We stopped in for the first time while visiting Ludington SP. Started with two drinks and the onion petals for an appetizer - all were very good. My husband ordered the ribs and I the perch dinner. Personally, I did not enjoy the perch. Overall they were just very underwhelming; tasted dry, perhaps overcooked, and not overly warm. My husband on the other hand - he is quite opinionated when it comes to ribs (has very high standards), and he could not stop talking about how good they were. He particularly enjoyed the seasoning. Overall, the service was great - our waitress was very friendly and everything came out in a timely manner. The outdoor deck would have been nice, but it was a bit chilly out to enjoy. Seating is limited both inside and outside - we arrived around 4:45 on a Saturday and shortly after all tables - in and out - were full. We'd definitely make the 2hr drive to return - but I'll be ordering something other than the perch next time. read more

This place has such a great view and interior that the food could be just average and it would be great! It's the old hobby crest restaurant that has been remodeled into a sports bar. They have great views of Hamlin lake, big screen tvs and outside patio seating with live music. Our group of 6 had burgers, fish and nacho appetizer which was good. The service was a little slow but it was understandable for a Saturday night. It was a little loud inside but we could talk. We got seated right away and our server was helpful and accurate. I'd come back again just to sit on the patio to see the lake and listen to the music. It was a great experience. read more

We visited in a Saturday night but arrived just before 5P. Our group of 6 was seated immediately inside. Somewhat crowded seating area, that is loud, but very nice view of the lake. The interior also has multiple TVs and is very nicely renovated. We got the nacho appetizer and it was excellent! Great blend of cheese, spices, roasted corn, pork, jalapeños -- very tasty. I got the burger and that was incredible. My wife got the Perch fish fry and didn't enjoy it as much. Overall, it was a great experience for a reasonable cost. We will be back! read more

The food and appetizers were cold. The table was dirty and drinks weren't even asked for. Wait was around 45 minutes during slow time. Serving cold perch at a restaurant with the same name is diabolical. Will not be back. read more

Good food, terrible service. Not nearly enough customers (and plenty of staff) to be this slow.

3-1/2 hours for dinner. This place has some potential but needs front of the house management. Many items were 86 and what we had was just okay. This place could be a fantastic spot, the menu has some potential. It needs a head chef and a D.R. Manager. Keep trying, I might try this one again... read more

Good service and a nice atmosphere. Drinks were ok. Lemon drop martini was not sweet and they had no rosé read more

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It isn't perch. It's "ocean perch." In other words, rockfish. The food ranged between fraudulent and acceptable. The server was sweet. read more

The Perch - This is a dog. - Seafood Near Me - Ludington, Michigan

Beautiful place, and view but the food has a long ways to go. We waited an hour, both ordered the perch and got three (not very big) pieces that were very overcooked, dry, luke warm and a plate of fries that were like pieces from the bottom of the bag. Asparagus was burnt and they brought out new asparagus that surprisingly came within five minutes, but was not fully cooked (prob why it came so fast). Server was nice, not over friendly. She completely avoided us and when we finally got her attn she explained there were large parties in the basement so food would be very soon, the next interaction (again we had to pin her down) was your food is being plated and if I can't get it someone else will bring it out to which it took another 12-15 minutes to receive (probably why it was luke warm if that) Several frustrated customers, management needs major improvement. We were offered free dessert which we had no interest in waiting for or trying after the quality of the meal was so disappointing The photos of the food are how they came to us. Presentation of the food has a long ways to go read more

The Perch is not a good place to go. The servers worked very hard but they can't over come poorly prepared food, lengthy delays, and poor management. The Perch is guilty of all three. read more

I've spent 5 days in Ludington, and The Perch has been my favorite meal yet! Delicious Fish Reuben with crispy fries; wonderful service; and gorgeous views! The atmosphere was welcoming and I left happier. :) read more

The Perch - Blessings! - Seafood Near Me - Ludington, Michigan

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Unsure why some of these old heads are griping about wait times on here because our service was amazing! The beach bum was amazing to drink while basking in the beautiful sunshine and views Hamlin lake has to offer. I decided to explore the po boy with shrimp, lettuce, and tomato as my main course. IT WAS AMAZING but this was especially risky as it was during the explosive diarrhea epidemic of 26. Results pending digestion. Would certainly come back. read more

The Perch - Seafood Near Me - Ludington, Michigan

Pains me to give less than 4 stars to any business but the experience was just okay. General info: parking is plentiful unless they are busy. It's one way for driving in so you'll have to U turn if it's full. They do not take reservations. You can check in at the host stand and they will take your #. They ask that you wait downstairs on the lower level where there is a bar window and plenty of seats/tables and a nice view of the lake. Food we tried: - homemade clam chowder tasted great, interesting mix between a traditional New England and manhattan chowder. Not creamy, more brothy but not red. Overall good flavor and amount of clams. - perch dinner: Fine, but for the price, you can get better elsewhere in town - Mussels: broth was delicious, the amount they give you is quite generous (nearly 20 on mine!). That being said, to improve, they should be careful not give you unopened mussels on your plate. I had 3. Ambiance: - I would say it's worth it to sit outside if you can. The way the sun shines in the evening, the back is quite shaded and it's not as loud - we were seated inside near their big window and due to the way the sun hits their upper skylights, it was blinding for half our table. It was extremely unpleasant though we didn't get the full extent of it until we were seated and ordered. When we asked about changing the tables, the staff just said sorry, no can do, and asked just to rearrange ourselves awkwardly around half the table to 2 people per side. Very disappointed with this "solution". - its very loud inside - they have high top tables which looked proportional to their chairs. The lower tables are actually quite tall and are paired with normal chairs so it's a very awkward fit Families: they do have high chairs, boosters, and a kids menu that is not posted online. Due to height of low tables that are actually tall, the high chair does not reach. Overall, if you need a sit down restaurant to eat fish and chips/seafood or to accommodate a group and you're willing to come early since there are no reservations, this would fit the bill. But there's definitely room for improvement. read more

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I've worked in hospitality my entire life, and bad nights are to be expected. But they're also to be mitigated and managed. What the Perch is lacking is leadership. A fish rots from the head down and sadly things are beginning to rot here. Which is very unfortunate. I have no doubt that ownership had good intentions when opening but they've since allowed the wheels to come off the bus. First, there is something seriously amiss in the kitchen. Apps took FOREVER and came out cold. Using large parties as an excuse for poor execution only adds to my assessment that ownership and management are dropping the ball. Someone needs to take charge in that kitchen and working the pass. Entrees faired no better. Crumbs for fries. Cold pork. Cold potatoes. Second, when your staff is struggling, and it was obvious to everyone they were, the owners need to be grinding it out with them. Not socializing and drinking at the bar. Get your hands dirty. Clear tables. Run food. Assure the product you're putting out is representative of the kind of business you run and people you are. Every. Single. Guest should feel they are special and their food is given the utmost respect and attention. It wasn't. Again, based on a lifetime of experience, these were the efforts of an overwhelmed under trained kitchen that has stopped caring. As a manager and owner you have to enable your people. If you can't help cook-learn. But you don't need to cook to know when hot food isn't hot, you don't need to be a chef to know when food comes out looking subpar and sloppy. If the staff sees ownership doesn't care they won't care. I will bet my soul that the owners have zero experience in hospitality. It's an age old tale: "I've owned a business, I've made money, I've dined out, I know restaurants." Hospitality is its own beast and these owners are ill equipped to tame it. Lastly, conflict resolution: never ever ever go to an upset guest and say "what is your problem." I feel it's a ridiculous thing to point out. Perhaps lead with "I'm sorry we've not met expectations" or "I heard things aren't going to your liking-what can I do to help?" And there's the rub: helping. Ownership wasn't and the staff suffered, the guests suffered, and ultimately the business will suffer. Especially don't chime in sitting at the bar rail with a cocktail. Either get in the game or stay in the stands. This is an establishment that may stay in business by virtue of location. But I wouldn't bet a lot on it. A serious shift in attitude from leadership is paramount and without it the ship will sink. You've hit the iceberg captain, time to come up with an emergency plan. read more

Breathtaking views of Hamlin Lake. If the weather permits set out on the deck, you won't regret it. Great menu selection. Recommend the pulled pork nachos as an appetizer our server Mikayla was the best. Highly recommended will be back. Food was wonderful. Excellent presentation and the cocktails were top-notch. Recommend the pulled pork nachos as an appetizer our server Mikayla was the best. Highly recommended will be back. read more

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Food is amazing, be prepared for a wait on busy nights. Drinks and all the cocktails are excellent!

Went for a late lunch, sat outside which was beautiful and the only reason for the 2 stars. It took 20 minutes to get our drink order then we ordered chips and queso, the waitress said the appetizer should be right out and that took a good half hour... And 5 minutes later our meal was there.. Burger and FF and French Dip. The French dip was good. The burger was sad and not worth it a 4oz frozen patty...but it was the service that did it for us. After our food arrived we never saw are server until she brought the bill..for the price and service we will stay in town. Definitely not worth it. read more

Great views, Great food and awesome service. Beautiful outside seating and a beautiful restaraunt. We will be back.

Very disappointed. We were looking forward to fresh fish considering Lake Michigan is right there but was told the perch was not fresh, it was delivered in from elsewhere. It was a few tiny fried pieces, over cooked and too much breading. The fries were probably the best but i can get fries anywhere. My fiance got the pulled pork and mac. Love the combo but when he got it, it was a bowl of mac soup with pulled pork in the middle. Literally all liquid. We got the calamari appetizer. Was over fried, was not good at all. We both got a pop. waitress was nice. Took an hour to get our food for some reason. We took carry out boxes, but it ended up in the garbage. So with a $90 bill in the end, we were not happy campers. Gordon Ramsey would definitely have a field day there. read more

DO NOT COME HERE. Worst service I've ever had. We waited 2.5 hours for very mediocre, expensive food. The service staff was not qualified, and did not provide us with any kind of compensation or apologies. Our group was completely shocked and will never be coming back. read more

I felt bad for our server. The food took nearly an hour to come out. When it came out it was cold and over cooked. The fries were mixed with breading. If I had a choice of eating road kill and going to "The Perch" I would opt for roadkill even old roadkill. When we voiced our concerns to the owner his attitude was he didn't give a shit. I hope the owner who had a smart ass attitude loses his shirt he certainly deserves it. He has no business owing restaurant! First time customer, who is in the service industry would never go back. Others had the same experience. We didn't pay as well as others they really should have paid us for the horrible experience. To post this I'm required to give them one star it really should be no stars. read more

I am not sure how anyone could leave more than 1 star. This place has a lot of potential. We visited for the second time today and won't be back. We arrived by boat as we did the last time. We expected a wait and sent one person up to get in the waiting list and found the down stairs bar to be closed. We were told it would be a half hour for a table and that we could order a drink at the bar and have a seat out side or down stairs. It took us a half hour to get three canned/bottled drinks and a class of wine at the bar. It was the poorest, most inefficient run bar I have ever seen. After an hour and ten minute wait I went back to the bar to order another round. After waiting to be served for 20 minutes we were seated before I had helped at the bar. The waitress did tell us that the kitchen was backed up. We ordered drinks and two appetizers. The appetizers took a while. When they arrived they were like warm. The food took an hour and ten minutes for a couple pizzas, a burger and pasta. The burger and pasta were good. The pizzas were not great. The best thing that could happen for this place is for it to be turned over to new management. read more

Service was good. Waitress answered my questions concerning gluten free items. I loved the view of the water from both the waiting area and the eating area on the balcony. The food unfortunately wasn't all that amazing. My husband got the perch and it wasn't worth the price. The sauce was bitter. Flavor wasn't really there My daughter had the flatbread pizza. They forgot the pepperoni which wasn't the end of the world, but the garlic flavor was overpowering and just gross. Streetcorn dip was good Gluten free French dip was good, but potatoes were plain Kids smash burger was good I think they have potential with such an awesome location. read more

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The Perch is a great place to unwind, have great food and drinks with an amazing view of Hamlin Lake! Our server Mikayla was amazing! She checked on us frequently! The food was great! ! The Pork Nachos are a must have! read more

Frustrated with an unnecessary long wait for a table and for our food. First time experience where they ran out of their namesake fish and coffee. You read that right. Coffee. Lovely view but we left feeling unvalued. read more

After waiting being told and waiting for a table for an hour and a half we where seated behind a couple who were only admittedly waiting for a half hour because the hostess "made a mistake" then were seated in the worst table in the establishment. The upon ordering we were informed that the perch dinner that that rave and promote about was not an option because they where "out" on a Wednesday night. Not wanting to pay $45 for a NY strip steak or $20 for a BBQ sandwich we left after wasting 2 hours of our evening to find another establishment to dine at. read more

New restaurant for Peggy on Hammond Lake. Very pleased to see another option. The only thing that would've been better if we had a boat to come up to the dock with. But there was plenty of parking. Peggy and I ate at the bar And had an awesome time. The food was outstanding and will definitely come back the next time. If you haven't checked it out you should. They have perch on the menu unfortunately I didn't get a chance to try it tonight but we'll do it next time. As I looked around the bar everything looked great. read more

hostess = 1 for continually on phone, fixing hair, looking confused and literally responding with "huh?" when she was asked "can we sit at the bar". I guess she did not understand or hear the question? I guess 'huh' is acceptable form of communication to paying clientele in her mind? server = 5 for personality and general helpfulness, 4 for the times spend on the phone and once meal was served: 2 for not including silverware and side plates and only napkins but only when specifically asked food and drinks = 5 for taste, presentation and execution menu = 5 for inspired and varied yet delightful choices, 4 for misspellings and errors atmosphere = 5 This review although honest might be a bit harsh as I realize this is a new place and they are still trying to get the kinks worked out. Given some minor adjustments as outlined above, a better trained hostess and less phone-play for everyone, this has the potential to be a phenomenal place. Even given all the above - I'll be back for sure as I'm looking forward to trying more of the exciting menu items. read more

Beautiful ambiance. Right on the water, beautiful drive to the restaurant. We are here in October with the pretty fall colors. read more

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Hamlin Just Got Classy. Let's be clear: this isn't some big-city scene--and thank God for that. It's The Perch on Hamlin Lake, and it's bringing something fresh, fun, and a little bit fancy to our backyard. We ordered like we meant it: Gator Bikes (snap), calamari sticks (a little limp, still went fast), street corn pasta (bold and downright seductive), mussels (briny, garlicky perfection), ribs (solid), and of course--the perch, because when in Hamlin... Little Miss Doctor corrected us immediately: "Don't misquote me. I loved the mussels. And that street corn pasta? That's my partner in bed tonight." Little Teacher said everything was solid--he's not wrong. Little Mister? Honestly, no one asked. And then we did and he said he's just happy he doesn't have to do the dishes. And just when we thought we were tapping out, someone gasped, "Wait--they have Perch Cheesecake?" Not perch-flavored. Just the Perch Cheesecake. And yes, it was worth staying for. Five stars. Zero regrets. Paddle in, stumble out, come hungry. read more

The Streetcorn Pasta was delicious. The Ribeye was delightful, and cooked as requested. The HoneyLime Shrimp Salad was excellent. The pulled pork sandwich was tasty but I did need to ask for more bbq sauce. The decor is charming and the view of the lake is spectacular. Our new favorite restaurant in Ludington! read more

Ambiance and service were great. While we waited for our table, went downstairs and had a drink. All folks we encountered were very friendly. Food was ok. Smash burgers were not very smashed. 2 of us ordered them with sides other than fries and both came with fries. They brought our ordered sides with no issues. Veggie pizza was good. Watermelon feta salad yummy. Chicken sandwiches were more like 2 chicken tenders. Just ok. Drinks were good and reasonable prices. Only open for 2 months, so would def give them another shot. read more

Love the newest place to eat in the Ludington area. The view from the dining room is clearly the best from around town. Great find with the Street corn pasta (added chicken for a protein). They still need a good, on the rocks rum, but I was informed that the staff is working on it. Look forward to having this on the rotation. PS - the French Dip sandwich makes for a great meal. read more

Very loud. Tables are close. But the owners are amazing. Food is good.inside for sisters out side for the people camping there

First impressions were good with a beautiful building and gorgeous view. But that's where it went downhill. We were out on the wait list and were told an hour. Not a problem until half the restaurant cleared out and there were many open tables. We saw we were next on the list and approached the hostess who said she could seat us but we couldn't order for a while because the kitchen was slammed? (With only half the tables filled?) We said we would be fine with a few cocktails waiting. Then the manager came by to tell her she couldn't seat us because we couldn't order. We were finally seated about 15 min later. Service was slow as was the food coming out when we were finally allowed to order. Food was very good, the view wonderful but the overall experience left us wondering if we would come back. Side note: Our check would have been MUCH larger if we had been seated for cocktails while we waited to order and if we hadn't wait to order so long, we would have had an appetizer too. read more

Beautiful setting, efficient and friendly service and great food! Loved our dessert selections.

Service was slow, appetizers came about 5 minutes after our entrees arrived. When I mentioned we no longer wanted it our waitress suggested we could take it home and airfry it, not exactly the response I was looking for. Mediocre would be a generous description of the food, I ordered the fish Ruben, it appeared to be two Mrs Paul's fish sticks on split open marble rye, basically uneatable. I attempted to reach out to the person who appeared to be the owner/manager but she was too busy cleaning tables and drinking pop. Not once did I see her talking to customers. I gave it 2 stars because the drinks were good and the views are beautiful, but I won't be returning. read more

If visiting the Ludington Michigan area, this restaurant is a 'don't miss' spot for dinner! Good food, reasonable service, and a great view. read more

Food is good but expensive Service poor, no experience staff Beautiful surroundings, good decor, quality furniture. read more

If you're looking for a memorable dining experience, The Perch is an absolute must-visit. With a breathtaking view of Hamlin Lake, this charming restaurant offers a perfect blend of fantastic food, great service, and an unbeatable atmosphere. read more