Rocks Landing

Few places rival the atmosphere the Rock’s Landing creates. As always, a perfect setting to have an enjoyable night out. An exceptional beer wine and cocktail list. Food always meets, then exceeds the standard set on my first visit. A great place for a special occasion or a fun night out. Top-down, the staff is so friendly and inviting, it’s like walking into a friend’s house, except the food is better at Rocks.

We loved everything about Rock’s Landing! The food, service and views were absolutely perfect. We started with the delicious crispy brussel sprouts. For the main course we both tried the sablefish paired with a nice bottle of Pinot Grigio It was our first time having sablefish and we both loved it. Felix our server was on point! What a cute little lakeside slice of heaven.

Great restaurant right on crystal lake! Food was amazing, atmosphere was perfect; quiet and comfortable with an amazing view. Service was excellent! Food was really the highlight though. Everything was prepared perfectly and the variety of appetizers and entrees was great. We had the steak frites, lamb oso bucco and pork pasta. The poutine appetizer was the best, not that I've ever come across poutine that I didn't like but this was the best I've had. Charcuterie board was really good too!

This place is a jewel! The view from our table couldn’t have been more beautiful. I’ll never forget this random stop on our drive around crystal lake. What a great place. Great atmosphere, good food and fantastic service.

Came here after hearing all the rave reviews from friends - and it definitely exceeded everything! Warm welcome right from the start, promptly seated (at a table right next to the water), and the server (Felix) was at the table almost immediately with water. The Daisy (mixed drink) was delicious, Vietnamese Chicken Meatballs were phenomenal, and the steak frites?! Delicious! Ended the evening with a slice of Key Lime Pie - perfect conclusion to an exemplary experience! Well worth the visit, and can’t wait to get back! Felix, Chris, and Katie were all so welcoming, provided great suggestions, and top-notch service!

First of all, you can’t beat the location at Rocks Landing. The atmosphere is intimate and cozy, with gorgeous, up-close views of Crystal Lake (it’s so close to the water you can hear the waves crashing against the shore!) It’s the kind of place where the view usually does the heavy lifting—except here, the food absolutely holds its own. As a vegan, it can be hard to dine out in rural areas, let alone find something other than fries and a beyond burger. Plant-based options are often an afterthought, and while there is only one here, the mushroom adobo was well thought-out, flavorful, and completely exceeded my expectations. Not to mention the classically delicious rustic bread and oil I had as an appetizer. Ultimately, this is a little hidden gem with food that punches way above its weight.

Staff was amazing and friendly. Great service. Beautiful location and overall ambiance was warm and welcoming. Food was very pretty to look at and delicious. I gave it 4 stars because the goat cheese dish is large enough for a family of 6 with very little bread. They charge you for more bread to finish the cheese. Also, the size of the porkchop dish was quite small. My chop didn't even appear to be one full piece, although very yummy.

Fantastic Location on Crystal Lake. Be aware finding a parking place can be a challenge, but it is well worth the effort. We had a table on the covered deck right on the water. Service was great! And the food was as well. We shared the roasted brussels with soy and siracha, very good and not too hot. My wife had the halibut with roasted leeks and fingerling potatoes with beurre blanc – very good. I had the steak frites with chimichurri. They make a steak out of the cap of the ribeye, I know right!!the BEST part. It was very good, great flavor, very tender and a great chimichurri. We ended the meal with a great cup of coffee and an outstanding carrot cake.

My rating is a 4.8 The food was super tasty and the views were perfect. Could benefit from more parking and more seating though. It has a good wait so it isn't a get-in and get-out restaurant it is a sit-down with the family and a nice dinner by the water. Overall stunning experience and would go again. Ps. The rocks outside by the water are slippery so be safe and take off your shoes before stepping on the rocks.

Excellent food. Excellent service . Owners make you feel at home. And it's right on the water. I had the branding...delish!!

Nice place, laid back and lake-casual-classy. I wish they had some of the amazing stuff on their menu now they've had in the past. Really had to struggle to find any of their entrees on their very limited menu (about 9 entrees / 5 starters?) that really appealed to me. Wife had panzella and was unimpressed, we shared the caulilini/broccollini with tahini and it was good, and I had the shepards pie, which was OK. It was the only nice place we ate at while vaca in the area. I'd probably go back if they change their menu again, but not a fan of the fall 2023 menu.

Food was fantastic-we shared Brussel sprouts, dined on halibut, shepherds pie with lamb, roasted corn pasta wit shrimp, and shared tequila key lime pie. DELICIOUS! Service was superb! Ambiance - who doesn't like sitting by the shoreline as the sun is setting! No misses here-a walk off home run!

Good food and service! Million dollar view. Thanks! I can't think of anything else to say.

The $30 charcuterie board was not worth $30. The Rock Burger -best burger I've ever had. My Bruv got it medium, per the restaurant's recommendation. The branzino fish was as tasty as could be. Man I love some good pan seared fish. I was a sucker and got the steak frites. And although it was good & the fries were top notch (almost like steak and shake good mmm mmm mmm that duck fat be splashin') I think the way to go was the burger here. I'm still thinking about it. My girl got the ragu something something- nothing to write home about. Five stars for the burger, the wine, and the friendship.

Great food, amazing patio. You feel like you're eating on a boat. The sea bream was very tasty

Perfect setting right on Crystal Lake. Friendly, unpretentious service and fine food. Good for a special evening or just a nice dinner out.

absolutely lovely experience. My boyfriend and I traveled from Chicago to Frankfort during a rainy weekend, initially reserved an outside table at Rocks Landing, due to the rain the restaurant had to be creative to accommodate all of their outdoor reservations, upon first arriving Julie and another owner (I didn't get his name) were outstanding. Went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and went above and beyond doing what they could to make us comfortable while waiting for a table. The food was delicious and the view from the patio was definitely worth the wait! Will be back next time we visit northern Michigan.

Seared 4 big scallops delicious along with the avocado sauce, steamed carrots, and fresh greens with nuts. Decadent large brownie dessert with a peanut butter layer and a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Great wine selection. Friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful waitstaff. Sat next to the railing on the covered porch during a mild rainstorm next to the Crystal Lake shoreline. A great and refreshing experience with excellent food. I would highly recommend Rock's Landing!

Went to Rocks Landing several times this summer so we were able to try most things on the menu. It was a place we wanted to love but the food just wasn't quite there. Some dishes were great, they have some nice appetizers and the burger is amazing. But many dishes were just over salted/seasoned and lost their appeal. Our service was always good and it's obviously in an awesome spot on the water. I hope they can dial in the menu a little bit more next year!

If you bring children they make it very clear that you're unwelcome. Food was good but not that good. Nice atmosphere on Crystal Lake.

Albert Caymus once said "I would rather live my life as if there is a God and die to find out there isn't, than live as if there isn't and to die to find out that there is". God is at Rock's Landing, I know I met him in every bite I took, with every mention of the staff, and with every glimpse of the view. Yes, I thought it was that good, Rock's Landing just plates class. It's artfully done and each dish has a signature richness about it. It's sport casual, yet you still feel underdressed when you view the menu. I ordered the chicken thighs with zatar and tahini. Plated beautifully, very rich taste, lite, yet very filling. The Brussels sprouts appetizer was spot on. Now not everything can be so complimentary. My host had the skewered pork medallions. It was a large plate, yet the pork was visibly dry. The accompanying sauce was said to be out of this world. However we all agreed that her husband ordered best. Ahi Tuna, a truly jumped up version of a Nicoise Salad, only 100 times better. So Chicken thighs five stars, Ahi Tuna five stars and five moons, Pork skewers....eh, if not over cooked four stars. This pejorative in no way reflects on my review as I ordered excellent items had excellent service.

Love Rocks! Staff is attentive, menu is inventive and interesting, view is fantastic! Give Rocks a try. Ask for a table on the porch, and bring a sweater or jacket. This is a special place.

I wish I could taste the food to be able to write a review about it. Unfortunatelyl, I was informed by quite rude, white, pretentious,middle-aged woman that they do not sit for dinner pass 8pm. I was there a few minutes after 8pm. When I called the place before 8pm nobody answered. Maybe the place is worth checking but the attitude is definitely a turn off and it left me with a bad taste without even trying any food.

Extremely rude, the lady with two pigtails at the host stand basically shoo us off once we asked if any seating available( we didn't have a reservation which I stated right after I said Good evening, she asked twice what name of reservation is she looking for), then she proceeded, that at this hour (630pm) we won't able to find a single place where we could get a table around this town and we are out of luck. Host stand is the face of the restaurant, and even though I really wanted to try the food, I don't think we will ever come back! Shame on you.

Amazing view, service and food! HIGHLY recommend! Waited far too long to try it! Will be going back for sure!!

Was recommended to go to this restaurant by a friend. No regrets! It was absolutely amazing! The food was incredible! The staff was knowledgeable and super friendly. Another plus....it is owned and managed by amazing locals. I highly recommend this place for its ambiance, view of the lake, and amazing food and staff. We will be going again (and again and again).

Used to be my favorite restaurant. I ate there at least once a week for the entire season the last couple years. New owners have changed menu and removed EVERYTHING we used to order. No more sesame crusted seared tuna, no more calamari, no more watermelon & pork belly, no more polenta, no more gnocchi, no more tres leches cake. Tragic. At least they kept the gambas.

Great location on Crystal Lake and great service. A bit pricey for No MI dining with the burger the only bailout @$24. It was delicious! The halibut was very good and the service right on the mark. $$$$ is my only advice especially for lake country. Drinks were reasonable and Carmel brownie was very good for dessert.

This spot was a hidden gem for my wife and I. The food was great. The menu was small but all the offerings sounded delicious. We loved our fish and the burger was made perfectly. Our table was right along the water and overlooked crystal lake. I would highly recommend.

The location is excellent, right on the edge of Crystal Lake. The food was excellent, and service was good, prompt, and cheerful. The menu is extensive, and the cooking was properly done and not overdone. Reservations may be made online, and are recommended.

I knew I wanted to go to Rocks Landing from all the photos I saw online, and it lived up to everything you see. This was our first restaurant post Covid and I felt comfortable from start to finish. When we arrived, The owners explained their cleaning process and new policies and welcomed us in. Tables were spaced very well. Only 5 tables on the porch where we sat. All tables are within some degree of open air whether on deck, porch, or grass. All employees wore masks. Menus were disposable and yours to keep. We even saw them clean the tables with two different solutions!! Anyways, enough with cleaning. We were given a wonderful table by the water. Started with the cauliflower appetizer, so delicious. I had the cioppino and my husband had steak. Both were yummy and presented beautifully. Brownie with port for dessert while watching the sunset. Our server Katie was great. The whole team is really professional and took great care of us. Ambiance and charm 10/10, would absolutely recommend.

For 40 years we have had a summer home in this area. We are always looking for a new fun Resturant and thought this might be the place. The Resturant itself is beautiful, sitting on the shore of Crystal Lake. Just a few feet from the water you can hear the gentle lapping of the waves. The staff is very attentive and friendly. Now the food. We had the Gnocchi, Sausage Ragu and the Wagu Steak. The Gnocchi had no taste and the portion was small. The 6 ounce steak was cut into 2 pieces and fatty and grisly. The Sausage Ragu with Polenta was ok. We also ordered the cheese plate for 17 dollars and thought way over priced for what was on the plate. We were so hopeful that we had found another good place to visit but unfortunately not. The menu tries to be eclectic without hitting the mark. I was impressed by all of the five Star results in their ratings but there must have been some menu changes.

Wonderful new restaurant. We are here on vacation and happened to be driving by. As the restaurant is directly on Crystal Lake we we're very interested in checking it out. I could find no website, but I did find a Facebook page so we planned one of our evenings to have dinner at Rock's Landing. Parking was a bit awkward as there is no designated parking. I ran in to ask where we could park and was told we could park up the hill and someone would come get us in their golf cart, or we could park in one of two spots in front if a dumpster. I hope they can get the parking figured out. We had reservations, which is good because they turned away an elderly couple because they were booked (though there were a lot if empty tables. We were seated immediately on their deck which overlooked the beautiful lake. Our waitress seemed new, but she was very friendly. Someone who seemed to be a manager or owner came around to check on everyone and chatted with some of the customers. The food portions are smaller than the typical American restaurant, but the quality is superior. My husband got the fried calamari as an appetizer and seared scallops for his meal. He said the chef cooked the scallops perfectly. I got the gnocchi which had wilted greens, oyster mushrooms, and red pepper flakes and a hint of lemon. Delicious! It would make sense if they had a pier for customer to boat up to (especially if they can't do anything about the parking), and the waitress said they were thinking about it. I highly recommend Rock's Landing for the food and ambiance. Just don't plan to leave with a full belly is you have a large appetite.

Wonderful dinner! Rock's Landing was recommended to us and it lived up to all expectations! Great location right on Crystal Lake. Super friendly service and excellent food. If you are local or visiting the area, make a recommendation and you'll be in for a lovely evening.

Definitely a small plate restaurant! Almost like a tasting menu . Be aware of that. Food was good. As mentioned in a prior review- Service felt rushed. We we there for the last seating of the evening and felt like they were pushing us through.

5/5 for food and staff. I travel a lot solo for work and called beforehand to see if I needed a reservation. The person on the phone said, "We always have room for a party of one," which made me feel super welcome there before I even arrived. Walked in the door a little after 8pm and was seated within 5mins. Overall the staff was attentive but not over-bearing, with my server (Jackson), the hostess, and another server all checking in to make sure that everything was alright at various points. I had the panzanella salad for first plate, NY strip for my main plate, and tres leches for dessert. I had a Tomisa (sp?) Collins cocktail and a glass of the Michigan rosé to drink (both of which were good, but the rosé was definitely the star). The salad was great, though could've had more beets, but the roasted tomato vinaigrette really blew it out of the water. The NY strip really hit the spot and was cooked perfectly (I got medium rare); it felt like a wonderful "treat yourself" moment TBH. The tres leches was basic, but delicious, with the blueberries and house-made whip being the stars. It is a small space, so sometimes the service of the entire venue can be a little hectic, though it wasn't really a big deal. The clientele is your typical bougie summer house people with khaki shorts, ugly shirts, bottled personality, and too much money. I would love to return with a friend for an evening on the deck eating delicious food and making fun of rich people.

Wonderful addition to Crystal Lake! The ambiance was perfect. Very nice inside. We ate on the enclosed porch with the windows rolled up. Very relaxing sound of the waves. We ordered the ahi tuna and ricotta gnocchi - both were 5 stars! Highly recommend. Didn't see any kids there so I think it's best for a date night if you are parents to school aged children like us.

What a great spot- this once-upon-a-time lakeside boathouse now converted into a beach restaurant laps you right up onto the sparkling shores of Crystal for a charmed sunset dining experience. Too bad we couldn't sit outside on the pier when we asked as "those tables are all reserved," even though six of them were never seated while we were there. Nonetheless, the inside tables share the same view and you can't help but decompress and enjoy that Old World resort ambience that lucky Chimney Corners generations have experienced for over a century. Fun creative cocktail list, awesome European dominated wine card, good menu. The food is fresh and simply prepared and it is clear someone in the kitchen knows what they are doing. It's refreshing to find some individual wining and dining personality in the face of all that whitefish/perch/deep-fried- everything all too ubiquitous in so many Northern Michigan eateries. Ditto for the wine cellar. Love that there is not a boring generic supermarket label on the list. Instead gems abound in this small but well curated selection. Pricing is surprisingly reasonable for the quality and I can't agree with fellow reviewers who found the portions small. Rocks Landing gets to the heart of what "Up North" dining should be about: small, friendly and casual but creative, unique and real at the same time.

This restaurant is a gem! I've been visiting Chimney Corners resort for years and was delighted to hear their Boat House was being turned into a restaurant. I ordered the Halibut and my husband ordered the Wagyu Zabuton steak. The restaurant is small but we were able to walk in because they had recently opened up there patio area (but they do take reservations). The weather was gorgeous so we sat on the patio it was very relaxing watching boats go by while enjoying our dinner and cocktails.

Headed to this new restaurant in the Chimney Corners resort area tonight. A very nice addition to the north shore of Crystal. It is a testament to the increased desirability of this area that this type of restaurant is opening. First, the good parts. The location is excellent. The tables on the covered patio are inches from Crystal Lake with a beautiful view. The food was very good and the service attentive. We had the Michigan Cheese small plate, very yummy. The lake trout was excellent as were the scallops. The lamb was good, although the sides could have been warmer. Now the not so good parts. Service was a bit fast. Too fast in my opinion. They had plenty of open tables... yet we were done with drinks, apps, and dinner in less than an hour. Better pacing would have been helpful. The staff needs to slow down a bit. I had to wave off the busboy when I had several forks of food left on my plate. They are brand new..open just a few weeks. I'm sure they will sort it out. And that brings up the portion size. This is a "small plate" restaurant. Which includes the main courses. $17 for three large scallops. $23 for several pieces of lamb. $16 for a piece of trout that couldn't have weighed more than 6oz. So, don't go if you are super hungry. The food was excellent, certainly. But it's not your typical midwestern serving size. In any case, I'll be back. I hope they do well and are open for years to come. Their lake views are not to be missed.

First, let me say that making reservations online was easy and liked how we could choose where we wanted to sit. Staff was very pleasant and Holly our server was very attentive. The cauliflower app was great and large enough for 3 to 4 to share. The panzanella salad was good but I would have preferred more greens and less croutons even though they were delish. The polenta was excellent but the ragu could have a little more spice. Loved dining on the deck, fun atmosphere!

Amazing hospitality by the owner and his wife. Creative and delicious on trays, we had tuna, pork, scallops. Friendly impeccable service. Great atmosphere and truly a wonderful experience. The evening was perfect as we were invited to enjoy the lakefront after dinner seating to enjoy the beautiful Crystal Lake.

This place is wonderful! It's a beautifully designed modern space, situated right on the lake. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. The food is incredible, made with fresh local ingredients. The plates are beautiful, and the flavors are high end. It's an elegant, yet comfortable experience from start to finish. It's like a great restaurant you'd find in a major city, only we're lucky to have it here!

I would have given 5 stars had we not had to wait 15 minutes for someone to come and take our drink order. I'm not sure what happened there because other than that the service was pretty good. The food was good and the portions were perfect! We did have an odd experience at the end where a random waitress came up right after we paid our bill and said oh good you're done, as if we had been sitting there too long. We were there 2 hours + with 4 people but had drinks, appetizers and meals. Overall it was a delicious meal and I would go back.

Beautiful scenery, amazing food, and the service was fabulous. Already recommended it to others traveling to the area. We sat under the covered patio up against the railing and it was perfect.

Amazing atmosphere and great food. This is a must reserve if in the area. We celebrated a special occasion and couldn't have been more pleased with the food and service the shrimp appetizer was outstanding as was the steak frites and gnocchi. So yum. Split the brownie and ice cream for dessert. Out of this world! It was so good I forgot to take a pic!

Rock's Landing is maybe the best restaurant experience in Northern Michigan. The food, ambiance, and service rivals anything offered in Traverse City.

First time and so pleased already made reservations to return. Reservations are highly recommended. Delicious use of current crop of heirloom tomatoes for the special appetizer of the evening. Party of five and everybody enjoyed everything we tried ( tuna, gnocchi, sea bass w lentils, grilled beef w frites and lemon tarte ). Good wine selections. Service was friendly and the kitchen was prompt with our orders.

Such a perfect dining experience. Beautiful scenery, very friendly proprietor. The food was terrific.

This place is AMAZING ! From the minute you see the location, right to the FANTASTIC food ! Reservations are much needed ! If I could eat here EVERYDAY I would !!! Great knowledgeable servers ! The drinks are super, with their own twist !

Wow. Great wines and wonderful menu. Service is very attentive. Wine staff really helpful. Highly recommended.

Just discovered this gem of a spot for my son's 18th birthday. Super friendly staff, and the food was amazing! Beautiful location and atmosphere. We will be back for sure. Well worth the drive from TC.

Delicious gourmet food and Northern Michigan hospitality. The restaurant had no open reservations and it was raining so the walk-in dining area on the patio was closed. The owner and chef agreed to do their first ever carry out order and personally delivered it to our resort across the street. We had Pinchos Minuros (Spanish pork) halibut, sea bass, and falafel for entrees. All delicious and fairly priced ($15-$20 ea). Appetizers ($8-10) were incredible - crispy pork belly and Watermelon, roasted Brussels sprouts and baby cauliflower (you gotta try that). They even brought us a bottle of wine.

This place is a wonderful addition to the crystal lake area. Excellent food and service. We had the halibut, bronzino, and steak frites. Lovely evening on the water.

Beautiful view, amazing service & the food was spectacular! I had the branzino which was perfect!

Excellent food with a fabulous setting on Crystal Lake shore. Unique offerings that are reasonably priced with reasonable portions. One of our two favorite spots in the Frankfort area. Better plan and call ahead since it's not a large place and very popular.

An amazing and unexpected meal right on the water! This is a place for foodies. I have the lemon ricotta gnocchi and my husband had the ahi tuna. We said "oh my god" every few minutes, it was that good.

Amazing atmosphere, right on Crystal lake. Fantastic, fresh made from scratch food. Even loved the kale chips.