Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
Exceptional Lake Views - 1878 On The Lake, Delavan, WI

1878 On The Lake

4.4 (864)
$31 to $50
American
2400 E Geneva St, Delavan, WI 53115-2024

Make a booking

A photo of 1878 On The Lake restaurant

1878 On The Lake

4.4
$31 to $50
American
Lake Geneva

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 29 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Great for scenic views
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
Experience lakeside dining reimagined at 1878 on the Lake. Framed by sweeping waterfront views, our menu, led by Chef Jared Schulz, celebrates Midwestern flavors elevated with refined technique. Seasonal dishes spotlight locally sourced ingredients and inventive preparations, while signature offerings—like our iconic Mud Pie—honor the culinary legacy of Lake Lawn Resort. From breakfast through dinner, every meal reflects a thoughtful, modern interpretation of lakeside dining, where creativity, quality, and lakeside charm come together for an unforgettable experience.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American, Steakhouse, Seafood
  • Hours of Operation
    Breakfast Mon–Fri 07:00–11:00 Sat, Sun 07:00–12:00 Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00–16:00 Sat, Sun 12:00–16:00 Dinner Daily 16:00–21:00
  • Phone number
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Nico Rossi
  • Private party facilities
    Looking for an intimate space for your next small gathering? The Delavan Room at 1878 on the Lake is your ideal choice. This beautifully appointed room offers a serene setting for up to 30 guests with stunning views of Delavan Lake, making it the perfect backdrop for your special event. Call 262.725.9155 for availability.
  • Area
    Lake Geneva
  • Cross street
    US Hwy 50, east of I-43 in Delavan, WI
  • Parking Details
    Hotel Parking
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access

Experiences

  • Thanksgiving Feast Buffet

    1 - 50 people

    26 Nov 2026 only
    1878 on the Lake will be offering its annual Thanksgiving Feast Buffet on Thursday, November 26, 2026 from 11:00am - 6:00pm. Adults $70, Children 8-12 years $30, and Children 4-7 $16, and Children 3 and younger are complimentary. Fountain Soft Drinks, Coffee, Tea, or Juice included in the price. A 20% service charge and 5.5% WI sales tax will be added to each bill. Regular menu will not be available. Parties of 11 or more may be seated at multiple tables close to each other. Seating variations are limited based on size of group and number of tables available on the different rooms assigned for this event.
    Thanksgiving Feast Buffet photo
  • Lakeview Igloo Dining

    USD 100.00 per party

    Prepaid

    2 - 6 people

    6 Nov 2026 - 27 Mar 2027
    Cozy up with family and friends in one of our winter igloos overlooking Delavan Lake on the 1878 on the Lake patio. Create memories while enjoying seasonal cocktails, chef-made meals, and more! Whether it’s a casual meal or a romantic date night, Lake Lawn Resort’s Winter Lakeside Igloo Experience is where memories are made, and stories are relived. 90 Minute Igloo rental is $100+tax and processing fees plus the cost of any food & beverage purchased. Each Igloo seats up to 6 guests. Regular 1878 on the Lake menus will be available.
    Lakeview Igloo Dining photo
  • Christmas Eve Prix Fixe Dinner

    1 - 50 people

    24 Dec 2026 only
    Celebrate the holiday with family and friends and a special 3-course menu. Select a starter, entrée, and dessert from Chef's Christmas Prix Fixe Menu. Cost is $96 plus 5.5% tax and 20% gratuity. Although our regular dinner menu will not be available, our regular Kid's Menu, for those 12 and under, will be available. Visit our events page at lakelawnresort.com for more information.

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at 1878 On The Lake.

4.4

4.4
(864)
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Wisconsin

    Great for scenic views

  • Lake Geneva

    Best Overall

  • Lake Geneva

    Best Food

  • Lake Geneva

    Best Service

  • Lake Geneva

    Best Ambience

  • Lake Geneva

    Best Value

  • Lake Geneva

    Good for special occasions

  • Lake Geneva

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
1878 On The Lake offers a memorable dining experience with "excellent service" and "gorgeous views" of the lake. The menu features standout dishes like filet mignon and short ribs, complemented by creative cocktails. Guests appreciate the "attentive staff" and "beautiful atmosphere," making it ideal for special occasions and relaxed meals.
864 Reviews
  1. Mark Gold

    Wisconsin21 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on 30 October 2026

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 2
    Very salty French onion soup. Walleye was just OK, but the risotto was cold (they must have put it on a cold plate). The salmon lacked seasoning.
    1878 On The LakeResponded 6 days ago
    We’re sorry the food did not meet expectations during your visit. The concerns you shared regarding seasoning, temperature, and overall execution are important, and we appreciate you taking the time to provide such specific feedback. We will review your comments with our culinary leadership as we continue working to provide a more consistent dining experience. We hope you’ll consider giving us another opportunity in the future.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Linda

    Chicago / Illinois3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 29 October 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Outstanding meal with a gorgeous view. We will be back for sure.
    1878 On The LakeResponded 6 days ago
    We’re so glad you enjoyed both the meal and the beautiful view. Knowing you’re already planning to return is a wonderful compliment, and we’ll be happy to welcome you back.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Gina

    San Francisco Bay Area10 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 25 October 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent service and food. I had the filet and my husband had the burger.
    1878 On The LakeResponded on 26 October 2026
    We’re so glad you enjoyed both the food and service. It’s great to hear the filet and burger were both a hit. Thank you for dining with us and for sharing such a positive experience!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Robert Gold

    Chicago / Illinois5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 23 October 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Enjoyed this visit from start to finish. The bartender was very friendly and our waitress was excellent. We had the short rib which was outstanding and my wife loved her burger. Both were great dishes. We will be back.
    1878 On The LakeResponded on 29 October 2026
    It’s wonderful to hear you enjoyed the experience from start to finish. We’re glad both the bartender and your server made such a positive impression, and that the short rib and burger were highlights of the visit. Knowing you plan to return is one of the best compliments we can receive. We’ll be happy to have you back!

    Is this helpful?

  5. bob

    Houston17 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on 22 October 2026

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 4
    Disappointed in food quality and service. Waitress less than friendly and food quality below expectations based on other reviews
    1878 On The LakeResponded on 26 October 2026
    We’re sorry your experience fell short, particularly with both the food and service. We strive to provide a consistently welcoming and enjoyable dining experience, and it’s disappointing to hear we missed that mark during your visit. We appreciate your feedback and will review your comments with both our culinary leadership and service team as we continue working to improve.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Diana

    Chicago / Illinois8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 18 October 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We ended up coming here 4 times during our 2 day stay 😄 Our first night was Sunday fir our anniversary. It wasn't acknowledged, but I didn't mention it- sure it was just overlooked. I had the filet with Goganzola crust, my boyfriend had the cowboy cut with Gorganzola crust. We had drinks after, at the bar. Delightful server, delightful bartender. Came in for coffee, lunch and then breakfast om our last day. Everyone was very sweet, I wish I could remember names! The trainee for breakfast was a sweetheart and made a great iced Americano. We can't wait to visit again! We love the off-season! Thank you again!
    1878 On The LakeResponded on 26 October 2026
    Four visits in two days is quite the compliment! We’re so glad 1878 on the Lake became such a big part of your stay, from your anniversary dinner and drinks at the bar to coffee, lunch, and breakfast. It’s wonderful to hear our team made you feel so welcome throughout each visit. Thank you for spending so much of your getaway with us. We love the off-season too, and we’ll be excited to see you again on your next trip!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Pat

    Wisconsin5 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on 13 October 2026

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    The resort definitely needs signage to direct you to the restaurant. Several members of our lunch group couldn’t find it and wasted 20+ minutes wandering around
    1878 On The LakeResponded on 19 October 2026
    We’re sorry the lack of clear signage made it difficult for members of your group to find the restaurant. We understand how frustrating it is to spend that much time navigating the property before lunch even begins. We appreciate you bringing this to our attention and will share your feedback with resort leadership as we look for ways to make arrival and wayfinding easier for our guests.

    Is this helpful?

  8. William

    Chicago / Illinois22 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on 11 October 2026

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent service in a beautiful setting. Breakfast food was very good.
    1878 On The LakeResponded on 19 October 2026
    We’re so glad you enjoyed the breakfast, attentive service, and beautiful setting. It’s always wonderful to hear when the food and atmosphere come together for such an enjoyable start to the day. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Dennis Gold

    Chicago / Illinois14 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 10 October 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The four of us were going to the belfry theater and went to 1878 for a delicious dinner and great dining experience. My family has going to lake lawn since the 1930s staying in the cottages and the women’s annex above the old bakery. I use to horseback ride there. My parents lived there ballroom on the lake. Fond memories.
    1878 On The LakeResponded on 12 October 2026
    What a wonderful history your family has with Lake Lawn Resort. It means a great deal that 1878 on the Lake could be part of another special evening for you, especially before your visit to the Belfry Theatre. We’re so glad your group enjoyed the dinner and overall experience. Thank you for sharing those memories with us and for continuing a family tradition that goes back so many years.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Joy

    Chicago / Illinois2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 10 October 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our experience here was great. Very friendly waitresses. It was our anniversary & received a free dessert. The breakfast potatoes were very tasty. The prime rib was very good. Our view of the lake was beautiful. There are white mums everywhere, just beautiful. Would definitely be back.
    1878 On The LakeResponded on 12 October 2026
    We’re so glad your anniversary visit was such an enjoyable one. It’s wonderful to hear you enjoyed the prime rib, breakfast potatoes, beautiful lake view, and the special dessert for your celebration. We’re also happy the friendly service and seasonal mums helped make the setting feel even more memorable. Thank you for celebrating with us, and we’d love to have you back again.

    Is this helpful?

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American, Steakhouse, Seafood
  • Hours of Operation
    Breakfast Mon–Fri 07:00–11:00 Sat, Sun 07:00–12:00 Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00–16:00 Sat, Sun 12:00–16:00 Dinner Daily 16:00–21:00
  • Phone number
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Nico Rossi
  • Private party facilities
    Looking for an intimate space for your next small gathering? The Delavan Room at 1878 on the Lake is your ideal choice. This beautifully appointed room offers a serene setting for up to 30 guests with stunning views of Delavan Lake, making it the perfect backdrop for your special event. Call 262.725.9155 for availability.
  • Area
    Lake Geneva
  • Cross street
    US Hwy 50, east of I-43 in Delavan, WI
  • Parking Details
    Hotel Parking
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access

FAQs

Sundays are a lovely pick, guests praise the Mother's Day brunch and several reviewers specifically enjoyed Sunday dinner and date‑night visits with the lake view.

Portions skew generous, guests describe very large entrees and desserts, and the breakfast '1878 Smorg Board' is offered family‑style for groups.

Yes, 1878 on the Lake is a terrific date‑night choice, with sweeping waterfront views and multiple guests reporting anniversary and romantic evening visits, including private igloo celebrations.

For a quieter, more relaxed visit to 1878 On The Lake try late-afternoon/early dinner, around 3:30–4:30pm, when guests report prompt seating and the dining room being not very busy.

Yes, 1878 offers distinctive dining experiences like the Breakfast "1878 Smorg Board" (a family-style breakfast built for four or more), and guests have enjoyed seasonal, private igloo dining overlooking the frozen river.

Yes, families are welcome: the Breakfast "1878 Smorg Board" is designed for groups of four or more, and guests frequently visit with children, including reports of a 12‑year‑old at Mother's Day brunch.

Yes, 1878 serves alcohol: the menus list cocktails and liquor-forward drinks, and guests praise craft cocktails, bourbon drinks and well-paired wines.

Yes, 1878 on the Lake offers lakeside outdoor seating: guests frequently enjoy the patio/deck and seasonal outdoor igloos for al fresco meals with lake views.

The iconic Mud Pie is a signature here, the restaurant description highlights it and the menu lists an award-winning Mud Pie that guests have enjoyed.

1878 on the Lake is a lakeside dining room with sweeping water views, vast windows, and a refreshed, modern feel, guests praise the peaceful lake vistas from both inside and on the patio/igloos.

Smart casual, polished but relaxed attire is appropriate, and the restaurant is often chosen for anniversary and special-occasion dinners.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Wisconsin
  4. Lake Geneva
  5. Lake Geneva

Make a booking

A photo of 1878 On The Lake restaurant

1878 On The Lake

4.4
$31 to $50
American
Lake Geneva

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 29 times today
Experiences are available.
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant Management Solutions
  • Restaurant Booking Software
  • Restaurant Marketing Software
  • Restaurant Event Software
  • OpenTable For Restaurants
  • OpenTable For Restaurant Groups
  • Restaurant Resources
  • OpenTable Pricing & Plans
Join us on
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2026 OpenTable Australia Level 22, 357 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo