The Buoy Bar & Grill

I think I will give the Bouy a mixed review:

The good:
- dog friendly (restaurants amd bars in the Cda area thst are dog friendly can be difficult to find, which the bouy pfferd). It is defined thing going for it as there are many bars and restaurants in the cda area that are not dog friendly even in the outdoor seating area (not sure if the boardwalk bar allows dogs in their seating area and neither Bardeney nor Cedars allow dogs (other than service animals) even in their outdoor seating areas. Can make for an attractive option for folks walking their dogs in the area.
- near the Waterfront and nice atmosphere
- definitely liked the fish tacos they have there
- when the frozen drinks machines are working properly, they cam make for some nice cocktails in the bar area
- they do take debit cards and credit cards

Cons:
1. Slushie machine often seems to be down. Been there several times now where the machines used to make the frozen drinks don't seem to be working properly and either they're serving the cocktails over ice instead or not do them at all (can get frustrating of you are waiting on lone to order a cocktail only to find put that the machines are not working or of the drinks are not ready without an eta in place (alway seems to be hit and miss in my opinion, sometimes the machinesare working, other times, they are not, impossible to predict when they are goingtibe workingproperlyor not). I get it and i can't expect the machines to be working all the time and it can Take time to make the drinks, especially on busier days and times when they get used up faster, but if the machines are not working most of the time, then that can be problematic and could hurt their businessin the long run. If people want ocktails and the frozen drinks machinesare constantly down, there are competitors that customers can go to such as the Boardwalk bar near the resort and the Sweet Lous bar. Having more competitors would force them to step up their game as well. If the ladies there are not trained to work the Slushie machines, then they need to hire people that do know how to work them for better ssles and results. A full service bar would be ideal there for best customer experience and can give them a better advantage over their competitors. Sure beer amd wine can be good to have sometimes, but having a Pina colada or a margarita on a hot summer day does better too. Also if the Slushie machines are in the process of making the drinks, would be good to have an eta on hand on when they are supposed to be ready if possible. Otherwise if those machines are always down, then people will go to their competitors for drinks instead.

2. Probably need to be more competitive on pricing. Even happy hour specials can do well there (say discounted appetizers or drink specials would be nice in the afternoon hours, say from 3 to 6 pm or something like that). Some options there can be pricey. And I think there are restaurants and bars in the area where you can get more for your money. Will definitely need to step up their game on that one.

3. Debit card or credit card only. They don't take cash. If you don't have a debit card or credit card on you, then you are out of luck.

4. Expect to be carded if buying alcoholic drinks regardless of age. If you forget to bring id with you or refuse to show it, they will refuse service.

5. Seems like the seating area can use some expansion as it can be crowded, especially during the summer months,

Oh, expect to pay for parking in the park area. , especially during the warmer months. If you are looking for free parking, you are better off going to bardenay or cedars instead

I'd give atmosphere 10 stars, on the marina, overlooking lake Coeur d'Alene. Awesome fries, burgers and BLT's rock. Try the icy Daiquiris!!!
Really the perfect setting, super organized.

The Buoy Bar & Grill was amazing. The clam chowder was the best we have ever had! The chicken romesco sandwich was fantastic and had crispy bacon, romesco, and avocado. We would come back ASAP just for the sandwich!

We are huge Buoy beer fans. However, we were not impressed with the helles lager. The beer was on tap, but was on the flat side and had a sweet after taste. The Pacific Pale Ale was fantastic and our new favorite from Buoy. Perfect amount of bitterness, caramel flavors, and deep tones of vanilla. What a fantastic restaurant! We will be back here again.

This place has great views of the lake. All of the seating is outside, they do have optional umbrellas over the bar stool seating. It is dog friendly and they had a small selection of draft beers as well as a few cocktail options. The staff were all very friendly and provided a dog water bowl. The only down side is the food is very much like concession stand style food, but not priced that way. The burgers, chicken, & fish all seemed frozen and microwaved.

The Buoy is great! Close to CDA Resort, the lake, and even hiking trails that are only several yards from the patio eating area. I had the meatless burger, which is my default at any burger place, and it was great! Loved it! One of the best burgers I have had. The fries are awesome as well. This is a very chill place with live music. Great casual date location. There is no inside seating so pick a nice day to show up. Beautiful views are all around you while eating here! This is one place you need to try if you are in CDA during the summer!