Great food and a great menu. So many choices it was hard to make a decision. Seafood soup was awesome. Salad was delicious. Our waitress handled our table of ten like a pro. She knew where every plate belonged and stated it by name when she placed it on the table. Add deep frying in beef tallow, amazing taste without being greasy, top notch. Great tequila selection with good prices. Live music on the waterfront patio. read more

A nice place on Lake Manistee. Great food and drinks with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the lake. Our food washer delicious and they had a decent lunch menu of mostly sandwiches, burgers, salads, and tacos. We would have stayed longer but we had an issue with getting waited on. Our waitress never came back to check on us even though our drinks were empty. It took way too long to get our bill. Would I try it again, absolutely, but they need to step up their game in the speed of service. read more

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The food was substandard. I ordered the wild caught salmon and was served farmed raised salmon. My husband's pasta looked like it was made by an elementary school student. The beer was flat. We had to asked for items that should have been brought out. The restaurant was very loud and children were yelling. The front of the restaurant looks more appealing than the inside which looks like a service garage. Don't bother wasting your time and money in this place. read more

Wander In - This was a $30+ meal. I got a response in my Google review that this was wild caught salmon. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Manistee, Michigan

bad and plain food - fish tacos were extremely greasy and did not taste like anything....avoid this restaurant!! Horrible....

We had a party of 6 on a Thursday night and arrived around 7 and asked to sit outside. They have a great view of the water and the building was open to the outside and had a very fun atmosphere. They told us it would be 45 minutes or more. No problem. The place was busy but not crazy. We got 4 seats any the bar and the bartender was obviously new but was friendly and did a great job. After an hour I checked with the hostess, no big deal. She was unpleasant. I saw our name on the list and pointed it out. The manager approached and was also unpleasant. She said something like, 'Can't you see we're busy'. At this point it was 8:00 and they weren't. We were sat at about 8:15. We ordered appetizers and they came quickly. The whitefish spread was good. The charcuterie board was inedible. The smoked fish jerky was rancid and the cheese was cheep precut cubes. When they arrived we ordered dinner and the waitress didn't write anything down. She then came back to the table 3 times to verify things. We waited for an hour for food to arrive. During that time the waitress told us their chef had walked out. Dinners arrived sporadically. 2 burgers, both over done and with the wrong toppings, one order of tacos that were good, 2 bowls were bland and tasteless and I got blackened fish. The fish was great. The vegetables served with the fish tasted like they were intentionally OVER SALTED. Completely inedible. We told our waitress and she was very apologetic. She sent over the same manager. She said the apologetic words but obviously didn't care. She took 4 of the meals off the bill. read more

Excellent food and atmosphere. Really bad service. The waitress disappeared after delivering our 1 drink and food, even though she walked by us 10 times. She didn't ask once if we needed anything even though our drinks were empty for 45 minutes. I had to ask the hostess to get her for us. The waitress, Faith, made all sorts of excuses. They had 10 tables and at least 5 waitresses. This is excuse for us to never come back. The owner was there and never check with the patrons either. read more

We were staying in Manistee and drove by this restaurant because it looked absolutely amazing. Right on the water, with a beach vibe, umbrellas, and a great view of the ships next door, it looked like the perfect place to relax, enjoy some appetizers, burgers, and cocktails. Unfortunately, the experience couldn't have been more disappointing. When we walked in, no one greeted us. There was only a "Seat Yourself" sign, so we found a table outside by the water under an umbrella. The view was fantastic, but that's where the positive experience ended. Our waitress brought us four waters and took our drink order. About 10 minutes later, she came back because she had forgotten what we ordered and had to ask us again. She even had to ask us for every ingredient in a Bahama Mama and an Aperol Spritz, which wasn't exactly reassuring. We also kept hearing different members of the waitstaff telling customers they were understaffed. We understand that staffing issues happen, but that's something management needs to address--not something customers should have to experience. After ordering our food and drinks, we waited... and waited. Nearly 45 minutes after sitting down, we still hadn't received a single cocktail. Meanwhile, another couple who arrived about 30 minutes after us had already received their drinks. We finally asked our waitress where our drinks were, and she told us the bartender had stepped out and had just gotten back. At that point, we'd had enough. We got up and left without receiving our drinks or any food. As we were walking out, we saw a man wearing what appeared to be a chef's uniform being arrested outside. Two employees, still wearing their work shirts, were standing outside watching everything unfold instead of working. We don't know if the person being arrested was the bartender, the chef, or someone else, but given what we had just been told, it certainly made us wonder what was going on behind the scenes. It's a shame because this place has an incredible location and so much potential. We were genuinely excited to eat here, but the service completely ruined the experience. We understand restaurants get busy and unexpected things happen, but forgetting our order, making us wait 45 minutes without a single drink, repeatedly telling customers you're understaffed, and serving people who arrived long after us first is simply unacceptable. We left hungry, frustrated, and extremely disappointed. The waterfront setting deserves a restaurant with service to match. read more

Wander In - Great atmosphere, disappointing service. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Manistee, Michigan

Food was so good! Had brisket for breakfast in a scramble, it was very good. The atmosphere was like the deck at Muskegon. Very good vibes and great views with activities as well. The staff was great and accommodating. The mimosas were the perfect amount for a great time! read more

Food was phenomenal, fish was fresh not frozen the service was excellent and the drinks were top notch. There were four of us who all felt the same way. The restaurant location has Lake Manistee water view and beach like setting, our new favorite place! read more

Brand new restaurant with an experienced chef! Dined on a Friday night at 7pm. Quickly found a table inside, outside was a 15-20 minute wait. What a beautiful view! Drinks arrived fast. Generous, fresh side salads, lovely garlicky balsamic dressing and a nice Cesar. I opted for the Salmon which was perfectly cooked. Husband really enjoyed his Pistelo Pasta dish, slightly spicy Cajun dish. Mother in law raved about the Peach Moscato Chicken. Looking around it was a popular dish. What a wonderful addition to Manistee! Great experience. Just wish I would have been offered a second drink with dinner. We will be back to snag a table outside! read more

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This place has a lot going for it, but also has some opportunities. We visited on Wednesday, July 22 for a late morning Bloody Mary. I was a little leery, because I'd read some negative reviews from the just the week before, but we gave it a shot. We had 7 in our group and pulled up to the bar. The owner was at a table inside and she greeted us warmly. Our bartender, Alyssa, was OUTSTANDING--very friendly and quick to serve us. We kept her busy with a couple rounds of drinks, including delicious Bloody Marys with yummy garnishes. The owner seemed very engaged and was interacting and giving guidance to multiple servers, all of whom seemed very friendly. They were not super-busy, as it was pre-lunchtime and a weekday. We asked for menus, because some of us were getting hungry. It was disappointing that there were no appetizers on the menu -- they are only available on the dinner menu. They definitely would have had some more food on our bill if they had offered chips/dip, mozzarella sticks, etc. As it was, 3 of us ordered sandwiches and 2 others got sides (fries and onion rings). The sandwiches were good and reasonably priced. I had soup with mine, and the seafood chowder was a tasty broth, but almost all tomatoes and minimal seafood. We liked our experience there a lot, so we decided to return Saturday morning for breakfast with a group of 11 adults and 2 toddlers. We arrived just before 8:30, and got a table outside, which was a beautiful space. Our server, Katie, was very sweet, but stretched too thin -- it appeared she was the only server for the whole restaurant. She took orders for coffee and water, but it was slow going. After awhile, the owner arrived and stepped in to assist with the coffee service and in following up to get us the high chairs we had requested, but service was painfully slow. Eventually, our server came back to take our breakfast orders, but we did not get our food until 9:30, a full hour after we had arrived. The food we got was all very good, and portions were generous, but two custom omelets were made incorrectly (or mixed up with another table?). One was sent back, but the replacement that came was still made with the wrong fillings (after being told, they did remove it from the bill). We saw another server arrive at 10 am and a busser at about the same time. They were definitely understaffed for a weekend morning -- the place was very busy inside and out when we left after our meal. It also looked like the bar had opened at 10, so not sure we would have had ability to order drinks with breakfast. The location is great, and they had music planned for multiple nights, so it could be a great destination. We'd suggest: * Updating the website so people can see the menu. * Offering appetizers when the bar is open -- sales opportunity! * Having a list of alcohol (they had a lot of bourbons, but you almost had to climb the wall to see what was there) * Adding a Bloody Mary to the list of craft cocktails -- they had great mix made in-house and a garnish with the best smoky cheese! We'd recommend promoting it on the menu (maybe with the pickle flavored vodka!) * Addressing the staffing shortage. It was great that the owner was present and hopefully she observed the chaos and service issues that were created by being understaffed. Our Saturday server was not set up for success, even though she tried hard and kept a smile on her face. Good luck! We hope you make it a success! read more

We walked in on Memorial Day at about 2:00pm. I found it odd that they were open because online it says they're closed on mondays. We were told that we could sit at the bar. It was not busy. My husband had a Bloody Mary and I had an iced tea and we were given some menus. We sat for 20 minutes and no one took our order. The bartender looked at us multiple times with our menus in front of us. My husband finished his Bloody Mary and finally looked at him and asked if we could have our check. He said, "Yeah, sure man". My husband said "We would have eaten but no one ever took our order". He looked a little puzzled and said "Oh, my bad". We paid the check and left. It was odd. The Bloody Mary wasn't very good. It was like tomato juice and vodka with a little pepper. I'm not sure what the mix is but they should work on that. It wasn't spicy at all. I would have liked to try the food. There was actually a person physically eating at the bar when we got there. I believe the bartender was brand new. Whoever was training him shouldn't have left him alone if that is the case. I usually give great reviews. Honestly, it's a place that you go to eat for the scenery. The scenery is beautiful. When we were leaving there was another couple that was saying that the food was pretty good but not great and they expected more. If you want to go to a touristy place to look at the lake go here. I found it odd that there were no appetizers on the menu at all. I'm not going back. read more

The place was empty and everyone just stood around. This happened to be a blessing as we left and found The Golden Stag, enjoying an Amazing meal and service. read more

We wandered in for our anniversary. Our first time in. My dinner was the special scallop dish very good & 'stee sunset. Hubby had Carbonara which was okay but would have been better with the chicken ordered. It somehow hit omitted. Overall positive experience. Next time will try the burgers or tacoes & hopefully be enjoying the outside seating. read more

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Wanted a nice dinner outside because we knew they sometimes had live music so we called and asked if they would be seating outside and had live music and we were told no only to see on there Facebook 2 hours later clips of there live music playing and people dining outside. Terrible knowledge of their own restaurant on their end:( read more

First time trying. Arrived on a Monday night at 6:15 ish - 40 minute wait for a table. Plenty of seating so thought a 40 minute wait was a little odd. Nice adirondack chairs to sit and wait down by the lake. Finally seated right about the 40 minute mark, ordered right away, waited ANOTHER 45 minutes and still no food. Turns out they were very short staffed. It would have been helpful to know that after waiting 40 minutes for a table it would be another 45 minutes to get food. When we started inquiring at the 45 minute make where our food was it was as if we were the problem. Not cool. Didn't even get any discount . . food was good but I'd hesitate before going again - and definitely ask if they are full staff before being seated! read more

Had a really poor experience over the holiday weekend. Hostesses needed more training or oversight from an experienced adult. Food did not come for over an hour and a half after placing the order. Burgers were overcooked and the vegetable sides with the other entrees were way over salted. read more

Tried to have dinner at this restaurant on Friday, June 26 at around 8 PM. Waited by the hostess stand and no one greeted us, no one said anything. Walked past the bartender - he looked up for a second and then went right back to doing something that had nothing to do with serving customers. Seated ourselves and a table inside the dining room. Nice view, decent decor, this place is definitely not a dump. We got menus with very little cordial greeting and then we sat there for another 10 minutes without acknowledgment from anybody on the wait staff. Prices were relatively high for Manistee. Plan on spending right around $20 for a burger with chips. Entrées averaged about $30. The whole vibe was a restaurant with no professional management. Lots of younger wait staff but absolutely no direction from somebody that understands how to run a restaurant. read more

Arrived a few minutes before 5pm on a Friday. Was told to seat ourself wherever we wanted to sit. The restaurant has a very nice, clean and new attmosphere. I sat in the dining room. The waitress arrived and took my drink order. Returned promptly with it and a basket of warm Crescent rolls with butter on the side. I already knew what I wanted so I ordered 12 wings. I was given the option of having 6 with one sauce and the other 6 with a different one. Sounds good! I ordered 6 baffalo and 6 Ancho Dry Rub. The wait was around 15-20 minutes, which is normal for wings. I was not disapointed with the size, nor with the taste and price ($18). I could only eat 8 wings. I would definately recommend the wings! Service was great as well. read more

Wander In - 6 Ancho Dry Rub wings and 6 Buffalo wings. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Manistee, Michigan

Absolutely unacceptable experience. We were left standing outside in the heat and then literally locked out instead of being served or even given a proper explanation. The entire situation was handled with zero professionalism or basic respect for customers. To make an already ridiculous experience even worse, we also witnessed a staff member being arrested while we were there. The whole place felt chaotic, disorganized, and completely unprofessional. Based on what we personally experienced, I would never come back and absolutely would not recommend this restaurant to anyone. read more

First time visit and food was very good. The music was a little annoying because the outside wasn't open yet and it was a small space inside which made conversation challenging. Some criticisms on the food are their fresh bread is dry and not good. The burger I got was very good but they should have other options for the bun instead of just a pretzel bun. One of our party's Caesar Salads was good but dry. These are definitely not deal breakers as all four of us were happy with our food selections. read more

Very nice place to eat food was delicious. Great atmosphere and wonderful addition to Manistee.

Excellent Thanksgiving day dinner today at Wander in. Service was great, food was plentiful and very very good. And price was perfect. Truly happy we experienced this today. Hope to do this next year with you all read more

Great location on Lake Manistee. Good food and great service. Excellent facilities for outdoor activities and dining.

My son and I had a wonderful lunch at Wander In today. My Salad Nicoise was beautiful with spotless greens and vegetables, and a serving of tuna that was perfect -- very slightly seared on the outside and very pink inside. I know that is scary to lots of people, but it was mild and tender and heavenly. My boy's burger and fries looked and smelled amazing, but I was too occupied with my salad to steal even one French fry. Friendly staff and a pleasant view of the water, too. read more

Had dinner there the other night. What a great location. The ambiance was amazing. Overall, the food was very good as was the service for a newly opened restaurant. I had the Peach Moscato Chicken and my wife had the Carbonara Pasta. We also tried the Popcorn Perch. Please update your website to match your current menu offerings. We were disappointed to find that many items listed on your website were not offered. Also, curious about how you will handle parking? Clearly on a busy weekend night with the Ghost Ship in October will be a challenge. We will definitely be back again. This is a true Gem for Manistee! read more

Wander In is one our favorite restaurants in Manistee. It was one of our first stops upon returning to MI for the summer. We started off with the sausage and bean soup. It had a little heat and was very comforting on a chilly day. We had our personal Wander In favorite- the wings- half hot and half lemon and pepper. As always crispy and very tasty. We tried the brisket nachos and weren't disappointed. It was a generous helping and quite flavorful. Lots of distinct flavors and textures. The service was good. We caught up on the winters happenings with our waitress and future plans. The owner was there offering a personal touch to the experience, asking us about our meal. They had changed the seating,but the room offers a great view of the water and has lots of lite. Music was being set up, but were there too early for the entertainment. Another reason to return. We passed on dessert, we were so full. As always, a great experience. read more

So much potential, such terrible service. Train your people! They know nothing about the food or the beer. They're waiting for tourist season to rip off out of town customers. read more

I was so excited to try chef Brian's new place. I've followed him. Absolutely love the setting and concept. Like Stix on water. But was very disappointed in the fish and tenderloin tacos. Too little meat and way too much greens and cilantro. My husband's noodle bowl wasn't good either. Just ok. Heard the burgers and spinach salad are good. I will be back a second time to try more of a dinner meal. read more

We sat outside on a beautiful day for lunch. We were not disappointed. What a great view and wonderful service. My husband and I each had a salad. He claims the steak salad was possibly the best salad that he has ever eaten! read more

Great food, friendly staff, beautiful setting! I can't wait to go again. There's so much yummy offerings.

The food is amazing, there's a wide variety of food between the lunch and dinner menus. The servers and hostesses are amazing, I got quick service and drinks stars full all night. The view off the water is incredible. I would 100000% recommend! read more

We waited about a half hour after ordering before our waitress came to our table and told us that there were computer issues and the cook just started our lunch order-3 hamburgers, and our order would be right out. That's fine, things happen. It was not right out though and took another half hour. There were maybe 4 other tables with customers so it's not like it was a rush or something. In the meantime, the waitress avoided our table and apparently refills of drinks are not to be offered. You'd think after making customers wait that long for food they'd offer crackers or something. When our hamburgers came the meat was very dry and the "cooked" onions were raw. The kettle chips that come with the burger were stale, rock hard, and inedible. I let the waitress know about the chips and she offered to bring more which I declined because it was all already so bad. For $3 more you could take a chance on some French fries. Those were fine but not for an upcharge on a $15 hamburger. My daughter ordered pickles for her hamburger and the upcharge was $0.75 for 3 slices of pickle on her burger. I have to say good luck to this place because with their poor service, expensive but basic menu, and nickle and diming for every condiment they will not be in business long. Very disappointing when you can get a better burger at Culver's down the road for half the price. read more

Our second visit to this new Manistee restaurant was Sunday morning at 11:30am. We had visited the weekend before when we could enjoy an outdoor table and found the ambience nice and food adequate. Today the weather was cool and rainy so we sat inside which isn't as pleasant. Despite their online menu listing breakfast items they were not serving breakfast. We opted to stay and selected items from their lunch menu. My pear, beet, goat cheese salad with basil balsamic dressing was tasty but quite heavy on lettuce with four thin pear slices and a light sprinkling of goat cheese. I had to dig to find beets. My husband's BLT Wrap was very disappointing. On the entire large wrap there was one slice of bacon and two half slices of tomato. Basically it was lettuce and mayo wrap for $16. We're hoping this and the cup of coffee served in a lipstick stained mug are examples of growing pains-- perhaps they were running low on food ( one slice of bacon-- really??) and the staff needs more training ( be sure dishes are clean before taking to table)... regardless, we won't return for a while to give them time to improve. read more