Don’t skip this gem. Their burgers are absolutely delicious. Hands down among the top burgers I’ve ever eaten. Since discovering them, we have been back several times for more burgers. This place is a no BS dive bar with the sweetest bar dog, Lacey. I love a good dive and the tavern checks all the marks. Chris and staff, thank you for providing locals with year round delicious eats and great service! We appreciate you!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kayla Lefler
This place is all about being a welcoming environment. My fiance and I went during a vacation in search of a small family owned place instead of chain restaurants. We couldn't have been more pleased. I would love to be able to tell you our waitresses name but we were too busy throwing a ball for a dog named guss that was there! I love that the dogs were welcomed inside. They even had a basket of dog toys for the dogs there! If you're allergic to dogs, maybe don't go because they're really friendly dogs lol. I don't know if they do to go meals or not but if you're allergic to dogs I suggest that because the food was absolutely phenomenal. My fiance can be a bit judgy on food and he ordered a second meal! If you're in this area you probably already know this gem is here because everyone in the room was talking to each other. If you're not in this area, hop in your car and take a drive. Right now, get in your car and go. You won't be disappointed.
Vegetarian options: Limited but you are there for a few beers, some fries, & rings. This is the up north version of Cheers. Our Home Assistant has been going to the bar since she was 6. I’m not telling her current age. Her dad hung out at the bar so she stopped on the way home from school to see dad and get a free snack. This is a place that makes you feel you’ve been her b4. It reminiscent of the great Michigan County Bar Collection.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tavern Burger, Onion Rings
Kelly Graham
Great place. Friendly staff.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brian Eickholt
Fantastic place. Great staff, clean restrooms. Easy parking lot to navigate
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Deep Fried Green Beans, Chicken Bacon Ranch, Pickel Chips
Narda Black
Friendly bartender and yummy burgers! Cold draft beers and trivia on Tuesday night is a blast!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tavern Burger, Hamburger
Ray Sherman
Stopped by for a burger and a beer. Everything was fantastic. People running the place were super friendly and welcoming
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Clarksburg Bruce
We are from Canada visiting my family in Central Lake and stopped in for burgers and beer. Was a great choice. The burgers are great.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
H1wolfking
Food was good and the people are friendly. Would definitely recommend for the first restaurant to try.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Tenders
Natasha Stebbins
1st time in this establishment, now a #Customer4Life :)My husband and I drove from Leelanau Co to Central Lake to pick up some kitchen appliances we had found online. We don't usually drive that far out for things, but I am SO glad that we did!! My husband decided to surprise me while we were in an unfamiliar place and took me on a lunch date. <3The website says they opened at 3 pm and it was 2:45, so it was perfect for an impromptu stop on a rainy Monday.We were greeted at the door by the cutest dog, who we were told was Lacy. Looking back, I believe that we were seated by Lacy, and I wish I had a treat in my pocket for her; her treat bucket was sadly empty today. We were quickly addressed by the smiling waitress/bartender Kasey (sorry if I spelled it wrong) who brought us each a double-sided menu and took our drink requests. I ordered the mushroom Swiss burger w/onion rings basket and my husband ordered the chicken tenders w/fries basket. While we waited for our food to be prepared, we took in the warm and friendly atmosphere, checked out the decor, chit chatted about the many different cool and unique things about the Tavern; my favorite was the 'wash your hands' station outside of the restrooms. It was tucked away discreetly, but if you are not a hand washer after you use the restroom, everyone will know it. I am not being sarcastic either, it was my favorite unique thing.From my vantage point I could watch true crime TV on the HLN channel and my husband could watch the sports channel/Draft picks from his vantage point. Having multiple televisions was a plus; we were both entertained.When our food came, it was straight from the grill to our table. My burger was massive, yet manageable. The mushrooms and Swiss cheese ration was top notch and the warm bun was toasted and steaming. My onion rings were all the sizes and there was a massive amount. Husband said his chicken tenders were really good, and I know they were because he finished them, and he is very particular about his chicken. He also had a massive amount of seasoned fries that he cleaned up. The food was amazing, and more than we were expecting.When a man came out of the kitchen, I asked if he was the cook, and yes, he was. I am glad that I complimented his culinary skills in person, just in case he never sees this. The man knows what he is doing in that kitchen! You rock Chris!We will be back. It is about an hour's drive for us, but it is worth it. Now my husband and I have a special place. <3
What a great small town bar with a friendly bartender and excellent bar food.My buddy had the black and blue Burger which I had a small taste of and it was excellent.I have the barbecue chicken sandwich on a bond that was also cooked to perfection.Just the right amount of fries and cold beer topped off our adventure.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brett Stanfield
Central Lake Tavern is a gem with a perfect "up-North" feel. From the warm ambiance to the excellent food, service, and drink selection, every aspect is commendable. Chris, the owner, is a fantastic host, he and his entire staff ensure that every guest feels welcome. They have trivia Tuesday nights @ 6:30pm. If you're in the area and searching for great food at a great price, it's worth the drive from Bellaire, Torch Lake, Boyne City, Boyne Falls, East Jordan, and elsewhere. Don't miss out on this delightful experience. Its a must-visit for all.
Don’t skip this gem. Their burgers are absolutely delicious. Hands down among the top burgers I’ve ever eaten. Since discovering them, we have been back several times for more burgers. This place is a no BS dive bar with the sweetest bar dog, Lacey. I love a good dive and the tavern checks all the marks. Chris and staff, thank you for providing locals with year round delicious eats and great service! We appreciate you!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place is all about being a welcoming environment. My fiance and I went during a vacation in search of a small family owned place instead of chain restaurants. We couldn't have been more pleased. I would love to be able to tell you our waitresses name but we were too busy throwing a ball for a dog named guss that was there! I love that the dogs were welcomed inside. They even had a basket of dog toys for the dogs there! If you're allergic to dogs, maybe don't go because they're really friendly dogs lol. I don't know if they do to go meals or not but if you're allergic to dogs I suggest that because the food was absolutely phenomenal. My fiance can be a bit judgy on food and he ordered a second meal! If you're in this area you probably already know this gem is here because everyone in the room was talking to each other. If you're not in this area, hop in your car and take a drive. Right now, get in your car and go. You won't be disappointed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cheeseburger & Fries, Tavern Burger, Onion Rings, Hamburger
Vegetarian options: Limited but you are there for a few beers, some fries, & rings. This is the up north version of Cheers. Our Home Assistant has been going to the bar since she was 6. I’m not telling her current age. Her dad hung out at the bar so she stopped on the way home from school to see dad and get a free snack. This is a place that makes you feel you’ve been her b4. It reminiscent of the great Michigan County Bar Collection.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tavern Burger, Onion Rings
Great place. Friendly staff.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fantastic place. Great staff, clean restrooms. Easy parking lot to navigate
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Deep Fried Green Beans, Chicken Bacon Ranch, Pickel Chips
Friendly bartender and yummy burgers! Cold draft beers and trivia on Tuesday night is a blast!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tavern Burger, Hamburger
Stopped by for a burger and a beer. Everything was fantastic. People running the place were super friendly and welcoming
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We are from Canada visiting my family in Central Lake and stopped in for burgers and beer.
Was a great choice.
The burgers are great.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food was good and the people are friendly. Would definitely recommend for the first restaurant to try.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Tenders
1st time in this establishment, now a #Customer4Life :)My husband and I drove from Leelanau Co to Central Lake to pick up some kitchen appliances we had found online. We don't usually drive that far out for things, but I am SO glad that we did!! My husband decided to surprise me while we were in an unfamiliar place and took me on a lunch date. <3The website says they opened at 3 pm and it was 2:45, so it was perfect for an impromptu stop on a rainy Monday.We were greeted at the door by the cutest dog, who we were told was Lacy. Looking back, I believe that we were seated by Lacy, and I wish I had a treat in my pocket for her; her treat bucket was sadly empty today. We were quickly addressed by the smiling waitress/bartender Kasey (sorry if I spelled it wrong) who brought us each a double-sided menu and took our drink requests. I ordered the mushroom Swiss burger w/onion rings basket and my husband ordered the chicken tenders w/fries basket. While we waited for our food to be prepared, we took in the warm and friendly atmosphere, checked out the decor, chit chatted about the many different cool and unique things about the Tavern; my favorite was the 'wash your hands' station outside of the restrooms. It was tucked away discreetly, but if you are not a hand washer after you use the restroom, everyone will know it. I am not being sarcastic either, it was my favorite unique thing.From my vantage point I could watch true crime TV on the HLN channel and my husband could watch the sports channel/Draft picks from his vantage point. Having multiple televisions was a plus; we were both entertained.When our food came, it was straight from the grill to our table. My burger was massive, yet manageable. The mushrooms and Swiss cheese ration was top notch and the warm bun was toasted and steaming. My onion rings were all the sizes and there was a massive amount. Husband said his chicken tenders were really good, and I know they were because he finished them, and he is very particular about his chicken. He also had a massive amount of seasoned fries that he cleaned up. The food was amazing, and more than we were expecting.When a man came out of the kitchen, I asked if he was the cook, and yes, he was. I am glad that I complimented his culinary skills in person, just in case he never sees this. The man knows what he is doing in that kitchen! You rock Chris!We will be back. It is about an hour's drive for us, but it is worth it. Now my husband and I have a special place. <3
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Onion Rings, Chicken Tenders
Restaurantji Recommends
What a great small town bar with a friendly bartender and excellent bar food.My buddy had the black and blue Burger which I had a small taste of and it was excellent.I have the barbecue chicken sandwich on a bond that was also cooked to perfection.Just the right amount of fries and cold beer topped off our adventure.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Central Lake Tavern is a gem with a perfect "up-North" feel. From the warm ambiance to the excellent food, service, and drink selection, every aspect is commendable. Chris, the owner, is a fantastic host, he and his entire staff ensure that every guest feels welcome. They have trivia Tuesday nights @ 6:30pm. If you're in the area and searching for great food at a great price, it's worth the drive from Bellaire, Torch Lake, Boyne City, Boyne Falls, East Jordan, and elsewhere. Don't miss out on this delightful experience. Its a must-visit for all.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bacon Cheddar Burger, Tavern Burger, Chicken Wings, French Dip
Great little passing through town, belly-up bar! Locals and cold beer, awesome wall decor and a building with a story.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 4
Best burgers around! Family owned and operated and Lucy will be there to greet you as well!DJ Trivia on Tuesday night is free to play also!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Perfect atmosphere, music, and friendly staff. The food was great and my wife made the statement “greatest burger I’ve ever had!”
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hamburger
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