantic dessert choices but we will next time. One last thing, Adam was our server and he did an amazing job. Perfect timing and very knowledgeable on all the dishes. All while very busy on a Friday night and giving us great service with a smile!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ed Z. 2 years ago on Google
    I had a full slab of ribs - they were delicious!! The fries were unique and amazing. I had planned on taking the dessert (Andes candies torte) but the never made it to the front door. My wife’s salmon was fantastic- next time (and there definitely will be a next time) it’ll be steak. Did I mention the creamy duck soup- quite unique and very tasty. Our server Savanna was very friendly, knowledgeable and made the whole experience a true joy- well done Jailhouse!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ryan J. 4 years ago on Google
    The Jail House is pretty unassuming from the outside, and it's kind of in the middle of nowhere, which adds a lot to it's charm. It's a cozy place that treats their patrons with kindness and respect, you feel like a regular even if you aren't (but you'll want to be). The prices are reasonable, the food plentiful, and the drinks stiff. Thursdays and Saturdays are prime rib nights, and it's the best prime rib I've had, I really look forward to it. The few times I've not been there on Thurs/Sat the food is still very very good. My wife tells everyone about the cream of duck soup, and the dessert tray should be on those Food Network TV shows, they are all preposterously good (especially the peanut butter or pistachio torte). Will definitely frequent this place for years to come.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Katie L. 8 months ago on Google
    This place has been on my bucket list after hearing good things from several people. It didn't disappoint! I thought we went early enough to beat the dinner rush, but it was a Saturday, so I really should've made reservations. It was an hour wait, but it went pretty quickly, and the cocktails while waiting were excellent. Everyone working seemed very efficient, and the food was all very good. I was too stuffed for dessert, but took some to go and had it for breakfast the next day. 😂 Overall, great experience and worth the wait!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Court J. 8 months ago on Google
    It was my first time. It was such a great might. We showed up at 7:00pm just as a crowd was leaving .....score for us. We waited 15 min on a Saturday. Food was great, atmosphere was great, bartenders great and our waitress just wonderful. Props to the Chef for my perfect steak and my word when I saw the dessert I thought it was so big so people could see it really good lmbo. I was wrong the dessert is that huge:). We had a great night. We will be back soon. I regret no pics sorry
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 mike l. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is very good. The staff was super. Price was great. The ambiance and energetic vibe were great. Everyone loved their main dinner choice. The cream of duck soup was fantastic. Those bread sticks were delicious. The deserts looked great although no one in our group of 6 ordered them. The only negative was everyone was disappointed with their dinner side dish. The broccoli was a mushy steamed mess. The mash potatoes were watery. Just put a little powder in them. My only suggestion would be to work on improving your side dishes. Maybe it was a one night occurrence. Would be 5 star rating with sides that matched the rest of the experience.

  • 5/5 Ralph N. 4 years ago on Google
    Great food, fast service

  • 5/5 Jeremy S. 4 years ago on Google
    Always great food and service! Check it out! Very cool place!

  • 4/5 Debbie M. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice place. Gets super busy. I had the Saturday special prime rib, however it was disappointing. A bit tough & lacked flavor. My husband had the coconut shrimp which was tasty. The service & drinks were good. I'd give them another try, just won't have prime rib again.

  • 5/5 Jerome L. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent steak dinner like always

  • 1/5 Angie M. 4 years ago on Google
    Worst Steak I have ever had. It was chard, tough, and bland. When I told the waitress she acted like it was normal and asked if I wanted a box to take it home. My husbands steak was the same.

  • 5/5 Dave A. 1 year ago on Google
    My wife and I love to travel around locally and try different fish frys. The fish here is at the top of our list. I ordered the combo plate and she had the cod. Super flavorful. Hot, served quickly. Great atmosphere. Our waiter Adam was awesome also. Can't wait to go back again. Thanks!!

  • 5/5 Tom and Stephanie W. 1 year ago on Google
    Was hesitant to go based on recent reviews I read. Our party of 5 had an amazing dinner here tonight. Prime rib melted in our mouths. Lobster tails, Lobster Mac and salmon were all outstanding, along with our cocktails. Top notch and attentive service, and the place was packed. And the prices are completely reasonable! I swear, I truly believe Millenials that give bad reviews really need to get a grip. Thanks for a great dinner Jailhouse.

  • 5/5 Mike T. 4 years ago on Google
    Appetizers and meal were amazing and deserts were even better. Only thing that topped it all was that I was here with my beautiful wife

  • 2/5 Colleen S. 1 year ago on Google
    Have been several times and have had a good experience. Food has been delicious. Tonight's experience not so great! Understand a wait is common even with a reservation but when I have a 7:45 reservation and arrive at 6:50, sit at bar buy several drinks converse with other couple and determine I had an early reservation than they had as they were a walk-in with no reservation and then have the hostess seat them before people with reservations!NOT ACCEPTABLE! 11/2 hrs seating late with a reservation is not good service...much improvement is needed in that area... ..

  • 5/5 Ris G. 1 year ago on Google
    The food was absolutely amazing and our waitress was phenomenal!! They have something for just about anyone, they even offer gluten-free meal options. I highly recommend dining here if you haven't already!

  • 2/5 Shelly G. 1 year ago on Google
    We had a party of 5. Two people order tenderloin, medium rare and medium. They came out medium well and well done and dry! One was mangaled. Disappointed for a birthday meal. Our server was wonderful..we politely let him know. The kitchen was having a bad night. We did NOT make them remake the steaks do having to wait again and still no guarantee they'd be correct and the already being so behind. The lobster Mac also, dry not creamy and very small portion for price. Scampi was.ok.The scallops and duck soup however, were delicious. We did still tip our waiter very well, on full bill, not his fault and he did not charge us for our appetizer. Without us asking! We will NOT be returning anytime soon. Spent a lot of money for not good food.

  • 5/5 Sauron681 1 year ago on Google
    Being from the area and a few years ago having to relocate to MN this was one of our most missed restaurants. Cannot count the number of times we patronized this place while living in the vicinity. Back in the area for 2 days and we stopped in tonight. Still the same.. delicious and cozy. Such a nice laid back relaxing experience. Service has always been fantastic, and food top notch. The drinks are always spot on. We so miss this place. Now, if I can only figure out a way to get one of those engraved wooden check holders 😉

  • 4/5 Scott G. 1 year ago on Google
    Middle of no where Wisconsin supper club. Really cool atmosphere with the building. The drinks were were and reasonably priced for a supper club. The blueberry old fashion was excellent. I was not overly impressed with the food. Had a 7:30 reservation and actually sat down by 8:15. By that time the fried chicken and prime rib were out. Our table wanted to order the tenderloin but only had enough for two people. The tenderloin itself was good but portion was small and side of potatoes was underwhelming, especially for the cost. The lobster Mac and cheese was excellent, but was also very pricy. We tried the haystack onion rings and prime rib bruschetta for apps and both were alright. I’d consider this a one and done.

  • 5/5 James P. 10 months ago on Google
    Food was amazing, but the service was the best part. Hard working, very polite, and very well trained. My server was Cam, give him a raise!!! Cam if your reading this, you and your team is the best of best!

  • 5/5 Patty L. 10 months ago on Google
    The restaurant is so authentic and so dam good! Love, Love, Love it so much! Garrett are server was absolutely attentive and amazing. The whole experience was Awesome! Can't wait to go back..

  • 4/5 Michael H. 10 months ago on Google
    We arrived on time for our reservation. We were sat after 5 mins. We ordered fish. The plate that had the baked fish didn't have much fish compared to the other plates; one thin fillet. After dinner, we were offered desert, but told that there was a reservation for our table in 15 mins. There was a ton of open tables. We got a carrot cake and coffee and took our time. This place isn't cheap and I don't want to be rushed out like I'm just some cash for their business. I don't think I'll be returning.

  • 5/5 Nick H. 1 year ago on Google
    I have been going to Jailhouse for years, and never once have I ever been disappointed. Service is amazing, the owner really knows what’s she’s doing and how to treat not only the customers but the staff. The food is top notch, in fact for years if I even try a prime rib from somewhere else it is compared to the one from jail house as it’s the best if ever had! Do yourself a favor and go and go often, and get the cream of duck soup!

  • 5/5 balddonnie 1 year ago on Google
    Plenty of parking, great parking if you ride on two wheels, casual dress. I've had a few items off the menu and not once did I question the quality or taste! The staff is attentive and focused and while they are priced like a supper club the daily specials are superb if you are looking to trim your bill down.

  • 2/5 Jordan D. 6 months ago on Google
    Waited an hour for my food. Tried an old fashioned and it was only three ingredients, they didn't even put simple syrup in it, and it was a "sweet" old fashioned at that. Why ask sweet or sour if you won't make it proper anyways? Had to send the first one back because it was bitter as hell. Tried the "warm me up buttercup" and it tasted like nail polish remover... Another in my group got the blackberry old fashioned and you couldn't taste any berries at all. The drinks here are God awful but the swordfish was decent. My group got charged an 8 dollar credit card fee, so pay cash when you come here. For the prices of their drinks you'd think they'd maybe make proper drinks, but all 3 cocktails my group ordered were depressing. Their only soda selections are coke and sprite. They said it's company policy that they can't split checks either, so be prepared coming as a group. Also, if you're gluten or dairy free, go elsewhere. Overall very let down with this restaurant.

  • 5/5 Jill M. 6 months ago on Google
    Delightful find in the middle of nowhere! Lovely upgrade of what was an old crossroads coach stop (probably weathered some hard times) but is now warm and charming. Food was remarkable, really beautifully prepared. Service was warm, friendly, and efficient. Very busy on a Thursday! Bonus: we were offered a punch card for return visits.

  • 2/5 Teresa L. 6 months ago on Google
    We came as a party of 7 tonight! Terrible experience! We got our appetizers before our drinks to start.. then she took our order and one person in our party got a wrong drink so he ordered another.. then we got our food.. still no drink.. he finally got it when he was almost done with his food!!! We needed more water during eating she never came back at all to see how we were doing until we were done for most part.. this is at least 20 minutes later.. soup was OK at best... took another 15+ minutes to get boxes for food. Food was not the best especially for the cost. Got bill she still never came back husband went to find her to pay bill! I never until tonight seen a steak like I had that looked like it was on the reject slab.. and it was bland. 3 of my kids had the Alfredo and it was dry.. they asked for more sauce and it took 20 minutes to even get it! Bad service. Bar and drinks were great. My husband said prime rib was good but you only get a spit of aus jus.. he wanted more but waitress never brought it. It was my birthday.. we weren't even offered desserts.. which i seen her take to another table earlier...it was my birthday so i probably would have wanted one!!!! I wanted a great experience with my family... got not even close! 😔 Texas road house would have been better. Sad!

  • 5/5 Mr T. 8 months ago on Google
    I went to the Jail House with a couple of friends. This is a really cute place LITERALLY in the middle of nowhere. We waited about 20 minutes to be seated - which I thought was a decent amount of time. We were able to get a couple of their signature, "Blackberry Old Fashioneds" which were good - but I thought too pricey at $8 each. The service was good. It was a busy evening (Fish fry Friday) so I expected the service to be lacking, but it was not. We got our drinks in a timely manner and our starters, salads, and entrees came to the table at a reasonable pace. My main dish - the bone-in ribeye - was perfectly seasoned and cooked to a perfect medium rare. My side was not as impressive. I ordered the loaded baked potato, and out came a potato that was quite a bit smaller than another at the table. The meal, with drinks and dessert (do NOT skip dessert!) was very affordable. I thought the menu prices were unbelievably low, given the quality of the visit.

  • 5/5 doug a. 4 years ago on Google
    Most amazing meal, tonight was the lobster special, several had that I had the filet, it was so good. Great service besides. Helped celebrate a birthday with a cake and most impressive candle.

  • 2/5 Jonathan P. 3 years ago on Google
    Overpriced for the product. Jerk mahi was well done and dry, way too much peanut sauce. Side tasted like a chopped up caramel apple. Perch was mediocre at best. To top it off our daughter got a hot dog and fries and the hot dog was ice cold, never saw the light of grill.

  • 5/5 Geena E. 3 years ago on Google
    I love the food, the service, the drinks. All of it. Probably my favorite place for food and drinks. The seafood scampi is amazing and the buffalo cheese curds are delicious

  • 2/5 Gary S. 3 years ago on Google
    Smells like cigarette smoke. Whoever is sitting at the side door. Wisconsin laws says you need to be 25 feet away from the building.

  • 5/5 Marge K. 3 years ago on Google
    First time and it was Fantastic. Our waitress was Savana and she was great. Will definitely be back many more times.

  • 4/5 jon p. 3 years ago on Google
    Good place to go , first time there staff was nice food was good , not to bad for price to portion

  • 5/5 Andrew H. 3 years ago on Google
    Always excellent!

  • 5/5 Jenifer M. 3 years ago on Google
    Delicious food!

  • 5/5 Debbie W. 4 years ago on Google
    The food was excellent and so was the service! Very reasonably priced with generous serving sizes. We will definitely go back ?

  • 4/5 Deborah M. 3 years ago on Google
    Food and service excellent, however, concerned about NO social distancing, no masks and No six feet between tables Other restaurants in area are practicing at least more space between tables

  • 4/5 Deanna H. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent food. Prime was a little tough but flavor was great. Tenderloin was fantastic done perfectly. Waitress was not very personable. In a rush, seemed annoyed if we asked questions or asked to repeat things.

  • 5/5 Mary M. 3 years ago on Google
    Loved it! Great food, friendly staff, cozy atmosphere.

  • 3/5 joe du f. 4 years ago on Google
    Good cocktails but the charm kinda ends there. There are far better places to get steak. And every side we had was either mediocre or poor. Went with eight people and they all felt the same.

  • 5/5 Brenda E. 3 years ago on Google
    Great service and great food. Waitress was very polite and informative.

  • 5/5 MLW 3 years ago on Google
    Delicious food, friendly staff and unique atmosphere. My husband and I came here for the first time recently and had a very enjoyable meal.

  • 5/5 Cindi D. 5 years ago on Google
    The lobster tail was delicious. The ambiance is rustic. A good choice for a romantic dinner. Service was excellent. Nice assortment of beer on tap.

  • 4/5 David H. 3 years ago on Google
    Great appetizers and entrees. Highly recommend the buffalo style cheese curds!

  • 2/5 Rand K. 3 years ago on Google
    I was disappointed in the ribs I ordered but nothing was done about it! Also I watchef them clean a table whrte some people jusy left and they didn't clean the chairs or the floor which had food on it!

  • 1/5 Denise B. 4 years ago on Google
    I drove 35 min to get there and waited almost 3 hours to get seated. Finally ordered food and my food wasn't hot but the waitress never came back to check on us. I.paid $18 for awful service and worse food..will never go back

  • 3/5 BRIAN M. 4 years ago on Google
    Had the New York strip, was cooked well but super fatty and over priced for the quality. Our waitress was okay and we only had to wait 2 hours for a table. Definitely a one time visit. Dont waste your time. Much better food for the same price in downtown madison.

  • 5/5 Anthony B. 4 years ago on Google
    Haven't been there yet but it look like a place i need to go to

  • 4/5 Bill 4 years ago on Google
    Pricey but great food.

  • 1/5 Dave H. 4 years ago on Google
    Just noticed they stayed open despite a state ordered shutdown due to the current pandemic.

  • 5/5 Tia R. 4 years ago on Google
    Their lobster mac and cheese is AMAZING. And cant go wrong with any of their home made desserts :)

  • 5/5 Sut H. 4 years ago on Google
    This is our go to place. Great food, and excellent service.

  • 5/5 Christine G. 3 years ago on Google
    The food and service was amazing

  • 2/5 jmr j. 3 years ago on Google
    Ok food, lots of flies. Waitress was nice. Pricier than it should be.

  • 5/5 Darren D. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent fish fry

  • 5/5 Jacob H. 3 years ago on Google
    Extremely good food with Extremely good service.

  • 5/5 Sue E. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent

  • 4/5 Kathy w. 3 years ago on Google
    Duck soup awesome as always,all around great meal?

  • 5/5 Dawn D. 3 years ago on Google
    Best Fish Fry!

  • 5/5 Carol H. 3 years ago on Google
    Food is awesome and the service is too.

  • 5/5 STEVE S. 3 years ago on Google
    Wonderful food, excellent service. Check it out.


Call +1 262-675-9302 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Comfort food
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeaway

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