The place was pleasant. The food was good, but 2 things to beware. It is cash or check only, and very $$$ Pricey. And we still walked away hungry. We were shocked when our lunch meal for 2 adults and 1 kids meal cost $45! and all we had to drink was water, tea and apple juice. A hamburger with onion rings, a BLT with onion rings and a macaroni kids meal. Some say the area is pricey, but we had a wonderful pizza dinner the evening before at the Homestead Resort for less than $25 dollars and I had 2 beer's. The odd thing about Art's is the beer prices seem normal, but the meal prices everything is a la cart. A hamburger that will cost you $7.50, oh you want fries that's another $3.50. A macaroni kids meal $4.5 (which is just macaroni). You can add applesauce for $2.25. And a drink for another $2.25. Yep you got it $8 for a kids meal. I've eaten at some expensive places and in some crazy resort towns. But I was shocked at these prices. Oh yeah and remember they don't take credit cards. I cant figure that out. I'm sure there are people that walk out with bill's well over $100. I don't usually walk around with that kind of cash. Luckily this day I had $50 cash in my pocket, but I never imagined... I rarely give bad reviews but I would not spend the money here again. If I was looking for a bar to have a few drinks, sure. read more

GREAT PLACE! Cash only, so plan accordingly. My husband and I had to make a trip up here so we needed some breakfast and Arts was defiantly the spot. I had the blueberry pancakes with house made sausage. It was fantastic!! They also have one of the best Michigan beer selections I've seen and they are reasonably priced. The service was great. Our server treated us like we were a neighborhood local. We can't wait to come back for dinner and drinks!!! read more

Hard to believe a place that serves food is refusing to accept take out orders because they are "too busy" in the middle of the summer. This was my first stop on my trip and I for sure won't be wasting money here on my trip. Go to cherry republic they are so much more welcoming and friendly . Way better service read more

We decided on this place because of the yelp reviews. A couple came in after us as we were waited to be seated. The server literally looked at us and then looked behind us and told the couple there was a booth at the corner. Maybe it is because they are frequent customers but when the place is packed, you should really seat first come first serve. We got seated, didn't get a chance to even pick up the menu yet and the waitress asked us for beverages. We told her water for now. When she came back with the waters, we asked for other drinks as well. She had this disgusted look on her face and just started shaking her head as she walked away as if we asked for something completely obnoxious. The food wasn't anything special but we haven't tried anything around the local area. But the service was just completely unacceptable. Definitely will not return to this place. read more

When you're in Glen Arbor, Michigan, you need to skip the rest and head straight to Art's Tavern. I am not usually a fan of boring neighbourhood dives but Art's feels different. The people who come to Art's in the summer have been going there every year during their vacation and they came not just for the food, but personally, I think it's the atmosphere that kept them coming back. We waited for about 30 minutes before we got seated because there was a long queue. The server was friendly and not cranky, which was a good sign. After looking at the huge menu for a bit, I've decided on a mushroom burger with tater tots and ginger beer. I wish I know what company makes the beer because it was amazingly gingery, probably the best I've ever had so far. Mushroom burger was well made, not overly greasy. And if you have a choice (and you do!) get the tater tots. It's crazy good and I don't even like taters usually! Oh and they also have a blackboard with a list of housemade desserts if you need some extra motivation. I just finished my last tater and I was stuffed silly when they put up blackberry cobbler on the board. I was like, "Darn it, they could have told me earlier so I could make room for sweets." So if you ran out of food while camping nearby and wanted something good, check out Art's Tavern. Remember ... TATER TOTS. read more

I love this place so much. Every time my family and I return to Glen Arbor in the spring, Art's is our first stop. I have never had a bad experience here and my family recommends it to everybody who comes by the 45th. Even though it's a bar, it's still a good atmosphere for kids and family. The food is delicious (well worth the price) and they don't skimp on serving sizes. The staff is always SUPER friendly and everybody seems to always be in a good mood. PS. Their specialty is burgers and tater tots! The tater tots are always perfect and the burgers are always delicious! Perfect meal if you add on a root beer float! Atmosphere = 5/5 Staff friendliness/knowledge of the menu = 5/5 Food = 4.5/5 Price = 4.5/5 read more

Food average, Beer selection good, Service weak, Way overpriced, Ambience good, Would not return, Kids hot dog with fries 10bucks? read more

Two words: Tater Tots. You won't be able to stop once you pop one of those crispy tots in your mouth. Their tater tots are so warm, crispy, and delicious! Hands down one of my favorite restaurants in Glen Arbor. This place has so much character and charm. The servers are always enthusiastic and kind. And the food! You really can't go wrong with what you order. From burgers to sandwiches to Mac n cheese, you will be satisfied with whatever you decide. Tip: they only take cash. No cards. So be ready to have a wad full of cash to pay for the bill. read more

Delicious burgers and sandwiches, the absolute best tater tots, tons of great local beers, and friendly service. What more can you ask for?

The BEST experience Glen Arbor has to offer. Awesome food, awesome staff, and an overall damn good time. I wish I could give this establishment 100 stars. Remember to bring your checkbook. Cash will work as well. I would love to have all of what Art's Tavern has to offer closer to where we live. The other establishments can't hold a candle to Art's Tavern. We will be back! Maybe tomorrow?! read more

was pricey. chicken tenders and French fries were $16 um no thank you. I got the mushroom & Swiss burger. It was pretty good but I hated that I had to pay $16 for that and some fries. There are places where you can get the same thing for $10 or less. However it did come with lots of food and was good. it's cash only which can be difficult for some customers. for more pricey food you should offer credit or debit. it will be hard to find something to eat if you are on a no carb diet. my dad had to get some wings because he did not feel good paying $17 for a salad. it was pretty good food but the price just needs to be lowered and they should offer credit & debit especially since it is a place that tourists eat and many do not have that much cash on them. read more

Art's Tavern - mushroom and swiss burger without the lettuce and tomato with steak fries on the side - Bars Near Me - Glen Arbor, Michigan

Atmosphere was good but the 19.00 pizza wasn't worth it... looked, and tasted, like a boxed pizza.

We wanted some quick and the Pine Cone wasn't open yet so Art's Tavern outside seemed like a good idea. Get some sun, eat, and do some people watching. The food isn't horrible but nothing memorable. Smelt basket: Over-battered. Batter is supposed to add flavor and not be the meal. Had to use a shovel to dig thru and find the smelt. Perch sandwich: Pretty good. Minced whitefish sandwich: Mushy. Nothing special. Nothing horrible but we don't need to go back. read more

Art's is the best place in Glen Arbor for sure, and probably the best tavern in Leelanau County. I've been going for over twenty years, and the changes have been minimal at best. Pro - Right downtown in Glen Arbor - Great bar food. I'm a fan of the surf & turf (a burger place 1/4 pound of fried smelt) - Large bar and good amount of televisions - Friendly folk - Tim, the owner, is a jovial guy and always willing to chat Con - No credit cards - Wait can be long during the summer months and during family rush hour - The juke box can get quite loud when used read more

Out of town visitors and looking to eat dinner and support local. When we arrive, host checked us in and told us wait would be 45 min. She took our number and said she would text us when the table is ready. We went to a local store to look around. We stopped by again to see where we were on the wait list. She said that she texted and our time was up - 3 min after she texted me. She said that she could add us back to the list and she as rude. We left immediately since places like this do not deserve my business. We went to another restaurant down the street and they were welcoming. I would give this place less than a 1 star if I could. read more

Elderly hostess was rude and unaccommodating to our friendly group of eight. Refused to seat us or let us have a single drink at the bar because "the bartender would have a fit." Went down the street to Boondocks and had a GREAT time with happy service. Also, learned it was cash only at Art's (there's an ATM conveniently outside the door) and that they will not split bills. Skip it and just go to Boondocks instead read more

Art's Tavern really is the only game in town, but quite a good game it is. Local bar feel, with a jute box & a pool table that appears from a trapped door. You will be amazed if you are in the tavern when they move out some of the tables & a pool table appears from the floor. They also have that video bowling game which is pretty fun with a large group of people. If you go there for food try the smelt, a couple of pounds of it! I can't wait to return next year for more of that deep fried goodness. Only real knock it that it is a little on the pricey side for a pitcher of Bud Light & they only take cash. (But they will show you to the cash machine in the corner) read more

As good a a "local" joint can get in a tourist town. We ate there twice while on vacation and the food was always great. The service was quick. They have an indoor menu and a separate outdoor menu as well, you choose. Art's Tavern feels like your hometown bar and grill. read more

Nice place, food was average, but the location, service and Long Island ice teas were great. Better than boon docks by far. Cash or check only. read more

We loved this stop for breakfast with our kiddos before our big day exploring the area. My husband and I both enjoyed our scrambled eggs with cheese, sourdough toast, and breakfast potatoes. Perfect. Our kids both ate up their meals as well. The service was great. Very friendly. The sweet lady who served our table gave us some great advice on places to go for kayaking and hiking. We had a great day thanks to a wonderful start at Art's Tavern. Thanks! read more

Overall bad business. Food is OK. Service is great. The owner requires you pay cash and provides an ATM with a 5$ fee.

Loved this little place! Great chicken sandwich. My husband also enjoyed the bacon cheeseburger. The waitstaff was attentive and personable. Note: Cash or personal check only. Very important. read more

While the food was okay, hearing at the END of the meal "sorry ... cash or check only" was a nightmare! There is NO sign on the front door, the server said nothing at the beginning of our visit, and the tiny sign placed at the table had ketchup, mustard, etc., in front of it. Basically, they are probably one of the stupidest places I've seen in YEARS. What was rather "amusing" is that after I made some less than appreciative comments regarding this, the server said to the table next to us "cash or check only." The people got up, and left! There are other places in the area, and next time we're in Glen Arbor, we won't be going to Art's! read more

Packed but was able to grab seats at the bar. Quick service though. Had the perch and wifey a burger. Sweet potato fries awesome. Chilli great. Be prepared to wait at peak times but worth it. read more

Hands down the best BBQ Wings I've ever had, also love their Sandwiches and Burgers. Can be crazy busy and is cash only, but worth it.

Took to long to sit us and take to long to order our food if you want a faster service go somewhere else

Bring cash, no credit cards...besides that fault, food is good. Breakfast better than average, burgers about average. Waiter was in training, friendly and good service. Very crowded during peak times, but that's to be expected. read more

I was really looking forward to eating here, as there had been great reviews and it is known to be a famous hangout for locals. I really was in a mindset to appreciate this place - I promise you. I was very disappointed with the quality of the food and the exorbitant prices for such pedestrian fare. I chalked this up to this being our first visit. However, a second and third visit didn't yield any better results. The service was mediocre - like the server was doing us a favor by taking our order and delivering the food. Finally, the place could use a good spring cleaning. I think we should stop coming here. read more

Awesome food and super helpful with gluten allergy. Service was amazing and food came out fast.

Yikes. That is putting it lightly. My wife and I decided to visit Art's after 3 days of camping out in the woods. I had been there before many years ago, and remembered it as being pretty good for a greasy spoon. I couldn't have been more wrong this time around. From the moment we walked in I knew I made a mistake. Everything was dirty. The staff looked like could all use a shower. I'm not saying that to be mean or rude, but when you are handling food, proper hygiene is a necessity. You should appear clean. "Oh well", I thought, we are here and we are hungry. Let's eat. After a few minutes of browsing the menu, I decided to order the Reuben and my wife ordered the Perch sandwich. This was the last semi-pleasant moment we had at Art's. I watched as 1 of the cooks on line coughed directly into his hand multiple times, and continued to handle food with his bare hands without having washed them. The other cook was no better, wiping the sweat off his brow repeatedly and directly handling food. There is no excuse for this, it is gross, and it is a major health code violation. You would think that would be enough to merit a 1 star review, but there is more. Apparently the poor habits of the kitchen translate to the waitstaff as well. I watched as our server elbowed up to the bar, staring at one of the TV's blaring. She kept picking her teeth with her fingers, which is gross enough as it is. I nearly lost it when I saw her grab our finished sandwiches and proceed to take out 2 pickles with the hand she had just been gnawing on directly from a bucket of pickles. I wondered how many times, and how many other workers had dipped their contaminated, dirty hands into the community pickle bucket. It was revolting to say the least. Had we not been so tired from our previous day's adventure, I think we would have left right away. Lesson learned, trust your gut. Our bill was an outrageous $40 for 2 very average sandwiches and 2 pints of beer. This normally would not be a big deal, but with what I had just experienced watching it felt like a slap in the face. We left promptly after paying our bill. We both ended up with severe stomach aches shortly after, which I reasoned was probably due to rancid mayonnaise or butter, since we both had plenty of that on our sandwiches. We will never be back to Art's. I will not recommend this place to anyone. It pains me to write such a negative review of a place I had remembered fondly many years ago, but there is no excuse for carelessness of that degree in the kitchen. It's how people get sick, really sick, and after reading many other recent reviews, Art's doesn't seem to care. read more

Food ok. But our hostess and waitress! It's amazing how crabby staff can affect your experience. Everyone is understaffed and overworked these days, so you expect to be patient. No excuse for attitude. read more

Food was great but servings felt small. We got the Mac & cheese and Cesar grilled chicken salad and the white fish and burger. All of the food was tasty! It was way better then what we were expecting. read more

This was probably my 6th time at Art's. Food has always been pretty good. My go to is the Turkey Reuben. For the prices they charge, a side of steak fries with the sandwich would be nice. I mean, it can't cost more than 50 cents. The service however, has never been the best. Cranky man out front (Dave) taking names for tables, doesn't appear to like his job. Waitresses are snobby and short. If the staff had more personality I would have given it another star. Maybe they will wake up and realize that most of their patrons have been coming to their establishment for many years. My husband and family have been coming to Glen Arbor for over 35 years. We continue to go back to Art's because of the food, not the decor and certainly not the staff. read more

This is a staple of Glen Arbor. If you're in town it's a must stop -- just don't anticipate any good service. On Wednesdays they serve a delicious jalapeno chicken soup that I highly recommend. There's a really cute merchandise store outside and over one storefront. Cash or check only at the restaurant, patio and merchandise store. Typical bar food menu but with some Michigan adds like fried smelt. Pretty diverse craft beer selection. They've got a good-sized patio with a great view of the town shops and people. read more

Art's is one of our default lunch destinations when we're traveling in the Leelanau area. We always get a good meal here -- try their burger of the day, their soup of the day, and any of their local/regional featured beers -- and even though we're foodies we enjoy the fact that Art's doesn't take itself too seriously. (Its iconic two-headed swordfish will perhaps cue you in on this fact.) We also appreciate Art's low-key use of locally sourced ingredients -- reading the menu and specials board you'll notice casual mention of, say, whitefish burgers (yes, whitefish seasoned, ground and made into patties) made with fish from nearby Leland; locally made hot dogs; local Moomer's ice cream topped with local maple syrup. Contrary to some of the comments elsewhere here, we've generally gotten excellent service at Art's. In the summertime the waitstaff trends young and less experienced, but that shouldn't come as a shock to anyone. One caution: Art's really isn't a large place, even factoring in its outdoor seating, so at the height of tourist season it may feel claustrophobic inside. The restrooms are also tiny. But the food and fun vibe is worth dealing with these minor issues. read more

UPDATE. Art's is back! Went back today and it seems like things were back in order. Granted, it wasn't as busy as during the summer but our food arrived fast and was delicious. I'm SO GLAD. read more

Art's Tavern - Olive burger - Bars Near Me - Glen Arbor, Michigan

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Burgers were juicy and delicious. Would have preferred blue cheese crumbled over dressing but I'll live. Bloody Mary was standard, my mistake for not ordering a beer. Onion rings were crispy and golden brown. Service was friendly and I appreciated the waiter reminding us that they were cash only once he could tell our bill was reaching upwards of $20. ** cash or check only read more

This place is the heart of Glen Arbor. People from all over the U.S. have the Arts T-shirts, and there's a reason. It's a dive, but with fresh ground beef and straight from Lake Michigan fish. Though it's a bottom feeder, I love the battered smelt. This isn't a place that you're going to get Class A service from but come one...it's a burger joint. It's really crowded in there all the time in the summer and it makes for a hectic route for the wait staff. Be patient because the food is worth it. They usually have nearly anything on tap that you'd want, which is pretty awesome. The place is small, so expect it to be busy, but that's ok because you couldn't ask for a more beautiful town in Michigan to wait in. Love this place and LOVE Glen Arbor!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

This is a great place for a warm up or a cool down depending on the season. My favorite place to grab a cup of soup and a funky grilled cheese. The burgers are good and can be paired with a great selection of beer to suit your liking. Just a warning no debit or credit cards are accepted. read more

Arts is a great option in the off season when you don't have to wait in line. I don't think their burgers are worth an hour wait. Their soup and breakfasts are the best choices read more