Douglas Lake Bar & Steakhouse

From the appetizer, entree thru dessert, everything was absolutely delicious. The portions were bigger than expected and certainly brought more for home than I usually do. Besides our waitress, other staff members cleared away our empty dishes and assured us we had water without asking. My only complaint was on my self control, eating too much and feeling uncomfortable for the next two hours.

Very delicious food and drinks in an ambiance atmosphere on the lake. This place is in the middle of nowhere, but very popular place. Might need reservations during peak times.

Fantastic food and service. Please be aware their reservation system allows you to make reservations at hours they are not even open. We drove an hour only to find out our 4:00 pm reservation was not valid. They don’t even seat until 5:00pm. Luckily they had a table available for us. We had to wait an hour but was worth the wait.

This is one of my favorite places to eat. On sundays they have live music outside on the water. The environment is amazing. The food was exquisite. The service was top notch. Tori was a great waitress for us. We got the chowder soup, the shrimp appetizer. They were both very tasty. I got the mushroom truffle oil ravioli with shrimp. My husband got the perch dinner. Both were so incredibly tasty. Highly recommend this place! ———— Updated 2025 We love this spot. The food was incredible, as always. We love to go on sundays for the live music in the summer. The salmon dish was the best food I ever had. Hands down. Delicious.

This is a hidden gem! Great food. However, I will say that everything is VERY rich. The seafood chowder was good but it could have had less salt. I didn't care for the parmesean cream sauce since I don't like cardamom. However, our waitress, Tammy, was quick to get this satisfactorily addressed for us. They drinks were very good. I had a Key Lime Pie martini. I would have had another martini, but I was stuffed. The portion sizes are good, so it evens out the cost of dinner. We will definitely return for drinks at the outside bar when we are in the area again.

Our 49th anniversary dinner was not what we expected. Apps and desserts were incredible, but my wife's shrimp was not hot, and my prime rib eye was tough. Didn't send anything back because the service was so slow.

This place has gone down hill significantly over the last 2 years. I think they have someone new managing the restaurant, and they can’t get the ordering right. Every time we come, they are sold out of the ribs by 7pm. They were also sold out of salmon and their other popular items. This is preventable. Their demand should be very predictable based on reservations etc, yet they continue to have the issue. Their service is also subpar.

First time here, great restaurant. The inside decor has an old school lodge feel, and there is outside dining too. The food was delicious, and the service very prompt, polite and answered all of our questions.

Great food, great service, great ambiance. This has been true year after year. They have it figured out.

Food was alright for the area, it was alittle noisy. The service was ok. Stake was cooked incorrectly twice however the server apologized and they refunded us for our uneaten meal

Douglas Lake Bar and Steakhouse has a beautiful atmosphere. Located right beside the water, the views are calming. There are tables near the water's edge that you can sit at while waiting for your reservation to be called, allowing you to take in the scenery. They even have a dock to park your boat at while you dine. We made a reservation online a day ahead of time and were sat quite a bit past our scheduled dining time. Not a big deal as it was a busy weekend. We were sat on the patio and the mosquitos were horrible. Our server was phenomenal, always having a smile on her face. She brought us citronella candles to keep the mosquitoes away. Our food came out fast despite it being busy. I ordered the Cakebread Cellars Sauvignon Blanc and it was everything I hoped it would be--The fresh citrus flavor embodies summer sunshine. The DLB Steak Au Poivre was delicious as usual. The sauce that comes on it is my favorite! It was served with sour cream and chive mashed potatoes and green beans (which were cooked to perfection too). My mom ordered the Planked Whitefish, which is served with duchess potatoes. The tartar sauce and squeezed lemon were the perfect toppings. I would recommend ordering this with the Sauvignon Blanc. This is the perfect place to celebrate any special occasion because of the excellent food, amazing staff, and gorgeous atmosphere.

Douglas Lake Bar & Steakhouse is definitely an all-around winner and a fantastic choice for a meal. Douglas Lake Bar & Steakhouse is right on the lake and offers a calming view that also shows that there is no greater artist than what nature can create. The staff is absolutely fantastic and only enhanced my overall experience. The food here is pretty solid and the dining room had a great vibe. All in all, the Douglas Lake Bar & Steakhouse is a great place. Douglas Lake is a wonderful place to visit and Douglas Lake Bar & Steakhouse only makes it a better destination. I will give here five stars overall and Douglas Lake Bar & Steakhouse definitely earned my recommendation.

If you have never been here, then you are missing a timeless gem. We took a friend to dinner who has never been, and she was asking herself why she never knew about it. Well needless to say she fell in love with the DLB. Who wouldn't, it shouts out northern Michigan, and plain old fashioned quality. Our service was prompt and pleasant. Food was spot on, as were the wonderful desserts.

Food was great. Initially service was amazing but then once we were seated became a little slow. The dining area is a little too warm but definitely cozy.

If I could give this place 6 stars I would! To start the restaurant scene in this area is awful. Some places in the area are closed or have poor quality of food. My girlfriend and I were going from place to place prior to finding this restaurant and were so disappointed. We called to make sure this place was open and we're greeted by a very friendly voice. Once we finally got to the restaurant the hostess greeted us very nicely and was like "oh we were waiting for you!! Come on in." Which made us feel so good. After we sat down our waitress Tori greeted us and was such good energy. We got a bratta appetizer and really enjoyed this as a start to the meal. After ordering our side salads came out and they were just meh. Presentation was okay. Then the main dishes came out and presentation was MUCH better than the side salads. The pork chop had amazing seasoning and the chicken pasta was creamy and fun. The Brussels Sprouts were very bland however. They really needed some seasoning. What made this over the top for me was the carrot cake!!!!! Holy cow. I didn't take a photo of it but it was the literal best carrot cake I've ever had in my life. Overall we would definitely come back!! Check this out if you're in the area.

We returned to give Douglas Lake another try, literally because the owner acknowledged my disappointment and were glad we did! Far better service from a veteran server who is a retired teacher, whose name I sadly cannot recall. Having said that, she was a total pro & made excellent suggestions which we followed & all good was presented in a timely fashion, prepared to our liking and delicious. The only reason for 4 stars rather than 5 is that personally I feel the drinks were still a tad light - especially for the price. Lovely atmosphere!

We had dinner tonight. Great portions and price points. Salad, prime rib, spare ribs, all very good and beautiful setting. Enjoy

I started off with a mojito made by Mark on the lakeside bar. We waiting a few minutes before we were called in to dinner. Our server, Grace told us the appetizers of the day, we ordered the morel mushroom (DELICIOUS) and served three. Two of us ordered the prime rib and my husband had planked whitefish. HUGE portions! The whitefish came with potatoes but the kitchen substituted Parmesan risotto and my husband would have stabbed me with his fork if I tried more than a bite. The prime rib came with duchess potatoes and the most tender green beans. Dessert. The raspberry crème brûlée was magnificent. Husband had the biggest slice of carrot cake we've ever seen. This was the best meal in northern Michigan. Wait in the lakeside bar, it takes less time than they tell you and ALL the servers were remarkable. We were lucky to get Grace.

Tess provided great service, the food was wonderful, after dinner drinks delivered to the Adirondack chairs along the water.....great experience.

Dinner was excellent, party of 4 on a Friday evening, we were seated at or slightly before our reservation time. First time here for all of us, everyone was very happy with the menu selections and the taste, quality and quantity of our meals. Not cheap, but not outrageous, good value for what we received.

Quite the hidden gem. My family and I stopped in for dinner while driving back from Mackinac Island. We were able to get a table right away even though they were quite packed. We got to sit outside with beautiful views of the lake. Our server Victoria was very friendly and attentive. For an appetizer we got the bruschetta and muscles which were delicious! For dinner I got the steak special that was cooked just right that paired great with some red wine. The Lava cake was extremely decadent and the perfect amount to share after a filling meal. If we lived in the area we would be back often! Quality food/service/and ambiance.

Wow! What a hidden gem. Rented a cabin on Douglas Lake with the family right by this restaurant. Saw people coming and going constantly so I figured it must be good. The neighbor confirmed it so, so we made reservations and went. We were not disappointed. Food was excellent. Service excellent as well. The wedge salad was probably the best salad I've ever had. Steaks were great and cooked as ordered. If you're in the area try this place out!

If it's warm enough grab a table outside for a beautiful view of the lake! Quick little 30min drove from Petoskey. We started with a shrimp/bacon/crab dish appetizer. It came out with four shrimp so perfect for a couple or group to get. If you are with a party of 4 I recommend ordering another appetizer with it. I had the scallops with the sun dried tomato risotto. It's funny because on the drive here I was talking about how I don't like sun dried tomatoes and then I order a dish with it! The scallops and risotto were both incredible. The server brought out an extra side of the cream sauce for the scallops which was a nice addition! My boyfriend had the seafood pasta and went with the Parmesan cream sauce. It was delicious but extremely filling and he couldn't finish it. Can't wait to enjoy it for lunch later today.

Wow!! This place is a Diamond in the rough. About 30 minutes outside of Harbor Springs. It's a wonderful restaurant on the lake with awesome views. I thought the food was great. We had ahi tuna and mussels for the appetizer. I loved the ahi tuna. I think I would order it as my meal next time. My daughter and I split a bowl of seafood chowder. It was so hearty with huge chucks of salmon, clams, etc. my daughter loved the Seafood Douglas pasta. I had the perch which was tasty. My husband had the walleye, he said he would order it again. My son had the ribeye and it was much too fatty for him. That was probably the only negative of the dinner. He would probably get chicken tenders next time ‍ In all fairness he is a pretty picky eater who prefer burgers and chicken tenders. Overall a great experience; we look forward to eating here again.

Stopped here with our friends and we shut the place down! We had martini's to start on the patio and the lemon drop martini was something to write home about, absolutely delightful! We watched the sunset over Douglas Lake as we ordered our entrées. This place has been around for years with many regulars and new faces. We can't wait to dine here again!

We went Sat the 23rd and had Sarah as waitress and we had 10 people. She was awesome and as always our food especially perch, was fantastic. Lemon martini is a staple. Thanks so much. It is our favorite place up here on vacation.

Just love this place. Still one of our favorite places for a special occasion or nice meal out. Beautiful setting both outside and inside. They view of the lake makes a great setting and the rustic unspoiled interior makes no doubt you are in Northern Michigan. Our recent meal was top notch both the steak, fish, and pork dinners were superb. Service has been impacted by the lack of available resources but over all a great dining experience. Bartender could use a refresher on a proper hummer!!

Wow!! This place was PACKED! We had come as a result of a retirement party, there were 11 of us in our party on the reservation. You might think that the service would suffer. It did not. There literally was not an open table in the restaurant, people were seated on the patio and outside under the awning. The service was phenomenal. I was very impressed by how well everything worked, we had drinks, appetizers, main course and dessert. Not a hiccup was made. The menu.... Quite a variety for an upscale restaurant. We ordered the Ahi Tuna Sashimi, Bacon Wrapped grilled shrimp and a spinach dip. I should just stop right here with the review. It was so delicious, it's making my mouth water thinking about it as I write this. Our entrees..... I had the Prime New York Strip, medium rare, and wow it was fantastic. What made it out of this world, the smashed potatoes and grilled green beans. Both were made in some kind of deliciousness that would make you gorge yourself if you could. Dessert.... I am not a dessert guy. But the DLB Berries would provide me all the sustenance I could ever need in my life. There were blackberries, raspberries and strawberries immersed in creme. It was epic. Definitely try this place out!

One of the finest restaurants in Northern Michigan. A hidden gem. Food was fabulous and the service was top notch. They treated my dad with kid gloves. And that is always tough to do!!

A great place to eat in Northern Michigan and well worth the drive. The whitefish is outstanding and the service excellent. I eat here in May or September/October because I don't live crowds but worth it every time

Excellent food, great value though expensive... drinks are amazing an inexpensive. Food is OMG good. Totally recommend.

Wow! What a FIND! Just looking for something close to the airport. Definitely coming back many times!

A gem in Northern Michigan! Sitting on Douglas Lake, just east of Pellston, Michigan, is a cozy bar and steakhouse. ...if you ever get the chance to experience this place in the winter; it's magical... Friendly waitstaff, is excellent food, and a full bar (with a great wine selection) make this the to-go place for fine dining in Northern Michigan. 5 stars!

One of my most favorite hidden gems in Northern Michigan. Tucked away in a neighborhood, the DLB is quiet, has fantastic steaks and fish, my 8 and 10 year old nephews absolutely love it here. Definitely make reservations and arrive at least 30 min early to grab a cocktail and sit outside. Eating at the DLB has become a family tradition when we visit up north.

Restaurant on the lake. Great food. Shrimp Lenny is a favorite. Need reservations as always busy.

I ordered the 12 Oz ribeye with edge salad, the other guests with me ordered the Walleye and Douglas mixed seafood linguine. All were cooked to perfection and absolutely delicious . If in the area you must try this place!

Was so disappointed. We've been going to DLB for years. Food was terrible. Seafood pasta was very over sauced and sauce tasted like it was out of a can. They just threw on a side of green beans. I guess because they could. Didn't belong. There fall salad had potential, yet again over dressed. Grilled romaine tasted terrible. Now you could say that's a personal preference, but I love all salads. Yet not this one. Sorry guys.

Still loving the DLB in 2021! Excellent service, even for our group of 12 and everyone loved their food - not one complaint all yums. We had the shrimp Lenny and tenderloin bites and wedge salad, perch and chocolate cake. Oh-oh, Now I'm going to have to go back

The food, drinks, and waitress were great however I was appalled when the hostess arrived at our table as we were just finishing our dessert drinks and asked us to hurry up and leave so they could seat more people. Rude and won't be returning.

My wife and I enjoyed an excellent meal with great service at DLB. I would rate it one of the finest meals we've had in a long time. This is a real gem

Celebrated a great friend's birthday as this is her favorite restaurant everyone's dinner was super delicious and service was exceptional

Absolutely fabulous! Great wine pours. I ordered a house salad with bleu cheese dressing, and I commented to the owner that it was the best I've ever tasted. My wife had the perch, and I had shrimp Lenny, bacon-wrapped shrimp with wonderful sauce. I couldn't eat it all, which is unusual. Both were outstanding! Dishes, and they presented all 8 dinners simultaneously. Our friend got beef Wellington special, and there was so much she had enough for two more meals! The ambiance was awesome as we ate in the enclosed patio. It chilled down by the end of the meal, but summer dinners will be fantastic on the patio overlooking the lake. No complaints at all! Fun place, great food, fast courteous service. We will be back.

This feel good 5 star restaurant is set in a quaint lake setting with friendly staff and delicious food. This is where the locals go for a great night out. There is something for everyone and the specials are always a must try.

Amazing tuna appetizer. I had Shrimp Lenny and my wife had the planked whitefish. Both were delicious. Excellent food and service.

Best wedge salad I've ever had. DLB is definitely an experience worth traveling for. Great ambiance, service and outstanding food.

We came here this evening to celebrate my mother's 70th birthday. We haven't been here in AT LEAST 30 years and yet it was the same as it's always been. The food and service were both top notch and the view of the lake is hard to beat. Excellent experience all around.

My wife and make it a point to drive up to this spot at least once a summer. It's 50 minutes from our cottage, but worth the drive. It is tucked away in a wonderful little lake community up North. You can drive your car or you boat right up to the shoreline. They have a cozy outdoor space where you hang, have a drink and enjoy the live music. You can also dine indoors or out depending on your preference and the weather. The food is special. What they do with steaks is spectacular and the seafood is prepared just right. The staff is well trained, friendly and attentive. You can't go wrong here and it is perfect for any occasion.

What's not to say about DLB. It's the best. Why aren't they open year round!? Start with the Lenny app, move to the caeser salad and don't forget the anchovies, the chowder is a must have then of course a ribeye. BUT, you can't go wrong with any of the entrees. The ribs are mouth watering, fish is cooked to perfection served with perfect mashed potatoes, and I always get the DLB steak salad (mid rare). Oh and sit outside on the patio that's screened in or by the fireplace. Enjoy yelpers!

Solid. Fish was cooked perfectly, both the salmon and the walleye. Rice was dinner just right. Only ding is they ran out of carrot cake.

Classic up north restaurant in lovely lake setting. We had the prime rib and the filet and both were great. After dinner we sat at the bar for hummers and we had tons of fun talking to the bar tender. Great spot all around.

I had the most incredible dinner here at Douglas Lake Bar! We came here on the way back from a day at Mackinac Island, and it was the perfect meal to have after a long day of biking. Every part of my meal was perfect. Their rolls are delicious, with just a small amount of cheese on them! I got their seasonal salad, which came with fresh berries, sliced almonds, and a raspberry vinegrette. It's probably the best salad I've ever had, honestly! The berries were all so fresh, and the dressing was light, but sweet and flavorful. For my entrée, I got a 12oz ribeye cooked medium rare. It was cooked to perfection - so tender and tasty! It came with sour cream and chive mashed potatoes. HOLY COW those were the best mashed potatoes. It also came with a few pieces of asparagus that were salty and delicious. This meal literally couldn't have been any better. We had a large group, so we made a reservation and were seated for it immediately. It was relatively crowded on a Thursday night. I so highly recommend you come eat here if you're in the area! Everyone in my group seemed very satisfied by their meals; I know I sure was!

Pretty hard to find anything wrong with this quintessential up north restaurant. From the authentic rustic feel of the stone fireplace to the fabulous location on the serene shores of Douglas Lake this place has it all. So make a reservation or be prepared to wait if it's a busy night. They even have live music some nights! I pretty much always get the walleye because they do it as well as any Ive ever had. Tender and moist with a parmesan crust. The perch and whitefish are equally delicious. Frankly, I don't think there's a wrong thing to order. Shrimp Lenny is to die for and their salads are delicious. The prices are very reasonable when you take into account what your getting. If they feel a bit pricey, come early and get half off your second entree. Must order by 6.

To anyone who has said the food was bad....what? The portions, presentation, service, and taste were exceptional. By far the best restaurant I have ever been to.

The DLB is such a hidden gem. Our dinners, walleye and steak au poivre were sumptuous, service was great and the lakeside setting is a treasure. Good wine selection. Note that you really need reservations here. Lively, "up north" feel.

Celebrated a 40th anniversary while enjoying spectacular views of the lake. Live entertainment was an added bonus. The place was crazy busy but that didn't hinder the service (reservations were made ahead of time). Our meals ranged from the house DLB steak au poivre to scallops to kids spaghetti with shrimp. Everyone had rave reviews after the meal! We would absolutely go back our next time in Petoskey.

I've been wanting to eat here for years and it did not disappoint! The selection of wines by the glass was generous. Our table enjoyed the mussels and shrimp appetizer, walleye, perch and chicken dinners. Everything was outstanding. Fantastic service. Looking forward to our next visit.

We've always loved DLB and will continue to support. However the lobster risotto with a beef medallion special tonight was disappointing. It was way undercooked and contained faux lobster. We're accustomed to first class food and service but both weren't up to par tonight.

It had been a couple years since we were up in the area of Douglas Lake and the last time we were there it was exceptional. Well nothing had changed. Still fabulous. The wine was cold and dry. My husbands pork chop was outstanding. He said it was the best he had ever eaten. The waitress was attentive and lovely. All and all a fantastic evening. Thank you so much. Can't wait till we come back up next year.