Also not messing around with Covid is the Bluebird. They're not currently seating indoors, but have a nice outdoor tented area available with plenty of seating - and precautions (not that we're overly concerned, just mindful of keeping our general distance from others with the Covid Cooties). While the tented area is in the parking lot, it offers nice views of the Leland river and passerby on the main Leland thoroughfare. My pizza (carry out), and then our pizza (eat "in") were both very good. Their pizzas have that yummy buttery crust! MmmmMmmmmm! Ditto the side garden salad, crisp and yum. They've also got a fairly comprehensive selection of craft beers (impressive in light of having to manage outdoor cooler space). Prices are reasonable and service can also be counted on. Both Erin and Forrest will take good care. read more

Our beloved Bluebird Restaurant that we've been going to for decades is gone. It is still called the Bluebird, and claims to be the same after the recent renovations. but it's definitely not. It's basically been replaced and revamped as a sports bar. The new menu has an entire page of Pizza. The traditional Lake Superior Whitefish is a tiny blip on the new menu. Definitely our last time coming here. Very sad. read more

Sorry not the same ol bluebird! After waiting so long it was a big disappointment. Not hot, mediocre to say the lest. You order fish and everything else ala cart! Not cozy, staff friendly. Not good wines. Not bar food or good food! Probably won't go again. Wish I would have gone to Dicks or Cedar Tavern!! read more

Acoustics are terrible and food is only fair. We couldn't carry on a conversation because of how loud voices carry. Can't imagine how loud it will be in peak season. The old Bluebird had a long time following and those people will be disappointed. This one is just another sports bar. Very disappointed. Won't be back. read more

after being closed for years, they are in their new building on the river. Beautiful spot. Lucky to get a pizza from their 'soft' opening, and it was the best pizza I've ever had. Wife and I had to haggle over the last piece. read more

Very disappointed in the parchment whitefish. Normally I choose whitefish due to its white flesh and gentle color . This whitefish was Haney and fishy and maybe not fresh. There were 3 sprigs of asparagus with it which seemed for the price very inadequate. My wife did enjoy her prime rib but the potatoes with it were dried out and in a small ice cream scoop mound. Our dining partners had the walleye which was good but very small portion and the pork sandwich with chips. The chips were not played they just handed her a bag. I expect that if I am at the cheese shop but not at a sit down restaurant. Our server was a nice young man but he was inattentive and didn't even offer a dessert menu. All in all an underwhelming performance for a totally bill over 125 dollars for 4 people without alcohol. read more

Incredible whitefish and walleye. Coleslaw very good! Fries terrific!! Nice, homey up north kind of place.

Closed until next year due to new construction. Too bad - great place. Can't wait for reopen!

Only go if there is no other option. We waited for a table although the restaurant was not busy. The host/waiter who ignored me, cut me off to give a message to a server when the other host/server led us to a table. The menu isn't great. Don't come if you want a salad. The waiter was snarky. The pretzel appetizer looked like it was doused in grease and the cheese came out of the microwave. The brisket and pastrami sandwiches were ok but not worth the rest of the experience. Overall disappointed. read more

Not my favorite diner/bar food place but descent menu options. I can only rate the bar menu as We didn't eat from the diner menu. It's your typical burgers, sandwiches, pizza type restaurant. At night there are a ton of locals as it's also the popular bar in town. I got the house-smoked bbq beef brisket sandwich and snickers pie. The beef brisket was well done. I just wish I had more sauce on it similar to pulled pork! They should also add something special flavor wise since they make a house made special ranch sauce. However, the brisket was very tender and tasty. I have to say the pie was disappointing and nothing special. Usually diners are good for pies and they are usually homemade, but this didn't taste as such. It was not worth the $5 per slice they charge for it. Overall, good for take-out or when in the mood for diner food but I wouldn't do the dessert. read more

We had a Ceaser salad with whitefish which was decent. I ordered smelt and it was horrible. Service was decent and the staff was friendly.

I was disappointed at the long wait from our server Forrest. However, I feel it's not the restaurants fault that he was so darn slow. The delicious pizza totally made up for it!! Wish they would open back up soon!! read more

Bluebird Restaurant & Bar - Patio photo - American Near Me - Leland, Michigan

Standard American fare with an emphasis on fried fish. As far as the fish goes, they mainly offer walleye and whitefish, and occasional specials of perch and bluegill. The walleye I had was pretty fishy tasting and the whitefish was a bit dry. The big winner was the bluegill that had a slightly sweet flavor and was perfectly moist. All the fried fish has a light coating, that doesn't take away from the flavor of the fish. Besides fried fish, they offer soups, salads, and other sandwiches. They also have delicious fries! The dining room is a bit dated as far as decor goes, but there's large windows with a pretty view of the water. read more

We Stopped here via the Fido AP. Real nice garden setting along the water on a gorgeous day. Location n setting- 5 Service- 4 Quality of food. (Fish tacos & Walleye fish sand)-3 Size of portions- (2 tacos) small filet (walleye) Value. 2 Overall-3 but worthy of 1st visit Negatives: no local draft beer on deck at the craft beer Mecca- bizarre. Offer baked n blackened fish; this is a fishery bonanza not land locked Indiana; portions if smaller we would have walked. We left hungry. read more

So sad to see this, been coming here for years but this was biggest joke ive seen.. Tent outside, cook left in middle of dinner , food took 1.5 hours after we sat down and came out in small servings. Paid 120.00 for 4 baskets of food that i could get anywhere for 50.00, wont ever go back.. even got charged 1.00 for. A water after waiting 1 hour for food.. very sad.. read more

Advertised as dog friendly so we drove over from Traverse City only to be told they were dog friendly BUT NOT TODAY. Something about dogs not being allowed where food is served and they were afraid the health inspector might show up. Count me an unhappy camper. read more

I had heard good things about this place. Unfortunately, the first time I tried to come, they were closed for cleaning in the late fall. This past weekend, I had the chance to go. When you walk in, you can either go to the bar area which has a lot of seating, or wait for the dining room. Both areas have very different menus from what I understand. We went to the dining room. This area has a beautiful view of the river. I ordered the whitefish, which includes cinnamon bread, french bread, and the salad bar. All were very good, especially the cinnamon bread. Oh, and they were completely out of the french bread, which was a bit odd, The salad bar is very old fashioned and had some interesting options, some of which I wasn't even sure what they were. The main course was a lightly breaded whitefish with sauteed vegetables which was delicious. Ultimately, my experience here was very mediocre. It's difficult to pinpoint exactly what went wrong. It has a bit of a stuffy, upscale retiree vibe that just doesn't suit me. The wait staff was also giving off the same vibes. This makes two places I've been in Leland that seem to really market towards an older crowd. I think from now on I'll stick to trying out the places across the street, close to the lake, which seem to be livelier. If you want a quiet, "romantic" dinner, this could be the place for you. Otherwise, it doesn't quite fit. Perhaps the bar is better? Not sure I'll get the chance to try it anytime soon. read more

Doesn't get much worse than this. There is no management of the staff. Severely understaffed and unorganized. 25 minutes before anyone came to our table - and another 70 minutes before our grilled cheese and club sandwiches came. Waitress spilled the bowl of peanuts & peas on the table, and just left it there. Zero apologies for the wait time. This place has seen better days - and this had nothing to do with COVID. read more

Always a stop on the way back from the Island when delivering the Boat. Good food and a nice atmosphere. The staff is always quick with a recommendation if you are not sure. read more

We are out of towners that checked out BlueBird on a sunday evening and ate in the Tavern part of the restaurant. It's a nice interior and the staff was very friendly. Seating a party of six at this time was not an issue. We shared the asparagus "mock-amole" and it was pretty good, but I guess I wouldn't have called it "mock-amole" so much as an asparagus cheese dip. I had the Bird Pie pizza and it was delicious. My husband had the walleye platter and said it was good. It came with cole slaw. I only tried his fries, not the fish or cole slaw and unfortunately my husband got food poisoning from either the slaw or the fish. So ... while it is terrible that he got food poisoning and basically didn't eat for 3 days after, my personal experience was good. We just can't give it a stunning review. read more

There aren't many places to go in Leland, but Bluebird offers a nicer dining room for a more upscale dinner, but also a tavern to visit if wanting something a bit more simpler or to sit down for a beer. Because of that, there usually isn't a time when Bluebird isn't a good choice. Not to mention they have a patio. The beer list is what one would expect with varied local bottle and draft options as is the menu with fish, pizza and sandwiches. Not sure how people can complain about that. They also have some interesting renditions from a Smoked Trout Chowder to an Asparagus Guacamole thing. And if you don't like anything, then some Whitefish Tacos will do. And if you don't like fish tacos, I don't know why you're visiting Fishtown. read more

Bluebird Restaurant & Bar - American Near Me - Leland, Michigan

My family has been coming to the Blueburd since I was a kid. We enjoyed our outdoor dining experience necessitated by the pandemic. The food and drink were great served by a very attentive staff. read more

Stopped in for a quick lunch on a recommendation from my parents. Our party shared a couple pizzas and everyone enjoyed them. The crust is airy and soft. The cheese and sauce were not distinct but no complaints about either. I think it is baked in a low pan because there is some caramelization of cheese around the edge of the crust, I found to be the best part of the crust. Even though this is not my favorite style of pizza it is good and for me a One Bite rating of 5.6. Was happy to see Bell's Oberon on tap. I will be back and next time I will drive into their menu. I would recommend if you happen to be in Leland. read more

Bluebird Restaurant & Bar - American Near Me - Leland, Michigan

Bluebird never disappoints! Always quick service and good quality food. The menu isn't that exciting or diverse, but it is a classic American restaurant. They have burgers, sandwiches, salads, chicken, and pizza! I was going to settle for a salad tonight, but I discovered that they serve a Cherry Chicken Salad dish. I highly recommend it! The chicken tasted so fresh and I loved the chunks of cherries in it. Although their food and service is great, the actual restaurant area is somewhat a bummer. The lighting is very dim and the seating area is pretty small. Overall though, it is a special gem located in Leland. Try it sometime if you are in the area! read more

Bluebird Restaurant & Bar - Cherry chicken salad! - American Near Me - Leland, Michigan

Amazing ethnic night, Viva la France! Beautiful wines, both red and white; we enjoyed the moist, tender PorkBelly and the sweet and delicate Sea Scallops! Home Runs all around! read more

Docked my boat in Leland for a few days at the marina, and we thought we would try one of the very few restaurants in town that we could walk to. The waitress was not friendly at all. She seemed a bit miserable to be there really. Not impressed with the food either. It's too bad as I Loved everything else about Leland... would not recommend this place at all. read more

Great service and loved sitting outside by the river. We had the Whitefish grilled. It was perfect! Plus 3 different sides...Potato Salad, Cole Slaw and the amazing Peanut Pea Salad!!! read more

First time in Leland and stop at the Bluebird for lunch. Nice lunch selection and good serving sizes. Fish and chips from the appetizer menu was ok, the personal pizzas were great. The Gluten Free pizzas were the best we've had in a long time. Great service and friendly staff. read more

Bluebird Restaurant & Bar - Small personal pizza - American Near Me - Leland, Michigan

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An institution in town so it's sad to see it in such a disarray. Even their classics over done and much smaller. I hope when I go up next year it will be better read more

Not for vegetarians. Soups all had meat and salad bar had lots of salad type dishes such as potato salad and chicken salad. Salad bar was really expensive for what it was...$21.00. There were no non meat entrees at all. Server was very sweet but slow service. Husband said his prime rib was great though. Wish I had ordered prime rib entree which includes salad bar for $5.00 more. I could have taken prime rib home for husband to have the next day. read more

Great place. Stopped in for lunch. They had NO issue putting two tables together for a 8 of us. No complaints on food. Pizza was wonderful. They had an excellent gluten free pizza too. Service was prompt. Felt good leaving a 22% tip. Waiter was great! Definitely getting back to this place. read more

The Bluebird used to have a great outside dining area looking out towards a river, but that was discontinued(would've rated outside dining a 4 star). The inside has bad food(probably frozen), terrible interior and is expensive. Anyone who eats at the bluebird is an elder stuck in their old ways, because it used to taste good back in the 70s. read more

I can't describe how incredibly bad the service was at this place. The first time I called for a reservation, the person who answered the phone was yelling instructions to another employee after they had already answered the phone, so it was several seconds before they turned their attention to me, and said "hello?" Annoying to say the least. Once we arrived, our waitress was inattentive, untrained, and had a miserable attitude. We waited for our food for over 40 minutes, and the different people in our party were served at different times. The food was mediocre at best: over cooked steaks, lukewarm watery soup, and a under-stocked, poor quality salad bar. Drinks weren't served until after we had the entrees. I hadn't been there in over 10 years and now I remember the reason for my absence! I won't be back again. read more

Very nice salad bar and meals come with warm bread and the most delicious cinnamon rolls you'll ever taste. We sat at a table overlooking the river with a beautiful view. The drinks are good and our server Lucy was very attentive and friendly. The white fish was a little dry but a large piece was served. Shrimp scampi is served on noodles and the pretzel crusted fish looks good. The salmon Wellington was delicious as well. read more

Was headed to a different restaurant for lunch , but challenges parking my motorhome dictated a change. My wife and I both had the Walleye basket. This is the best Walleye I have had in years! Very fresh, very easy on the breading. And very flavorful. The freshness also was very apparent in the house-made Cole slaw. I like it when the cabbage still tastes like cabbage. We both had a glass of a locally made Sauvignon Blanc. I'm not a wine person, but this seemed like a good vintage and went quite well with the fish. It seemed a bit pricey, which is the only thing keeping my review from being 5 stars. If you are in the area give Bluebird a try. read more

I told my nephew that I needed two things when I arrived in Michigan. Walleye and smelt. He frequents this place several times every summer as he has a boat nearby, and swore this would be thee place for local smelt. I now concur. Michigan smelt when fried up are about the size of a thick French fry. This was a huge plateful of perfectly fried, lightly battered wonderfulness. I crave these little delicacies on occasion, but Musso and Frank in Hollywood is the only place I know of in SoCal that always have them on the menu. Give me a shout if you know of any OC restos that carry them. Service here, at least by our fresh face server was, shall we say, summer job amateurish. When I asked her about the "whitefish", and specifically what fish it was she flipped to her notes and started to read, " a flaky mild...." I bailed the poor girl out and just ordered up the smelt. She giggled and apologized as she stated she doesn't really like or eat fish. "Kind of weird, to be working in a fish place huh?" I guess I nodded and she giggled again, "not many other options in this little town." Well fish restaurant management is one option she may want to cross off her future career options. She was attentive at least, cute, and funny as well. Apparently this is a locals favorite as well as a tourist hot-spot. Very busy on Memorial Weekend Sunday with lots of families. There is a fairly large bar in the center of the main dining room, so maybe it gets rowdy later with less kids. My nephew and his wife both ordered the chicken gumbo that was on the specials board and raved several times how delish it was. So look to the specials board for some additional tasty items. For me it was all about the smelt. I just need to find a source closer to home. read more

Meh food & ok service. Got in from the boat from South Manitou Island and was hungry. Heard someone mention they were going to a place called Bluebird. I wish I had cell phone signal to see reviews. The server seemed new, but was polite. I was thirsty and quickly downed the short glass of ice water she brought. We ordered a burger that came with a bag of chips. There was no lettuce nor tomato on the burger, so that was meh. I had the walleye with coleslaw and the seasoned fries. The coleslaw was tasty - a mustard-base. Crisp and yummy. The serving of walleye was decent but the flavor was also meh. The fries were a big disappointment. They were supposed to be seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic and something else. I think they forgot the seasoning. Had to request water refills even as both short glasses were quickly emptied as soon as we sat down. Can't say I want to come back to this place for a meal. Could be a lot better. read more

Wow - Have been going to the Bird for well over 50 years. While nobody expects it to match the good ole' days when Leona Telgard was in the kitchen, the food is beyond mediocre. Every summer we go to the Bird just in case it has improved. Yep - - -nope! Their famous whitefish dinner has fallen into a freezer somewhere for quite some time and then is cooked to death until dried out and tasteless. Makes us very sad indeed. A large group went last week and all but one person ordered the Lake Michigan whitefish. Although polite about the meal, one could clearly observe people taking several bites and then just moving the remainder about the plate until the table was cleared. What a shame. That will be our last visit to the once fabulous Blue Bird in Leland. read more

We had a really nice meal there last night due to two things: wonderful and attentive server from Lithuania and knowing what to order from their dated, very seventies menu. Literally, it's like stepping back in time, coming to this place. With the old, tired decor, strange musty smell and completely uninterested hostess, whom we waited almost 15 minutes for, when we walked in the door, and the place was not even slightly crowded. She didn't apologize nor seemed to care that we stood there, and had not one person tell us that someone would be with us, eventually. Really comical. But the view of the water is fabulous and since we are very experienced diners we knew to stay clear of anything adventurous on the menu and stick with steak, potatoes and the real throwback: salad bar! I have to say we were on point with this menu choice. The salad bar was very strange, but we managed to steer clear of the multiple mayonnaise based salads and enjoyed the mixed greens and cucumber (also, to be honest, we were both very hungry) our server was charming, professional and friendly ( clearly, the only one there, who was) and the steak was cooked perfectly. We really enjoyed the meal. That being said, this place needs a compete renovation and in a "real world" market would not stand a chance, but it's all about demand and location. So, do I recommend it? I would have to say if you stick with the most basic menu items you might be fine. The view seems to be what it's all about. read more

We started with the smoked salmon appetizer----delicious, the crackers that they use are special. I had the bluegill special for the day and it was outstanding. My wife had the whitefish and also said in was great. Service was perfect. The setting for this place in Leland, Michigan is special with an historic village half a block away. The view from the windows are beautiful. read more