When one of my friends from Grand Rapids recommended a meet in the middle, me being from Lansing I was pretty skeptical, but what a pleasant surprise. We had a party of 8 and no reservations. As I drove up to the establishment I was taken by the great views of the lake and the public beach. They have two outside patios with one being a 2nd floor observation deck with a bar, beautiful, if you can get a seat as it is very popular. They accommodated us quickly and we were seated within 5 min without a reservation. Servers were attentive, helpful and friendly. The menu is large and varied and the prices moderate. The Ruben, a house special, was recommended and I ordered it. When it arrived I almost lost my mind, it was huge and delicious! Easily enough for two. Everyone in the party also really enjoyed their choices as well. Cocktails were on point. The one outstanding surprise was it had a bowling alley attached, but the noise from bowling was not discernable and what a cool thing to do perhaps during a winter visit. We will defiantly be back and I strongly recommended it even if it is a fair drive in from the expressway. Worth it. read more

Atmosphere food and drinks were wonderful service was great we didn't have to wait long to get in especially considering we had a party of nine we only had to wait 15 minutes. This is without a reservation next time we plan on reserving ahead of time. Really enjoyed their BLT and their steaks The bills were great and affordable read more

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Buddy's on the Beach hosted my son's graduation party. Everything was WONDERFUL. The staff was AMAZING. Friendly and beyond accommodating. The facility is welcoming and clean. All the guests enjoyed themselves and had great things to say about the food, service and venue. The majority stayed throughout the entire time frame, socializing and having fun bowling. Most importantly the graduate enjoyed relaxing and being celebrated. Thank you Buddy's a thousand times over for making this a memorable life event for him and a party to remember for all of his guests! read more

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Great hidden Gem locals know and love with amazing views of the lake. We went up to the tiki bar. Melissa was took good care of us. Her recommendation were spot on. You gotta try the beer cheese and bacon dip with the pretzel bites. There burgers are cooked to perfection. Try a mixed berry Moscow Mule. It's awesome. If you're up here or passing through you have to stop! It's great views, awesome service, and even better food! read more

I'm really upset on how they changed there food first of all they changed the chicken tenders so much it was completely different they used to give 4 giant pieces of chicken that was good but now the chicken tenders quality have gone way down and they feel like something you would find at a fast food place I don't recommend the chicken tenders and feel a lot other places would be better read more

Potato skins were seasoned nicely. Lotas of cheeses and bacon. The wings super crispy, git them with bbq sauce and aside of buffalo. Food was excellent. Getting our bill took a few but other then that it was great. read more

Buddy's on the Beach - Bbq wings with a side of Buffalo Sauce. - Sports Bars Near Me - Lake Odessa, Michigan

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My husband and I met friends here tonight. We've come here several times during the summer. It was not busy at all. Our table of 4 was brought our checks prior to being finished with our meals at 5:07pm. Our waitress returned with our credit cards shortly after We never saw her again, nor did ANYONE come over to the table to see if we needed anything. We were there until 8:13!!!! My husband did approach an employee rolling silverware and asked her to send someone over. No one ever came! Not impressed tonight with the lack of service. read more

Location Location Location. Lake Odessa may not be where you'd think it would be, but in this case right on the Public Beach with a great view of the water, Buddy's has it. The atmosphere is very rustic, but in a tasteful way. It feels friendly and inviting. I ordered the Cowboy Burger ($13). This is a 6oz patty with Pepper jack cheese, bacon, crispy fried onions, and bourbon sauce on a Pretzel bun. I ordered it medium. The burger came correctly cooked and was delicious. It was juicy and the meat was of a good quality. I was worried that 6oz would be too small, but it was a perfect size. I upgraded to fries ($2). They were good, but nothing special. The person I was with ordered the Wolverine Burger ($12). This is also a 6oz patty with bleu cheese, bacon, crispy fried onions, and mustard on a Brioche bun. It was ordered Medium Rare and was cooked perfectly. It was stated to be excellent, and thoroughly enjoyed. The Service was adequate. Not the best ever, but friendly and efficient-ish considering she was the only inside waitress. Food came out quickly and my drink was refilled without asking, so kudos to that. Overall a 5 star review. I could knock off a tenth of a star or 2, but that would be looking for problems vs actual problems. Would I return? Absolutely. Great view with Great food. read more

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We enjoyed the environment and food! We will definitely be back to bowl and eat their pizza soon

Buddy's is not a fancy spot, but has a great view of Jordon Lake. We enjoyed quick and attentive service. The food arrived quickly and was very good. I recommend the "Damn Good Burger" as it was really good. We enjoyed the great homemade chips with the meal also. Nice beer menu with good choices. We were worried about the noise from the bowling alley, but it was not in use. read more

We have now visited twice. First time the burgers were good and we enjoyed the view. Second time, we tried the pizza. We really thought it tasted great. It is especially nice that in addition to regular crust, they have gluten free pizza crust and burger buns. We like thar it had yummy good fresh toppings, sliced nicely so they are not overpowering. The restaurant is clean with friendly, observant service. read more

Out for an afternoon drive and thought lunch on the lake would get some summertime vibes started. The location was just ok in my opinion. I'm sure it's convenient for those that have cottages and homes on the lake. We ordered spicy cheeseballs that were over fried, probably should have sent them back but didn't. We also got a pizza that we were disappointed in as well. Server was slow and disinterested in answering menu and drink questions. Probably won't be back. read more

Ride here on my motorcycle to meet some friends. Right by the beach and water......We ate outside on the patio as it was a beautiful day! Food was good and the service was excellent! Nice desert selection too. The was good-sized area to eat inside and a bar area. Would eat here again. read more

Buddy's On The Beach is located right beside Lake Odessa Municipal Beach. I imagine this place is hopping come summer time! As we are currently in the throes of winter and at the cusp of year two of COVID...this place was STILL hopping! (Although as safely as one can be dining indoors) We started with their eight piece wings, well done, naked with a side of their Buffalo sauce and blue cheese dressing. Cooked perfectly with just a touch of breading. Really delicious! Husband ordered their amazing Ruben. Corned beef made in house, sauerkraut, thousand island dressing on marble rye. Served with their homemade potato chips...which were also fantastic. I ordered their black and blue salad which was four ounces of locally sourced steak on a bed of red onion and romaine lettuce sprinkled with a bountiful dose of blue cheese crumbles. I asked for a side of blue cheese dressing and their balsamic dressing (I like to mix them). Honestly, they give you an enormous amount of food, almost too much! Jada was our server (she was mentioned in another review for this place) and she was a champion! Very welcoming and efficient...not to mention charming. Just a great experience overall. The restaurant had a rustic charm to it. Like you were at an event that was being held in an industrial building, but much more welcoming. I wasn't expecting a bowling alley when we first entered the building but there it was! We ended our meal with their peanut butter pie...it came with the cutest little cut up peanut butter cup as a garnish. Very rich but so good! We look forward to more in the near future. read more

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The food is always better than you would expect from a bowling alley/ bar but it's very tasty and delicious. It's expensive but worth the price. The service is very good and the people are always friendly. I'm not sure about that noise level though but you're not going to hear that well because it's a little louder than what most people like when dining out. read more

Food is great. Whatever you like to eat they have it all. I enjoy eating there and the service is great. The decor speaks to me.

Service was fast and friendly! They have quite a few options on the menu with large portion sizes. The location of this restaurant is also perfect; you have a great view while eating your meal. read more

Great food! Great views! Great selection! We've been a couple of times now and the food was excellent each time. The burgers are large and super yummy and the fries are perfect. They give you a large portion too. We are seated immediately every time and the staff is friendly, the place is clean. My daughter and I got the peanut butter pie last time and it was divine. They are open late for Lake O and there is even bowling if you want to have some added fun. Stop in and check them out soon! read more

Buddy's on the Beach - Cowboy burger and fries - Sports Bars Near Me - Lake Odessa, Michigan

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Numerous choices on the menu. Prime rib on weekends. Pizza, burritos, burgers, wings, salads. Good selection beer and cocktails. Good service, beautiful view of the beach, right outside the window, and of the lake. read more

The food and service is great the atmosphere is fantastic. The employees are super nice as well.

Absolutely delicious! I tried the Mac and cheese and even though I had such high expectations for it being listed as a signature, I was still surprised at how creamy and rich it tasted. The spinach artichoke dip with the homemade parm crisps were also very good. Last I had the peanut butter pie and it was so creamy and delicious. Our server Honesty was excellent and made sure we were well taken care of. read more

The nachos came out soggy unfortunately but my buddies liked their burgers. Cool vibe being in the bowling alley and all.

This is not the same bowling alley I remember from my youth. Lake Odessa has grown up! Went here for a meal with an old friend and also crashing a Lakewood HS reunion party. Pretty impressed! read more

We tried the meat lovers pizza and it was increadi le. The sauce had great flavor and the sausage was awesome! If you like pizza you need to try one of the 4 or 5 they offer or build your own. The restaurant is connected to a bowling alley so when you look at it from the outside the restaurant is only a third of the building but there seemed to be many open tables when we were there. Inside there are some metal sculptures and old water fire buckets around the place. Pretty neat place to sit and eat. This was our second time here and will go back again just for the pizza! read more

A hidden gem! Buddy's on the Beach is an awesome laid back restaurant with awesome employees and Tom and Judy rock! Give them a taste

Lots of choices and excellent food great atmosphere and the staff was very helpful in recommendations

Not much was open on a Sunday after in Lake Odessa. We asked some folks at the antique store and they directed us here. Lucky us. Bowling alley is being renovated, but the restaurant was doing fine...lovely outdoor patio with umbrella tables. Great view looking out over the lake. Enjoyed a cold beer - nice selection. We ordered sandwiches, including The New Yorker which is a turkey & swiss on grilled pumpernickel with bacon lettuce, tomato, onion & zesty mustard. Looked good and my buddy was very happy. I had to order the Dagwood Sandwich. The description reads: Everything but the kitchen sink! Ham, turkey, roast beef, bacon, 3 cheeses, crispy fried onions, lettuce, tomato & Bistro sauce on a Pretzel Bun. This is more than a handful and was a 4 napkin sandwich. Wonderful taste, many flavors meld well. Bacon thick and crispy. Dagwood himself would be proud. Comes with home made chips that were spicy and tasty. read more

Buddy's on the Beach - The Dagwood - Sports Bars Near Me - Lake Odessa, Michigan

Jada (our waitress was awsome!!!!). Group of 30 and she and her crew were spectacular on service!! Food was hot and very good!! Thank you Buddy's! read more

Went for father's day dinner with my girlfriend's family. They were really busy and under staffed. Service was slow but they compensated with free chips and salsa while we waited. Most if us shared a pizza, which was better than expected! The group also had cheesey bread, which was better than average. My GF's mom had a chicken wrap and her dad had the dagwood, while I didn't try either my self, they both seemed very pleased and plan to go back for dinner sometime. read more

The service was a bit slow, but only because they were short staffed and busy . Our waitress busted her butt, the food was excellent (Sparty burger on pretzel bun and smelt dinner) and it's a cool place. Patio on the lake and a bowling alley. Would definitely come back (thanks Andrea- you are an excellent waitress!!) read more

Buddy's on the Beach - Sports Bars Near Me - Lake Odessa, Michigan

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One of our favorite spots to eat out when I visit family in Lake Odessa. The gluten free pizza was great. We went just before bowling league started, so there weren't many fun things for us to do there. Only 1 video game, and couldn't bowl, so the kids were a little bummed. But they still love the pizza. read more

Buddy's has great food, moderately priced. Steaks, hamburgers, salads, & pizza. Right next to the beach so you can drive up with your boats or pontoons, enjoy a drink or a meal. During the colder months you and your family could possibly get in a game (bowling) or two. It's a good night (or day) when I go to Buddy's on the Beach. read more

I've been coming to this place to eat for several years. It has a kind of industrial theme for decor. Love the outdoor patio on the beach. The service is great. I've tried several items on their menu and have never been disappointed. I think they make the best strawberry margaritas in the area. I have to specifically mention the nachos deluxe to respectfully disagree with another reviewer. THIS particular menu item is one of my favorites. I travel 25 miles to Buddy's, sometimes just to have their nachos. They are amazing, seasoned just right for me, tons of meat and cheese, salsa is excellent, huge, generous portion, I can eat only half of it. You won't be disappointed! read more

This owner is doing it right. This place has been a few different things. But this time I hope it stays around! The pizza was awesome. The pieces of sausage are the size of a quarter, the amount of cheese was very evenly placed, and the sauce was excellent! The crust , awesome! Love the atmosphere with the tvs & decorations. Love that I can sit outside and eat while looking out on the lake. It's the best place to eat in the area. Now they just need to put the lake pub burger on their menu (pretzel bun burger, like they had at lake pub) and everything would be perfect! read more

Buddy's on the Beach - Meat lovers - Sports Bars Near Me - Lake Odessa, Michigan

Great tiki bar. The bartender/server was awesome! Good food and good drinks. Right on the lake, awesome views as well. I would go back again. read more

Delicious "Damn Good Burger" REAL French fries Small, but good, selection of craft beers read more

Since I have lived in Lake Odessa (2002) this place had had many transitions.. From a Smokey bowling alley with bar food to adding an ok restaurant and bar and now to the new current Ownership! Everyone here is amazing and cares about making this a great place. The food continues to get better and better everyday and tonight we requested to have the cook come out so we could tell him what an amazing job he did on our dinner!! Today I tried the special which was a bourbon glazed Salmon with wild rice and corn on the cobb. It was as good as any place I've enjoyed Salmon in the Grand Rapids area and my fiancé's mushroom Swiss burger was cooked perfectly med rare and the best mushroom Swiss burger I ever had! I didn't give it a full 5 stars only because we come here often and as they have increased seating they haven't caught up to staffing when they are really busy so service can be a little slow but is still always worth it. Sunday Bloody Mary bar is awesome!! read more

Buddy's on the Beach - Sports Bars Near Me - Lake Odessa, Michigan

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My girl and I stopped tonight because we didn't feel like cooking. I am so glad we did. My darling had the grilled salmon with bourbon sauce that was on special, and I had a mushroom Swiss burger. We were both absolutely amazed at the quality, portion, and especially the taste of this food. The salmon was fresh, firm, and was glazed to perfection. The bourbon sauce and wild rice were perfect compliments to the wonderfully fresh salmon. It was served with a generous ear of local sweet corn that was farm fresh. The burger, medium rare and dripping with melted Swiss was perfect. Kudos to Buddy's. This small town pub can hold it's own with many 5 star restaurants. read more

This place was a pleasant surprise! Great water view, outside balcony upstairs, nice atmosphere all around, good food, great service. I felt like I was on vacation somewhere - give them a try :) read more

I had the most disappointing nachos deluxe. How do you ruin nachos? Let me tell you how, by using canned shredded chicken with ZERO spices or seasoning, unflavorful diced tomatoes and diced onions - THAT's IT!! What is "deluxe" about that!! I can't believe I spent $10 on it. Buddy's either needs to rethink the recipe and actually kick it up to "deluxe" or cut the price in half. I gave it 2 stars because it was hot and a large portion of boring tortilla chips. I realize Lake Odessa doesn't know the definition of diversity, but seriously it's so easy to create an exciting, delicious "nachos deluxe". Google it!! read more