We arrived and found a lively atmosphere, nice bar with comfy bar stools and friendly bar staff. There was definitely a "Cheers" vibe, and it was obvious many of the patrons knew each other and dined there frequently. It was refreshing to peruse an interesting small plates menu which we would definitely go back to try on a future visit. There is also a traditional menu as well as a special menu on weekends prepared by a guest chef featuring international cuisine. We tried the "Thai Night" menu and especially enjoyed the vegetarian potstickers in a delicious Thai sauce and the noodle salad with shrimp. The flavors were layered, with a delicate creamy texture and just the right amount of spice. There is a parking lot on site and reservations are a must on weekends, although an early arrival might get you a nice spot at the bar! read more

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A total vibe--you have to try the espresso martini and the bread pudding. This is the perfect date night restaurant/lounge with ambient lighting! I love that they change their menu seasonally, but the excellent service is year-round. read more

The Historian Cocktail Lounge - Wake Me The F*** Up Martini (espresso martini) - Supper Clubs Near Me - Sawyer, Michigan

Service is poor food ok, but very limited menu. Too much attitude for such a poor experience

Visited with my mother and her friends when they were visiting the area, and had a great dining experience. The food, cocktails and wine were all very enjoyable, and the service was friendly and attentive. Historian is a welcome anchor in Sawyer for dinner or just drinks. read more

Updated supper club offers cozy environment with special cocktails & contemporary menu. Sawyer is upgraded w this restaurant..We loved our evening at The Historian! read more

Amazing women owned business with extraordinary attention to detail. We didn't expect the level of quality we received from food. The dishes are intricate and drinks are well rounded. Definitely recommend. read more

The Historian Cocktail Lounge - Spritz and beer - Supper Clubs Near Me - Sawyer, Michigan

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Great menu! Food and drinks are really delicious. Wonderful service and vibe. I would love to come back. Thank you all so much!

Stopped in for a glass of wine and looked at the menu and knew I had to stay for dinner. Bartender was super friendly and she made good recommendations. Our server was great. She really knew her stuff. I'll be back Elizabeth read more

Where to start? The owners here are not nice people. Note to views here that children are not allowed at this restaurant. In such a family orientated area that is funny. I would not venture here... did end up going with my husband and the food was overpriced and just so-so... for that kind of money you would be in a 4 or 5 star restaurant. The attitude here by everyone is condescending and rude. I will never go here again. We were treated poorly ... nothing tops that... it is just upsetting. read more

We had a wonderful dinner on Saturday April 25, 2026. Had a great table with plenty of space. Our Olivia was great as she helped about the menu as this was our first time. The drinks were wonderful and the appetizers and the desserts were too, but the main meals were fantastic. The best of them were the Beef Bulgogi Bowl outstanding!!!!! That was a Special that night and was 5 Stars!! Hope that put on the regular menu! I would order it every time! read more

Great service through and through. Apps and entrees came out at a proper time! Sydney (pardon if I misspelled) took great care of us and was so sweet and friendly and efficient! Bar drinks were sent out at an impressive speed. AMAZING read more

The Historian Cocktail Lounge - Espresso Martini - Supper Clubs Near Me - Sawyer, Michigan

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We arrived about 10 minutes early for our reservation and were seated immediately. Our service was GREAT as were our meals and overall experience!!! They were doing a NOLA-themed menu, so we started out with a Sazerac which was DELICIOUS. We ended our meal with Spanish coffee, equally delicious even though our mixer said she'd never made one before. In-between, we enjoyed tuna tartare, oyster bisque, Cajun walleye with hush puppies, a smoky Cajun gumbo, beignets with chocolate sauce and an Argentine malbec. All EXCELLENT!!! If you haven't been to the Historian, you're missing out. Great food, friendly service, nice vibe and decent prices. read more

This is a nice little place. Service was friendly. Food was just ok, but I might try some other things here stll. The pot de creme was good. The chicken was dry and the flatbread was not warm, which is one of the best things about eating flatbread. The sauce and flavors were good though. I did not like the shallot dressing on the salad but others may like it. read more

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Drinks were great! Loved them! And really nice bartender. Food was soo bland. Order the equites frites that tasted so blah it was sad. Bummmer. Cute spot though s read more

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Atmosphere and service are five stars and the food and drinks match. It's such a great ambience whether on an intimate date or with a group of friends, it's an awesome choice. read more

Stopped in while I was in town visiting a friend and let me tell you this place did not disappoint!!!! Everything was absolutely delicious, and Sydney was the best! I can't wait till I'm back in town again... read more

Service is like you are ordering at an IHop or Denny's. Incorrect or no information about the menu. Food is mediocre at best. Lots of attitude. Noisy. There are much better dining options in the area. read more

Love the food drinks and atmosphere service is fantastic recommend to anyone coming to Southwest Michigan.

When I say we were impressed by every detail at the Historian: we were IMPRESSED. This is a small supper club with a handful of menu items. Lighting is dim- reception style. There are, I believe, 20 tables or less. A handful of walk-ins could potentially overwhelm them and I mean that in the best way; It carries an exclusive vibe. Service was top notch. Wine and spirits choices were top shelf, but very affordable. Overall this was a meal that would be 3x more expensive in even a regional Midwest city. We chose to get a driver from St Joe so our whole group could enjoy ourselves (shout out Frank's Designated Driver!) and it was a lovely experience from start to finish. It's incredible a restaurant of this caliber is hiding in Sawyer, Michigan, but sheesh- How lucky are we that it is? read more

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Our food was very good and our service (Olivia) was excellent! Everyone was so friendly. We will definitely be back. read more

The Historian Cocktail Lounge - Supper Clubs Near Me - Sawyer, Michigan

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I ordered the pecan crusted striped bass and was disappointed. The fish was dry and without flavor, as were the accompanying green beans and polenta. The presentation was nice and the service and ambiance were great. Perhaps I will try the restaurant again; and then, perhaps not. read more

A hidden gem. always excellent food and service. The tomahawk pork chop is amazing. This is my favorite restaurant in SW Michigan .

We love sitting at the bar when there are the two of us or even three. The plane cocktail is unique and the baristo quite informative. Food always top notch. However, our last experience wasn't up to par. Our guest ordered mussels and was disappointed as there was no broth in the bowl. She sent it back and it arrived with more of a sauce than a broth base. The rest of us were more than satisfied with our scallops, shrimps and other entrées. Olive cake was offered and is trendy, appearing on numerous menus lately.. However, this cake was unusually salty, and all of us raised our eyebrows and thought somebody put in salt instead of sugar. One person commented that she preferred the cake without the sauce as we were sharing one slice for the four of us. When the cake came back without sauce, we wondered why the sauce didn't appear in a side dish. We didn't feel it was worth discussing so we left, but didn't have the positive feeling about Historian as we usually do. We love the restaurant and its atmosphere and careful offerings and will definitely keep coming back, but thought you would like to know our reaction to our last experience . Ro and Curt. read more

This little spot is a gem. Delicious food and terrific service. Cozy and not loud and the cocktails were yummy.

Rule #1: always go for the specials. Rule #2: never be disappointed when it's grilled shrimp with couscous and scallops with red peppers and polenta. Delicious dinner and wine and a take away dessert of bread pudding. nice vibe at the Historian! We'll be back. read more

Just went for drinks. We sat at the bar and spent a good 1.5 hours with two drinks. Bartender was an older lady and we really enjoyed watching her mix drinks. I am a whiskey fan and really loved the Paper Plane cocktail. A bit pricey, but you are paying for some high end liquor and the atmosphere of the place. read more

Great addition to the area. Nice staff, friendly owners, excellent craft cocktails. Can't believe they converted what was such a sterile space into such a warm and welcoming bar and restaurant. Food is very good. The steak, pork chop, ahi tuna tartare, duck tenders, and onion tart all earned rave reviews from our table. Will be back. Frequently. read more

We have visited The Historian for cocktails before. But, tonight was our first time dining here. Charming little place with fabulous food. We had the St. Patty's Day prix fixe dinner which consisted of potato croquettes, slices of house brined corned beef, whipped Mashies, brussel sprouts and dark chocolate mint pot de creme! We also tried the tomahawk pork chop, burrata salad and whipped feta with blistered grapes, honey drizzle, crushed pistachios and Marcona almonds. Everything was delicious. Great flavor combinations and presentation. Definitely a MUST try if you have not been! Phenomenal dining experience. read more

The Historian Cocktail Lounge - Whipped feta - Supper Clubs Near Me - Sawyer, Michigan

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Absolutely wonderful experience. We arrived to a full house on Thursday evening and were given the table in the renovated back room. Super cute and private for the six of us. The wine list is probably the best in the area. The food surpassed my expectations. The deviled eggs and vegetable fritters were excellent. The hanger steak was perfectly cooked and seasoned. Historian will definitely be our go to for a nice night out from now on. read more

Cool vibe and open later than most in the area. Craft made cocktails served by a knowledgeable staff. Nice wine selection too.

This was the worst experience I've ever had. Lunatic bartender flew off the handle at us over ordering donuts from the food truck within their own parking lot. Said it's against a state law? Asked to see the state law and we were told they didn't have to show us? Like what? Why not just as us to put donuts in our car? Rather than violently charge at us, screaming that she couldn't serve us? Coming from an affluent area of IL, I cannot express my surprise and disgust at this persons behavior. We had ordered apps and drinks and our bill was at $100 before we could order our dinner. I would NEVER recommend this establishment to any consumer. Also, the owner was a spineless jerk. Offered no resolution. Honestly feels racially singled out. Do not recommend. The apps and drinks we received prior to the donut incident sucked anyway. Gather All Day down the down the road told us they've never heard of this "law" also had a wonderful dinner service and spectacular food. Incident report has already been filed with the better business bureau. Never been so offended. read more

Amazing cocktail menu and wine menu. Only had the deviled eggs which were very flavorful and had a wonderful texture. Already planning when we can make it back. The ambience was wonderful with comfortable seating great service. Music volume was perfect, a very inviting place. read more

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Great for a local spot. Drinks good, food good, and the staff is welcoming. It's over 21 only which is a nice twist. Has a friendly local bar scene. read more

Good is excellent with a limited menu. Speciality Cocktail menu is amazing. Staff is friendly and attentive. Bistro like setting. It's just somewhat noisy but I love it! read more

We ate at the Historian on July 27 and enjoyed our three entrees and appetizer. However the pork chop was full of fat. At the price being charged I did. It expect such a poor cut of meat. read more

We waited too long to find this lovely bistro-style restaurant just 15 minutes from us. It's decorated beautifully, the bar is inventive and the service exemplary. Food is wonderful. If you haven't been, go. We'll be back! read more

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Elegant and quaint with a bunch of class. Delicious food and drinks delivered with great service. A true cornerstone of Harbor Country dining, welcoming all. read more

This review is long overdue, but I cannot say enough good things about The Historian - lovely ambiance with excellent cocktails, apps, dinner, and dessert. It has quickly and easily become a favorite spot for my Husband and me when visiting Michigan & if we lived here, we would definitely be regulars! We got married at a local winery in the area in October 2022 and brought some of our guests with us to The Historian after the reception ended for some late night snacks, desserts, & cocktails - my guests raved about how wonderful everything was! Not to mention, the owner, Michael, was so kind to communicate with me beforehand while he was on vacation even to set everything up (our first time trying The Historian was late September 2022 & I loved it so much that I reached out to see if it was possible to set something up for us for after our wedding which was only like two weeks later) & truly went above and beyond. On the menu for our late night bites was a smoked whitefish tartlet, a tapenade palmier, potato gratin wedges and, on the sweet side - milk chocolate tartlets, pumpkin bites, and chocolate mousse - everything was delicious and it was so nice to be able to continue to hang out with some of our guests in a more intimate setting. We will forever be huge fans of The Historian (& The Peasant's Pantry) and recommend them to everyone we know. read more

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We have been here many times since it first opened. Every experience has been great! The drinks, the food, and the team there are all amazing. We were there for St. Patrick's Day, and it was so much fun! read more

Stopped in for an evening cocktail. Staff was very friendly and attentive. Drink menu was awesome with lots of variety. Drinks and ambiance was great. Will definitely return and try some food. read more