Yesterday, in our quest to find a pet friendly patio we made our way to Portage Lake Parlor. It's off the beaten path but not too far off the highway which is surprising because as soon as you pull in you almost forget you're in lower mid-Michigan. This place gives off major "Up North" vibes! You always kind of worry about how good or bad the food will be when the parking lot is empty but turns out they had just opened and we were some of the first customers of the day. By the time we were finished the parking lot was filling up. Our family of 5 ordered the small meat plate (pulled pork, ribs, brisket), fries, greens, kids chicken tenders, kids cheeseburger, a couple brownie sundae's, and a few beers & pops. We enjoyed all of it. Personally, the brisket was my favorite. There wasn't anything too special about the fries, they were basic, hot, and delicious. The greens were tender and were Carolina style (could taste the apple cider vinegar). No complaints from the kids which is always a good thing. The brownie sundae was huge! We shared and could have easily split just one. Now here are the most "expensive" things that didn't cost any money. As soon as we stepped out of the cars you could smell the cherry wood. Luckily, the smells are free or I would have been broke. Our server didn't seem like she wanted to be there at first (who can blame her, it's work on a beautiful day) but she warmed up to us and we ended up leaving her a nice tip. The food runner was an older lady and she was so charming and even brought out a bowl of water for our dog. One of the managers stopped by to make sure everything was tasting good. The man smoking the meats thanked us for stopping by as we left with our stomachs full. Then a patron in the parking lot chatted with us for a few minutes. Kindness, attentiveness, and common courtesy are lost arts and go a long way in my book! We'll definitely be back. In fact, we're heading there now with the rest of the travel baseball team to enjoy good food, kind service, while we kill some time before the next game. Dang it, I just realized I didn't photograph the food but if you've seen a plate of smoked meats then you can imagine. read more

Very good food! The taco salad was very delicious and large! The Dirty Rice dish was amazing with the meat on it was very good.

The food and service were both excellent. Nice little patio with lighting out back. Our visit would've been perfect, except for the fact that we were overcharged. We ordered cornbread and they never took it off of the bill. They couldn't make it due to the kitchen being closed. read more

This is our second time coming here. The ambiance is very small town casual. Good selection is not a lot. Service was ok. There were only two girls serving and one of them was also the bartender. Seemed very rushed. "I'm sorry. Feels like everyone came in at the same time". In my opinion you should not give excuses to your clients. We will be back but expectations are lower. read more

Great food! No let me say EXCELLENT food. Good beers on tap! Today we're have Boston Lager!

Menu is very limited. Waitress was friendly. We had brisket sandwiches which were cold. Paid 60$ (including a few beers) and ate on paper plates! read more

Finally able to check this place out and it has now become our weekly "date night" spot. Their menu may be limited but the flavors of their smoked meat are incredible. We try something new every time. read more

The sides: cheese potatoes, collard greens, coleslaw are terrible and served way to large of proportions . I will not be back!

Went for dinner on a Sunday after opening our camper. Staff is great, beer ice cold, food fresh and delicious!! Happy to have this place near by for our camping season. read more

Good food cold beer small but also has outdoor seating, serves was a little slow but friendly staff. Very close to the portage lake state campground . read more

Such a cute little place. The waitress was so nice and accommodating for us and our small children. There are things for the children to do as well. Food was great, beer was cold! read more

Very pricey and limited selection. If you need gluten free, vegan or other such bakery items then this is place for you.

No cell service. No wifi. Very boring. Pretty "rustic". Hoping the new ownership improves the place. Not yet.

Very slow. Food came out barely warm/cold. No flavor. No sauce. Had to ask for sauce... took 20 mins to get it. Food was cold by then. Sauce tasted/looked like a dark catsup. Appetizers came out and were sent back. Appetizers finally come out after everything else. You'd think a small city restaurant/bar would have better service... this is NOT barbecue. Tastes like re-heated deli meat. First time, last time. I should've just ordered a pizza across the street. read more

Ok we went here for dinner we had to wait 45 mins for food but the food was good service was so bad the girl that took our order she sat at our table and everyone else that she took there order the service really Something else I seen a girl drop some silverware on the floor and then picked it up and put it on the table, read more

The food is hot and fresh. The service is happy and helpful It's a great place to grab a drink with friends. read more

What a cool place to relax and have a few beers and a pizza with some friends. This is not a high end restaurant, so if you expect to be treated like royalty, you will be disappointed. However, if you like being treated like an old friend you will be happy. The pizza was excellent, the wet burritos rock, the beer is cold and the service was great. Ronda took care of us and made us feel at home. We ate outside on their patio and it was very comfortable. We found this place by accident, but have been back a few times without being disappointed. If you play golf at Calderone Golf Course, this is a great place to settle your bets and have few laughs, since it is only 2 miles due north of the course. On the downside, I think they should give a little TLC to the patio area. Some nicer chairs and a nightly shot with the leaf blower to remove the leaves and twigs would be nice. I look forward to a return visit. read more

Service is nothing special and food is extremely bland. They use liquid cheap cheese on their nachos and the other items I've gotten here in the 3 times I've come, have seriously lacked flavor. I really wanted this place to be good seeing that it is a 10 minute drive from my house but every time I came, I was deeply disappointed. I gave up on hoping and have taken my business elsewhere. read more

Three of my friends and I just had lunch there on a Wednesday. Rhonda was our server and was so attentive and friendly. I had the garlic Parmesan and buffalo wings and they were delicious. My friends who had the tacos really enjoyed them. On the way out the cook smiled and waved at us. Great location, friendly service, great popcorn and good prices. We'll be back! read more

The portage lake parlor is a great place to hang out, grab a beer and some great food. The prices are all very reasonable and the staff is very nice and attentive. The owner really did a good job with bringing a great bar to the lake. My favorite snack had to be the elephant toes, amazing. And they even have ice cream if you just want a quick cone. Come on down, you'll love it! read more

I've been here many many times and each time has been worse than the last. While the wait staff and service is good, the food is awful. This will be my last time eating here unless things change as it was decidedly our whole table's worst meal ever. At minimum, they need to change out the oil in the fryer in a regular basis. read more

Stopped in Friday night. Had a Bud Light & a shot of jamieson. $13.00...Outrageous price for a neighborhood bar. I will not be back.

I like the PLP. They were super nice to the babies we had in tow for lunch recently. I like the pizza, wish they would get feta cheese as a topping & then I would love it! Fish and chips were great, and they will make their burrito minus meat and it is yummy! read more

We came to The Parlor on the night when they had a band and the Michigan game! It was a hoot. If your looking for fun and friendly service this is the place. They also have great ice cream. The severs where very friends even with us having a gluten and dairy allergy. They have a back room with lots of games to play! Also very kid friendly! read more