5 stars for the view. Food was very average for me and lacking flavor. We sat outside and our service was great! Started with the pretzel roll. 3/5 I had the burger and added a side salad with broccoli. The broccoli had no butter or seasoning of any kind and was under cooked. 2/5 I would not return for food but perhaps a drink with a view. My friends both got the turkey Ruben and they really enjoyed it! read more

The Limberlost - Burger - Bars Near Me - Houghton Lake, Michigan

Amazing people and views of the lake. Excellent food for their huge kitchen with an awesome chef. The tender at the bar is really good at what she does. Lakeside atmosphere is great inside and out on the patio. read more

The Limberlost - Italian sub - Bars Near Me - Houghton Lake, Michigan

We stopped by The Limberlost during a busy evening, and even with the crowd, the service was attentive. I got the nachos, which were just okay--nothing standout. But the sandwiches definitely made up for it. The Reuben was flavorful and well-balanced, and the French Dip was delicious--especially thanks to the bread, which really elevated the whole thing. As we were wrapping up, a bachelor/bachelorette party rolled in to enjoy drinks at the outdoor bar below, adding a fun, lively vibe to the atmosphere. Overall, The Limberlost continues to be a reliable spot to grab a bite and hang out. We've never had a bad time here, and this visit was no exception. read more

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Great service, good food, nice and warm view of the cold outside. The mushroom burger was cooked to my liking and tasty, although the bottom bun was soggy. The sweet potato fries were really great - 5 stars. The wedge salad was okay, but the bacon wasn't fresh cooked or crispy. read more

The Limberlost - Mushroom Swiss burger with sweet potato fries - Bars Near Me - Houghton Lake, Michigan

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Place used to be the place to be when Joe Wagner owned it..This place has Absolutly the worst service and Overpriced food now..DO BETTER

Service was fast and friendly. The homemade chips and dip were outstanding. We also got the fish tacos, chicken strips and Italian sub all were good. The coconut shrimp was mushy would not recommend. The lake views and games were awesome and we had a nice visit. read more

Positive: cherry wheat beer was fresh and super cold The potato chips were so good: homemade ? Fellow customers were great to visit with Negatives: Fish taco said mango salsa- nope not on mine and it came chips, 5 to be exact ‍ Now for the burger- frozen pre made, not cooked as ordered, I mean raw and no cheese. The loaded tater tots came plain And now we wait for napkins and silverware All of this would have some leniency if busy- but it was not even close to be called busy ugh Not to be rude but went to the back door after to have drinks and ordered the most amazing burger Just save your time and not eat here. read more

Lilly our server was great. Fun atmosphere / food great Definitely coming back. Can't wait to come to see a band In The summer read more

9.99 for 5 boneless wings?? And they don't even list the amount on the menu. Order a full meal to get your moneys worth, or don't come here at all. read more

The food was great, our server was on top of it and they even made sure my toddler had everything he needed

This is by far the best bar/restaurant on the Lake!!! If you don't come here, you didn't come to the right place!!! Food/Drink/Atmosphere/Service are all #1! read more

Busters order was prepared on the open grill in the middle of the restaurant in front of a live band. (We ALLLLL live in the wrong city... ) I want to live here with this stunning lake view . I enjoyed the service the food the ambiance. And the view. read more

The Limberlost - Recommended by the gentleman at the super 8 counter. - Bars Near Me - Houghton Lake, Michigan

This is the quintessential small town dive bar. Great location and probably an awesome place to party if you are newly 21. If you are coming with low expectations and a desire to get drunk HERE IT IS. FIRST IMPRESSIONS: The entrance is a bit odd.. 2 wooded doors greet you which reminds me of a high school auditorium. My husband and I arrived for a late dinner. We live in roscommon about 20 minutes and have never tried this place. The reviews kept us away actually but we decided to try it anyway. Sadly the staff is comprised of employees that aren't very professional and have grown accustomed to customers who come for cheap drinks to support black out drunk evenings. We were greeted from across the bar... sat ourselves... the bartender left the bar to bring us menus and the first question was "eating or drinking?" Which tells me everything I needed to know. The answer is both.... they offer seasonal cocktails with liquor from a local distillery. Very inexpensive. We got our drinks fast then sat awkwardly awaiting the return of our server to place our food. Over 10 minutes. The staff is loud as if they are drinking with the customers. Our waitress smells like she takes constant smoke breaks. This place has massive potential but it's obvious they cater to the out-of-town partiers that clog the area during peak season times. The menus are too large and we're wilted as it they had water damage or many drinks spilled on them when we asked the waitress what craft beer they offered, her response was "like what?"... confused and followed by "we have so many things" I then listed bells and founders to have her offer two hearted which is offered anywhere and doesn't show the range they have.... no beer menu.... we ordered an appetizer platter and then steaks which came with 1 side of our choosing (for the cost it's typical to have 2 sides or bread or salad also) 14 oz ribeyes with a side $23. We watched seemingly a cook approach a fridge on the bar floor next to a claw machine grab what appeared to be our steaks. Quite concerning. It's a tacky interior with black lights rather than proper lighting. There are games, pool tables and a large stage along with a red velvet curtain.... like I said potential. There's even a hibatchi style grill to have items grilled right in front of you... probably super cool during summer. There's lake frontage and outdoor seating also. As I type this actually my husband says to me "I feel like this place could be on an episode of bar rescue" which is super accurate. I just watched 5 young women leave after drinking at the bar.... the bartender right after they left crumbled the receipts. and complained about the tips she received being low. FOOD: appetizer platter included 4 different things with 3 of each. Everything was hot and pretty good in the realm of bar food. Our steaks were totally different sizes. Looked so dry we both put butter on them. My asparagus was for sure over cooked and from a can.. my husbands tator tots were a frost bit... the roll that came with it was microwaved. We sent back both meals which we never do but we could not pay nearly $50 for that. Gross. My 3 star (which was generous) sank to a 2 very quick after this meal. I'm not shocked. I went in knowing but sometimes you have to try so your curiosity dies. You've been warmed. read more

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The food is typically good; however, the service this past visit was poor. After waiting over an hour, the waitress came back out for the first time since she took our order and informed us she did not put in the order yet. After, she asked us if we minded waiting another hour on empty glasses for food, but waiting over 2 hours for a plate of food was not ideal. Past visits were great, but this changed my judgement about the place. read more

Saw the place from the road, looked nice figured we give it a try. Service was fair, but with the help shortage that's to be expect. Wonderful atmosphere, beautiful views of the lake, all kinds of seating options. Then to top it off I had the best Ribeye I have had in years, cooked to perfection. Hats off to the staff. Need a bigger sign out front. Also a little overall maintenance, maybe some quick fixer uppers. Great experience. read more

Nastiest food I ever ate. The place was dirty. Floor needed vacuuming. Windows were discussing. I can only imagine what the kitchen looks like. Yuck. read more

Great food. Beautiful view of Houghton Lake! I definitely recommend sitting on the porch. Perfect dinner.

Insane that an outdoor bar restaurant doesn't allow dogs. They serve dog quality food, but don't allow actual dogs.

With much hesitation we decided to eat here. Our first time here and first time in 25 years I've been to Houghton lake. With having a 2 1/2 star rating, I wasn't sure how it was gonna be! Well We had a awesome time! Our server Heather was amazing! So friendly and fast. She did not skip a beat! I had the French Dip and my boyfriend had the 1/2 pound Limberlost. We always order our burgers medrare because they always are sent out well done! Well not the case today. It was a perfect medrare! Beers were very cold! The views were amazing! It's a shame we live so far away! We will differently come back in the future! read more

The Limberlost - Bars Near Me - Houghton Lake, Michigan

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Mediocre at best. Waitress hated her job and as much as said so....2 daughters ordered boneless wings, one got a heaping plateful and the other 5 chunks. So disappointing. read more

Where do I begin? Upon entering this place, It appears the entrance has been chopped up with a pick axe. Let's move on now to the service. Typically understaffed, and slow to even get you a drink if you are at a table. If you have a party larger than 2, then please expect your parties food to be brought out, not together, but brought out staggered in 3-10 minute increments. So, do not plan on eating at the same time. On to the quality of their food. I have had decent food here before, but the food was probably delivered that day and was still fresh. The majority of any food I have ever had served to me here was stale , and had little little taste and came out cold at times. We no longer go here for anything what so ever. I have this place two stars only for the view of the lake off of the back deck area. read more

The Limberlost - Bars Near Me - Houghton Lake, Michigan

Terrible Experience! They are severely lacking on servers (several people left after sitting down and not seeing a host or hostess. They nickel and dime you for (.50-1.00 for any additional request on our burgers...Mayo, pickles, sautéed onions). We ordered fish tacos and received chicken tacos. So many issues with this place! DO NOT GO THERE!!!! read more

Had beers and bruschetta great scene, great food, great drinks, would come again any day loved it

Typical up north Michigan spot serving familiar bar food standards. Good location on the lake with nice views. The staff is friendly and the restaurant is large enough to accommodate most any group. Has been our typical after golf spot for years. read more

this had to of been worse than the local goat and that place was the most utter pierce of trash i have ever tasted in my life prices were to high and only got 10 fries and it's 15$ for a burger the size of a golf ball would not recommend wasting your time and money into this lump of trash also would give a 0 star but that isn't a option read more

Booked this place last August for our rehearsal dinner, we drove 5.5hrs up to meet with the owner, she knew we were coming and she refused to meet with us. It took over an hour to get her to come talk to us. Once she did we agreed to all the details, including to bring our own entertainment for the entire establishment to enjoy. We were told by the owner herself that she would send us menu options that next week. It has now been 8 months and we have not heard back from her. We have called, texted, and emailed the bar and her personal number multiple times. Every time I call the restaurant they say "she's really busy and she will call tomorrow". This is extremely unprofessional and she has now left us scrambling last minute to find a suitable venue to host a dinner. Their website states they host parties such as this, if they didn't want to do it she could have just told me instead of booking it and leaving me hanging. 10/10 do not recommend. read more

Horrible horrible experience. Took so long for food, drinks and when the food came the salmon was raw. Like ice cold in the middle. Will never go back. read more

The Limberlost - a plate of food with a fork - Bars Near Me - Houghton Lake, Michigan

We had made reservations for a group of 40 to come on a Friday night. WELL the waitress told me "they didn't expect that many to really show up" so they only called in one extra waitress to help that night. We had to wait over 2 hours to ALL be served our meals. The first ones already had their bills before the last ones were being served. It was so unorganized. Some of us never even got asked if we wanted refills on our drinks- so we sat there with empty glasses all night. I wouldn't recommend this place if you have more than 10 in your party at all. read more

I love, love, love this place! Whenever I'm traveling "up North" I make a stop here. The location and atmosphere is the best! They also have a great selection of food & drink! Good service too! read more

The Limberlost - Bars Near Me - Houghton Lake, Michigan

Well, I finally made it to the Limberlost and I was quickly reminded that I should always listen to my fellow "yelpers". The restaurant had all the qualities to ruin a dining experience: bad service, cold food and warm beer. But, I won't waste my time complaining about that, what really got me was when children started roasting marshmallows over someone's soon to be steak dinner. Yikes! read more

The Limberlost - Children roasting marshmallows on the open grill over someone's soon to be steak dinner. - Bars Near Me - Houghton Lake, Michigan

Burnt French fries , a waitress with a attitude and Shrimp on the railing next to our heads.. was not impressed and will not return ! I would give them zero stars but unfortunately Yelp makes you give them at least one.. read more

The Limberlost - Shrimp on the railing next to our table! - Bars Near Me - Houghton Lake, Michigan

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Came here a few weeks ago on Memorial weekend with a friend from out of state for lunch and drinks. We got ID'd right away (we're 25 years old) and the bartender requested that the manager verify our ID's. The manager came out from behind the bar and pulled out a huge thick book and studied our ideas and pretty much made a huge production in front of other customers. "If it's fake it's a good one." and other comments were made. I have no issue with getting ID'd i understand it is a holiday weekend with an influx out of towners but there is a way to talk to people and use good customer service skills. Had a quick beer and left because my buddy didn't feel like he wanted to spend his hard earned money here. Coronas were cold. 2/5. Gonna try again this summer with my family & hope to have a better experience. read more

Almost a 1, but simple gesture made it a 4.5 Arriving to see one of 3 patios open on a Friday in July, then finding out they're out of 3 draft beers... not the best start. THEN a staff member comes around to say "credit card machine is down so we're cash/check only... but you can use the ATM." Now we're at a 1. But server was great, good was fast and great, amd when I approached the manager about $4 ATM fee frustration, she agreed to my "can I just get a beverage comped?" Suggestion, and that small gesture turned out entire visit around. Thank you to our young but awesome waitress, the accommodating manager on duty, and the cooks and bus boys who did a great job today; you regained our faith in your place. We'll be back read more

We were sorely disappointed with our food. Out of 6 people - only 1 person was pleased with their dinner. BLT's were very skimpy on bacon. French dip had 1 cold piece of roast beef - and barely Luke warm au jus. Chicken breast -tough - Caesar salad skimpy - no croutons - ordered blackened salmon with it - got a Luke warm bbq or bourbon salmon - Service was good. Server did a great job. The cook not so well. We've been many times in the past and have gotten great food. read more

It was a Sunday night, not a lot of customers but we had great food and great service. Some 50 year olds, we had drinks, shots, and food. Good perch and cod meals. Destiny was awesome and Shawna. read more

Great service! I was worried after seeing these reviews but we were checked on many times by our server and 2 other staff members. Food was good, very happy with the experience. read more

Beautiful view at this laid back waterfront restaurant. Staff is great and so are the fish tacos! Perfect place to sip a craft beer with your besties. read more

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Their fries were mediocre, burger was well-cooked and executed fine, service was decent, and the atmosphere was upbeat. This is probably the shortest review I've ever written but there's not much too this place--if you want decent food with the view of the lake, this is the place to go read more

Usually our food and service is good. We have a young shotty server. Our food took over 45 minutes and there were only 3other small tables. My sister in law ordered a medium rare burger that was over well done. I ordered the bruschetta chicken that literally had hardly any bruschetta on it and boneless wings appetizer only had 4 wings!! We were not impressed! read more

Cold food and warm beer. Must be opposite day. So disappointed. We've been visiting for years during vacation. It's either time to close the kitchen doors or find cooks that care about food. My husband's perch was "old and cold" . Two bites was all he could take. The kids burger was served hard and cold. Obviously a frozen burger that was likely microwaved, hence the hardend edges. My Cobb salad was served with one small piece of cold chicken. The beer was warm. The positves, the Olive burger was great according to my mother-in-law but she doesn't get out much and is easy to please. The service saved the experience. Someone please open a family-friendly restaurant that serves spirits and delicious food! read more