We have been wanting to try this restaurant for a while. Heard some good things about the cocktails and the pizza. I've got to say, our first experience was a bit disappointing, but I think this spot has potential with a few tweaks. Upon walking in the door, we were greeted with music that was so loud the bass was actually distorting. The lighting was also a strange mix, and there were sports playing on the television. The set up of the restaurant is really pretty cool, but I don't think it's a sports bar. I don't think it should be a sports bar. So the TV playing sports in this really nicely designed area looked kind of gaudy. If they want to sports up the outside section, that would be fantastic, but I think they need to keep it classy inside. Close the shades, take out the bright lighting, and replace that TV screen with a painting. Luckily, we asked if they could fix the music, and they did. The service here was very friendly, good kids. Sadly, the cocktails did not meet up to the expectations. I ordered a smoked old-fashioned, and the drink was kind of a reflection of the establishment itself. They smoked the brandy snifter that rested on top of the drink, but not really the drink itself. So the smoke did not transfer and instead stuck into the snifter. For food, I ordered a single serving pepperoni pizza with mushrooms. I got to be honest here, the price of this was a bit much. If it were an item that could be shared, sure, but this is literally a single serving pizza and they're charging $16- $17. The edges were absolutely chard black, but the pizza self is pretty tasty. So, like I said, I think this place has a lot of potential, but it needs to create its identity a little better. Also, they need to work out some kinks in the kitchen and behind the bar. I will come back, but it's gonna be a little bit. read more

Thirsty Buddy - a living room with couches and a television - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Wayland, Michigan

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This place is a hidden treasure in Wayland! I had the roasted half chicken. The skin was crispy and the combo of the thyme butter was delicious! My wedge salad was crisp and refreshing. Staff and service was attentive and friendly! Also not shown was the very large charcuterie board that had plenty of options on it for all kinds of taste buds. Definitely will eat here again. read more

Thirsty Buddy - Roasted Chicken - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Wayland, Michigan

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Music was good. Appetizers were delicious. Our main course was excellent and then on to dessert. Could we possibly get three out of three? Oh yeah. It was amazing. Waitress was very informative. Dessert portions were large. People were very friendly. I would highly recommend this hidden treasure to anyone that would listen. Will differently be back again and again. read more

Arrived on a Saturday with my Daughter and her family, as they are living with us until they get settled in their new home in Georgia. My son in law is in the military and had to move there. I was informed that the restaurant doesn't allow children in the restaurant, both of whom are 13 and 9 respectively? We arrived at 5:30 and the place was at best half full. I think the wait staff would appreciate the extra money, instead of standing there. I was politely told that no one under 18 is permitted at any time into the restaurant. There are no age restrictions or protections in place under current discrimination safeguards /laws, only that of gender, race, national origin or disability. What's next no seniors allowed? I mean for real. read more

Let me say This place sucks. Went for Gun lake idol tonight and was completely shocked and appalled at how the owner Julie treated her staff. One waitress for a packed over capacity building and she screamed at this poor girl for not doing a good enough job when she had to take care of the whole restaurant herself, wayyyyyy understaffed and that poor girl took the brunt of it. Couldn't write this review fast enough. Not sure who to call about this but I will figure it out and I'll be reporting it. No way this place should be in business, complete disgrace to the Gun lake community. Just sickening. read more

Terrible oily pizza! Virtually inedible! Double chairs were uncomfortable and difficult to get in and out. Very heavy and awkward to move. Overall, the prices were high!! Not a good value for the money! Overall, not a good experience. However, the waitstaff was friendly and courteous. The one good feature of the place. read more

"Swanky?" I don't think so. This feels more like a sports bar, and not a great one at that. Our table of four sent back two drinks that were poorly made, and all had pizza because the menu is really quite limited. The inside seating is deck furniture, complete with holes for umbrellas. The atmosphere is super loud, and there are big TVs throughout. The pizzas were good, the crusts excellent. But the rest of our experience left us scratching our heads trying to figure out how anyone would describe this restaurant as "swanky." (The owners description is "swanky indoor lounge," btw) Probably won't be returning anytime soon. read more

We had dinner there last night, July 1. Server was inattentive, she probably had too many tables. My husband's pizza was under done (dough was not fully cooked through on top). My hamburger was also under done. Probably won't go back for a long while. read more

The owner is very rude and very judgmental. Poor service and food. Don't waste your time or money eating here. There are several better places to eat than this shit show. read more

Awesome variety of atmosphere! From Rat Pack elegance to sporty to outdoor patio! They have it all! Great drinks and wood fired pizza along with a variety of other selections all with live music in the background! A must when visiting the Gun Lake area! read more

I recommend the Cobb salad. Nice presentation and delicious! Also had a fun night playing in the Euchre tournament on Friday nights.

Good food , new place , liked outdoor seating by pickle ball courts.....that's enough read more

Very pretty and modern inside. However, none of the food impressed us. We had the lasagna and the chicken bacon macaroni. Lasagna tasted like a dry stuffed bell pepper. Ended up taking it home so I could try to make it better. The chicken was dry and the bacon crumbles didn't look or taste like real bacon. For $16 meals, I'd expect higher quality. read more

We stopped by for a drink after dinner and heard they had live music. The atmosphere is fun and drinks are good. Next time will try for dinner. read more

I have been here twice now. The service is amazing, the staff is extremely attentive even the owners, Julie and Shasheen, came to our table and introduced themselves; something that rarely happens in the current service industry. As far as the food and drinks are concerned the wood fire pizza is delicious! The adult drink choices are quite original and from what we ordered everyone was extremely pleased. Now for ambiance...what can I say! It is a fresh, new concept with a cross between being entertained in your living room with quaint, semi private , living room settings to dining at tables or booths. If your interest in great food, delicious drinks and a warm inviting atmosphere I highly recommend Thirsty Buddy's. read more

This place won't last long before they are our of business. The five dollar entertainment charge is ridiculous and who wants an oily pizza ?

Not a bad place and only days in they're doing ok. However I was not aware of the $5 entertainment fee added to every check. The only way to know of the fee is a sign on the door which I didn't notice. It's not about the $5 but seems underhanded it's not on their website nor do the servers advise you of the fee. So if you want to go there for one $12 drink (my drink was delicious) you will pay the $5 fee. Or if you pay your tab and happen to see other people you know on the way out and decide to have another drink with them you'll be charged another $5. Yes that happened. Worst part is the owner sitting down to explain why they are charging the fee, which I have no issues with as long as it's known and applied fairly, and tells you that you're "making much out of nothing". I'm not sure I want to support a business partially owned by a person telling me my concerns are nothing. read more

Cover charge $8.00 really??? Not a great place if you ask me. Menu small. Pricey enough and then the cover charge not worth it.

We went to dinner on a Monday and TB was pretty quiet. Our waiter Dom seated us outside which was perfect because it was a beautiful day. Dom was quick with the drinks, my wife had a coffee martini and I had a microbrew (M43) both hit the spot. We both ordered burgers and we were both very satisfied with them. Dom checked us often and made small talk and made us feel well looked after. This was our first time at TB and we will be back. We have been to Curly Cone many times for ice cream and always saw lots of people going in and out of TB. We are so glad we finally tried it ourselves. read more

It's great to have another restaurant choice at Gun Lake, but this was a disappointment. Thirsty Buddy doesn't seem like it can decide what it wants to be. The cocktail menu and ambiance suggests a high end restaurant, but the menu is dominated by specialty pizza. The non-pizza choices are very limited and frankly overpriced. I ordered loaded Mac & cheese...it was an Alfredo sauce with nondescript pasta. It didn't deliver what the menu promised. The server was good, but the busser came by our table FOUR times during the course of our meal (there were open tables so expedited turning wasn't necessary). The cocktails were just average, mid shelf alcohol but poorly executed. Thirsty Buddy needs to decide what it wants to be, high end or sports bar, pizza joint or supper club, pick a lane. Maybe it's just working out the bugs, I'll give it another try but I hope it's better next time around. read more

Would give negative stars if I could, cover charge is ridiculous! Owner has a disgusting attitude I'll be sharing with everyone I know not to go there! Pretty disappointed with the over all experience since every other restaurant around gun lake is amazing! read more

I've been to this place a few times and Its the best place around. I really enjoyed their pizza and drinks. Not only that but they have great live music. read more

We have been to Thirsty Buddy of Gun Lake several times. The ambience is fabulous and we have enjoyed the live entertainment! The service we were given was top notch as was the food and adult beverages. We are very fortunate to have such a classy, five star place to gather with family and friends! read more