You're paying for the view. And the view is spectacular along the shoreline of Lake Mendota. But don't expect much value after that. I'm astonished that The Edgewater doesn't do more to entice locals to come downtown, struggle to find parking in the most difficult area of the city to park, then offer no validation of parking if you park in their uber-expensive parking garage...what am I missing? Is there enough convention business that locals don't matter? The food and drinks are fine, but not cheap. Fish fry is tasty, but three little pieces of perch and slaw for $14? I'm all in favor of paying more for quality food, drink AND location---but The Boathouse isn't really worth the trouble.