We stopped in on a Saturday just as they opened. The place fills up fast. I've been stopping in for the last 40+ years off and on. The place was cold! 90 degrees outside but folks were going to their cars for sweaters. I miss the non A/C environment myself. And I must add way too much money from Chicago. Very touristy, not a home town crowd any more. But the staff is awesome, the prices fair, the onion rings are among the best I've ever had. And the burgers, while they do lack a certain flavor, they do seem to be a good quality beef. All said, 4 of us ate well for under $70. I would not drive 45 minutes just to eat there, but if you're close or in town, it's worth the time to experience a staple of the area. It may not meet your big city expectations, as some have voiced in their reviews. But for us here in small town Michigan/Indiana, we like it just fine. read more

I absolutely love the "The Ultimate double Velveeta cheeseburger." I can honestly say that it's the best cheeseburger I have ever had. I highly recommend this place for all, couples, families, business meetings etc. read more

Visited on a Tuesday night. Wasn't packed either. Burger came out quick and it was clearly warmed up and not cooked fresh to order. These guys can and have done better read more

Burger was very good with valveta cheese, ordered sweet potato fries as we have done on past visits here, asked for honey for our fries, they said they no longer offer it because some have dropped it on the floor or just plain made a mess of it. My wife had the Italian beef, bland and tasteless, prolly won't be going back.... read more

Horrible service, do not recommend!! Very rude employees and dismissive manager. There are so many great restaurants in New Buffalo, do not waste your time here. read more

If you are in the area and want a delicious, juicy, authentic American burger, Redamak's is THE PLACE TO GO!! Make sure you come on an empty stomach because they definitely know how to fill their customers up. I have ate many burgers in my life and traveled to numerous different burger joints but nothing quite hits the spot like Redamak's. Please visit!!! You won't be sorry!! read more

Wasn't sure what to expect. Guess the nostalgic look is what people come for. I thought prices were expensive for a hamburger joint, had to pay extra for fries, not included. We did order, our order never went in before the so called power outage. We did get our drinks though, my husband had a beer, I had a coke. The waitress was pleasant and said they didn't know when the power woud return, drinks would be on the house. She came back a few minutes later, not happy looking that they had to charge for the beer. Really! Not a good thing by our standards. Say one thing and the manager overrides it. Can't help their is a power outage, but some people were eating their meal in the dark. I would think that they would have footed the bill in good faith. That told me lots to never return when in the area. There are better places, see the 1st rated place under New Buffalo. That's where we will be. And no credit cards. Not a cheap place to begin with, so this establishment is making a fortune saving on fees. I can see a local place that has dollar items doing that. Hello, wake up people! I seen you had to pay extra for extras on your burger. They sure know how to rip off!!!!!! read more

I cannot figure out what the attraction is unless you have at least one 7-year-old in your party, or your idea of a garnish is chili on your fries. No fewer then 11 kids were screaming bloody murder when I and my 3 friends were finally seated for what I was told would be a classic buger-and-fries lunch. Yes, my cheeseburger was excellent, but I couldn't hear myself think, what with the screaming kids running all over, their yammering self-absorbed post-boomer parents (I counted no fewer than 20 Range Rovers in the parking lot) and the servers yelling their orders. And people wait outside for an hour to be seated? This is the exact opposite of why I go to a restaurant. read more

I loved this place when I was a kid and I still love it although it is much bigger now. Dont listen to the bad reviews, its worth a stop. If it is a nice summer weekend you are going to wait, that is what happens at good places. Also, have some common sense folks, its a burger joint they are not going to be vegetarian options and it is not a 14 dollar "gourmet" burger at some Chicago bar/lounge. Also whoever said Schoops over Redamaks save your time it is a steak and shake rip off unless you are going there for breakfast. read more

Toward home, you'ld probably think you had lost your sanity were you to take your family to a corral like this,,but as soon as you can,,you visit the home of rock-hard seating,,an out-of-date--scream-the-table-number system,,and every screaming kid that isn't out getting a sugar treat at that moment. Still,, it's less-than-remarkable hamburgers and super-greasy potato strips leave alot to be desired,,even though it's their specialty. Bring cash, a seat cushion, and some ear plugs, and then let's hope you're not staying at campground facilities like we were. read more

I love this place for the burger! I don't agree with others that is it average. it is yummy! I don't like the prices and no fries with the burger and I don't like that you can only use cash, because this has kept me away from the place lots of times when I wanted to stop. BUT! Other than that the food is fabulous of what I have tired and the manager is super friendly and fun! read more

Cheap old dive bar that has a lot of tradition. Its not the best ever, but it hasn't changed which is pretty cool. Every summer as a kid we'd travel to New Buffalo and eat here. There definitely is some nostalgia going into my judgement. read more

The Positives: - Our waitress was great - nice, prompt, very considerate - Oberon (beer) on tap - @ $3.95 a draft - a good deal and tasty - Root beer float was good but was 3X the ice-cream to one part root beer (the waitress remedied this) The Negatives: - Onion rings were not crispy with uninspiring batter - The burgers were just OK, with soggy buns read more

Absolutely horrible food!! So disappointing. Kids apple sauce comes out in the store bought cup that you have to peel the top back. Salmon dinner had no flavor and served on a plastic plate. Chicken wings were gross, how do you screw up fried wings with sauce on top? They can't even get a basic Caesar salad to have flavor, I wonder which bottle of dressing on the shelf they poured on it? I assume if we had ordered a greasy burger we might not have been disappointed...highly doubt it (they can't even get fries right). How have they stayed open this long? read more

Ok so my mom has been bringing me here since I was 5 years old, just a one room bar with a slamming screen door. It's developed into a tourist must do and I can't blame anyone coming from other states for this all time favorite burger of mine. read more

With all of the hype that Redamak's gets, we knew it had to be on our list of places to try when in New Buffalo. We got there on a Saturday afternoon about 2pm for a later lunch and this place was still packed. We put our name in for what they said was going to be about a 15-20min wait (not bad!) and proceeded to wait. While waiting we saw signs that it was cash only, luckily they do have an ATM! We waited for about 30 min and decided to go to the host stand to see where we were at in line as our buzzer had not gone off yet. I guess they had accidently written the number down wrong and were buzzing the incorrect number, they apologized and said we would be seated next. After about another 20min wait we decided to go up again and check on it. They sent us to the back (with an attitude) and we were promptly seated there. The service was very friendly, however the food was a let down. Not sure it lived up to the hype. read more

The annual opening of Redamak's means 2 things - summer is coming and it's time for a burger fix. There's a reason it's been growing steady for more than 70 years. It's food for the summer soul. I highly recommend the legendary cheeseburger with velveeta cheese and grilled onions, but there are now lots of lighter options for those who prefer. Something for everyone in a casual family atmosphere. read more

Every time we are in new buffalo we have to stop here and get a burger. Sometimes we even get it to go and it's just as good. A fun family place to take the kids after a nice day at the beach. I have been coming here for years and it's always just as good. Only negative, make sure you bring cash. They don't take credit card read more

My son loves the burgers! He made me promise we'd go before we drove back home to Chgo. The service was excellent. Great casual atmosphere. I would have give 5 stars BUT FYI they don't take credit cards.... I rarely carry cash. read more

I am a local that lived in Chicago. I am still amazed that people actually wait in line for this food. And now I read how people think this is the best burger they have ever had! Please. Maybe if I was starving. This is a totally over rated place. Good for them that there are lines waiting for them to open but it confuses the hell out of me. I would rather have mcdonalds or burger King and I never eat that crap either. Hey they have been around a long time and people seem to love them so what do I know. read more

You need a great bun to even get in the conversation about a great burger, and Redemak's doesn't have it. Little better than wonder bread, it just fell apart as I was eating the burger. The burger itself was fresh and hand formed... but over cooked and lacking in flavor. The fries were average at best. The service was great, even on a very busy summer weekend and the prices reasonable. Despite the hype I didn't really believe that I would get a GREAT burger but I was hoping for a good one. I was disappointed. Legendary burger? No. read more

I still don't know why it is so popular as the food is exactly, meh. Good fries! But the hamburgers tasted like overly processed pink food. Alcohol was more costly than the food. Great Harbor Country ambience, but we have never liked this place food wise in more than 20 years of coming here. We try it again from year to year only to say the same thing, MEH. read more

First, let me say that I have been coming to Redamak's for nearly 30 years. I love the place. I can say that in all that time I've never been disappointed with the food or the service. I hear that everything on their menu is good but I can't get myself to order anything besides burgers and fries. I drive nearly 50 miles one way to get there so I get what I go there for. I understand what some reviewers mean when they say they don't get the big deal. I just like the atmosphere and the food. I love coming up to the lake and Redamak's is normally a part of that trip. Even when I'm bringing my boat, we place carry out orders..which by the way is very quick..much faster than when you sit down. The burgers are fresh, hand pattied and pan fried. The quality is consistent. I love the crinkle cut fries. The velveeta cheese is my favorite cheese choice. Do I wish they accepted debit cards? Yes, but there is an ATM there if you forgot to bring sufficient cash. They are closing for the season this year on October 20 so you still have a week to get your fix...or wait until March 1, 2014 read more

Redamaks, what happened? You were always a 5 star establishment in my eyes. Every drive through New Buffalo resulted in a stop at Redamaks, often bringing my "to go" order down to the lake and having lunch hanging out with the pooch (my copilot). So on Good Friday, I - despite having abstained from meat on Fridays through all of Lent - stopped in with a friend for a burger and some fries. I thought it would be worth it, and I had been praising your establishment to my friend for awhile now. The burger was decent, but it just didn't seem the same. The waffle fries I had, and fries my friend had, were soggy and gross. We didn't eat them. Even the pooch refused. My friend was not impressed. This was a two star visit, but I'm giving three stars because I'm hoping I just caught you on a bad day. PLEASE get it together, because if I have another experience like this I may just pass you by the next time I'm in town. read more

Great burgers. They formerly didn't offer tomatos on them, but now they do. Velvetta cheese on cheeseburgers is unique. Boisterous, crowded place. Two negatives: (1) Fish and chips had only 4 small pieces of fishes buried in a lot of potato chips. (2) They don't accept credit cards. read more

Sometimes you want to go somewhere for the flare, the confusion over where the entrance is and other unexpected quirks. Sometimes you want to go somewhere because you have always intended to or you heard about a legendary history, and, the iconic sign is just plain wonderful and odd. If you are feeling these things you might find satisfaction here. But, I have only been once and I did not have a spectacular meal. I had the Ultimate Double Velveeta Burger with sweet potato fries. The beef was dry, over cooked, and a little grainy. I was not asked what temperature I would like my burger and the menu says that burgers will not be cooked rare or medium rare. I had the impression my burger was not cooked to order and the patties had been cooked in advance and kept warm. The sweet potato fries were floppy and bland. Considering how busy the restaurant was, I was surprised the food was not fresher. Perhaps this was a one off experience. There were numerous young folks working and it may chalk up to inexperienced cooks. I might try it again but I won't recommend this restaurant or take my relatives till I find improvement. read more

I always enjoy the food and the service has been fine. It's time to start accepting credit cards as payment, which is why I'm not doing 5 stars. This place is not suffering for business because of the cash-only policy, but it's not about that. It's about customer service and cash only is not customer friendly in 2017. read more

I feel like I am betraying my childhood bc I frequented it often, as I lived in the area growing up. Honestly, I thought/think it was mediocre at best. Overpriced and small fry portions. I've had a stale bun on more than one occasion. Not accepting credit cards in this day n age is inconvenient and frustrating.There are no other competing burger joints in the area, so that is why all the hype. Plus it's been around for years and years. It is a good hangout for families living or visiting the area. The atmosphere is indeed lively. The burgers are good. But the fries look/taste like they are straight out of a frozen bag. It is cool to say you ate there, but if you want to-die-for burger and fresh cut fries at half the cost...go straight to 5 Guys. I think Chili's burgers and fries are better than Red's also. read more

So I've heard great things about this place. And I still didn't go. I got it carry out. For me. So I still need to make it here. But, I did have the velveeta triple cheeseburger. And it was amazing. 100% amazing. Legit the best burger I have ever eaten. Good size, great cheese/bun/toppings, and juicy and flavorful burgers. I will go here every time I'm in the area. Oh, and it's cash only. read more

My family loves coming here when we are in New Buffalo over the summer. It is very causal but the food is amazing! One of my favorite burgers by far. Stick to the basics - I wouldn't do the fish. Cash only so come prepared. read more

Shoulda stuck with a burger! I suspect this place is an institution for young families tired from a long day at the beach. Husband had a pork tenderloin sandwich and I had the walleye dinner. Just fried food served in a hurry. Prices are reasonable and service was great. read more

i'm not exactly from the area but did eat here once. i had a longing to try redamaks, driving interstate highways for many years and seeing their trademark roadside signs as i passed in the unlikeliest of areas. finally driving nearby earlier this year for other purposes gave me this opportunity. with that long-winded preamble i'll just say redamaks is a very nice looking, clean, and friendly restaurant. inviting, and if i was closer feel could easily get accustomed to making it a habit. the hamburgers are decent, juicy, and satisfying. IMO a very suitable family dining restaurant choice. remember redamaks when driving up lake michigan east shoreside edited postscript: redamaks closes for winter, and they're last open day for this season is at end of october read more

Below average dry burgers and fried sides... nothing special. Was probably great once but the relentless self promotion is insufferable and leads to unrealistic expectations. read more

Every time I make a trip to New Buffalo I always make sure to stop at Redamak's never been disappointed until my most recent visit. My girlfriend and I took a day trip to the Warren Dunes and like any other time on the way back we stopped at redamaks. Got seated right away checked out the menu and everything was good. Since my girlfriend had never been there before she ordered a "velveeta cheeseburger with Colby jack" and the waiter was a little rude and said "so a Colby burger" and that was fine a little rude but we moved past it and then when we went to order fries and the waitress asked "what type?" And my girlfriend pointed to the regular French fries and then she snapped and said "it's crinkly cut" and both me and my girlfriend were shocked at the rudeness in her voice. Other than that I have never had a bad experience here I would recommend it. 4/5 read more

Campy establishment, good burgers, stick to that. I got a Rueben here and it was nooooo good. If you stick to the menu staples you'll be satisfied, start going off the beaten path and it's either sink or jetski ( by that I mean either a 1 star or a 5). I know they have a best burger reputation but they are just good burgers, not bad by any stretch but also not the best read more

Let's face it, this isn't the best burger you've ever had but there's just something to this place. The service is usually quick once you get seated. For smaller parties, if it looks crowded, try it anyway. The crowd is usually made up of larger parties, and they can seat 4-5 quickly. Great shakes! read more

Redamaks is one of our favorite places in New Buffalo to eat at, however the service and experience can be quite inconsistent. For example my family ate at Redamaks in early June when we were spending the weekend at our beach house. We came in right at dinner time and the restaurant was basically empty which is super unusual, normally you can expect to wait at least ten minutes to get a table. We were seated immediately but had to wait forever for our waitress to take our drink and food orders. Our food took about 45 minutes and it was lukewarm. We also had to send my daughters burger back to the kitchen 3 times to get it right. Overall I will still be coming back but hope that we don't have an experience like that again. read more

The burgers are OK, but the fries are not very good at all. Really hit-or-miss. The whole things seems to have a cult following, but I can't figure out why. Perhaps their hostility to anything not deep-fried or grilled. read more

Nothing special. Mediocre burgers. No seasoning at all. Not even salt. Fries were good. Customer service was also lacking. Disappointed. read more

I've been coming to Redamak's all my life, and still go every chance I get. Don't be fooled by the presentation, which reflects the laid back beach lifestyle of its most loyal seasonal patrons. Unwrapped, the quality of the meat and the unique preparation deliver a melt in your mouth burger orgy unlike anything you've ever experienced! Sad that they're now closed for the season. Can't wait until March and my next Redamak's fix. read more