In town on vacation from wisconsin and came upon this incredible supper club. Amazing experience! From the perfectly preserved 1960's bar, to the welcoming bartender our whole evening there was perfect. The food is amazing, service was great and can't say enough about the delicious chicken and sides. Can't wait to be back, we recommend this gem to everyone in the area. read more

This place has slowly became my favorite restaurant when I'm up visiting northern Michigan. The food is unbelievable and you will be full no matter what I can promise you that. They treat you right there and even now with Covid going on we felt safe and really enjoyed ourselves. Go check it out :) read more

Had a fun time at this restaurant. Since it's their specialty, we tried the fried chicken dinner. Plenty of food, but we couldn't even finish the first platter, so the price was a bit steep for what we ate. At $13 or $14 I would probably have given this a 4.5. Biscuits with honey and butter were wonderful, as were the noodles, chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy. The atmosphere really feels like a throwback - the adults got a kick out of it, the kids didn't get it, but did enjoy running around outside on the lawn. We were seated by a window, and they had a blast playing outside on a big grassy area while we watched from inside. read more

Great carry out during covid! Meal travelled really well home. Chicken was still crispy!

The food was okay. Seems to be more hype than anything. I was lookin forward to the fried chicken dinner. The best way I can put it is: it's not like grandma cooked it. Not much flavor in the chicken. The biscuits were super small and the potatoes did not seem to be homemade. It took about ten to fifteen minutes after being seated to get our drink order in. The service was pretty poor. They only came to pick up the plates. I had to get up to refill my drink because our server never came back to check on us. The food is overpriced as well. Probably will not return. read more

Can I do more than 5 stars?? After looking for a place that was unique and off the beaten path for an annual trip up to the Petoskey area (we did the Leggs Inn the year before), we found the Dam Site Inn. The wait on a Saturday night for two was just enough to get a quick cocktail in at their retro bar. Prices on drinks were very reasonable, maybe $7 for a classic cocktail. After being seated and ordering the family style meal we were treated to a fantastic meal. Salad and crackers to start. Then the chicken, potatoes, peas, noodles and biscuits! All were delicious and homemade. Personally, I loved the chicken and the noodles. While we could order extra portions of anything, we were stuffed with what was brought out initially! This is an up north gem, take some time to go outside of town a bit and enjoy it! read more

A once a summer tradition for my family for the last 25+ years. Pretty much nothing left like this place. Nothing has changed. Per other reviewers, this is a mid century modern gem that's been perfectly frozen in time and I hope it never changes. The 60's decor is so fun to hang out in, and it does actually look like a Mad Men set. A bit out of the way from Petoskey/Harbor but totally worth a visit if you haven't been. The family-style chicken dinner is the mainstay and insanely delicious and the hype is true. Best advice is to not eat all day before going for dinner. It's an all-you-can-eat deluge of delicious homemade comfort food. Fries (so good) Salad Cole Slaw Mashed and gravy Peas Buttered noodles Excellent old-school service with a hot towel when the bill comes. Perch is also all-you-can-eat and is excellent. Go! read more

Great place. Chicken dinner is a must on your first visit. Everything that comes with the dinner is top notch. Had Frankenmuth chicken dinners within the last couple years and neither holds a candle to the Dam Site Inn. Chicken is perfectly pan fried. Biscuits always come out warm. Noodles and mashed potatoes are to die for. Even the cole slaw, which I never eat, is the bomb. Service can be a tad slow at first but they take very good care of you and are very friendly. And also last time we went we got the all you can eat perch and that was to die for too. At 28 bucks plus all the sides you get with it, that's a steal. Not many places can touch that. Bottom line one of the best restaurants in Michigan and way worth the drive. read more

Hands down-my absolute FAVORITE restaurant!! Get the all you can eat chicken, noodles, mashed potatoes! At the end of September the owner decorates pumpkins-this year she did an Elvis pumpkin I'll see if I can upload the picture =D read more

Dam Site Inn - Elvis Pumpkin - Seafood Near Me - Pellston, Michigan

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Simply the best chicken ever! Also love love their fish! Prices are reasonable for the amount of food you get ( we like the family style) and the service is aways prompt and friendly. After, we sit at the bar and have the ice cream hummer..yum and enjoy the very cool atmosphere. This will become your up north must have! read more

I'd like to try something else on their menu, but their chicken is just too good to pass up! My wife has been coming here since she was small, and it's one of her favorite restaurants anywhere. read more

We drove an hour to have dinner before the end of the season. We got there and found at least six other vehicles with hungry people reading the sign on the door that the restaurant had closed for the season! They should have at least updated their website. We were all very disappointed read more

I have been going to the DamSite with my family since the late 70's.Even saw Bob Seger enjoying' gracious dining' one night! To this day, it's always a pleasure and a family excursion to go when we are up at the lake.Been here for celebrations and memorials, the staff is always accommodating. Here's the thing, it's 'Good Ol family style' recipes and cooking.Any one going here expecting vegetarian fare, or Southern flava....?- well that's your own mistake, not theirs.They do it right for what they are known for,and I appreciate that! We will be fans for as long as they keep the chicken & noodles flowing!!! read more

Holy cow, if I don't get here at least twice a summer life is just not complete. Step back in time to the 60's decor and atmosphere. Truly fabulous food and chicken you dream about awake and asleep. read more

Give me the chicken and oodles of noodles! Seriously though... my family and I love coming here. We always do the family style fried chicken dinner which is endless as long as you can keep eating it. It comes with a bowl of peas, oodles of noodles, biscuits, fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy. They do have a large menu with other foods, but we love our family style dinner! read more

Amazing Family Style Chicken and Perch dinners are as good as it gets. Has been a family tradition of going to Dam Site for 40+ years!

We've been to the Dam Site two or three times a summer for 30 years. The food, service, decor, etc has stayed the same. The food (and I mean the whole chicken dinner) and the service is always outstanding. The chicken and all the side plates always arrive hot and fresh. I get dizzy when I think about the homemade noodles, gravy, mashed potatoes, peas, biscuits with honey....the perfect meal, just down home cooking at its finest. We are purest and still order the relish plate can't beat the beet and corn relish, the pickled watermelon is just unbelievable, radishes, pickles, green onions, etc. Way too much to eat so come hungry and waddle out. This is our 55th anniversary we've fasted and we are celebrating it in about two hours in our favorite restaurant.....The Dam Site Inn. read more

I've been coming here since I was 8 years old, (I'm 20 now) and the food is amazing everytime. The staff is so friendly, but it always feels like you're stepping back in time in an amazing way. Great service and delicious food! read more

Flew into Pellston Regional Airport today to take people sailing. One of the passengers said we should eat chicken at the Dam Site Inn. He claimed it was the best he's ever eaten. I'm not sure why this place gets such high ratings because the food is just ok. The inside of the restaurant, however, really takes the cake. The motif is about 50 years old and the tables are falling apart. I guess it's the best place in the immediate area, so that's why it's busy. I'd suggest passing on this restaurant if possible. read more

One of the cool gems of the north. An old restaurant with the same old recipes that have been great for a long time. They handle big groups very well. I would make it a much planned stop if your in the area. It's always busy and you won't be disappointed. read more

Dam Site Inn - Seafood Near Me - Pellston, Michigan

Love the Dam Site! It's got a lovely view of some beautiful northern Michigan scenery. Every meal includes homemade noodles with homemade chicken gravy, which I crave in the winter months. Not a big fan of relish, but there's a 9-item relish tray that I know some people are way into. Great place if you're in the area! read more

Fast forward two years... Another big family and friends winner winner chicken dinner. Great fun. Great service. Great food. Hopefully, it won't be another two years. BTW, same table, so I tried to replicate the last pic. read more

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I've been going here with my family my whole life...as a matter of fact, my Grandparents started going here back in the 50's. It is retro, but refreshingly not in the "hipster" sense. It's retro because it just hasn't been changed in 60 years. The place looks like it's straight out of a "Mad Men" set. The food is what you would expect from an old-fashioned Sunday chicken dinner, served family style and all-you-can-eat. The chicken and the sides are all as good as it gets for American comfort food. Fried chicken, biscuits, potatoes, gravy, peas (swimming in butter), egg noodles (swimming in butter)...expect to leave stuffed. The only minor complaint I have is that it has been getting quite expensive over the past few years, and the relish tray is no longer included, but costs extra- but I recognize that the cost of food has skyrocketed, and that these seasonal restaurants have to make all their money for the whole year in June, July and August. Thus, I don't really hold it against them. It's family owned, and the owners obviously work crazy hours in the summer, but they are always friendly. The high prices just mean it's a special occasion kind of place -- maybe once a summer. read more

I've been going here for years. My grandfather loved eating there. Ordered take out for 6 chicken dinners. Paid extra to have some dinners all white, dark and choice. Received 20 pieces of chicken instead of 24 ( 6 dinners @ 4 pieces of chicken). Received only 32 ounce sides instead of a 32 and 16 ounce side as noted on their to go menu. When I called about the shortage, I was told that when you order all white or dark you only get 3 pieces of chicken instead of 4. Why then did I pay extra? When I asked about the sides being short, I was told that when you order 4, 5 or 6 chicken dinners you only get a 32 ounce side even though I paid for a whole dinner. Had 5 guys to feed and myself so there was not enough. Given how poorly they handled the shortage issue, I'll never go back. If you order take out make sure you understand what they are giving you as their take out menu is deceptive. read more

The Dam Site Inn is about as good as it gets for Northern Michigan. My aunt lives in the area and it's definitely not known for its culinary scene. In fact I can't really think of many good restaurants or really any restaurants up there. However Dam Site Inn has changed that with its eclectic fun retro vibe and delicious food. The restaurant was opened in the mid 1950's and not much seems to have changed since then. However it is a very fun experience and I really liked all the painted wine glasses, the amazing bar, and all the kangaroos. I was there in September, so there were also intricately carved pumpkins that were just amazing. I also really liked the view of the lake. The food is your classic comfort. I had the all you can eat fried chicken that was some of the best fried chicken I've ever tasted, and I'm from the South so I am very particular about fried chicken. It was flavorful and moist. It comes with buttery mashed potatoes, gravy, peas, handmade noodles, biscuits, and a salad. It's a ton of food for under $20. I also tasted the fish, which was delicious as well. This place is very unique and definitely worth visiting if you are in the area. One of the best meals I have had in Northern Michigan. read more

Very consistent. Excellent restaurant that can accommodate large families and groups. Best chicken dinners. Homemade noodles, gravy and biscuits are phenomenal. Best frog legs, I've ever had. Love their whitefish. Family operated business that cares about their customers. read more

Wonderful meal for our family and friends. The history and MCM charm is amazing. I felt transported and was so glad we went. The staff was perfection. read more

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I always try not to eat to much at the Dam site, but once again my eyes were bigger than my stomach! The food is simple, but homemade ! Yes it's like going into a time warp back to 1970, but just enjoy the ride. Don't mess around with anything else, get the chicken diner! D read more

The best place for a real family meal. Large round tables can seat 8. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. This family restaurant has not changed in over 50 years. Have the family style chicken dinners!!! Summer would not be complete with out a dinner here! read more

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Great food and atmosphere. Everything served family style and the plates are never empty. Ask for Liza's section. She wears a flower in her hair. She is a well oiled machine of a server. Decor is a throwback to the 60s. You will leave extremely satisfied. read more

If I were judging this by the standards of a typical restaurant, I'd give it 2 stars. But Dam Site Inn gets an extra star for its old-school feel, beautiful location, and home cookin'. I appreciate locally/personally owned restaurants, and eating at the Dam Site Inn is a really special experience. I especially enjoy the hummingbird/butterfly gardens and feeders outside the big windows. Plus, there just aren't a lot of restaurants around here, and the Dam Site Inn makes a nice excursion in the summer. We went here for Mothers' Day last year and it was lovely. Now for the bad part: the menu is hearty but very limited. In particular, vegetarians have a hard time ordering here. Literally everything on the menu has meat or seafood in it. I asked the waitress what I could order, and her solution was to get the same home-style chicken dinner that the rest of my family was eating, but not to eat the chicken. So I ate noodles and potatoes and salad (although I have a sneaking suspicion the gravy was not vegetarian either- in fact I'm pretty sure of it). On the other hand, the desserts are dense and intensely good. Yeah, 3 stars is about right. read more

Dam Site Inn is kitschy, to be sure, but love the old "Midwest supper club" feel, the entrees that are a throwback to the 1960s and the delicious sides that are served, family style, with every entree. If I had to pick my last meal, it might include a trough of their homemade noodles served with that rich, buttery (chickeny?) sauce. If they'd just let me order a bowl of those, I'd be happy. Oh, and maybe some of the buttered peas. And homemade biscuit with butter and honey. And just a piece or two of the fantastic fried chicken. Heck, bring it all to me! You must also order the relish tray appetizer! read more

The first time we went there, there was a 90 minute wait, so we went back home and ate leftovers instead. I had won a gift certificate during the pandemic, so I tried to order take out a couple of times but was told they didn't have the staff to do that. They won't take reservations. I only had two days left to use my gift certificate, since they are no longer open Sundays and Mondays, so I stopped on my way home from work about 5:45 to put our name on the waiting list. Unfortunately there was immediate seating, but I still had to go home and pick up my husband. The man wrote my name down and I told him I would be back in 45 minutes. Got back with my husband about 6:30 and the man said it would be a half hour wait to get a table. A customer leaving said it was worth the wait. Waited in the lobby about 40 minutes and went to ask how much longer because I was getting lightheaded from hunger. He said "oh sorry, I looked for you in the bar but not in the lobby." I didn't even know where the bar was as we had never eaten there before, and we don't drink any more. They seated us right away. We ordered the chicken thinking it would be quicker. They brought us our cole slaw and a small salad. It took until 8:00 to get our meal. We only got one small biscuit each. The noodles were good but not hot. The peas were excellent. Mashed potatoes and gravy were fine. The chicken was moist but a little bland, definitely not as good as my mom's or Grandma's. Don't understand why people wait that long and pay that much? Got to take the leftover chicken home and the waitress brought us a couple of extra pieces but was sad they took the rest of the sides away. Didn't get home from dinner until 9:00 read more

We've been a fan of the Dam Site Inn for a number of years and their food and service has always been outstanding. You could call this an old-school restaurant, fine for everyone, but aimed for the older crowd. Their food is prepared on site, even the owner Ray, who is present each evening, can be seen making biscuits and noodles in the kitchen each morning. At first the prices seem high, but the quantity and quality of their food and service is well worth it. On our last visit, my wife and I had their broiled whitefish as we are fish fans. It was as good as any I've had anywhere and the go-withs allowed us two more dinners at home. They even packed up all the items we hadn't eaten which were still in the family style serving dishes. They pay attention to every detail, and we highly recommend the place. read more

Ate there for the first time tonight. It was amazing. I had the lamb chops, my sister has the filet. All was amazing g. We asked for a dessert to go-- chocolate mousse cake. I didn't look at it before we left but i just went to eat it and it doesn't remotely resemble a chocolate mousse. I was so looking forward to it and i was so disappointed. I don't even know what the dessert is that i was given. Can't even describe it. Some sort of bread with whipped cream on it. read more

This is like taking a step back in time! So cute and I love the hand painted wine glasses. Went with a party of 11 guests and all entrees come with family style potatoes, peas, and noodles. Could not get enough of the noodles!! The staff was very friendly and service was fast. Definitely worth the drive! read more

I don't recommend. High price for what you get. I can make mashed potatoes at home. The noodles were the best part of the meal. Frozen peas, iceberg lettuce with a thin slice of tomato and a purple onion ring. All the seafood was batter fried. The biscuits were hard and small. Spend your money someplace else!! read more

As I sit here... with over 10 pieces of fried chicken in my belly sending me closer to death.... I have zero regrets.

I love this place for their fried chicken dinners. Was lucky to be able to go on their opening weekend for the season. They did not disappoint, you must try the chocolate mousse cake if you have any room for dessert. read more

The food is outstanding !! The service is GREAT !! The atmosphere is cheerful and friendly.... It is a place that everyone should put on their list as a must visit when traveling Michigan !!!! read more