Is it a steakhouse or an old bar? It's difficult to tell when they serve prime rib and have steakhouse prices but everyone looks like they just mowed their lawn and came here or are bar regulars. Regardless, it leaves much to be desired. Tables are extremely close and you are sure to hear others and be heard whether you want to or not. The appetizers are overpriced bar food and not impressive. The prime rib is dry and overcooked. However, the healthy wine pours do make for it. Had I not had 2 (full) glasses, I might not have been the best tipper or left 2 stars. Never coming back here though. read more

This spot was recommended by family and my husband was dying to check it out as he loved a good steak. I loved the old timey atmosphere and staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming. The menu had something to offer for everyone. My salmon was delicious and my husband was so happy with his NY strip. Such a cool spot with so much charm and character! read more

Mode's Bum Steer - American Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

What an amazing experience. Olivia our server was exceptionally good she was so nice and gave great recommendations. I will go right to the star of the show. My NY Strip was hands down top 5 I have ever had and I will put that against very expensive places in Chicago or Vegas! It was cooked perfectly medium but with an almost Pittsburgh blue crust. It was tender and flavorful and I will crave it for the immediate future. Not far behind was the homemade blue cheese dressing for the wedge. Chefs kiss !! Hope this place never changes the ambiance is amazing. read more

Old times steakhouse feel from the 70s. You figure if the place looks like this and is still in business it must be good. Also the restaurant was busy but we were the only people under 55. Ordered the prime rib dinner. The blue cheese dressing on the salad was delicious. Unfortunately the meat was unseasoned and bland. The cut was decent size and served medium just totally lacking in flavor and bland. Bill was north of $150 after tip for 2 people. I would not return here and will go elsewhere in town for the money. read more

Writing this as we are sitting at the table. No, go anywhere else but here. The atmosphere is very dark and depressing and all of the staff seem like they want to be anywhere else but here. And you can absolutely tell they cook for the older local group that are watching their salt intake because literally NOTHING was seasoned, salted or flavored. Not the baked potato, not the steak, not the fries, not the au jus for the prime rib sandwich, not even the coleslaw. So happy we didn't order the $70 steaks to be served absolutely tasteless food. I ordered the smaller bite 6oz and I have never had to salt my own steak in a restaurant. Was hoping for something different from other reviews but completely misled on that. read more

The brie and chutney appetizer was absolutely phenomenal! The steaks were cooked to perfection, although a tad under seasoned. The service was top-notch. It's a very honest, assuming neighborhood bar with top-tier food. Clean, classic, No Frills and well done. I would've given it five stars if it weren't for the slightly under seasoned food and nearly inedible tuna steak. To be fair, I ordered tuna at a steak restaurant. read more

Trixie knows how to mix a perfect brandy alexander while answering the phone and printing out the bill for a six top. Modes is the place to relax in the vintage decor. Locals don't want to share the secret but you'll be sorry if you don't try it. Tip your servers and bartenders well. They are the best. read more

Mode's Bum Steer - Dessert drinks at Modes - American Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

See all

I absolutely adore the restaurant scenery. I like how they keep it original, cute chairs, and overall ambiance. The staff is nice. The food was good but steak was flavorless, however, I think that's how it's supposed to be. I added the mushrooms to mine and they were tasty. Wedge salad is simple but incredible. Prices are a bit outrageous but it's a nice restaurant. read more

See all

Tucked away in a small inconspicuous building on State Street, is Modes Bum Steer. No it's not on Front street but it more than holds it own with any of TC's more "visible" restaurants. If you want steak, prime rib or (our personal favorite) duck for dinner, head over to Modes. The portions are huge and everything is homemade including their salad dressings. The blue cheese dressing is amazing. They don't take reservations so go early to be sure you can get in. We often do carryout. It's one of our favorite restaurants in traverse city and is ALWAYS great! read more

Traverse Cities oldest steak house, bet it looked like this when they opened. Wife wanted steak and unfortunately a lot of the places up here are closed today or close at 9pm. Dated, small portions my steak had no taste whatsoever, I had to put steak sauce on it and I never do that. Wedge salad was okay, baked potato was tiny and the homemade cherry cheesecake did nothing for me. Seems like it's an older crowd that likes to frequent here, they were probably here for the grand opening in 1975. Service was good, my wife enjoyed her prime rib and I thought mine was mehhh read more

See all

We were actually off to another place but the wine Stuwarts at the winery we were at said this place is hands down one of the best places on Traverse City for steak dinner. Well, either our standards are too high or theirs too low. First of all, if you've been serving customer since 1975, maybe it's time to update to 2024. The place still reeks of 1975. The wine selections we're not that great, we had to choke down some bad Hahn Cab.... cheap 1975 glassware as well. Bowls of pre-packaged sour cream and butter packets on the table. Wow, how low brow for a Steak Joint. I ordered the 14oz strip steak and my wife ordered the 8oz filet. Both came with choice of Baked potato, fries or other and included Texas Toast (are we at sizzler?) We both ordered the baked. Came with a wedge salad with choice of dressing. Wedge was huge. The Blue cheese was OK, my wife thought it was store bought. For the Steaks...My Strip was OK, I had better, lots of Au jus on the plate, My wife said if it weren't for the char on her filet, it would be pretty dull. Both were cooked perfect medium, but that's about it. The potato's were small but cooked perfect.. Part way through the meal we realized...Where's the Veggies?? It slipped us, there was no mention of a vegetable for the steak dinner, or at least ala cart, no mention from the server. The service was OK and prices were...well, I guess reflective of the meal. We would have paid more for a better experience. We've been coming to Traverse City every year for the last 10 years, Note: we won't be coming back to Mode's. Sorry. read more

Good but very pricey. 12 oz prime rib with some mini perch. $50. I had a french dip sandwich that was on the small side. $18 + $1 for onions & another $1 for cheese. For 4 of us to eat, bill was $178.00 without tip. read more

While server was very good, she wasn't friendly at all, But to be honest that was ok, because she was good at her job. Atmosphere was reminded me of those old fashioned movies from the 50's and 60's dinner club/bar or as my brother in law said, his grandmas basement. The food was good, but not good enough to go back. The four stars are really because the service was good. Otherwise 3 stars for sure. read more

Mode's Bum Steer - What you first see when walking in. - American Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

I'm still dreaming of the shrimp and the wedge salad with blue cheese dressing! My friends from New Jersey had never tasted duck and prime rib so delicious We loved everything! I work in hospitality and have sent many guests your way! I wish I would have remembered our wonderful server's name ... I'll pay more attention next time! Appreciate your hard work! read more

Truly authentic American homemade meals, sure to please. If you like Reuben's, get it. You won't be disappointed. read more

Step back in time when you step in to this place. It reminded me of steakhouses from my youth in the 60's and 70's. Not a lot of options but everything was tasty. Bar cheese appetizer , wedge salad ( only salad option) with house made dressing , large cocktails with the waitress suggesting a double and prime rib ( 12 or 16 oz cuts).... a cattleman's delight! Sides are starches , either baked or fried potato or rice. Many steak cuts and all reasonably priced . Looked like many locals in the place which is always a good sign read more

Mode's Bum Steer - Prime rib - American Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

I was expecting more after all of the hype. Lots of positive comments by people but I give honest reviews. So here it goes. Service, they were hustlers. Moving all over, carrying food out quickly. Smiles. Taking care of a very crowed area. So friendly. Able to answer questions and they gave honest answers. Very pleased with them. Food, well in a place know for steak, that is what we got. I ordered a filet and asked for it to be med well with just a hint of pink. Server asked about butterflying it. I don't prefer it, I believe it takes away from the steak. The server said she would ask if they could do it. Well they did. The steak came out perfect. I was happy with the temp of the steak. The other steak was a NY Strip and it was cooked perfectly too. I wish that there was a little more seasoning though. The beef was a quality piece but sometimes a little seasoning enhances it. The sides were a little disappointing. We got baked potatoes and they were small and the temp wasn't that hot. It was a struggle to melt the butter. Salad was a wedge and very fresh. Atmosphere is fun. So would I come here again, yes. Would I recommend it, yes. Is it a 5 star, no. read more

Dad and I visited here a few weeks ago. Our financial guy gave my dad a gift card, guess we made him some money, ha! Ordered: Dad- It was some kinda steak. And, a baked potato. And a bloody Mary. Me- Walleye, and rice. And, cheesecake. Mmm, cheesecake. Decidedly, all so good. Finally figured it out, go here in fall/winter and on a weeknight. I was re-reading my review from 2012, God, I need new hobbies, anyways... Apparently, it was very busy at Mode's in the summer. Adding another star for stellar, but non-hovering, service. Merci beaucoup! read more

This place is a local favorite that's been around for a while. You'll have a good meal here, especially if you like meat. Prime rib is great, so is the duck and lamb. Can't go wrong really and the atmosphere kinda takes you back in time. read more

Mode's Bum Steer - American Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

Old School place. Great food and awesome service I'm guessing from long term employees. Go to Moads Bum Steer when there is tornado weather.... The place has zero windows! I LOVE those places! read more

Disappointed. Service was fantastic, which I would have expected, I was the ONLY one in the place. It was clean, staff friendly and attentive, but there was nothing special about the food. I had the French Dip, which is priced 40% higher ($18.00) than what showed on Yelp ($13.00) and fries will cost you another $3.00. For those prices, you would expect something special, that was not the case. The meat on the sandwich was tasteless, the Au Jus was nothing more than colored water, as it had absolutely no flavor, the coleslaw was creamy, but again, no flavor. The two items that had good flavor were the pickle and the ketchup I used for the fries. For the price, the portions are small and unfortunately there is just nothing special about the food. Again, the service was great, everything was clean, but the food was disappointing. read more

Townie place for sure. Prices are a bit steep. The atmosphere and service were top-notch. Homemade blue cheese salad dressing was an absolute standout. read more

Great supper club Definitely a place for locals which we love Fresh fish and steak with a good cocktail read more

Very busy place and was disappointed as everything was bland no flavor at all. I thought we found something good when we seen how busy they were but what I ordered was the fillet mignon, shrimp and bake potato. No seasonings at all and for the price of the fillet which was the smaller portion was ridiculously high. The shrimp was the only thing that was good as my baked potato looked dirty as it hasn't been washed. My husband had the lobster tail and ribeye which was served with ajuice and that had no flavor. then when we got our bill from the waitress, she charged us double the amount. Waitress was not that friendly either however, the hostess that sat us was. read more

I don't know why there are so many negative reviews here. The atmosphere is amazing. The service is amazing. And the steak was top notch. Thoroughly enjoyed my experience here. read more

Fantastic food! It doesn't look like it would have amazing food from the outside, but give this place a shot for sure. read more

Mode's Bum Steer - Prime Rib (12 oz.) and lobster tail - American Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

"Bum" Steak. Pros: Wait staff was friendly and professional. Jalapeño mozzarella sticks were delicious. Cons: Ordered a t-bone, requested medium rare. It came out looking grey and was raw in the center. Part of it was a mass of raw meat and uncooked fat. No seasonings at all; looked and tasted like a cold steak had been taken directly from a refrigerator and put on a too hot grill (and tasted like the cook surface had rancid grease on it). Steak came with a baked potato that was also inedible due to one end being rotten. Wait staff offered to replace; I declined. All in all, a waste of $40. read more

Mode's Bum Steer - a burrito wrapped in tin foil - American Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

See all

Terrible all around Don't waste your money or time. Great for the geriatrics but there are so many great restaurants downtown where you could have an actual "Traverse dining experience". What kind of place that specializes in steak doesn't know how to cook one to preference with even the slightest consistency? read more

We got into Traverse City late Friday night and most places were closing or booked. Mode's was serving until 11 and we had heard great things about it! It's about a 3 minute walk from the main stretch of downtown tucked away. The service was so friendly and kind and really took care of us. I had a prime rib for the first time in years and it was perfect! My mom and sister got the 4oz filet and lobster tail and they were delicious as well! I would highly recommend this place for a great steak! read more

Mode's Bum Steer - Prime Rib - American Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

Had a 4 oz strip steak which was tough and flavorless! Salad was good, husband had a center cut filet which was too charred, tough and absolutely no seasoning! I asked the waitress for extra limes for my gin and tonic and she literally threw 5 on the bar! On a napkin but three rolled off and she used her hands! She was also bitching about being at work! We wanted a nice enjoyable dinner and was rushed and made to feel as though we were a bother! Shocking because the place was packed! Worst $125 I've spent on a meal! Didn't ask to have items remade due to the way the staff was making fun if a patron when we sat down at the bar! Paid and left! Oh but the shrimp was good, why they got two stars, maybe we should have ordered seafood!!! read more

Mode's Bum Steer - what a bumMER! Not so much the steer, as the overall experience. Sorry not sorry, but it's a real pet peeve for a hostess to greet with "how many?" and to then proceed to walk away without another word. Are we supposed to follow you? Are you getting a table ready? Are you checking available options? Is your shift over? Did you spontaneously become mute? Is there some telepathy going down that only you're in on? Things did not tremendously improve upon getting to the table. It took a while (more than 5 minutes) to get a greet by our server. I'm talking even an acknowledgment as she attended nearby tables. Party foul. It's just not hard to make eye contact, say 'hello', and let guests know they've been seen. Also party foul: inability to describe the various meat temps to help guide one's decisions. A medium rare "hot pink center with a little juice - blood" and medium "hot pink center with a little juice" is not helpful. The two non-special request meals took 75 minutes to come out on what was perceivably an average-busy night. Long after the salads had been eaten and cleared. Presumably no fault of the servers, but would have been better if the couple of apologies would have resulted in more attentive service. It didn't. They served as more salt in the wound when having to sit in front of our plates ready to go - with no acknowledgment - as our table was again repeatedly passed in effort to get the tables that came in after us boxed up and cashed out. The salads were good. The baked potatoes were good. The Texas toast was good. Per him, the salmon I make is better. My steak was okay. It wasn't bad, it wasn't something I will think about and crave going forward. The server was a nice gal and we all have "off" nights. Perhaps that's what this night was. An off night by both the hostess (more likely a training issue) and server. Nonetheless, having heard from a couple of folks about MBS, I wanted to try it. Now that we've done so, and based on the overall experience, I don't foresee us sacrificing an opportunity to have a reliable dining experience with all of the other available options. read more

Best scallops I have had north of Florida! The baked option comes in a generous portion with great flavor and texture! Wish there would have been more veggie sides instead of all white starches. Prices are fair for the state of the economy. You should definitely plan on spending a pretty penny for quality seafood and steak in these portion sizes. The server was a little curt to start the night but was very pleasant by the end. Went there for my dad's 63 birthday so the 60s/70s throwback vibe was perfect. And they even brought him a little cute birthday treat! read more

#IjustcantYelpit A Traverse City classic institution. Good, fresh food. Reasonable prices. Friendly wait staff. #lifers Endless salad bar. Old school cocktails. Plenty of food. #togobox #worthit read more

See all

Service was excellent. Atmosphere takes you back. Great environment and vibe. Sadly, the delicious food was not at all worth the high prices. The fresh wedge of lettuce was a nice and unique enjoyment. But it was hard to believe a $48 steak (delicious) came with just half a piece of Texas toast next to a few fries. Not to mention the many additional charges (e.g. .75 for lettuce and tomato on a $15 burger that doesn't come with fries). Amp it up by combining your high quality with a little more quantity and fairer pricing, and you'll never get less than 5 stars.... read more

Mode's is a little bit of a time capsule. The decor is delightfully dated, but it works. The steaks are killer! And the service is always quick and polite. It's a Traverse City classic! read more

Great Prime Rib. Service was very good despite being very busy. Another patron told us the walleye was excellent

Meh, I've had better. Went in here with a group of 5 people. It was highly recommended. I'd go back, but not for steak. We had two orders of prime rib (Both were ok, but not great), a sirloin steak (it was tough and fatty), another steak I forgot the cut of (no complaints on it) and a sausage dinner. It was $140 for the five of us, we all had water and no alcohol. The best part of the meal was the salad bar that was included with the meals, and the baked potato. The waitress was attentive, and kept up with water refills and cleaning the table. Parking was tough, but it was a Friday night and a holiday weekend, so not counting off for that at all. Service was quick for 5 meals. We went in at about 9 p.m. read more

Mode's Bum Steer - American Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

See all

Good food, service is find but please expect the place to be a throw back to 1960's, If you expect new trendy establishment you'll be disappointed. Erroneous expectations will cause you more unhappiness than actual impact. This place a great $ value but not trendy and fashionable. Steak dinners are definitely worth the (very reasonable) price, read more

Great steakhouse and popular place to go. Old time restaurant feel. Also loved a steak house where food is tasty and sides come with the meal and are not ala carte. They also let you split the meals! My husband and I split the porterhouse steak. read more

Mode's Bum Steer - American Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

As of the writing of this review the star rating was 4.5. I'd agree with this, and allow me to highlight the reasons this is one of Traverse City's hidden gems. This classic old school steak house has been an an cozy establishment, tuck away on State Street since 1975. I've eaten my way thru the entire menu and let me say there is nothing, not a single item on the menu that should not be considered, order and enjoyed. Steaks, lamb, lobster, peach....I just wish I could eat here all the time! read more