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    Bear Lake Tavern

    3.5 (114 reviews)
    Open 12:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated 2 months ago

    Bear Lake Tavern Photos

    Business Info

    BEAR LAKE TAVERN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Bear Lake Tavern

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    Inside
    MIke G.

    Not Worth the Wait. We were told there'd be a 45-minute wait, which we were fine with until we called while trying to park and were told they wouldn't add us to the list unless we walked in first. Annoying, but whatever. At least there's a small bar outside, which helped pass the time. The ambiance is what you'd expect from a small lake town casual and unremarkable. We were excited to see both clam chowder and chicken tortilla soup on the menu, two of our favorites. Unfortunately, both were incredibly thin and almost flavorless. I genuinely love clam chowder, and my wife is a tortilla soup fanatic but both were a complete letdown. We figured, "Well, maybe the entrées will make up for it." Nope. Warm coleslaw (oddly flavorful, but still weird), and four tiny pieces of perch. After a 45-minute wait, we expected something memorable but got bland, overpriced, and forgettable. Smart choice would be two kids perch dinners for $22 instead of the adult dinner. If you're deciding where to eat in the area, do yourself a favor and pick somewhere else. Clearly, the long wait is not a sign of quality, just a symptom of limited options in Muskegon.

    Margarita
    Amanda M.

    We had a wonderful experience at the BLT on Thursday evening. I ordered the 2/$10 margaritas and they brought it in one large glass instead of two small, which I appreciated. Our server was so friendly and helpful. I had the chicken pesto sandwich with grilled chicken. It was phenomenal! So flavorful, chicken was perfect, loved the pesto aioli. My husband had the perch and he said it was the best plate of perch he has ever had from BLT. My daughter had the new Alfredo and she added filet on top. Her pasta and filet were cooked perfectly! My son had boneless wings and fries and he enjoyed his meal. His wings came with celery and he asked our server if they had peanut butter and she brought him some! So nice and greatly appreciated. We sat at the table that is in the entryway. I could see how some people may not like that. We did not mind and we liked being away from everyone else in the restaurant. Love the vibe at BLT (and especially in the summer).

    Fresh squeezed margaritas
    Kerry F.

    BLT is a great restaurant and an okayish tiki bar. During the summer season, you can expect long wait times to sit indoors, but the food and drinks are completely worth it. Staff is busy but friendly. Their fresh squeezed. Margaritas are amazing and David at the bar is an expert mixologist. We usually dine on the whitefish with their house, mashed potatoes and gravy, and are never disappointed. Outside is a completely different story while the tiki bar is a fun concept the food and drinks are subpar compared to inside. All of the drinks are canned, including the cocktails and are greatly marked up. Food is very limited and for the price point, (think overpriced bar food) simply not worth it . The service is also lacking outside. So for me BLT inside is a 5 star experience and BLTiki is a 2 star.

    Shrimp Mediterranean style
    Tammy M.

    Tight quarters but still able to hold a conversation with each other and not feel intrusive. Started with an old fashion, not the best I've ever had but good and it looks great in a photo . We also had the buffalo wings which were delicious. The clam chowder was ok and just a little above room temperature. Hubby had the yellow belly perch with onion rings ands he thought it was very delicious, and I agree! I had the shrimp Mediterranean style and that was also wonderfully yummy. Service was very friendly and even with the busy restaurant she (I'm doing bad lately with names, sorry) did a great job keeping up with all tables. Prices are average with dinners around $20-$25. Since we came in the winter it didn't seem to be too busy, however the tables were always full but we got a table right away. Parking can be tight, especially if it gets real busy but if you find a spot...stay for a delicious meal.

    Fish tacos / Burrito
    Madalyn V.

    We enjoyed the ambience and decor at Bear Lake Tavern. The food was decent but nothing over the top. The burrito meat was seasoned a little differently and the red sauce didn't impress. My friend had the fish tacos and really enjoyed those. Our waitress was very kind and attentive. It is a very busy place and the parking is limited and crammed. The tables/booths are very close together and you can clearly hear your neighbors conversation. It feels very crowded in there in such a small space when you you visit at a busy time. We would go back for drinks and try the fish. Overall ok!

    Extra cents added to stated prices.
    Sally D.

    Underwhelmed - and over-charged. Husband & i went to the BLTiki via boat today. Weather & staff were wonderful. Understandably, there's a limited menu at the Tiki, but the $10 burger w chips & $15 (?) Shrimp Po Boy were mediocre. I was so looking forward to the fish, etc, that everyone raves about. Well, so, okay; lesson learned to eat inside. But, then, when we got our bill, -it's not a big deal, but the prices were different than what was stated on the blackboards. See below. $6 beers = 6.24. $18 became $18.72? The bartender said it was a tax on food. But there is no food tax in Michigan, just the 6% sales tax, which is on the bill. Could someone explain this to me?

    Perch dinner
    Mike B.

    We came to Thrashers Bear Lake Tavern on a recommendation and we were hoping to sit outside in their "channel" seating but it was simply too cold during our visit so we were seated inside the restaurant. The menu is pretty extensive and I probably would have studied it more if the perch hadn't been so highly recommended. I saw grouper listed close by so figured the best option would to order one of each. The blackened grouper was excellent and the perch was exactly as advertised. Service was great. We'll be sure to come back when we can enjoy sitting outside on the channel but that will unfortunately have to wait until next summer. In the meantime, I can see a few return visits until then.

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    5 months ago

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    8 days ago

    Food is good, service was eh ok, and the place itself is just to small for its location. Overall, I give it a 4.

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    2 years ago

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    11 months ago

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    1 year ago

    Stopped in and had a great time. Was the bar tenders first night, she was top notched.

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    3 years ago

    Best burrito and margarita I have ever had. Very good. Great service and atmosphere too.

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Have not been back in 15 years. Still the same place. Love the add ons and the food and service was excellent. Will be going back.

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    2 years ago

    Best Margaritas around and the 2 for $10 is a steal! Food is always delicious. I've never had anything bad there.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Bear Lake Tavern

    Legends Bar & Grille - BEERS! And Keno

    Legends Bar & Grille

    3.8(25 reviews)
    2.2 mi

    Yay burgers! We were both craving burgers on Wednesday 1/1/25, and we made our way to Legends…read morearound 6:30pm after spending the day cleaning up Christmas decor around the house (ugh). No seats at the bar so we sat at the long table behind the bar seats. Kayla wasn't the server for our section but got us started because the other server was busy. I had the Gin Fizz from the winter cocktail menu and I liked it - but it was on the sweeter side. I didn't order another. He had the winter Coors Light (ha). To eat I had the Big Jim burger with fries and it was so freaking good! It was juicy, the bun was griddled and soft. The fries were so hot I had to let them cool! Perfection. He had the Lumberjack burger and we did splitsies! His burger was damn delicious too! He had onion rings and they were hot as can be as well and some of the best around. Kayla ended up keeping us for the duration of our meal. She was attentive, friendly and did a great job. Of course we will be back!

    Do not work for this man. He takes what work he needs from you. Then drops u like a bad habit. He…read moredoesn't care about any of his workers. You have to feed and support your family and your killing yourself for my company. Always shows up when asked to work more. It doesn't matter I got what I wanted from you now see ya. When someone works hard I thought they were an asset to your company. But u know what u get here?? You get yelled at when it suits the situation. Oh and they decided whenever to change your schedule even when it's the middle of the pay period and there is already a schedule up. Sorry about luck paying your bills. Even though u have worked very hard for my company. Beware of this place!!!!

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    Pigeon Hill Brewing Company - Pulled pork tacos

    Pigeon Hill Brewing Company

    4.5(94 reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $$

    Pigeon Hill is located near Lake Michigan in a large, former Brunswick facility with lots of…read morehistory. The space is spacious and inviting, and has a large outdoor seating area. They have a wide variety of beers and and when we spoke with the server, he told us the philosophy of Pigeon Hill is to brew quality beers with consistent quality. My husband had the Catalina Mexican Lager. He said it was light and fresh for a lager. Definately worth stopping in , especially when the weather is warm to enjoy the outdoor seating area and the views.

    The other night we had a birthday party there and hosted out there room in the back…read more There was okay bar service all night but the food for what we paid for was quite disappointing if i was honest. We paid 90 something dollars for a veggie platter, to have wilted tomatoes, dry carrots and no broccoli. We paid 15 dollars a pizza to have the pizza just to be cold and small. If i recall it was only a 12 inch personal pizza for 15 bucks.. And the chicken in the pot was soggy because they steamed it for an hour before we where able to access it. We noticed a safety hazard and made sure management noted it for when we leave and not shortly after that they jacked up the music very very loud intending to kick us out. Overall we where really disappointed and would not recommend this place for a get together.

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    Mike's Inn

    Mike's Inn

    3.3(12 reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $

    Grossly unprofessional service. If you are not a regular do not come here. I work late shifts and…read moreI'm in my 30s so I normally show up late night at bars to play pool. I'm typically known to help the staff with the belligerently drunk and clean up as I normally come sober and not to party but just to play pool. I'm originally from Muskegon but I only come here seasonally in the winter for the past few years. The first night I came to this bar trying to play pool there were some 20-year-olds belligerently drunk. It was getting close to closing time and an effort to expedite the game apparently I offended one of those 20-year-olds. And apparently one of those 20-year-olds runs the place because as I proceeded to get a second drink I was told that I was cut off for upsetting the customers. As I tried explaining the situation and how grossly and appropriate this was I was not heard. In fact the bartender was actually quite rude and clearly did not care what I had to say because she did not know me so I must be a significant. It's clear that they do not want new business. The only thing that keeps this bar alive is that they are only late night bar. Pool is $2 a game which is pretty steep. The place looks like it hasn't been updated since the '80s or '90s. The music also has not been updated. If you are into being treated like garbage by garbage then this is a place for you I guess

    Heather is amazing! Super friendly blue collar bar. Heather was able to give us information on…read morethings to do in the community and also made amazing drinks. Huge shout out for using tongs to garnish my bloody mary!!! As a health inspector, this was a major bonus as bare hand contract on my garnish would have meant a 1 star review!! We will be back! Thank you Heather!

    Photos
    Mike's Inn
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    Dave & uncle Tom

    Bear Lake Tavern - tradamerican - Updated July 2026

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