A very cool local spot, old dive bar style that serves up some awesome flat top food too- great coneys and what looked like awesome burgers and sandwiches. Small inside so it's an intimate vibe with people that know each other and are having a good time. It's a good stop!! read more

Torch Bar & Grill - Alley entrance - Dive Bars Near Me - Flint, Michigan

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Finally made it here ! Not disappointed cheers bar type atmosphere. Great hand made burgers! Onion rings, fries quite good also great service - added in 2 beers. Pricing quite fair 60 year old establishment read more

Torch Bar & Grill - Picture of torch bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Flint, Michigan

Torch Bar and Grill is a true local gem! Their prices are very reasonable, especially considering the quality of food and the comfortable, welcoming atmosphere they offer. It's the kind of place where you feel like you're getting real value every time you stop in. Their hamburgers are consistently good -- juicy, well-seasoned, and cooked just the way you ask, every single visit. It's clear they take pride in delivering the same great flavor and quality each time, and that reliability keeps me coming back. If you're looking for a laid-back spot with great food that won't break the bank, Torch Bar and Grill is absolutely worth a visit! read more

When you know, you know. The "Torch Burger" is legendary in Flint. The entrance is in the alley so if you think you're going the wrong way you're not. Haha. You have to climb some stairs though to get in. There's about 20 to 30 tables so not a ton of seating but definitely worth it. Get there early cuz they often fill up. They have great drinks and great food but the torch burgers what they're known for. Bathroom is downstairs so let that be known. If you're in the area this is something you need to experience; it's a Flint staple. The 1 Burger is cooked on a flat top so it has those nice crusty edges and it's a little thin which is how I prefer it. Crunchy tomatoes lettuce pickle toppings with ketchup and mustard on your table. Bar has top shelf items like Chambord which is my favorite and anything else you can think of. He has a nice alley view of Windows which is kind of cool because it's heavily trafficked...dinner and a show. Lol service is always really good the bartender is attentive and everyone just feels like your neighborhood haunt. It's a good vibe. read more

Excellent burger. Great beer selection and great service. Only downfall is the challenge of parking but it can be done. read more

Torch Bar & Grill - Perfectly medium rare. Super juicy. - Dive Bars Near Me - Flint, Michigan

Very welcoming and friendly place, with great dive bar ambiance. The bartender was really knowledgeable about their impressive draft beer selection as well. The best burger I've ever had in Flint. read more

Torch Bar & Grill - Current tap list. - Dive Bars Near Me - Flint, Michigan

I have loved the Torch for years but yesterday I witnessed some wild activity but the Bartender. I think his name is CJ. Hopefully he is not a reflection of the new staff members because he was definitely in no condition to be serving after doing the 3 shots I saw him down in 20 minutes. Now he is a bigger guy, but that is no excuse for chasing down customers that he assumes didn't pay. maybe it's the power of the man bun that keeps him sober enough to serve but not sober enough to see the cash left in the bar. Other than that, The Torch is still the Torch and has some of the best dive bar food around. read more

Dive bar ambiance with good service and food. I heard that the burgers were good, after I ordered a cheese sandwich. Too late to change the order, but I enjoyed the unpretentious soft cheese sandwich . If you only like high end cheese, don't order the cheese sandwich. read more

This restaurant is listed as a dive bar which is an accurate listing. It is very small and there was very much a smell of grease that lingered in the air. Many people rave about the burgers. I ordered mine medium and it did come medium which is not always the case in bars; I have found they usually come well done no mater how they are ordered. However, I would rate the overall burger as average. I had ordered mine without cheese and it came with cheese. The tater tots were very good. The service was friendly and good. read more

The burger was the best I've had by far in Flint till this day. Friendly server, budget friendly.

The place smells like the worst porta-potty outhouse you could ever experience. Not a good thing when you're trying to eat a burger. The bathrooms are a complete disaster. I'm not sure how the health department gives them a pass. Don't believe me? Go there and smell it for yourself! They don't even attempt to mask the smell. read more

I've been told that this is one of, if not the, best burger you can get in Flint. I wandered in tonight and was welcomed by who I thought was simply one of the locals, but had turned out to be an employee, and my server. Didn't take me long to figure out what I wanted. Original Torch Burger, mid rare, bacon, blue cheese, and everything else that comes on it and a half order of wedge fries. There really is something to be said for something very simple, done exceedingly well. A very well done, simple, unpretentious burger that delivers big flavor. Washed down with a couple of ciders, and it made for a nice night out exploring my new neighborhood. read more

This was the only place open on the weekend at the time and was pleasantly surprised. The atmosphere is very dive bar but the service was great. The pickle fries were the stand out for me as it is hard to find those very often! read more

Burgers are great when they're open. This is the second time in a row I've gone to this place and it's closed. Who knows what the real hours are? The sign on the door and Yelp certainly aren't correct. On a positive note, I've discovered the 501 Bar and Grill right around the corner. Burgers are excellent and they have a few tv's if you're into sports. The hours of operation are as advertised. read more

Great burgers and good service. It's become my go to dive bar to chill and eat with friends.

The Torch Bar opened in 1953 and the entrance is in the Buckham Alley. They have really good burgers, deep fried pizza rolls and a really cool staff. Try the Torch Burger with Cheese and everything on it. And ask for a cup of Boom Boom sauce on the side. Open 8am-2am, you can order any item at any time. If visiting Flint, also check out Totems Books & Records. read more

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Poor Quality food. Use to have the best burgers in town but now under new mgmt. hated it!!

We stopped in for some appetizers and beer this past weekend. I've been here a handful of times and it's always really great service and food. They just added cheese curds and fried pickles to the menu too - yummy! The only reason I'm knocking off one star is because I asked about the pickles but I didn't mean to order them and he brought them out but I didn't say anything. But it's a very good Flint spot to check out if you come into town. I highly recommend. read more

Best dive bar in Flint. Service is fast, menu prices are very inexpensive, and they have a VERY impressive selection of beer. It has a nice view on one end of the bar that looks out into the street. It's a smaller bar, but not too loud. It's a good place to take a friend and stay for an hour. The bathrooms are pretty sketchy but... it's a dive bar, so you're not exactly expecting a ritz hotel quality restroom. read more

Matt Dillon once drank here!!! True story, he was here in town years ago with Ben Hamper scouting locations for the long-abandoned film adaptation of "Rivethead" when he stopped into this local watering hole and threw back a few with the regulars. Beyond that, the Torch is revered as a classic for reasons too many to count. It's a staple of Buckham Alley in downtown Flint and any Flintoid who's anybody has hung out here probably more times than they can count. In short, it's the little dive bar a bit off the beaten path, yet everyone knows of it and where it is. I've been going to the Torch for so long that I remember back when they started charging for water (prices were by the glass and pitcher) and they were a cash only establishment that was closed on Sundays. You could say it's a quintessential dive bar. The place has reached iconic status even though the kitchen can't really be called a kitchen (thereby making the "grill" part of the bar name a little dubious), it's just a flat top along the side of the bar with a refrigerator across from it, basically in the way of the back door. People walk in and out through that same back door while there's cooking going on. I know- I do it all the time. The menu is not so much limited as it is just filled with your typical basic bar fare, burgers, fries and sandwiches. In general, the fries need to cool off a LONG time before eating, otherwise you will burn the roof of your mouth and tongue pretty badly. I ordered a veggie burger the last time (I'm a vegetarian) and the bartender just snorted at my order and proceeded to make my veggie burger in the same grease as regular burgers, right alongside my husband's Torch Burger. Yikes. Still, I'm somewhat surprised that I can even order a veggie burger here, because years ago, I couldn't. Surprisingly, menu prices haven't changed all that much over the last several years. The last time I dined here, I had a beer, sandwich and a full order (not the half order) of wedge-cut fries for just $11. However, the drinks are strong, not to mention cheap and they have Killian's on tap, which I love. They have a nice, rotating selection of beers and the prices are very reasonable. The Torch doesn't participate in a traditional Happy Hour, but the drinks are still dirt cheap no matter when you walk through the door. The atmosphere is what we've all come to know and expect at the Torch, including the semi-snarky attitudes of some of the staff. Heck, you have to request flatware because setting on the table with your food is not an automatic gesture. At least you can't smoke inside anymore, but it still smells intensely of cigarette smoke since everyone just smokes right outside of the doors, which are always swinging open. If you're in the mood for some people watching, just sit by the big windows facing the alley and check out the locals wandering up and down Buckham Alley in search of a good time. Suffice it to say, the place dark, dated and kinda dingy, but it's still the same Torch that we've all come to love and expect. They have a TV for watching sports, etc and photos of long-time Torch regulars still adorn the walls. As for the bathrooms- well, they are not good, let's just say that, although I think we've all probably seen worse. And don't let me get started on the narrow as heck staircase leading down to them- vertigo anyone???The place is tiny and gets crowded fast. Don't go if you suffer from claustrophobia. read more

Sad,sad, ssf. After being closed for a year, you would think the owner and employees would be happy to see people come in the door. Upon arrival all seven of us were met with yelling about masks, e.t.c. only one of the group forgot to put his on. The bad attitudes expressed by the owner wad thick enough to cut with a knife. Needless to dry we wanted to leave but had already ordered drinks and done ordered food. Thre one's that didn't order food lost terror appetite.consequently, instead of ordering additional drinks Ann's making it a memorable event. , we left. W e wint be back. Btw, they changed the meat splitter or something because the burgers had slit off gridde in them. Above corrections... doppler, gristle .Bye bye zTorch. read more

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This pub has managed to incorporate nostalgic and trending, in a small quaint off the beaten path room. All service is rendered with down home family hospitality. The bartenders knowledge of beer, liquor, food items, and the Michigan history. I thought this was absolutely impressive. This spot will always be first on my agenda, when visiting the Flint area. Thanks guys....for getting it right!! read more

Per my Flintite friends, this is the quintessential downtown bar. Of my three stops on this particular misty autumn night, this place offered the best experience. The bartender saw us coming, and set us up quickly with drinks and menu. There was not a grimace or even a raised eyebrow about splitting a burger and order of wedge fries. As we sampled our Michigan micro-brews, we noticed the diversity of the clientele. Behind us were a group of college guys and a group of coats and ties. Above us was a TV with the Tigers in a playoff game. Great Michigan beers (and good-looking selection of liquors at the bar) great burgers, GREAT service. Hey, if right outside my alley window, I can imagine the dumpster where Will Farrell was found by Woody Harrelson (think film: "Semi-Pro"), how much better can my Flint experience get? read more

Torch Bar & Grill - Torch burger and wedge fries. Best snack of the night. - Dive Bars Near Me - Flint, Michigan

If you haven't been to the Torch for a couple of years (thanks Covid), and you are craving one of the legendary Torch Burgers - thick juicy burgers with melted cheese, and a steamed bun - forget it. The current burgers remind me of the old "where's the beef" commercials: an ultra-thin patty that gets lost in a way-too-thick bun, which is not steamed, and with a slice of cheese that is not melted. Very disappointing. Come for the fries and onion rings - they are excellent. Go anywhere else for a better burger - the Torch has lost its mojo. read more

My Family and Friends were in Friday for lunch and drinks. Our Server seemed a bit overwhelmed at first but she did come around! The issue I had was the Lazy ass cook! While our server was the only one Serving, I asked her to run a Keno ticket and she told me food orders were priority - Understood, so I ask the only other guy there working if he could run it? His reply, " I Don't know how to run Keno! " Wow - One lady server on the floor and this Lazy coworker can't give her a hand?? It's one thing if he was new, I overheard him say he worked there 3 years! LAZY !!! Three years and so inconsiderate to his coworker that he couldn't give her a hand! Unbelievable the Owner would put up with someone unwilling to step up and Help out! read more

This is a great dive!!!!! If you expect Applebee's microwave food or quick seating on a popular night do yourself a favor and go dull your senses at Bob Evans Biscuit Bar. This place is everything it tries to be and treats locals and visitors alike. Not for namby pamby subrban millennials. read more

Dive Bar if there ever was one. This joint is down an alley in downtown Flint, Michigan, and the restroom is located down in the basement. But its worth every step to get a basket of these fries and the infamous Torch Burger. Nice selection of beers and drinks and menu has grown over the years. Everything is cooked on a small grill near the back door. Burger is juicy and perfect, cooked to order. Fries are thick wedges that are so fresh youll need to give them time to cool. Place is small but definitely worth the wait if you dont get a seat right away. read more

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Full disclosure: I do not enjoy going to bars. I am allergic to cigarette smoke, don't enjoy socializing with strangers, and do not drink beer. The Torch Burgers are classic Flint food fare, with good reason. When Buckham Alley Theatre was still next door [wow am I dating myself, lol?], during set construction and hell weeks, I basically lived off of them. Still stop in for one whenever I am in the area. read more

I have a bad habit of starting reviews right after leaving a place and then taking forever to get back to them. Here's what I had for Torch: "Solid burger. Decent cocktails." So helpful, right? Especially months later. We had a great time there - it was early March, there was snow on the ground, and after a very long day of work my friends and I stopped in for a late burger and drink(s). The feel of the place is very comfortable, and the service was relaxed but inviting. It's easy to see why this is such an institution. "Solid burger, Decent cocktails" may not be the most descriptive statement, but sometimes it's all you're really looking for. read more

Before the COVID-19 shutdown, this was a great wind-down stop for me and my husband. The decor is a bit grimy but the food and the drinks are a-OK! This is a nice little hideaway off the beaten path! Really good burgers if you eat meat. read more

Torch is a great place for a burger and a drink. I came with my mom to grab a cheap greasy dinner and that's what we got. The burgers here are consistently tender and juicy and have pretty good flavor. The original torch burger is quite large, enough to satisfy a large hungry man. My mom was full after eating half. The Jr. Torch burger would've been a better size for a smaller appetite especially with wedge fries and onion rings on the side. I've never had anything else there, but they do serve sandwiches and even breakfast in the mornings. The atmosphere and service is far from stunning, but that's just what this kind of place is... Kind of dark, cramped, and old. When you walk up the stairs into the bar, just seat yourself and order as soon as you can if you're hungry because the burgers take a long time to come out. Also their ginger beer is so yummy but I'm a ginger beer fanatic. read more

Torch Bar & Grill - Original torch burger with "everything" (ketchup, mustard, pickle, onion), "deluxe" (lettuce, tomato, mayo), fried egg, cheese. - Dive Bars Near Me - Flint, Michigan

Hidden gem tucked back in the alley. By Far the Best bar burgers in Flint hands down.

I tried this place yesterday for lunch. Had a Torch burger with everything and a side salad and they were both good. Burgers are made to order, so don't be in a hurry. They warn you on the menu that it could take 20 minutes. It's located down an alley and it's by no means glitzy. Just a small home town bar with good people, eats and drinks. Have a drink or two and patiently await your order. read more

We found this bar online line top 10 hamburger places in Michigan, we went there and had a hamburger and fries very cool bar, very good service and hamburger in my Opinion was number one read more

One of the best spots off the bricks! Great food! Cheap drinks! Awesome atmosphere! Went there for the first time, it is in an alley but you can't miss the sign. read more

I like this place but was somewhat disappointed with all the hype surrounding the burger--while inexpensive and tasted perfectly fine, it wasn't amazing like was described. That being said, the food is good, the environment is chill, service is prompt, drinks strong, and excellent pricing. I'll be back! read more

The Torch. First time here. Being an outsider, I am beholden to no one in this review (which means it's unbiased for those of you unfamiliar with research). The bar is located in an alley off the main downtown drag. I went late at night but am so dedicated to Yelp and giving you all accurate information about local spots that I risked my safety to visit. Or maybe I just had heard of the legendary cheeseburgers and my life no longer seemed so important. Definitely the second. My companion and I both ordered beers (no specials to speak of on a Wednesday night) - I got an Atwater Vanilla Java Porter (can't mess that up) and he got a Dark Horse Crooked Tree IPA. Both delish. Both uncomplicated. Out waitress seemed easy going and laid back. Not in the I-don't-care-about-you-as-a-customer, but more as an I'm-a-hipster type of behavior. She was pleasant but didn't kiss our feet, which may have worried me more in a dive bar like this. We both order Jr. Torch burgers, his with fries, mine with onion rings. Onion rings were the frozen, mass produced kind. Meh. His French fries were like potato wedges. Good potato-y flavor, not enough salt (but I'm the type that's begging for my high blood pressure club membership card). The burgers, however, were out of this world. So simple, so good. I love that the menu doesn't guarantee them if you order them more done than "medium-well." So true. My companion and I agreed that their preference of medium was even better. The burgers were juicy, tender, had amazing flavor, and will certainly not be our last here. read more

I still can't get over that the burger grill is the size of my home stovetop, and all of the magical food came out of the regulation-size fridge sitting right next to our table. This place is such a gem, and the exact reason why we try to venture far, far away from nondescript chains when we travel. The Torch burger is yummy, they have a great beer selection, and the service was efficient. Diverse crowd, too. Love! read more

I can't say this is a true to form review as we didn't get to experience any of the food or drinks at Torch Bar and Grill. My +1 and I arrived a little around 8pm on a Friday night. We wanted to grab something to eat somewhere new and well-rated on Yelp prior to a metal show at The Machine Shop nearby while in Flint. We surveyed the dining room/bar and saw that there was nowhere for us to sit, not even at the bar. Hating to stand there looking like dummies, we turned, we turned around and walked out to find somewhere else to eat (ended up at Wize Guys Pizza again around the corner). This was very disappointing as I had gotten a Restaurant.com certificate for $10 off on a $20 purchase excluding alcohol for $5 (send me a message and I will mail it to the first interested Yelper). We were definitely gung ho and ready to eat, drink and review The Torch. So the real purpose of this review is to let the masses know that finding a seat on a busy weekend night may not be a possibility. The establishment is definitely down an alley off a side street. There was still sufficient daylight when we arrived, but I can see how one would need to keep your wits about you in the dark of night. Especially if you had to park on a side street like we did because the alley was full with cars. When you reach The Torch you have to walk up a flight of stairs where there are 2 doors with no windows at the top of the landing. The door to enter being on your right. As a first time visitor, I felt slightly apprehensive and excited not knowing what lay beyond. The place is nice and dark and divey. The crowd was mixed. It really looks like a cool place to chill and toss some back or discuss the details of some cloak and dagger, diabolical plan with relative comfort. read more

Torch Bar & Grill - the torch bar and grill logo - Dive Bars Near Me - Flint, Michigan

We came here based on the Thrillist recommendation and the Yelp review...and I am starting to think that businesses are able to pay to get on "best of" lists. We both got a burger as recommended and we asked for them to be cooked medium-rare and medium (they specified this is how they prepare them). Well, we got one medium-well and one well done burger. While the burger itself was okay, it was nothing that should have placed it on a list of burgers to try. I have definitely had better. Also the onion rings that were mentioned multiple times in the reviews appeared to be GFS pre-battered onion rings...nothing special. And the service was not good. So maybe it was an off day, but we were very disappointed. read more