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    Vernales Restaurant

    3.6 (199 reviews)
    Open 11:30 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Vernales Restaurant Photos

    Business Info

    VERNALES RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Vernales Restaurant

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    Reviews With Photos

    Denver Steak
    Chris H.

    A steak joint located just north of Petoskey on the way to Harbor Springs. Inside it seems to be divided between a dining room and a sports bar area. The dining room wasn't open so we got seated in sports bar area. That was okay though because it was Saturday and College football was on. Like a lot of sports bars the lighting was kinda low. However the atmosphere was cozy. I ordered the Denver Steak ($47), which is an American Wagyu steak, it also came with Truffled Mashed Potatoes. I also ordered the Cream Corn ($7). I almost ordered the Japanese A5 Wagyu steak ($93). I ordered the Denver Steak medium. It was good, but not great. The steak was a little tough. I think of Wagyu as melt in your mouth, not chew chew chew. It had a good meat flavor, however I've had better for much less. Heck I've cooked better. The mashed potatoes were very good and cream corn was excellent. The person I was with ordered the NY Strip ($40), also served with mashed potatoes. She also got a side salad ($5). She got her steak medium rare and stated it was tender and very good. Also the side salad was a good portion size and fresh. The service was very good. Served with a smile and efficient. Overall a 3 star review. Would I return? Probably. I'm disappointed because I went hear because it made a list of top 10 places in Michigan for a steak and it didn't come close to my expectations. However everything else was good and I liked the atmosphere. Lastly just a heads up your bill will have 2 totals on it. A cash price and a credit card price with 3.5% added on.

    Suzy J.

    We checked in at the Best Western and asked about nearby food areas that were good. She did suggest Vernales and provided a 10% off coupon. We checked in pretty late at about 9:10 and the restaurant closed at 10. It was a short distance away and I did call ahead. The employee said it was open, no reservation needed, and the full menu is available. We were seated immediately and it was pretty empty, most likely due to covid. The staff member was super friendly and gave us options. They asked if we wanted indoor or outdoor and then what seating area as well. Our waitress came right away and took our drink order. She was super sweet. When she took our order for food, she brought out some bread as well with the pesto sauce. My penne alfredo was amazing. It was super creamy and not cheaply made. You could tell they use real cream. I even saw some melted pieces of parmesian on top. My husband loved it as well. He got the NY Strip rare and it came with vegetables and potatoes. He really enjoyed his steak and told the waitress "compliments to the Chef this is amazing." The waitress checked on ua frequently and refilled our drinks. If I am ever in the area again, I definitely will stop to eat here.

    Dessert menu: caramel cheesecake with Hershey and raspberry syrup drizzles.

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    Photo of Joe N.
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    Food and service were very good. Lobster tail for $14. Very good. Steak very good. Desert very good.

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    1 year ago

    Overrated, overprice and I'm over it. Never again. Get a better steak at home and save your money. Very disappointed.

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    2 years ago

    Awesome food great place lots of tables. Stopped on our way thru Petoskey made a great choice.

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    2 years ago

    Food was excellent as was my server..I recommend you try the flank steak, it was fabulous.

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    3 years ago

    Great food! Good service and nice wine selection. Make sure you try the blueberry beer they have all year.

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    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - Vernales Restaurant

    The Side Door Saloon - Two Twin North Atlantic Lobster Tails  Served with mashed potatoes, and cooked veggies (carrots & broccoli)

    The Side Door Saloon

    4.1(188 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$

    Got a table right away at 5:30 on Tuesday evening. The strawberry spinach salad was nice. My pan…read moreseared perch sandwich was somewhat disappointing - two small skinny pieces of fish hidden under sauce and lettuce. Still going with 4 stars because our waitress Mariah was great, grandson enjoyed his salmon, granddaughter liked her veggie quesadillas, and three year old great granddaughter ate her grilled cheese

    It was a Thursday and I was in town (Live 64 miles from Petoskey) for a Doc appointment and a bit…read moreof shopping. I had done a bit of research the day before .. looking for restaurants in the area. When I noticed that the Side Door had Prime Rib on special, (Wed-Sat) the decision was made. DISCLAIMER: I had eaten at the Side Door a few years ago (Cilantro Lime Shrimp W/Pasta) Me and my neighbor arrived at about 4:45PM, and were greeted with a warm smile and seated immediately ... we were kinda early for the dinner rush so there was plenty of available seating. (NOTE: When we departed about an hour after we arrived, the place was FULL and a line was forming for a table.) We both ordered the 14oz Black Angus Prime Rib (10oz also available). About the same time that we finished the first beer, dinner was served! Simply one of ... if not Thee best, PR that I have had in several years, across 11 states. My neighbor agreed. Both of us now try to plan our Petoskey trips to coincide with dinner at the Door My ONLY complaint is that the horseradish was weak. Actually, it seemed that it had been washed into submission .. totally without any flavor or "bite". The rest of the meal made up for it. (But I *will* bring some nose-incinerating, sinus-creating horseradish from home on the next planned trip.) Service: Superb. We never had to ask for anything. Drinks were refilled with perfect timing. And always smiling. She is an asset to the establishment. Driving Suggestion: Depending on the season and the time of day, if arriving from the North, it can be nearly impossible to make the left turn into the Side Door. Suggestion: Turn Right into the strip mall (KFC, AT&T, etc) and use the traffic light near the gas station to turn left, back onto the highway then a right into the Side Door Saloon for some of the best dining in the Petoskey area. Ample Parking is available. YMMV

    Photos
    The Side Door Saloon
    The Side Door Saloon - This is absolutely amazing! Chips and salsa, guacamole, and queso cheese sauce.

    This is absolutely amazing! Chips and salsa, guacamole, and queso cheese sauce.

    The Side Door Saloon - The best Prime rib quesadilla in the world.  Filled with cheddar-jack cheese, ranchero sauce, black bean corn salsa and pico de gallo.

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    The best Prime rib quesadilla in the world. Filled with cheddar-jack cheese, ranchero sauce, black bean corn salsa and pico de gallo.

    Mitchell Street Pub - B & B Burger w/fries

    Mitchell Street Pub

    3.7(187 reviews)
    3.7 mi
    $$

    This place has been a local favorite for years, and it truly shows. From the moment I walked in, I…read morewas greeted with friendly service and a cozy, vintage atmosphere that feels welcoming to both locals and tourists. I grabbed some delicious snacks to keep me going and had the chance to try a few local beers. Each sip was a delightful taste of the area! The decor is charming and adds to the nostalgic vibe, making it the perfect spot to relax and soak in the memories shared by those who frequent it. What did I have? - Widowmaker, Black IPA 5% ABV Keweenaw Brewing Company - Horny Monk, Belgian Style Ale 6.9% ABV Petoskey Brewing - Fried Mushrooms - Fried Cheese Curds - Coconut Shrimp

    Let's be very clear--this is a local's place…read more FOOD: The portions are plentiful! I ordered cheese curds and a burger with fries...but in hindsight I should have skipped the fries. Curds were enough for a table of four. Overall taste of the food, however, is average. Despite being a good looking B&B Burger, the bacon was burnt and the burger itself didn't have much seasoning. I expected to bite in tasting a medley of flavors, but each bite was just okay. Maybe if I had a yeasty beverage or two before eating, it might help raise my opinion? TABLE SERVICE: Waitresses were prompt and helpful. BARTENDERS: Remember those honey badger YouTube videos (narrated by Randall) from 2011/12? That's what I think of when I read Yelper reviews from Brittany H. and Jay V. [in the voice of Randall]: *Mitchell Street bartenders don't care; they do what they want!* For example, when the popular 80s song, Your Love by the Outfield, came on, the 'tender on duty decided to turn it up to 11...and left it there for half the song. Locals seemed unfazed, but visitors got to the point they asked the waitress if they could turn it down. I'm guessing he didn't much care for the feedback, because he then played the song twice more. *If you're up for a rowdy atmosphere with an array of local beverages + solid bar food, I encourage you to step into this windowless venue! If you're looking for a nice, sit down meal and great tasting main dishes (OR you're allergic to peanuts)...best walk to Tap 30 next door.

    Photos
    Mitchell Street Pub - Cheese curds

    Cheese curds

    Mitchell Street Pub
    Mitchell Street Pub

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    Northern Lights Recreation - Buffalo wings

    Northern Lights Recreation

    2.6(66 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    We were from out of town and came here with a relative who lives in Charlevoix, MI. He wanted to…read morego bowling. I did not have a real opinion either way before or after coming here. I think that if you have been to one bowling alley, you have been to them all. Some of the only differences would be the size of the building and the atmosphere of the location. Space was limited here due to COVID BS, so we had to be put on a waiting list, briefly. All parties had to be spaced at every other lane. Staff, while courteous, was very to the point. They probably get tired of putting up with disrespectful youth and drunk amateur bowlers. I get it. The waitress we had should get a raise or at least a promotion of some kind. She was friendly, prompt with doing her job and always looked busy. She told me that if a customer ran out without paying, which happened to her once to the tune of $60, she has to pay out of her own pocket. Sad... All in all, you get what you would expect for a bowling alley at The Northern Lights.

    We ordered carry out and what do we find when we get home?! These sorry excuse for chicken wings!…read more All 18 we ordered were this size and I just can't understand how anyone thought this would be appropriate to serve I don't carry what your specials are for the night. Severely disappointed in this place and we'll never do take out from there again.

    Photos
    Northern Lights Recreation - Guitar Hero was a highlight for me in this arcade!

    Guitar Hero was a highlight for me in this arcade!

    Northern Lights Recreation - Buffalo wings

    Buffalo wings

    Northern Lights Recreation

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    Teddy Griffin's Roadhouse - Pasta Alfredo

    Teddy Griffin's Roadhouse

    3.9(154 reviews)
    3.8 mi
    $$

    We were seated immediately and greeted with genuine kindness, which meant a lot to us. As a…read morebiracial family, feeling welcomed and respected is important, and the staff set a positive tone from the moment we walked in. We were a party of five. The only drawback was the table size. It felt a bit tight for five people once the drinks and plates started filling the space. Aside from that, the restaurant was clean, including the bathrooms, which is always appreciated. Our server was prompt and attentive. She quickly took our drink orders and returned shortly after with them, then took our food order without delay. The kitchen moved efficiently, and our meals arrived fairly quickly. Dinner came with one basket of bread and butter, with additional baskets available for an extra charge. We also ordered three desserts, which were decent and a nice way to end the meal. As for the food, the lamb stood out and was very good. The steaks were solid and well prepared. The chicken Alfredo was a bit too heavy on the cheese, making the sauce thicker than expected. The mushroom ravioli with beef delivered strong mushroom flavor, definitely generous on that front. For five people, including three desserts, our total bill came to $246. Overall, it was a good experience with attentive service and mostly enjoyable food.

    This place rocks. It's out of the way and could be considered a hidden gem, but it's definitely a…read morelocal hang out. The menu is a perfect blend of selections that aren't something you can get anywhere but at a fine dining establishment. It is pricey but a wonderful dining experience in a relaxed atmosphere. The waitstaff and bartenders were very hospitable and knew everyone that came in. We were not regulars and were treated as if we were. The prime rib was a common plate at our table, rave reviews. I had the lamb shank, and was the best I'd had. It was so tender and delicious. Lamb chops were also recommended and the reviews from our party were very positive. You can come in jeans, shorts or more formal if you want. I don't recommend dressing to the T as it is quite relaxed. You won't be disappointed.

    Photos
    Teddy Griffin's Roadhouse - Eating area

    Eating area

    Teddy Griffin's Roadhouse - Lamb shank dinner

    Lamb shank dinner

    Teddy Griffin's Roadhouse - French onion soup

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    French onion soup

    Breakers - Juicy burgers!

    Breakers

    3.7(93 reviews)
    15.5 mi
    $$

    We've heard so much about this restaurant. Friends came into town unexpectedly and we had an…read moreopportunity to visit. It was a lively and clean restaurant. The menu selection was diverse, American bar food to a bit more refined. This is as close to a sports bar with a country flair that overlooks Mullet Lake with beautiful views, that you can find in non-metropolitan area.

    Breakers has a casual, sports bar setting. There are several television stations broadcasting. You…read morecan play Keno and chat with friendly folk. The main issue was that we were really hungry, having spent hours waiting on auto repair. The brisket tacos did not satisfy but to alleviate hunger. The flour tortillas were what my sister called 'raw'. They were not heated at all. The brisket meat was lukewarm warm. The cabbage slaw was raw. There was a dab of chunky plastic jar salsa already placed in the middle of each taco. Chips and salsa: the salsa was in a very small plastic thimble. We couldn't even fit a chip into the salsa. The best part about our dinner: the server asked if everything was good. I told her that it was definitely not my favorite EVER. The wonderful thing about this was that she asked me to explain. She did not show an animosity and was truly inquisitive about our dislike of the food. She said that she would tell 'him'. I am assuming that 'he' would be the cook. I appreciated her concern because the bill was about $40 and when my sister can't finish her meal that's a problem. It was about 430 and I hadn't eaten all day so I did finish mine but I couldn't say that I was not pleased with it. Although nothing was spoiled and it certainly could've been worse. I don't know if I could trust going back. I think that they could do a real light marinade on the cabbage to soften it a bit and if they fried the tortillas and maybe offered corn or tortilla in the beginning, it would be an improvement. Or how about if the salsa so called and in such a tiny vessel, it wasn't tasteless but clearly store-bought. Any restaurant should be able to do something with this information. I don't mean to be negative or demeaning, but I do intend to given an honest review based on my impression. Good luck Breakers. I was actually very happy to see that something was open during this flooding season. Unfortunately, I would've driven 50 miles further to have a better dinner.

    Photos
    Breakers - Outdoor patio was closed but this is the inside window view

    Outdoor patio was closed but this is the inside window view

    Breakers - Pretzels with honey mustard and cheese dips

    Pretzels with honey mustard and cheese dips

    Breakers - Pizza specialities or Build-Your-Own

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    Pizza specialities or Build-Your-Own

    Vernales Restaurant - steak - Updated May 2026

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