The oldest tavern in operation in Manistee County, the Blue Slipper offers lots of history in its decor but a more contemporary fun experience. Jukebox, TV, very friendly and attentive staff, great food and drinks at good prices all come together to make this place a great place for a meal, a drink at the bar, or both. A must visit when traveling through Onekama. read more

The service was very slow. The sandwich was dry and for $14 I was hoping for better. Had to pay at the bar because my server ignored me every time I tried to get her attention to pay. Served with chips that looked like bottom of the bag broken crumbs. read more

Brandon was attentive to us and so lovely to our dog! We were on the patio and he checked on us regularly without being intrusive. The bourbon choices are excellent and the food is great! read more

This classic Onekama is back. Come for the ambiance and the great beer selection. Glad to it re-opened with committed new owners. Limited apps and simple menu items include; burgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese, broasted chicken and cod dinners. read more

See all

Expected more, used to be a place to get a good meal. Really minimal menu, my son said "I've had better hamburgers at HS football games." I had burned pretzel sticks, not good at all. read more

Very disappointed last night we ordered a bottle of wine off the menu clearly. Bottle price was listed on the far right of menu along with other bottle prices . When we received bill we were told it was the by the glass price , seriously 64 $ for a bottle of Joel Gott a $12 dollar bottle at the market . read more

Health department really needs to visit this place. I sat out in on the patio where you could see inside the kitchen and it was completely disgusting in there. I think the burger I got had rotten. Hamburger, I took one bite and couldn't eat anymore. Literally the worst food I've ever ordered at a restaurant.! read more

Stopped by the Blue Slipper Tavern this past Sunday on our way back from Traverse City. We just wanted to break up the drive with a cocktail. The lady bartender was nice, but the guy bartender was very unfriendly. No hello, thank you or any other pleasantries. He did not wash the lime prior to cutting it and placing it in my drink. Horrible attitude & not welcoming at all. We'll definitely avoid this place next time we're coming through the Onekema area. If you're having a bad day, you just don't take it out on customers. This is Customer Service 101. read more

After being told to seat ourselves, we waited for upward of 10 minutes for someone to take our drink order (this is not a large restaurant). At least 2 other tables who had come in after us had their orders taken as we continued to wait. It took another customer bringing it to her waitress' attention to get us initially served. My "panini" was a regular grilled cheese sandwich, and a dry one at best. My husband's fish sandwich was fish fingers...on a bun. The whole experience was disappointing, especially given the prices. read more

Food is overpriced and not that good. Service was extremely slow for only having one other table. The drinks were good and drink selection solid. Definitely not a place I would go to eat or recommend for a meal. They have a great patio and decor is nostalgic. The staff was nice, just not well trained or knowledgeable, they took forever to bring us menus and take our order. And, even longer to bring us our food. read more

Food was nasty, water tasted funny, it took us 45 minutes to get our food, the waitress was nice though, it was easy to find

New owners ...not the same great Italian food anymore...dont waste your time on the slow service and straight gouged prices

If you find yourself near Onekama, Michigan, do yourself a favor ad make a stop at the Blue Slipper Tavern. This local gem offers great food, excellent service, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. A seasonal highlight right now is the deep-fried asparagus - crispy, flavorful, excellent dip and absolutely worth the trip while it's still in season. Don't wait too long - it's a limited time treat that truly stands out. Service was fast and friendly with staff who clearly care about creating a good experience for their guests. Even better, the prices are more than fair for the quality you get. The tavern is launching an outdoor venue with live music which promises to make this spot even more of a local favorite as summer rolls in. This was my second visit, but it definitely won't be my last. Highly recommend stopping by. read more

Great little piece of history Been here since the 1870's Great new owners fun friendly night spot read more

I worked at the Blue Slipper for less than 2 weeks. It was a hostile environment with absolutely no training (I was told on my first day to "sink or swim"). Every time I had a question I was hollered at in front of my customers. The food is fair at best but still very expensive, even for a hot dog. The pay was awfully low even for a server. Chris the general manager has the worst attitude I've ever experienced, he's taken over 10 minutes to get me a drink the customers ask for and I was yelled at in front of them and the whole bar. I've been a financial executive for 30 years and have nevwr been treated so poorly and unprofessional. I would NOT recommend this bar to anyone, ever. read more

What a fun place! Its vintage decor is delightful. Cozy atmosphere to spend some down time or meet up with family and friends. Their burgers and hot dogs are delicious and their appetizers are tasty. They have a broad choice of mixed drinks, beers ( some local), vodka seltzers, delicious mules in many flavors and also cater to bourbon lovers with mid to high end bourbons. The service is friendly and efficient. And to top it off they occasionally have great entertainment which they advertise in their Facebook page. This is a must stop place when you are on the beautiful M22 Highway. read more

Smaller venue, quaint atmosphere. Lots of old vintage nostalgia in the eating area. There is also an outdoor patio for the warmer summer like days. Very limited menu. Had a special hamburger that had Jalapeños and olives, and lots of cheese. The burger was excellent. Is this a place I will say let's drive 25 minutes to go to dinner? Not likely, but if you are in the area and are looking for lunch or dinner, not a bad place to go. read more

Awesome food and service while playing dj trivia and the Tippy Dammits took 1st place

This business needs to update and/or delete the information on the web. It was a wonderful place to go-now, we can't figure out their hours, if they are even open and serve food and drink or ??? very frustrating, and if they really have good folks running it- jump on the web and update your info or tell us you are not really open anymore! read more

Excellent, excellent, excellent....this place is a find. It's just a clay bar. Antiques surround you of a bygone era. Comfort food is served either by a food truck, or the owner will have appetizers that were made by him or staff. And, very good. A good crowd flows in reminiscent of Cheers TV show, a host of characters with the friendly banter of the bartender, and you know you've hit pay dirt. read more

After driving by the Blue Slipper heading up M-22, we decided to make an effort to stop in when back in the Manistee area. If you are looking for a unique bar with a lot of history (gunfights, brothels, zoos?) where we heard an outstanding live folk / country version of Britney Spears' "Hit Me Baby One More Time", then this is the place for you. Friendly staff and full bar with 6 on tap drafts and bottles and typical bar food fare (although $8 hot dogs?), it's a unique experience and I would recommend stopping in. There's also an outdoor patio that is dog friendly. read more

We thought they reopened as a local pub where you place your own order at the bar. Looks like lots of locals having a good time.

Definitely need more menu selections and need to post your menu online. It was way too loud in there with the music.

Best place to stop in!!! Great memorabilia...new owner is FABULOUS! Loving the ambiance ... Food trucks are awesome. The owner is very particular who he has providing food to patrons. Definitely stop in :) read more

See all

I love this place. We meet our Aunts and Cousins here every year and we always feel so welcomed. We were entertained with good music on this visit, and I had a really good burger. Bar tender is great at making drinks to order. I left with an awesome Blue Slipper sweatshirt and a happy heart! read more

Friendly people and food was ok. It's a small older bar. We would stop at the Blue Slipper Tavern again read more

Fun little bar. Great for after a day at the beach. Burgers and hotdogs were delish. Did not try pizza as it was not open the night I was there. read more

Save your money, stopped in last Friday after looking at the menu online. Menu claimed to have fish (salmon, perch, walleye) with other main dishes. Only thing offered was hamburgers and hot dogs, and you didn't even get chips with the hot dog! One hot dog, one olive burger and two drafts+ $37.47 Not worth the money or drive! read more

Love this place! We always stop whenever we are in the area. Owners and staff are fantastic! They have a small menu, but that's ok for us. The pretzel & beer cheese is yummy. The burgers are very good too. We had their white chicken chili on menu for wintertime and that was delicious! The Blue Slipper Tavern is just a fun place to hang out. Lots of unique things to look at inside. read more

Like this place as a place to get a beer or wine with friends. Very friendly place like "Cheers". Not big on food, but owners hope to add more next year. Moderate prices. read more

This is a nice little pub in onekama, Michigan. The owners are nice and they have good hamburgers and other good pub food. There are barber chairs and other cool relics in the bar. They have guitars on the wall, and many pictures of fun things. They play fun music on the radio and sometimes they have live music. All in all, fun place. read more

Terrible. Has gone down hill very badly. Very slow waitstaff. Easier to go order outside at the food truck and take it home rather than stay there. read more

Despite a couple of rough decades, THE BLUE SLIPPER is up and running under the new management of The Gilmore Family. Family friendly, this tavern makes one think of "CHEERS", where everyone knows your name. A great place to meet friends and create memories. Try their signature drink, The Blue Slipper! (Also, try a CHERRY LIME RICKY, a gin based fruity refreshing summer favorite of mine!) The Slipper has a limited menu of snacks and hor d' oeuvres, (do try the all beef Detroit style hot dogs!) This being said, food is generally available by walking out the back door, where several local food trucks park. Place your order, go into The Slipper for drinks and your food will be brought to your table! Notable food trucks include; Taco 'bout it, Great Mexican fare - ask about the Empanadas! Also a familiar site is The Steelhead Cafe, serving BROASTED chicken, fish and other tasty items. Fun Forest Food, run by restauranteur legend, Rick Shay! Last but not least is Southern Sin' Thesis! BAR-B-QUE at its finest, ( Do try the deep fried shrimp, a personal favorite.) All in all, Onekama has a real jewel in the BLUE SLIPPER! read more

See all

Fun atmosphere and great service. You'll feel right at home. Never rushed and very relaxing. Good place to hang out with friends. The owners love to hear stories of this historic watering hole and value their customers. read more

What an amazing place!! Great location, fantastic service. Food truck today was Southern Sin Thesis and the blackened catfish was oh so good. This is a place not to miss!!! read more

Looking for a new place in Manistee area and came across Shirley's place. Quaint, with broasted chicken and smelt dinners, who could ask for more!!! And free WiFi...5G!!! It a local special, and we enjoyed it! read more

Came in for some drinks and food. Bartender said to seat ourselves. Waited a long time and waitress just Ignored us while she chatted at the bar. Decided to leave and head to down the street. It wasn't busy so she could have waited on us. We come up to Onekama once a month and thought we would give it a try. Very disappointed. read more

Winter blizzard, local power out, no internet. Michigan- Michigan State basketball game is live on the air. But unavailable in the Onekama area except The Blue Slipper. Amazing! Thanks Carolyn and Park Gilmore. You saved the day and the hard core found you. The "Blue Shoe Zoo" sets a new standard for hospitality service. read more

Love the Blue Slipper!! They are back open and serve Great local drinks! They also have food trucks that park in the lot that come and serve you their food IN THE RESTAURANT. Today I had great tacos. Come check it out! read more

A must visit bar in Onekama! Great setting to grab a brew and catch up with friends. Food options are limited in the actual bar, but conveniently, there are rotating food trucks in the parking lot. Ingenious! read more