I had really high hopes for this long time establishment, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to it. First, the ambiance and the service was excellent. We ate in the 'bar' section that had an excellent menu, tons of space, and a great server. It was easy to get refills, have additional drinks, and get the food in the timely manner. The concern is price for quality. The food quality was bad. The taste was nonexistent. The price astronomical. I can't recommend this spot until the price/quality quotient becomes more amicable. If there was even a hint of spice...or quality the rating would be better because of the service and ambiance. However, at the end of the day, this is a restaurant not a bar. read more

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Food and service were very good. Lobster tail for $14. Very good. Steak very good. Desert very good.

We came back because we really enjoyed our experience last time. This time I had a mixed bag experience with my food. I had the wedge salad, and I was shocked at how good the cherry tomatoes were given that we visited in the dead of winter. We also ordered some bread this time, and it came with a very garlicky pesto, which we enjoyed. We both had items off the special menu, and while I loved my Chilean sea bass, I did not like the rice or the tomato sauce over top. My asparagus was great as well. My BF had the New York strip. It came with scalloped potatoes and asparagus. We topped it off with the brownie sundae we had last time and enjoyed that as much as the previous time as well. While our server was good this time, I wouldn't put her at the top of my list. I felt like we could have been given a bit more attention. So...I imagine we will be back because my BF likes the wine list so much, but I will be getting something different to eat next time. Rounded down from 3.5 stars. read more

While visiting the area, I went with my partner and his family for apps and drinks after an event! It was my first time visiting and we were greeted promptly as we had a reservation and the service was good. They were fairly busy and the place is always a bit loud (from what they said), so making a reservation seemed like the best idea. It's a pretty typical sports bar and we ordered the traditional wings, boneless wings, calamari, and margherita pizza to share. I think my favorite were the traditional wings but nothing overly exciting to note. I would love to try other things to really adequately review! The pizza crust was a little soggy for my liking which is the only knock on the rating, but otherwise enjoyable! read more

New chef changed menu without keeping any of our favorite items. New items are not superior to original--no Texan burger, no french fries, no veggie burger. New burgers are tiny and terrible. Lobster tail was served pureed and only dolloped on the sides of a completely empty shell; eggplant rollatini was creamy and flavorless compared to the prior delicious eggplant neopolitan. read more

Had high hopes with the news of a new chef, but unfortunately we were disappointed. My husband's Short Ribs were good but warrant a mild recommendation. Nothing to write home about. I ordered the Ribeye, on recommendation of the server, "we are a steakhouse". The steak was so fatty, not marbled as you'd expect, and the flavor was just bland. If it had been tasty, I would have cut through the fat to find the yummy pieces but it wasn't worth it. We were offered that the chef could replace the steak, but given that the flavor wasn't there, it just didn't seem worth it. Our server was nice and attentive though - and apologized that it clearly wasn't a hit. read more

This place said it was a sports bar and to our surprise there was nothing sports bar about it! Appetizer menu was pathetic, not sure how many sports bars have steak tar tar? This place was way over priced, the menu was all over the place and the sour looks on both the hostess and bartender were both reason to leave. This place came recommended by the hotel we were staying at and after complaining about their recommendation we were told it was under new owners. Save your time and money and find another restaurant that at least looks happy to have your business. read more

Ordered a burger and the special of the day...chili hot dogs. The special hot dogs didn't tell us there was 2 so that was a bonus. The red onions didn't have any flavor but would say it was ok. The burger was ordered as medium rare and was served well done. No pink whatsoever. It tasted ok but seemed much smaller than the burgers I have had the past several years. Fries were great...but I always love a good juicy burger and that was not what I got. It was 2:30 in the afternoon so not busy... read more

A steak joint located just north of Petoskey on the way to Harbor Springs. Inside it seems to be divided between a dining room and a sports bar area. The dining room wasn't open so we got seated in sports bar area. That was okay though because it was Saturday and College football was on. Like a lot of sports bars the lighting was kinda low. However the atmosphere was cozy. I ordered the Denver Steak ($47), which is an American Wagyu steak, it also came with Truffled Mashed Potatoes. I also ordered the Cream Corn ($7). I almost ordered the Japanese A5 Wagyu steak ($93). I ordered the Denver Steak medium. It was good, but not great. The steak was a little tough. I think of Wagyu as melt in your mouth, not chew chew chew. It had a good meat flavor, however I've had better for much less. Heck I've cooked better. The mashed potatoes were very good and cream corn was excellent. The person I was with ordered the NY Strip ($40), also served with mashed potatoes. She also got a side salad ($5). She got her steak medium rare and stated it was tender and very good. Also the side salad was a good portion size and fresh. The service was very good. Served with a smile and efficient. Overall a 3 star review. Would I return? Probably. I'm disappointed because I went hear because it made a list of top 10 places in Michigan for a steak and it didn't come close to my expectations. However everything else was good and I liked the atmosphere. Lastly just a heads up your bill will have 2 totals on it. A cash price and a credit card price with 3.5% added on. read more

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I had higher hopes here. Service was 5 star. Excellent service and the ambiance is nice --no complaints at all. But at 40$ a plate you expect a dining experience--this was a turn and burn and we were in an out in an hour. 200$ bill and we were cycled through so fast it was crazy--and we got drinks and appetizers!! So I would say if you go, set a boundary with waitstaff --don't order all at once--food was out in ten minutes--know that. We hadn't even finished our appetizer. Order apps and wait before ordering food. As for the food, I felt the rice was bland, chicken under seasoned. Burgers were good--people enjoyed them and also commented on Brussel sprouts --if you're meeting someone there for dinner go somewhere else for a drink first, or plan to slow the process down. read more

Food was very bland, too expensive for poor service and tasteless food. Tables were clean and place overall was good, but way too much money for the bad food. read more

Literally the worst service I have received in many years. I ordered my ribeye medium and it came out not even blue rare. I sent it back and it was maybe blue rare. Wasn't about to send it back a second time. The server rarely stopped by. I have been here many times, but I might not come back again. I could make steaks for my whole family for what it cost for just one and I do a far better job. The steak was quite literally unseasoned. They threw some crispy onion straws on top to hide the fact that the chef didn't know how to season a steak. I am embarrassed for them. read more

Service was great! Had a great Italian wine recommended by our server. I had a really good farm fresh salad with house made dressing... fresh Parmesan cheese on it, chicken was tender and it was enough for two meals. My hubs had the spaghetti and meatballs. He could have had an extra one for five bucks, but it was late and said 2 would be fine. OH MY WORD! I was a bit jealous because the whole dish was fantastic! Homemade meatballs, and the sauce! Mama Mia! Sorry, had to do it.. definitely would come back here when we come thru the area read more

We had dinner at Vernales last night and it was fabulous! I had the arugula salad and the meatballs and my husband had a house salad and the perch dinner. All were well prepared and very enjoyable! read more

We sat out on the patio. It was a beautiful evening. We had Cherry Manhattans to start. They were tasty and packed a punch. The Brussel Sprout starter was excellent. We order the Surf & Turf for two for dinner. The meal was beautifully presented, steak and lobsters were cooked perfectly and every bite was delicious. We ended the evening with Hummers. I don't know if a Hummer is a drink or dessert, but it was the perfect ending to a wonderful meal. We visit Vernale's every time we are in Petoskey and we hope to be back again. read more

Great menu ... Torn on deciding between no less than six top choices! Landed on the Chicken with Brie sauce over asparagus and house wild rice which was fantastic! Hubs raved about the three-cheese ravioli with wild Mushroom sauce. Do not miss this gem! Friendly attentive staff & reasonable prices! read more

We checked in at the Best Western and asked about nearby food areas that were good. She did suggest Vernales and provided a 10% off coupon. We checked in pretty late at about 9:10 and the restaurant closed at 10. It was a short distance away and I did call ahead. The employee said it was open, no reservation needed, and the full menu is available. We were seated immediately and it was pretty empty, most likely due to covid. The staff member was super friendly and gave us options. They asked if we wanted indoor or outdoor and then what seating area as well. Our waitress came right away and took our drink order. She was super sweet. When she took our order for food, she brought out some bread as well with the pesto sauce. My penne alfredo was amazing. It was super creamy and not cheaply made. You could tell they use real cream. I even saw some melted pieces of parmesian on top. My husband loved it as well. He got the NY Strip rare and it came with vegetables and potatoes. He really enjoyed his steak and told the waitress "compliments to the Chef this is amazing." The waitress checked on ua frequently and refilled our drinks. If I am ever in the area again, I definitely will stop to eat here. read more

Vernales Restaurant - Steakhouses Near Me - Harbor Springs, Michigan

This is one of favorite restaurants. Whether we want to eat in the sports bar for a good burger or the amazing shrimp tacos or eat in the chop house or wine cellar for that special occasion the service is always impeccable. read more

I always went here with my dad and there boneless wings are AMAZING. And everyone there is always super nice. And they always have the Tigers and Lions game of when they play. So I give it a 10/10 read more

We have always enjoyed coming here but tonight was disappointing. From the mediocre cocktail that I sent back only to have it replaced with the exact same thing, to the septic smell that emanated the sports bar, it was rough. We ordered the bare minimum because we appreciate the staff but it will be awhile before we will return. read more

Overrated, overprice and I'm over it. Never again. Get a better steak at home and save your money. Very disappointed.

Stopped in on the way back from mackinaw and we were glad we did. Old school steakhouse / sports bar vibe. The menu was a little confusing with its generic fare then a bunch of Waygu options. It would have been nice if they had a couple of other traditional steak options. Also a veg would be nice with the entree and not just a potato. Service was excellent and we will be back. read more

This is my favorite place in the area. It's seriously an experience every time I come. Brought my Mother here for the first time for Mother's Day and she was blown out of the water. The atmosphere was so beautiful, everyone that works there was absolutely awesome-great customer service. The food....mouth watering delicious. This place definitely needs to be on everyone's list of a great restaurant to visit. read more

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food was good but I have to poop. wouldn't get penne. my stomach really hurts now. read more

Vernales Restaurant - John's steak - Steakhouses Near Me - Harbor Springs, Michigan

The food quality at this restaurant is decent. Some items left something to be desired, but overall, the food was good. Steaks were cooked appropriately, but some side dishes were rushed/not cooked to how you'd commonly see them cooked. The service was lack luster for the quality you'd expect at these prices. Our waitress forgot one of our entree orders, then disappeared for 15 minutes after realizing the mistake. There were no updates, no communication on it other than "I'll check on it" and went awol for the said 15 minutes. The ambiance was the best part. It was a nice restaurant and was nice. Overall, I'd give this place a shot, but do not expect "big city steakhouse" expectations on it. Most of their food is good, but it may lack in some areas. The other reviews seemed to hold fairly true to our experience. read more

I've had some great meals here recently, notably burgers, fish tacos, and the chicken Madagascar dish. The Madagascar has artichokes in the pasta and deep fried artichokes on top! I cook a lot at home, so it's nice to be able to treat oneself to some finer dishes here! I feel the beer and cocktail selection is a little more unique than other places in town. Service was great and it's decorated for Christmas right now. Very cozy spot! read more

Service and food was excellent, great place. You've got to STOP with the $8 fee for using a debit card to pay your bill. Everyone wants a cashless society. Just bake it into your prices. Stop insulting the customers. Banks don't charge for debit card. Use only credit use. read more

went 3x this summer! the food. -especially the steaks can't be beat- great menu- awesome wait staff and quick but not rushed service were all outstanding! read more

We always try to make time for a visit to Vernales when we are up north. Consistently busy, consistently great food. We did not make a reservation for dinner but were seated immediately. Don't be fooled by a packed parking lot - they have a LOT of seating. Our server was friendly and gave us great service. We generally go for steak but this time opted for something different and we were not disappointed. We started with the whitefish dip (an "up north" staple!) and it was delicious. 3 out of the 4 of us got burgers and truffle fries - guys, those truffle fries - OMG. Yep, you will eat every. single. one. The burgers were cooked perfectly and were delicious. The other person in our party had the special which was BBQ ribs. Personally, there was a bit too much sauce for her but that was easily remedies by taking some off. Ribs were meaty, tender and light on fat. Always a great meal. It's definitely worth a visit! read more

Awesome food great place lots of tables. Stopped on our way thru Petoskey made a great choice.

We were here in a Saturday night. It was busy but we were able to get seated. This is an upscale sports bar. The service was prompt friendly. We got just enough attention to keep us happy without seeming bothered. The food we had was good but pricey. They had a good selection on tap and a full bar. We'll stop in again when we are in the area. read more

Visited on a Friday evening, our server seemed to be distracted. I ordered the king crab legs (without asking what market price was) I found out I paid $144!!! They were good, but NOT WORTH THAT! I asked if I can switch the rice out for a different side and was told "sure for the price of that side" which means no, i cannot switch, I can give up the rice for free and pay even more for anything else I want...at $144 I do not feel like I should pay anything extra. She eventually came back and said I can have mashed potatoes in place of the rice at no additional charge. There was no salad with my crab legs like I see mentioned in other posts, no bread offered, no ice in my ice water that I specifically asked for...I gave it 3 stars only because my husband like his steak and lobster and the whitefish dip was good. We will not be back. read more

I had dinner this evening at Vernale's. A friend and I go there fairly frequently because we are year round residents of Harbor Springs. I ordered salmon and asked if I could substitute something for the rice. Was told mashed potatoes and baked potatoes, but baked would be a $6 up charge??????? Huh?? The hostess then came and said it cost a lot more to make a baked potato than mashed......again, huh??? Put a potato in oven? Vs I guess adding water to ma shed potato mix?? I asked to have the extra cost comped because we were frequent patrons. They could have cared less! This kind of nickel and diming is a sure way for people not to return. The salmon was served with two smooches of mashed potatoes and Nothing Else except a piece of lemon! I don't remember exact cost but a long long way of being reasonable for such a meal. Maybe people driving through the area or here in summer only might not mind a $6 up charge for the baked potatoes, but those of us who live here have other known options and Vernales will be off my list. The young woman who manned the front desk was not the least bit cordial when questioned and the server just stood back and smiled. Last time for me there and I will not be quiet about my experience...please rethink this kind of stupid stuff..... read more

Enjoyed Vernales for a birthday dinner. Just minutes outside of Petoskey in Harbor Springs, this was a delicious choice. I tried the New York Strip, excellent. She had the Sea Bass, excellent. Grady took great care of us. Definitely recommend a visit when you're in the area. read more

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When you tout yourself as #1 steakhouse in Michigan & charge $9 for a baked potato, one does not expect filet to be served over low quality, slightly odd tasting whipped potatoes & slathered with bland gelatinous beef gravy. Yuck & Disappointing! Expected the baked potato to be three or four times the size of the paltry thing I received. The bottom 1/3" of the potato was hard, overcooked & inedible. We were truly astonished. Check my reviews -- I don't give many 1's. If this were a $60 meal for 2, I'd give it a 2, but *at lunchtime* the bill before tip & with soda to drink was over $130. For that I expect quality & excellent food. Broke & disappointed. read more

When traveling trough this town we stopped in for dinner and it was amazing. We are so happy we stopped! We enjoyed the friendly service from the staff. The place was very clean and defintely a classy place. The wine and beer menu selections they offered was very extensive. We looked over the menu and went with the huge Tomohawk Steak and Lobster tail special for two. It was amazing and breath taking to see the size of this thing... The flavors were mouth watering.... Very fresh tasting food that was well plated. We enjoyed our visit and would gladly stop back again anytime we are in the area. They also had a cool looking sports bar that was really big inside as well. We had the kids with so we sat in the dining room. Would be a great place to watch a game and eat like a king! Or a Queen! Cheers read more

Vernales Restaurant - Steakhouses Near Me - Harbor Springs, Michigan

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Gotta bump up from 3 to 4 stars, based on last two visits. Service is wonderful, pours are excellent and food keeps getting better all the time. Also open later than most places during the week - bonus! read more

Great food! Good service and nice wine selection. Make sure you try the blueberry beer they have all year.

Food was excellent as was my server..I recommend you try the flank steak, it was fabulous.

Lisa did a fantastic job helping us celebrate our friends birthday ! The food was delicious, no one had anything left on their plates