Woods Restaurant and Bobby's Bar

Dining at Woods Restaurant with three generations of family on Mackinac Island was a magical, storybook experience from start to finish. Arriving by horse-drawn carriage set the perfect tone for an enchanting evening. The food was unforgettable—the chicken fricassee was easily a top 10 dish, and the creamy spätzle was pure comfort in every bite. My mother in law raved about the steak soup. It was the perfect setting to celebrate my spouse’s promotion and our daughter’s acceptance to MSU. The ambiance, the flavors, and the charm of the whole experience made it truly special. We will definitely return—it’s a place that captures the heart and the palate. Bravo!

Had dinner here last night and it was wonderful! We arrived early and were kindly greeted to check in for our reservation. We started with the Steak Soup and Organic Baby Greens salad. Both were a great way to start our meal. As bread lovers, we were particularly enthused by the complementary pretzel bread which came hot to the table, it was so good! We had the Schnitzel and Filet Mignon with the Bavarian Dark Chocolate Crème Bavarois and Warm Apple Strudel desserts! All was excellent! I was dressed way down after flying in and biking around the island all day, with messy hair, which I was worried about since this is such such a nice establishment, but I am pleased to say my appearance didn’t effect the service provided! Our night was made extra special by the following staff: Tecora (you are a gem, thanks for the laugh, and for being so great!), Tavoue, and Walter 4th! You all made our evening! We hope to be back one day.

I’m shocked that there are any negative comments about this restaurant. The magic starts on the carriage ride and continues with the first step inside the establishment. Our meals were excellent. We started with the wild boar meatballs, delicious. Next we shared the poached pear salad and steak soup. Both were amazing, but the steak soup was mind blowing. For mains we had the lake trout and the 6oz filet. DELICIOUS!!!! Finally we finished with the pecan ball. If we had to get rid of one selection it would be the pecan ball, but even that was yummy. 10/10 experience. Taxi was $10.50 per person each way. Food bill was $263.00 but we had 3 cocktails. 2 people in our party.

Fun night out for my family of 6. Great food and cool atmosphere. The price point was higher than the food warranted but the experience was cool. The taxi to and from was $60 each way. It took about 30-40 min waiting in a line for a taxi to head back to town at the end of the night which took away from the experience. The alternative would have been a 40 min walk in the rain. The beet salad was all beets and was good for a few bites then got old. The soups were awesome. The schnitzel was exceptional. One of my kids got the chicken tenders which she said were the best she had ever had (13 year old).

I am not one to write a negative review.. but I feel like it may help others. I was very disappointed in my experience here. The service was slow and uninviting. The dinning room was so cold, especially with many women attending in dresses.. The dinner was small and nothing special. We were truly disappointed after looking forward to this experience. Looking for somewhere to have some fries and a smile after a truly uncomfortable dinner.

Such a unique and incredibly fun experience. The staff are all incredible and make for an unforgettable evening. Best food we had on the island. We enjoyed a cocktail at Bobby's Bar since our carriage arrived before our reservation and listened to the sound of the duckpin bowling alley in action. Appetizers, dinner, and dessert were phenomenal in the restaurant. Even though it's super expensive, it's a must stop for a Sichuan special occasion. Be sure to prebook your carriage ride to the Woods and have your server arrange your carriage home.

Fantastic! Reservation are definitely recommended! Food was incredible. I had the duck and we split the Wagyu Tartar as starter. The waiting staff was very professional and attentive. Live piano player was really good. We enjoyed our time immensely.

The food was delicious, but they packed everyone into a room that had wonderful acoustics. With little to nothing to dampen the sound from everything happening in the room. Felt more like a food court than a place I'd want to take someone for a nice night out.

Fabulous food & service. The atmosphere is also lovely. I think it's the best fine dining option on the Island. Michael was our server & he is the absolute Best! The maître d' is Neil & he is also fabulous.

We were ushered outside to a table with a little fireplace in the center. After waiting about 10 mins our waiter came by to take our drinks but interrupted us to run inside and have a conversation with the other waitstaff. Service was slow for the duration of the meal. We started off with an order of the duck wings which were phenomenal and the highlight of the meal. Most of our party got some burgers which were claimed to be "wagyu" beef. Burgers were small and didn't taste fresh. Each one came with a side of chips, with an optional fry upgrade for 3$ (the only two sides). The chips were cold and straight out of a bag. Just not what I was expecting from an upscale place like this. If you have only one side for the majority of your entrees then it needs to be something you actually make. Overall, the value is just not here. You're paying 25$ for a mediocre burger and some potato chips. Not to mention that even a soda was at least an extra 5$. I understand that Mackinac Island food comes with a price, but the quality of food still needs to match that price tag.

Great food. Lots of attentive service except for the actual waiter! Only came by to ask about ordering more things. Had to have the manager bring us water refills and had to ask for more bread which clearly put out the waiter. That brought it down to 4 stars. Then, I see while reviewing the bill that they went ahead and slid in a credit card usage charge. Ridiculous. This is not a small moment and pop shop that has lots of credit card fees. This is an already expensive resort restaurant that is making a quick cash grab. Truly shameful.

Loved this restaurant! The carriage ride to and from the restaurant was great. The ambiance of the restaurant was like being in bavaria. The staff, and in particular, our waiter, were terrific. The only reason this isn't a 5-star review was my meal, the Sole, was mushy rather than flaky. It tasted as if it was frozen and then microwaved prior to cooking. My wife had the duck breast and it was delightful. The Woods is a must try while staying on Mackinac Island.

Stupendous. I have never experienced such well trained and professional service. All of the staff worked together to create a magical experience. The building decor is a bit on the Disney side and made it fun to be in a Bavarian hunting lodge atmosphere. The food was excellent. We had the pork and goulash, both of which were perfectly prepared. It was our most expensive dinner of the trip, but it was worth it. The ride to the Woods really adds to the thrill of the evening, with a winding road with close trees and the horses pulling the wagon. We loved it.

Beautiful hidden gem! Such a quaint place! Food was interesting and delicious! Service was amazing, they were so attentive and even helped us in the bar area while we waited for our carriage to take us to our next adventure on the island.

What a fantastic place tucked up on the island in the woods! Absolutely stunning dinning room, such a warm and cozy feel, I can only imagine how inviting this would be in the cooler months. We actually ate outside on the new covered deck and it was perfect. We rented bikes for the day and decided to get off the Main Street and venture to some new places on the island, so so happy we did. It definitely paid off! The service was a little slow but honestly that was the atmosphere, I think sometimes we forget to slow down and just be present especially when it comes to eating a good meal. Our server couldn't have been more polite. It was a joy speaking with him. And the food was absolutely delicious, loved the presentation but the flavor of egg and asparagus was spot on. And even though it was a warm day, that goulash hit the spot!

I am a super fan of the Grand Hotel so it was on my bucket list to dine here. I love the ambiance and it definitely has that Grand feel to it which is so fun. Service was great. I loved what I got- I was not feeling great so I went with something super simple and asked for a plate of spatzel and it was Devine. My mom got the Turkey club and enjoyed it and my dad got the schnitzel sandwich and really didn't like it because it was sweet and he was expecting savory which left him disappointed so taking off a star for that reason. However personally I loved it and will be back.

If you want to eat here, you would do well to make a reservation. Of course there are always individual success stories but best not to leave it to to change, especially if you're celebrating a special occasion. Trying out the duck pin bowling is a must. Great activity for families with small children as you can send the little back and forth to set up the pins after each strike. The alley is pretty long and they'll burn up some energy, always a bonus. Be ready to leave when the shuttle arrives. They have a schedule to keep and aren't generally able to wait for stragglers. Don't worry, they'll come back again, probably. We sat at the bar for drinks and appetizers. Our bartender was amazing, excellent service and drinks. The spinach artichoke dip was WAY salty but we were able to swap it for another dish, crisis averted. Lovely Tudor structure with Bavarian styling influences. There is bicycle parking. The carriage ride out to the restaurant is one of my favorite things to do on Mackinac Island. I always try to come here when I visit. Definitely worth the effort.

Service was ok. Thats the best part. An ok service. And the star is a pity star because i felt bad that our server has to work at a bad establishment. The food was very disappointing and took a while to come. First of all, it's advertised as a Bavarian, upscale establishment. But they only have a wine list and DOMESTIC beers. You know what's Bavarian? Beer. You're telling me I'm going to be spending almost 200$ after tax and tip for two people (app, entree, 2 drinks, no dessert) and you cant have any imports? They literally have schnitzel on the menu and you have to choose between domestic beers on draft while they have a bar section (which was very sad). I'm not eating a pork schnitzel with a fucking bud or Miller lite. We got the steak tartar. The quail egg came in with the shell. We had to pour in the egg white and yolk ourselves and had sticky fingers for the rest of the night. Also, I've egg white in any other beef tartar. Poor form. Please have the yolk in there already so we can just mix it. The bread was the best part of the steak tartar. You never want to feel that way. Wife had the filet minion. There was no crust on the steak. The green beans were borderline uncooked. We went to a museum that had better green beans than this place. To reiterate: food mass produced by a fucking museum that was up-charged was better. The cocktail had the cheap cherries as a garnish. Cant even bother to get luxardo cherries for your overpriced drinks (which btw are not part of the restaurant, they are part of the bar. You will have to go out of your way to get a cocktail menu since they are WINE ONLY. AT A BAVARIAN RESTAURANT) My pork schnitzel was very salty. At points I thought i was eating at McDonald's. My local pub had a better pork schnitzel for 1/4th the price. I had actually wanted the elk at first but after the impression with the drinks and appetizers, i wanted to spend the least amount as possible. At the end of the dinner i had mentioned to the server that i felt like i had high expectations that fell short, and we didn't have a manager talk to us at all. They don't care about your experience at all. Avoid everything with the brand Grand Hotel. You are only paying for the name. It's a good rule of thumb to follow to maximize your enjoyment and not spend as much. Everything that name touches dies. If you care about quality, don't go to the woods. If you want to pretend to have high class, embrace it and have a great time. They have a live pianist after all!

The atmosphere is great. The building is cool. The ride out there is awesome. The food is horrible. The seating arrangement is terrible and it's no wonder why it's empty. They need a new chef. and mashed instant potatoes. The shrimp was embarrassingly small for $24+ The Filet was cooked correctly but a poor cut of choice meat. The green beans were raw. Dessert menu is lacking

The food was excellent, but service in October was not the best. Also, it was near impossible to get back to the main part of the island.

Service 3 Food Quality 4.5 Drink Quality 5 Order Time 4 Aesthetics 3 Noise Level 3 Menu Selection 4 Restrooms 2.75 Overall experience: 3.65 We were staying at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island and read stellar reviews of The Woods restaurant so we decided to call and make a reservation. Oftentimes the number would just return a busy signal, and we would call back all day and no one would answer the phone. We saw some 1 star reviews from people online about this who wound up giving up after not being able to get through. We decided to call the Grand Hotel and went through the automated system to make a reservation and someone finally picked up on day 4. We made a reservation for 2 people for 8:30pm the following night. Supposedly from what others have told us we got very lucky because the people sitting next to us made their reservation months in advance, and people we met at our hotel couldn't get a reservation. If you're ever visiting Mackinac Island and want to go here, keep this in mind, and make your reservations as early as possible. Keep in mind that there are no cars on the island and you have to take a horse and buggy to the restaurant so allow yourself at least 20 minutes from the Grand Hotel to get there. When you get inside the restaurant you will notice an "old school upscale feel" to the establishment. The sort of place that wealthy businessmen would sit around and smoke cigars while they waited for their food back in the day. Moose, goat, and deer heads and antlers line the walls as well as some interesting photos and artwork. The staff is mostly Jamaican and well dressed, and very polite and hardworking -- the place is busy and they don't stop moving. A lot of them have been working there for decades and come here seasonally and then return to Jamaica during the winter -- it's a very familial feel. You can tell they were a bit understaffed and overwhelmed. We arrived to the Woods 20 minutes early and didn't get seated until 8:50, 20 minutes after our reservation time. On top of it they had us listed as a party of 4, when we were only a party of 2, which contributed to our wait time as they had some two seaters available that we could have been seated at as soon as we arrived. The men's bathroom was pretty small had a semi private toilet stall and urinal. A lot of men were in line for the urinal so I did my business in the toilet stall which was a bit gross, with urine all around the floor by the toilet. It was obvious no one had come in to clean in a while. Furthermore after I finished and went to the sink, the soap dispenser was out of soap and there were no more towels to dry my hands. Unacceptable at a restaurant like this. I ordered the chicken bone broth soup and my girlfriend had the steak soup. I would opt for the steak soup 10 out of 10 times, as my thin chicken broth soup was edible, but just ok compared to the rich steak soup which was sort of like a nice hearty stew. We also split a spinach arugula salad which was tasty with candied pecans on it which added a great crunch and flavor. When we were at the Grand one of the guests told us if we go to the Woods to get a drink called a Yellowbird - which we did and it was delicious, like a caribbean rum punch. Definitely recommend it. For our entrees I ordered the Elk Chops cooked medium well (I would have ordered medium but the guest dining next to me ordered them medium and they came rare to medium rare so I decided to bump it up a step. It turned out to be a good decision because the chops came medium just as I wanted with a nice red center but not overly bloody). They were delicious -- just the right amount of gamey flavor but not overkill, and they were tender and juicy and not chewy at all. My girlfriend ordered the Goulash special and she liked it a lot. For our sides we ordered Chili Garlic broccolini and bacon roasted brussels sprouts, neither of which wound up arriving because our waiter forgot, and by the time he returned and we brought it up to him we were almost done with our entrees so we told him to cancel them, and he wound up not charging us for our drink to make up for it which was fine. I even told him that I really enjoyed the Jamaican restaurant on Mackinac Island, and he told me to go mention his name the following day and they would hook me up. He was extremely friendly and his service was great overall but the general atmosphere and busy-ness of the restaurant makes for a very rushed feel which isn't as relaxing as you usually get at an establishment of this calibre. The food was really good, but we probably wouldn't return here as the overall dining experience (from making the reservation to the staff disorganization) was a bit unpleasant and rushed. That being said, they might have been having an off night, and if you're visiting and want an upscale and delicious dining experience you will probably be quite happy with the food here.

BY FAR best restaurant on the island! First, the service was wonderful! All of the staff was knowledgeable and extremely professional. We started with the Escargot, which was in a cream sauce inside of puff pastry. I've never seen it prepared like this, and loved it! We also had the jumbo prawns which were cooked perfectly. For an entree, I decided on the special of the night, the Bavarian Goulash. Supposedly it used to be on the menu, then was taken off and the locals wanted it to make a comeback, and I see why! It was a beef short ribs, thyme butter spaetzle, red cabbage and vegetables. It was prefect for the Bavarian atmosphere. We ended our meal with the signature Grand Hotel pecan ball, with chocolate sauce, pecans and vanilla ice cream, and affogato. We'll be back next time we're at the Grand Hotel!

In the middle of Mackinac Island...in the woods (perfect name). Ambiance was incredible. Seated at the top level felt majestic. Food was amazing. Took a horse carriage there and back. Like a scene from a story book. Highly recommend the restaurant

I love this beautiful restaurant in the Woods of Macinac Island from the carriage ride up to desert. The piano playing is outstanding. The staff is so accommodating. Neil the maître de has been here for at least 20 years and always is so sweet and professional. The food is exceptional. Many items can be ordered that are not on the menu. For example, I love lobster tail and I always get it a lobster tail the steaks are fabulous from the filet mignon to the ribeye. We have stayed at Stonecliff Manor for many years and would not miss walking over to this restaurant. Enjoy.

We were told this place was a "must do" on the island, and we were staying nearby so we went for a drink. Luckily we got a seat at the bar. It took a bit before the bartender acknowledged us and she wasn't super friendly at first. Once we started talking more, she was more friendly but my first impression wasn't that great. Drinks were good - I had the yellow bird and my friend had a vodka martini. We didn't have any food so I can't comment on that. It's definitely a fancier place so dressing up a bit is recommended. Jeans and a nice shirt is okay. Worth a stop!

The food, service and location are all great. We took a taxi up to the restaurant as it was cold and raining (October). The lodge and history of the restaurant was very interesting.

Went for dinner in July 2022 with my family. I've been before several times; this time was horrible. The server training must be now non-existent. Our server came to the table twice during the entire meal. The first was to take the orders, and he was visibly annoyed by anyone who had a question during the process. It was, "what do you want"? Food was dropped on the table, essentially thrown down on the table. No drinks. No "how is your food". No one came at all during the meal. I tried to wave down people 5 times to get a drink... "we'll send someone over". Never happened. I understand the place gets busy... But to be rude is a different situation, especially in what you'd expect to be a service-oriented restaurant. Regarding the booking. Don't try calling. They will never pick up. It's a joke. Call the Grand Hotel and book it through the concierge. That is your ONLY option. It's beyond me they have not yet figured out Opentable or alternate. It was my last time there. The only exception is when/if they fire the manager and figure out a staff training plan.

SERVICE: 5 FOOD QUALITY:5 DRINK QUALITY: 5 ORDER TIME: 3 AESTHETICS: 5 NOISE LEVEL: 5 MENU SELECTION: 5 OVERALL EXPERIENCE: 4.71 Nothing but pure class and romance. A horse drawn carriage ride way deep into the Mackinac Island woods is just how every romance evening should begin. This mansion is absolutely gorgeous inside and out. If you have the time it's fun the look at the bowling alley and get an idea of the history of the house. Gives the dinner an added layer of historical mystery. Our only hiccup was that we had reservations at 7:30 and didn't get sat for dinner until 8:45. We arrived on time and some how they forgot about us after checking in while we were waiting at the bar. Our table somehow was given to another couple and we just sat in the bar forever. It was a little upsetting because we ordered a bottle of wine and was unable to finish it before they closed. Even with the hiccup the experience was the best. The aesthetics, ambiance, and service are what you would expect of a 5 star. The food was just absolutely astounding. The chef is creating true dishes of excellence. Their wine list is very extensive, and they have some pretty good options to choose from. Our visit to the island was very fun and the island makes you feel like a tourist/ child but this experience took you away from the sugar shops and cameras flashing. The prices are definitely that of a 5 star so don't go and give a bad review because you think the prices are high. Go for the romance, and pure quality they provide. Overall this place is 5 star and even though I only gave it a 4.71 I'm fairly certain that situations like mine rarely happen. A definite must if you truly love good food.

The food was excellent and served in reasonable portions. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The atmosphere was great and there was not very many people there. But the prices were a little bit high, it is part of the Grand Hotel. The bowling alley was fun, too!!

Only a couple minute walk from sunset condos. A large open and cozy rustic lodge environment with a fireplace. White fish is divine and the mushroom ravioli was spectacular.

I am at the restaurant right now and had to leave a review to do everyone a favor. Please get the mushroom Bolognese and Michael J the waiter is awesome Oh and artichoke deep is great as well. But the bolognese omg Best thing I have eaten in Michigan And Michael J took care of us. We didn't know about the cash culture in Mackinac so came without cash and unfortunately our Debit card had expired. I even tried to get a cash advance with my card but that was also really hard to do. Michael J did something that even our hotel didn't do and he gave us a cash advance so we could easily get home (which we repaid in tip) can't wait to come back here and hang with Michael J again.

A dining experience that shouldn't be missed! From the ride from the Grand Hotel, to the ambiance, duck bowling, and great food - put it on the Island list of things to see and do!

This was a recommendation from a co worker who grew up in Mackinac island. The whole experience started with a 20-30 minute carriage ride through the Woods and we had co-diners and we chatted about random things on the island and how they got a reservations. I called and called the restaurant number and was hearing busy tone until someone in my party called the hotel and got us reservations. Anyway, someone recommended the elk chop and our carriage driver also said it was good. So I was encouraged to try the Elk Chop and at first I was thinking did I do good picking it and then the more bites I have the more I was able to enjoy it. I paired it with the Grand Hotel Cabernet Sauvignon and since it was my birthday I had a beautiful chocolate cherry cake. The wait staff wears white jacket and such a throwback to formal dining ambience in a casual setting. Definitely, recommended. I took a star off as, no substitution is allowed, I don't eat carbs and they will not substitute a vegetable. The reservation is so difficult. So they have room for improvements, but minor compared to the experience.

First class place. Great food, atmosphere, and service. Well-trained, courteous staff. Very good complimentary rolls. The Imperial Wagyu Beef Burger had an excellent taste.

Service was good until the server over charged us for our after dinner coffee and Bailey's. The food was underwhelming as the sole looked like it was breaded and fried instead of sautéed. Well overpriced for what was delivered. It was a one and done experience for us. Two stars might even be too high of a rating. If you want a better fine dining experience then I would suggest the Carriage House.

WOW! I had no idea this beautiful restaurant existed and I have been coming to the island my whole life. The Woods restaurant is literally located in the woods and you have to take a carriage ride to get there - but that is all a part of the experience. The carriage ride is a solid 20 minutes (if you are coming from town) but you get breath taking views of the island. When you finally get to the restaurant you feel like you are in a fairy tale in the woods. The inside of the Woods is gorgeous and has a lot of dark colors and rich woods. Tudor and Bavarian styles are throughout. Tons of hearts in the place as well especially when you look at the floor. No matter where you look there is something new to see - even the menus have a beautiful floral design on them. I would recommend your attire be snappy casual at least as the restaurant oozes luxury/upscale dining - I would not expect anything less from the Grand Hotel who is in charge of the restaurant. However, the Woods does not take itself too seriously with the table cloths being paper and crayons to draw. We made reservations and did not have to wait long to be taken to our table. The wait staff is first class - fine dining at its best I would say. The sound of a piano also plays in the corner and adds a nice ambiance. Bathrooms are adorable and dripping in pink. The pretzel appetizer was good but do not expect the pretzels to be very big and you only get two. Three different mustard dipping sauces are included, so those were great to try with the pretzels. Our entrees were excellent - the chicken schnitzel, lobster mac and cheese, and surf and turf. The presentation was divine and the taste was even better. Each bite was heavenly. Is it pricey? Of course it is but you're paying for a night out with excellent service and amazing food. My biggest piece of advice is to take your time! Take your time from the carriage ride there to your whole dining experience. This is not a place where you go to grab a quick bite and move on with your vacation. This is a dining experience and I suggest you enjoy every single moment while you are there!

This restaurant was highly recommended by many people, visitors and locals alike. My wife and I were so disappointed because this turned out to be a terrible experience and the worst food we had in 2 days on the island. The waiter didn't know what was on the cheese and charcuterie platter. We ordered it anyway and when he brought it out, he still hadn't found out and basically made stuff up. The pate was served with the fat layer still intact. The soup was salty. The salad was boring. The lobster in the lobster mac & cheese was overcooked and the cheesy flavor was absent. When the waiter brought us 2 more Manhattans, he cleared martini glasses off the table and brought us our new drinks in lowballs and on the rocks. (We got the first two, served up, at the bar before being seated). The guy just wasn't paying attention. I don't enjoy writing negative reviews, but this was our experience. Maybe we got unlucky. It gets 2 stars rather than one for the carriage ride to get there and the woodsy decor. And the bartender was great.

This is a must stop every time on the island. Atmosphere was unique, food very good. We would highly recommend

It was ok! It is really over rated! We got there, had a lunch that we could have had at any old restaurant. We then had had no ride bike to our lodging!!! The restaurant was totally irresponsible and uncaring!!! Do NOT recommend!

The atmosphere is beautiful. It's worth it to go there just for that. We had the specialty of pecan, ice cream & sauce. The service was wonderful & I got to learn a little about Jamaica from our waiter. There's also a small lane for bowling.

Before I start, -Reservations are HIGHLY encouraged, this is a popular spot. -I couldn't get through the number on the yelp page, I called the grand hotel, they have a menu that leads to the resturant. -The dress code is RESORT CASUAL. Some people choose to dress up and that's fine, this is that type of restaurant this is (there's a live pianist it's pretty fancy), my brother in law came in with cargo pants and a tshirt. Just don't look ragged and you'll be fine, they know some people there are just on the island for the day. Just keep it classy you know? - After you are done with your meal, talk to the host for a shuttle, they'll take care of you. (If you have NIEL YOU ARE GOLDEN, READ BELOW) As of June 2021 If you're going to the grand hotel it's $5 a person, if you're going downtown its $8 a person. Have cash ready and tip your driver Okay onto the woods~ Lawrence was our server for the evening, he was absolutely stellar! If you have him tending your table, your evening is guarenteed to be wonderful! He moved around the table with ease and throughout each course, he handled each pour with care and constantly had our drinks full! His knowledge of the menu was spot on! The wine he suggested was perfect for the evening and complimented all of our meals. BRAVO! Our table had: Cultured plate- a wonderful start to dinner,the sausages and cured meats were delicious! Even my picky in laws enjoyed the assortment of cheeses, crackers and meats. Whitefish bisque- So creamy! So smooth! I'm not a fan of fish, but anyone whose been to Michigan has seen this name Whitefish pop up often... So i thought... When in rome ! It did not dissapoint! A cup is plenty for an appetizer, some reviews said it's three spoonfuls... I gotta ask.. Were they inhaling the soup from the bowl? I was so satisfied from just the cup (I had to share) Lobster Mac and cheese- this was recommended by the locals, again... Not a fan of fish, but this pasta dish is TO DIE FOR. The sauce complemented the buttery lobster so well! I would definately get this again! The sundried tomatoes really paired well woth the creamy cheesy sauce, i was worried this dish would be to heavy but it was satisfiying! My husband had the vension my goodness it melts in your MOUTH! Absolutely worth it. ELK- Amazing I was worried it would be gamey but no! It was cooked to a perfect medium rare and it was such a generous portion! The picked veggies also complimented the meat and my in laws both LOVED it! We honestly did not have room for dessert, so come HUNGRY! This was the best meal we had in Michigan so far~ Before I leave you i just wanted to shout out one more member of the woods family!: Neil was amazing from begining to end, he took care of my reservations, helped me be seated when we arrived and helped us hail a taxi at the end. If he is there you are in GOOD hands! I honestly cannot give him enough praise for keeping order within the woods. This is an insanely popular resturant and he manages it with ease while still taking care of his patrons at the end. We made it back to the ferry on time thanks to you~

My husband had the trout. The side of potato pancakes were unrecognizable as anything like a potato. Very strong, unpleasant flavor that overpowered the trout, if it was trout. The fish was over cooked and dry on a bed of leeks which he could hardly cut with his knife. He didn't finish his plate and wasn't offered anything else, but the dish was removed from the bill. The ribeye I ordered had way too much fat on it. We ordered wine, but apparently staff are not briefed on what is unavailable on the menu, as we were advised they were out of the bottle we wanted after our meal was delivered. This happened with two requested bottles. In order to have wine with our meal, we had to pay twice the $100+ price, as that was all they had available. Cocktails were mediocre. For $22 each, they should have been better. Cocktail glasses and half eaten starter were left on the table for the duration of the meal, including dessert. Beautiful restaurant and jacketed wait staff do not make fine dining. Will not return.

We celebrated our anniversary at The Woods. What a delight! Where to start? The taxi ride to the beautiful place, the duck pin bowling alley, the great service-Neil making certain we had a great table, the decor. And then there was the meal! I had a pineapple/ginger beer mocktail, hub had a Moscato sparkling wine. I enjoyed the duck breast with roasted sweet potatoes and honey glaze, hub had Elk Chops. Both dishes were beautifully presented and delicious. And then our waiter surprised us with a decorated dessert plate wishing us a Happy Anniversary. All the right touches! We'll be back!

We were exploring on our bicycles, and a local told us how to find this restaurant. It is a Grand Hotel branded restaurant. It has an old fashion wooden one lane bowling alley where you have to reset your own pins. In the bar area, there is a popcorn machine where you can scoop your own freshly popped free popcorn. During lunch there is a table where you may make your own hot dog for $4. They also serve sandwich boxes. There are tables to sit at in the bar to eat. The main restaurant is not open at lunch. There is a TV in the bar. The horse taxi can take you to this location.

Ehhhhh. There were zero vegan options. The coconut curry could be made vegan if you don't eat the naan. I think. I asked our waiter if there was any dairy or egg in it and I never got a straight answer. But as we were with a large group, the appetizers, salads, and desserts were all predetermined so there was not much for me to eat. They brought me a bowl of cold fruit for dessert. The whole island is kind of like this. It's like no one has ever thought beyond basic chopped vegetables and fruit for vegan options.

I tried to contact this restaurant on several occasions on different days to set up a birthday dinner for my husband. Out of approximately 15 phone calls, I only got through to a person twice. Both times I got through, I was immediately asked to hold. I waited on hold for approximately 30 minutes each time, only to be hung up on! Every other time I called, the number had a busy tone. I even emailed! No return calls or emails. With this kind of treatment via phone, I can only assume their customer service is terrible.

We have been coming here to this wonderful place in the woods for a few years now, and up until this year, had great experiences. This year, though, we certainly didn't get service like we were accustomed to. The server was very short, brought the bread only 2 mins before the entrees, only checked on us towards the end. I don't know if it was because we didn't order alcohol (we came from an event in town where we had drinks), but we didn't feel that special for the money that we spent.

10/10. The food, the ambiance, the service- all of it is excellent. We loved everything we had, we kept ordering it was so fabulous. We went on a rainy day and sat by the cozy fire- it was divine. Can't wait to go back!

The food was exceptional. We enjoyed riding our bikes here. It is in a cute place, away from town.

Our waiter was super friendly and talkative, props to him. Generally speaking, the ambiance is cabin meets Bavaria, with mounted antlers on top of dark red wallpaper and white cloth tables. Fancy, but not over-the-top. The exterior looks like an old German village home. The Baked French Escargot was not the classic French escargot we expected, but instead served in a puff pastry (as described on the menu, we just apparently don't know how to read...). It was still pretty yum and hearty. The Whitefish is a Mackinac island staple and was cooked well. Nice white wine to finish. Overall, a great night for two. 4 stars for ambiance and experience, and solid food.

BYOH! If you're planning dinner at the Woods Restaurant you better Bring Your Own Horse! From the moment we stepped foot through the door our experience at the Woods was outstanding! The food is outstanding. The service is outstanding! The ambiance is outstanding! However, the island taxi service is outstandingly awful! It's a Tuesday evening in late June with no pandemic excuses. We had a 5 p.m. reservation to take a taxi to the Woods Restaurant for dinner. A favorite family tradition for many years. There were 3 taxis sitting outside the Windermere Hotel. None would take us because their dispatcher wouldn't release them. We were finally picked up 45 minutes following our reservation time. After dinner was worse. Calls to the taxi company were of no help. Calls to Grand Hotel (who owns the Woods) were transferred to answering machines. When I asked to speak to a night manager I was told, "There isn't one." The staff at the Woods seemed to be doing everything they could to hasten the taxis. Their frustration too, was obvious. They too wanted to leave. We were among over 20 diners, some with young children, waiting for return transportation. The senior driver from the taxi company who eventually did pick us up was very apologetic. He was doing his job. We arrived back at the Windermere after midnight. This is a very serious problem which needs to be addressed by both the island taxi operation and Grand Hotel.

We enjoyed our visit to the Woods for dinner. We were able to snag a later evening reservation at the end of September, and we felt fortunate to be able to do so. I know in the past, the Woods books up fairly quickly so while we were happy to have gotten a reservation we were a little disappointed it was outside. Since this was a place we really wanted to go, we decided to go anyway regardless of it being cooler outside. When we got there, I was a little disappointed to see that the outdoor patio didn't have any patio heaters. With it already being cool and the sun continuing to set, it was annoying that there wasn't any adjustments that were made for those who were seated on the patio to make sure it was comfortable. We noticed too that our food, while great in flavor, didn't stay warm for long outside. If I were to suggest anything, it would be to invest in the heaters for the patios. My husband and I shared an appetizers and we each ordered an entree. The food was great, but once again, we think it would have been better had there been a way to keep it warmer longer. The service was good. We could tell that our waiter was hustling around. It appeared that there were only two waiters on the staff that were in control of the outdoor patio, and my husband and I agreed that there should've been at least one more. We waited quite a bit to place our orders and get drinks. My husband asked for another drink at one point, and while we understood that our waiter was busy, my husband never got the drink. Overall, I think the place is nice, but it does need some additional staff as well as some changes to the outdoor patio.

Food and service were awesome. Location in itself is an experience! I felt the servers were a little brisk/lacking elegance for the atmosphere, but other than that, loved it.

Excellent variety on the menu and all presentations were very nice. Wait staff could have been more attentive, especially toward the end of the evening.

The restaurant, food, service, and ambiance all exceeded our expectations. We had the steak soup, cheese board, pork chops, and whitefish; all of which were excellent. We highly recommend.

You take a ride in the carriage to the little restaurant in the woods! We had a 7:00 pm reservation we arrived early and we were seated promptly. I didn't care for our table location we were a table for 2 but stuck in the front by the entrance. We were in the walkway to the tables and the tables are really close to each other. They did have a nice fire in the fireplace when you walk in. Our waiter was Richard. He was very friendly and attentive. We ordered the Caesar Salad and escargot for appetizers both were delicious. I ordered the chicken Schnitzel which was totally amazing and my husband ordered the whitefish. He didn't like his dish at all. He said it tasted fishy and was dense. We didn't order dessert so I can't comment. If you go try the schnitzel

Wonderful ambiance. Great food and service. Went for lunch.... took a taxi there and very nice walk back through the woods... downhill lol

This is one of the restaurants on Mackinac Island owned by the Grand Hotel. It offers a great dining atmosphere in an old stately manor that has been retrofitted into an intimate and dimly lit dining area with tall ceilings, taxidermy and other rustic woodsy decor. In this regard it gets five stars. I was on the fence about giving it 3 or 4 stars overall based on an average of the locale itself and the quality of food for the price. The food is good, but not outstanding. Certainly not commensurate with the price you pay for it, but then again that's typical for anywhere associated with the Grand Hotel (we stayed there for the week and paid $18.50 for each Hendricks gin & tonic in the Cupula Bar). The service was very good (which, to be fair, is also typical of the Grand Hotel) and added to the overall experience. You're going to see a lot of 5 star reviews and I suppose ratings are all subjective and "in the eye of the beholder" but, in my opinion, I think many of these ratings might come more from an inflated unconscious desire to go along with the herd and need to feel like "I saw what you saw" and not so much from an objective assessment of the quality of the food. If you strip away the atmosphere and the fact that you're on the Island and judge this establishment objectively based solely on the quality of its food, then it is nowhere near a 5 star restaurant. The bottom line: if a secluded, romantic and sort of old time woodsy atmosphere with decent food is what you're after then you'll like this restaurant. If you're more of a quality of food over atmosphere person then you might come away feeling somewhat taken advantage of.