Stafford's Weathervane Restaurant

New Fall menu - Skirt Steak was HUGE and delicious. Caesar salad was great. Whitefish and Wedge salad were delicious. Glad to have talented chef in kitchen, and Brenda is a great waitress. we will be back.

Our server, Brenda did a great job. My mother in law and I had a great visit and never felt rushed. We shared a bottle of wine, the Brie and calamari appetizers, then we each had a bowl of delicious squash bisque. For entrees we ordered salads and neither of us could each much of those as we were pleasantly full. I had the wedge and would definitely have that again. Next time In Charlevoix will choose this establishment to dine at.

We have dined at the Weathervane for some 30 years. The new changes in the menu in the last year were hard to take but the food is still delicious! The hostess and our waiter were very accommodating. Looking forward to the new deck next year!!

This restaurant is fabulous! The food is delicious and the atmosphere and location can't be beat!

Staff was very available. We enjoyed the options in the drink menu. 0the bread service ,a menu item, with its very cute and servicable balsamic and oil pour, was delicious! We shared a Michigan dried cherry and blue cheese salad which was huge, and a great lakes whitefish meal . The second night we had the fried fish option and a wonderful baked apple!

On the water canal. Rainy day.
Reuben sandwich was great with
Quinoa salad..

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great views and ambiance right on the channel. Food was delicious all around. Yes, it was pricey but not unexpected for the location. The kids meals were $12 and, though the menu mentioned only fries as a side, they also came with a beautiful fruit cup that improved the value of the meal.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I hadn't been to the Weathervane in 10 years. (I live in Traverse City) We stopped in for lunch. The Clam Chowder was outstanding ! We will go back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Simply amazing. Food was 5 star, elegant and sophisticated. Our waitress was very friendly and kind. The atmosphere was 2nd to none being by the water watching the bridge go up and down. We were there to celebrate our birthdays and vacation, didn't disappoint. Can't wait to come back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Excellent dinner at Weathervane. Walleye with creamy risotto was excellent, as was smoked whitefish trio. Pleasant server, nice view, modern ambiance. Very happy with the experience.

The four of us enjoyed our meals immensely! The ambiance is awesome and our server was above & beyond. A very enjoyable evening!! Thank you! 

Great place to view the bridge and boats coming and going. Had the shrimp cocktail and drinks on the patio.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I’m writing this while sitting at the restaurant. This place is “boujee just to be boujee”. The only reason they are a well known establishment is location & history of restaurant. Food = way overpriced for the quality, quantity, and presentation. Chef hates his job or boss. Staff = refresh, from host to waitress gtg.

Only thing worth visiting is Josh at the bar & views of the boats. Cheers

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 2

I believe in being honest and offering help where I can. Now, in no way, shape or form is this a negative review, just a few observations as i see them.
For having THE premier spot for being the best restaurant in town, a couple of things just fell a little flat for me. Walking in, it looked a little dated, not untidy, dirty or unkept, just complacent. You can tell it's been here for a while.
I ordered the Shrimp Pappardelle, and added the sautéed morel mushrooms. It was a good dish, the pasta was very tender, but not over done, the shrimp were good sized and cooked perfectly and the roasted tomatoes were excellent. But for a small $38 plate of pasta, three shrimp was a disappointment. Now, maybe it's because I live on the gulf coast where 6 shrimp is the minimum, and maybe I'm just spoiled. I added the morels because I NEVER see them on a menu, and we're on a pretty special vacation, so I accepted the $18 add on. And don't get me wrong they were great, sautéed with the right amount of garlic, they were young and fresh with a slight nuttyness. They just looked sad and lonely on their own little plate. It was a great pairing with the pasta, so I would have preferred if they'd be dressed and plated together.
We also ordered the Filet Mignon, which was incredibly tender and grilled to perfection. The minced onion and roasted tomato topping was a great touch. The filet was nestled in soft fluffy whipped potatoes and the demi-glaze brought it all together. Very nice plating.
Now, saving the best for last. The Crab Cakes were the best I've ever had! Again, maybe they're just prepaired differently in the South, where most of the time what you get is a cake of fishy crabby favored stuffing that's been taken out of the freezer and dropped in the deep frier. But let me tell you, these are not that at all! These Crab Cakes are light and fresh, not gummy and soft. The crust on the outside was just right and nest of shoestring sweet potatoes gave it that crispy touch to finish. Well done!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

Very nice. Excellent walleye dinner. Beautifully decorated and presented. Great service. River view.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5