We were in town for a military event and this was by far the best place we found to eat, highly…read morerecommend, great view, super flavorsome food, very authentic and great staff! Small side note, been using Yelp for 20 years but this is my last time using it today, they block VPN's and my family's security is more important than their corporate greed harvesting my IP. If you're visiting Alpena! Go to Pompeyos! Also, their copy shop had the most friendly folks, And the Base Staff are nuthin' short of miracle workers! Had to give a shout since there's no other way to do so. Peace, Prosperity, Healthy & Happiness to you all and praying for Democracy in America. De Oppresso Liber

good food, generous portions. many varieties combination, even better if group share. awesome view…read moreof the lake if you get a booth at the side. looks like there's patio table when weather is nice outside.

Very low key but comfy. The bartenders and wait staff are friendly and the service is great.read more

Good bartender. Rough crowd in the bar the night I was there, that spilled into a fight outside the…read moreplace.

Food is always good service a great live going here and the ambiance is very friendly and funread more

If you're visiting Alpena, THIS IS THE PLACE YOU NEEDA VISIT. Downtown, cozy vibes, amazing…read moreservice. What more could you ask for. Came in on a Monday night as we just pulled up into town after traveling for work and I needed Spanish Rice and carbs. After being seated the server gave us the menu and specials and the specials caught my eye as they had Fried Shrimp Tacos with a side of Spanish Rice. I didn't want to be too full so I thought it was going to be a good size. I was wrong their portions here are generous! 3 Tacos with 2 large shrimps inside and I couldn't finish the last one. ( I did take the shrimp and rice to go for a snack later) We also got guac and chips and it was nicely mashed, would def get again. Honestly will probably go before I leave the area. Hospitality and vibes were definitely there, you could see regulars come in and chatting it up with other diners and with the server. Really enjoy this interaction and this close nit community.

Food is always delicious and fresh. Beer is the best and atmosphere is laid back and comfortable.read more

Great food and service. Husband really loved the Brown Ale. Fun vibe and out of the way placeread more

Desi years ago sold his restaurant and the people who bought it kept the food the same it was great…read moreI'd go up 3-4xs in summer...well that family sold it to someone else, anyways last summer went there had to send my Enchiladas back because of too much chili powder on it so now its a year later and same thing happened...the table next to me said they messed up there order and the didn't eat much of it...now let me tell you that place used to be so busy but now not so much ...get a new cook

The "cheese" enchiladas are filled with orange nacho sauce. The enchilada sauce may have been…read moresalsa. The appetizers are likely from Gordon food service. If you want a Northern Michigan version of Mexican food, Desi's is for you. Nice server, though.

Great tacos, generous portions, and friendly people! I get the sense this place is fairly new, and…read moreeager to prove themselves. They're doing a great job so far! My fiancée and I arrived at 8:30-ish on a Tuesday, a little worried because we were so close to the stated closing time of 9:00. We needn't have worried. Several large parties arrived after us and everyone got served and was welcomed with smiles all around. The staff is super friendly and helpful. I get the impression this is a family run business, and they act the part. Our food was delicious and authentic. I ordered two tacos al pastor, my fiancee got the steak and the ground beef, and all was delicious. We split side orders of rice and beans, and glad we did, because the portions were too much for one person. The dining room is not fancy, but clean, casual, and comfortable. I'll be returning to the area from time to time in the future, and El Zarape will be one of my go to dining options when I'm here. Best success to the owners, they have a good thing going. The other diners all seemed to agree!

Authentic Mexican with great service. Food was delicious! Staff was attentive and kind. Plenty of…read moreseating. Best place for food in the area! Kid friendly options. Vegetarian options.

If you see this food truck out and about make sure you stop!!! They have a good variety and will…read moremake them to your liking. I had the bacon taco. Yup bacon taco. It was absolutely delicious. Hands down the best tasting taco around. Everything was made to order. They were quick and polite. Make sure you stop and try the is place out and support a local business.

Been here twice the guy has been crazy nice both times. The menu has interesting stuff. And the…read morefood is flavorful and made well . In my opinion any food truck or mexican place in gaylord is inferior to this gem. Give this guy money he works hard to make dope food.

Good food. Drinks were priced fair and good. Bathroom was clean. Can't complain been there a few…read moretimes

Great service--don't know the name of our waitress who's been there 8 years, but she was amazing…read moreand clearly loves her job. Shepherd's pie made in-house tasted delish. Vibes of Cheers mixed with any UK pub.

John Boy's isn't just a diner--it's a portal. One foot in Americana, one in a dream. The menu reads…read morelike a manifesto: sprawling, obsessive, oddly precise. Every dish arrives like it's been summoned by memory. The bacon is crisp, the toast knows something, and the omelets are heavy with intention. The dining room is small, dimly lit, and full of quiet drama. The regulars speak in half-smiles, and the staff greets you like they've seen your face before--in another life, maybe. Alpena doesn't have many restaurants. That's the mystery. You drive around expecting more, but there's a stillness here. A pause. And then--John Boy's. Waiting. Whether you're just passing through or hiding out for a while, this is your place. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner. (Even if you're not hungry.)

Your typical small town diner! Everyone was so friendly…read more Don't make my mistake and make sure you get their fresh bread!!! My husband got it and gave me a bite, and I regretted not getting my own! It was amazing.

Bring back the pickle pizza!! We were here for dinner the other night…read more Service was much better. But the pickle pizza was gone! And pickles weren't a topping option. Bring it back! I had the shrimp tacos instead. They were good, and the shrimp were big. But it was no pickle pizza.

Enjoyed the view as well as the Huron and tuna melt Sammie's. The little one said the grilled…read morecheese rivaled one of her faves. Def worth stopping for.