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

Cute bar. Average service. Brisket nachos were tasteless. The meat was flavorless and tough. No cheese to speak of. Disappointing!

The waitress warned us that it would be 40 minute wait for our order. Well it was almost two hours before we got our food and one of the kids' meals was forgotten. The chicken was over cooked on all of our meals. I guarantee no one in our party will be back. Also, there were 8 of us and we all ordered water. The waitress gave us cups and 1 pitcher of water which filled 4 cups. We had to ask for more. read more

Last Friday at the "Blue Shoe Zoo," we were viciously attacked for no cause by a man who said he was "the owner," later identified as Jim Metcalf. After an uneventful meal and an initial bill that included items we did not order - Focaccia bread, soup, and tea from the table next to us (not known to us), we were falsely accused of "swearing" at the server and sabatoging a sandwich that was sent back (a grilled cheese sandwich that was smothered in what looked like tartar sauce). I was the first to be assaulted when I approached him as we were leaving to try and let him know that the $4 unsweetened tea we did not order was still on the bill, that we paid the bill anyway and we were leaving. I didn't even get one word out when he started yelling at me, getting within 18 inches of my face, spitting and screaming, using the F bomb repeatedly. Then he ran through the outdoor seating area filled with guests, confronting and yelling at each one of our party of four, pointing his finger in our faces and poking at one of us. His behavior was so loud and out of control, everyone in the place could see and hear his tirade. As we were leaving the outdoor seating area, he was screaming "pay your bill and get the F- out of here and don't ever F-ing come back...I'm calling the police...you'll be hearing from my lawyer..." and then he followed us out into the parking lot and seemed to enlist a staff member to write down our license plate number. It has taken me days to gather my thoughts to write this. None of us had ever experienced or witnessed such a display of nonsensical ranting and raving and downright rage by a business owner. As senior citizens in our seventies, we still don't know where the idea of swearing at the server came from or why we were subjected to such wrath in a dining establishment. Aside from the terrible sandwich, the bill mishap and the maniacal owner, the music was fun, the chicken wings were boring, the fish was good and the smelt was smelt. 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

The worst service I have had, by far. The first waitress accommodated my disabled mother, and we sat outside. She came back in and told us that she made another waitress mad outside. When we got outside, this waitress was talking poorly about our group, not knowing we were standing behind her. She didn't bring us the menu for fish Friday. She told us it would be 40 minutes for food as they were busy, that was a fine expectation if you are going to meet that. But over hours 2 later, we got mediocre food, after they finally got our order correct. We've been residents of Onekama for 100 years. You have a lot to work on, first of all professionalism. The music was SO loud, my sister next to me had to text me. And if you sit outside, just know you don't get napkins for your over greasy food. Your fish tacos have more mayonnaise in them than an entire potato salad. The waitress vaping next to our table was a nice touch to end the evening here. 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

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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

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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