The Wheelhouse – Riverfront Dining

First of all, the name is a bit misleading.  It’s ‘sort of’ on the riverfront, but the trees/shrubs have grown up so much that you really can’t see much of it anymore.

Still, the patio is facing the ‘river’ and the Whitehorse Waterfront Trolley goes right by.

The decor is marvelous …. taking you back to the days of the steamboats and paddle wheelers that used to ply the Yukon River.  The patio is very pleasant with flowers and glass partitions all around to screen you from any wind.  Very nice.

The menu is varied … with fish, meat & game.  The wine list is adequate and local beer is served.

It’s all very nice but VERY expensive.  That being said, I don’t mind paying the price if what I’m getting is in proportion to it.  This place ‘almost’ made it but unfortunately the service was poor and the food was just ok.

I think part of the service problem is that our waitress was doubling as the bartender, never a good thing.  The owner/manager seemed to step in periodically to seat people, but we found we were sitting there for a long time with empty glasses and no food.  When you’re paying a premium price … IMO you should get premium service.

Appies were quite expensive but we decided to splurge and ordered some prawns – $16 for 7 prawns that were good but not great – is overpriced.  I ordered the Duck Confit as it’s one of my favorites and it was ok but a bit on the dry side.  Bruce’s Arctic Char (farmed) was good but not great and for $34 should have been awesome.  (Check our review of the McCarthy Lodge – in the middle of nowhere Alaska and for $38 we got the most AMAZING 3 course dinner ever!  So it CAN be done!).

Wheelhouse restaurant prawn appie

Prawn appetizer for $16!

Wheelhouse Arctic Char

Arctic Char

Wheelhouse Duck Confit

Duck Confit

We opted NOT to get dessert and coffee as the coffee was $4/cup and desserts ran from $10 – $15 … and that’s a bit too rich for my blood!  Especially since the ‘mains’ and appies seemed underwhelming.

It’s about the only ‘fine dining’ here in Whitehorse and it has potential but needs work.  It just didn’t ‘wow’ us at all … and it should have.