The reason we stopped in was because of the great reviews. Either we were there on an off night or these reviews are just a hoax. My husband ordered their ribeye steak medium rare. I ordered the whitefish. His steak came out so raw it was rubbery - as if it had been run through a warm kitchen instead of actually cooked. My whitefish was overcooked and very mushy along with the super mushy vegetables that came with it. Of course my husband had to send his steak back but at that point, the dining experience just wasn't that great anymore. Having moved here from the Chicago area, we realize that the concept of fine dining is different in western Michigan and there are very few really good restaurants to choose from - we were hoping Blue Fish Kitchen would be the exception to the rule. Sadly, it was not. read more

The food was amazing. They were so accommodating of my nut allergy and everything we tried was delicious!

Nothing vegan on the menu, but just ask. They produced amazing vegan tacos for us. Fair prices and great atmosphere!

Don't miss this restaurant! Food was terrific, setting was beautiful (if you can sit on the deck, do so - it's lovely but unfortunately a little too cold tonite). Our waitress, Alexa, was friendly without being annoying and was helpful with the menu and drinks. The champagne chicken was delicious and paired with Parmesan risotto and perfectly cooked asparagus. There was also a really good beet salad appetizer we shared that our waitress thoughtfully had the cook split into two serving dishes. Next time we're up this way we will definitely stop in. read more

I live in Manistee and I am thrilled to welcome The Blue Fish to our downtown. I have dined here five or six times already and I have enjoyed everything I've tried. I've read comments about the sometimes poor service and dress code, sorry their experiences were not positive. I have had excellent service for most of my visits. Two visits, servers were not as well attending as the others but, it's a new establishment and I expect some bumps in the road. The food is top notch, presentation is always lovely and it's worth the visit. Love the specials I've tried. Beer is always good, wines are nice....desserts cannot be forgotten! Love the place. Thanks for coming to Manistee, I will eat here as often as I can! read more

Swift and consistent service surpassed only by the imaginative menu. A very welcome addition to downtown Manistee. Not a bad seat in the house, and very accommodating of large multigenerational groups. read more

Had lunch there yesterday. Walked in and was immediately greeted and taken to a table. I had a glas of water within a minute. The waitress followed up and took my order almost immediately. This is important for lunch because typically you are on a schedule. I had the penne bolognese, which I had before and it was excellent, hot and tasty. I had carrots in it which I like. It came with a salad. I chose the Caesar. The Romain was very crisp and fresh, the dressing a bit sweet for my taste, but not bad. Overall a very nice lunch experience. read more

At long last I have bellied up to the keyboard to express how impressed, delighted, and thrilled that we happened upon BLUE FISH on a Friday night in late February while staying at the Little River Casino and Resort...., we were so much in awe of the classy style and look of the restaurant, the ambience, the wait staff (especially Tate & Chelsea), the food to die for, the presentation, the all over good feeling you soak up while dining and looking around taking in the sights...., that we returned again on Saturday evening (for our Anniversary Dinner) and can tout back to back glorious dining experiences. As others have written it is primo, A Number One in every category you could tick off reporting on it. It is the type of place you will crave and return to...., regrets that we couldn't hook the place up and bring back with us to Kalamazoo!! All hail the top notch EVERYTHING about BLUE FISH...., we really do love you and yours!! C'est magnifique Patti & Brian S. {February 26 & 27 2016 our tasetbuds were changed forever !!} Merci beaucoup. read more

The portions of food are ridiculous. It seems their understanding of a high class restaurant, is to serve hardly any food. They failed to understand that the size portions they are mimicking, are from five coarse meals, hence the small size. My husband ordered prime rib . I can't remember what I had, so obviously not memorable. I do recall being disgusted at my husbands plate. The prime rib was served on scalped potatoes. Which on the menu was written to sound very diffrent from just plain scalped potatoes. They served the meat on top of the potatoes trying to make the plate look fancy. I inquired from my husband what the meat was on? It was Grossly sight with blood streaming down the heap of mush. He took a bite and said, "SCALLOPED POTATOES". I was shocked at the price on a small piece of meat an potatoes. As he ate the potatoes mixed turning pink from the blood, so sick. I couldn't believe they would sell such a plate, further being deceiving on the menu of what it really was. Who serves bloody meat on scalped potatoes? Well this high priced restaurant did. My husband and I left still very much hungry paying well over 100$ for a meal that wasn't worth more than 30$ total. Very disappointing as we were so excited to have a classier place to go for date night. We haven't been back. They do have a beautiful, luring big blue fish sign though, but don't let that hook you. It is a complete waist of money. read more

An evening Dinner at the acclaimed Bluefish with friends from out of state was going to be the highlight of their stay. We were to say the at very least embarrassed with our choice of the Bluefish. Staff was clueless as to what fine dining service is, bread and appetizer were served with NO plates, we had to ask for them after the food was brought to table. At best this staff could serve at a roadside diner or truck stop. Food was hit or miss, the special being spoiled tasting Duck served as a 1-2 ounce serving raw to rare with some very nice sides. A complete disappointment, we will not return. read more

lousy food and super expensive...stale bread tiny portions bland tasting food...told owners and all they said was ...sorry won't go back read more

I wanted to go in for lunch, but then I noticed the sun was shining directly on their wine display. I'm pretty sure that is not the correct way to store wine. ( Perhaps they make their own vinegar. I didn't inquire.) Steve K. read more

Let down and promises broken. 30 minutes after arriving, we placed our order. 20 minutes after placing our order, the waitress returned to ask how I wanted the beef cooked. 30 minutes later, the food came. The meat and vegetables were room temperature. I brought it to the attention of our waitress and she took the plate away, returned in less than five minutes and the food was still the same temperature. Never touched the mushroom stroganoff. A few minutes later she returned to check on us and I told her the food was still cold. She offered to prepare something else, which would have arrived long after my wife finished her meal, so I said "no thanks." I spoke with the manager, who said he was sorry. In the end, we were not charged for my dish but still paid $65 for a couple drinks and I watched my wife eat her meal. I followed up via email and said I would return if they credited the cost of our spoiled experience. I received an email from the owner 26 days later, calling my factual TripAdvisor review "damaging" and closed with "It seems that we are possibly not the type of restaurant that you and your wife would enjoy dining at." I'm happy to provide constructive feedback because I like to see people and businesses succeed. Sometimes feedback helps you reach the conclusion that we should go our separate ways. read more

Went to the Blue Fish for dinner.there were only about a dozen tables with diners.Had a table where I could see the kitchen and counter where the meals were put for delivery to the tables.There is a wall clock behind the counter.I watch as meals were put on the counter and picked up by the wait staff.Two meals sat on the counter for over ten minutes,I commented to the others at the table that someone was going to get a cold meal.A few minutes later our waitress picked up the meals and delivered them to our table.I told the waitress that the meals had been sitting there for over ten minutes,she started to argue with me that I was wrong.The meals were cold,fish was over cooked.We would have sent them back but the waitress didn't return to our table until she delivered the bill which was close to $100.00.she never asked how the meal was or said anything.I would have asked to see the manager but it didn't look like anyone was in charge.Service was very poor and the meal wasn't worth the price.I won't recommend the blue fish to anyone nor will we return. read more

This place is so disappointing. The food is good. I have no complaints about the food but I've eaten here 5-6 times and the service is terrible and so slow, it is about an hour before you will get an entree and then no one comes back to your table ever. Last time I had to go find the server to get a check and we had been finished eating for a LONG time. When you get your bread basket it comes out at random times and it is often forgotten, also mussels are supposed to come with bread but sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. The worst part is the staff seems to think everything is OK. If I had ever received any explanation for the slowness it might be forgivable but everyone acts like it is normal. They seem to have some issue with the water there too. It never tasted great but off and on smells like straight sewage. Maybe takeout is the best way to go here. The food, when you get it, is actually very good. read more

Found this gem after a day of boating on Lake Michigan. I can't tell you what a good time we had. I know the price point has been talked about, but is very fair for what you get, just several steps up from the surrounding establishments. Now for the food! I ordered the white fish which we soon found was sold out, so they allowed me to special order the trout. Staff is very accommodating and the food was amazing. So amazing that we ordered desert to go because we could not eat anything else after. My 10 year old even wants to go back. He had the alphrado, which was insanely good as well. It really is one of those restaurants where you will want to order something different and share, because everything is good! The desert was spectacular, some of the best cheesecake I've ever eaten (after 4 hours of paddle boarding to become hungry again). I only have a glass of wine occasionally, but enjoyed what we had with dinner. All around great experience! It is defiantly worth checking out if your in or around the area, or even just passing through. It is totally worth the detour even if your end destination is farther north. read more

This is one of the best restaurants in Manistee. When we went there last night, my husband ordered the special. Thankfully, I ordered an appetizer and an entree. First the bread came, no butter. Next the butter came, no hot bread. Then the appetizer came, which was good. Our waiter offered to get more bread and 20 minutes later the mussels were cold. Then we were told there was a mishap with the entree for my husband's order and he couldn't get it. Would he like a refill for his beer? Yes, please! 30 minutes later, still nothing. My husband is usually a really mellow, happy. guy and not a picky eater. We finally received our food and 10 minutes later a refill for his beer requested almost an hour prior. If you are going to screw up an order, pay attention to drinks! We left crabby. It will be a long time before we return. It was busy, but there wasn't a wait. This is the worst service I have ever experienced with a hearty price tag. The Glenwood in Onekama will be getting our business this summer. read more

The bluefish kitchen and bar has a great atmosphere and a good menu. I ate there a month ago and couldn't wait to get back. I had the blackened walleye the first time which was excellent. This visit I got the shrimp scallop penne which was also delicious. The reason why I gave it a one star is because our service was awful. We ordered 3 appetizers, an $80 dollar bottle, 3 entrees and a few other things. I felt like I was waiting in line at the local Burger King and everything I asked for I had to ask at least twice. I collect wine and specifically ordered the goldeneye Pinot noir because it said it was aged 70 months in French oak barrels. I wasn't poured a taster, Then I read the label and it's only aged 16 months in 70% French oak barrels. Then when I brought it up to the bartender, waiter, and manager all seemed to put the blame on an ex employee. It would have been different if I was eating at the local big boy but when I come to enjoy a nice dinner I expect to have halfway worthy service and management. I once told people this is a must eat location but not anymore. Go to the local Burger King instead, you might just have an all around better experience. read more