We stopped by Joe’s Friendly Tavern after visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes, and it was the perfect place to relax and grab a meal. Our group of 10 was seated comfortably, and the waitress was super friendly and welcoming. The atmosphere was cozy and warm, exactly what you want after a day of exploring.
We ordered the Caesar salad and burgers, and everything was tasty and delicious. Definitely a great spot to stop for good food and friendly service. I highly recommend it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Katie Thompson
This place reminds me of the taverns in northern Wisconsin my family went to. The wooden bar, wood paneled walls and gas fireplace all added to the ambiance. The food was delicious. We had the cheeseburger and fries and prime rib sandwich and they didn’t disappoint. I’d definitely go there again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: French Fries
Ellen Stevens
Best clam chowder I have ever had. My husband really liked the chili as well. Our turkey panini was very good and big enough to split. People were so friendly. Jessica was our server and did a very nice, efficient, friendly job with us. Visit if you can.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amanda St John
Fun little place. Very welcoming. Waitress was super nice. They were short staffed but they were on it. The prime french dip was delicious. Even the fries were good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Carl Pierce
Good place for a meal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jen Klein
Took some friends that had never been on a Saturday afternoon and it was exactly what I told them. Portions/quantities as well as quality food and service were top notch. Better than I even described!
Recommended dishes: Olive Burger
Tunya Kimmel
Their prime rib dip sandwich is delicious!! The service was quick and courteous. Definitely stop by. The other items on the menu sounded great as well.
Friendly staff is true. However asked the server if they made the fried mushrooms in house or were frozen. She said they didn’t freeze. However I watched as they brought the bags out of the walk in. Also burgers were tasty but sloppy had to use a fork which I never do. And my husband and I both felt burgers were not cooked enough. We both had burgers, deep fried mushrooms and one iced tea. Total was over $50. Thats insane. Based on prices and all the food I saw coming out frozen and not homemade we will not be back
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Carrie Baldwin
A Friendly cheeseburger + sunset on Empire beach is my idea of a perfect night. ❤️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Daniel Nachazel
Well established and pleasant neighborhood bar. My grandfather Warren Dearing used to own this place and his brother owned the grocery next door. Came by yesterday to have a toast in their beloved memory. Tomorrow it's back home to San Diego ... always nice to visit my Dad's home of Empire, Michigan.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jason Gabos
Great burger, great Bahama Mama.
Alessandra Krusciel
Disappointed as I ordered a waffle sandwich and I got a fried chicken sandwich. The famous prime dip is ok not worth $19. I also ordered a side of fries that never came. So hope them can work better in the staff as bartender seems very unfriendly and angry.
We stopped by Joe’s Friendly Tavern after visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes, and it was the perfect place to relax and grab a meal. Our group of 10 was seated comfortably, and the waitress was super friendly and welcoming. The atmosphere was cozy and warm, exactly what you want after a day of exploring.
We ordered the Caesar salad and burgers, and everything was tasty and delicious. Definitely a great spot to stop for good food and friendly service. I highly recommend it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place reminds me of the taverns in northern Wisconsin my family went to. The wooden bar, wood paneled walls and gas fireplace all added to the ambiance. The food was delicious. We had the cheeseburger and fries and prime rib sandwich and they didn’t disappoint. I’d definitely go there again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: French Fries
Best clam chowder I have ever had. My husband really liked the chili as well. Our turkey panini was very good and big enough to split. People were so friendly. Jessica was our server and did a very nice, efficient, friendly job with us. Visit if you can.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fun little place. Very welcoming. Waitress was super nice. They were short staffed but they were on it. The prime french dip was delicious. Even the fries were good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Good place for a meal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Took some friends that had never been on a Saturday afternoon and it was exactly what I told them. Portions/quantities as well as quality food and service were top notch. Better than I even described!
Recommended dishes: Olive Burger
Their prime rib dip sandwich is delicious!! The service was quick and courteous. Definitely stop by. The other items on the menu sounded great as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love this place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Been coming here for years. Doesn't disappoint
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 5
Great service and great food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Friendly staff is true. However asked the server if they made the fried mushrooms in house or were frozen. She said they didn’t freeze. However I watched as they brought the bags out of the walk in. Also burgers were tasty but sloppy had to use a fork which I never do. And my husband and I both felt burgers were not cooked enough. We both had burgers, deep fried mushrooms and one iced tea. Total was over $50. Thats insane. Based on prices and all the food I saw coming out frozen and not homemade we will not be back
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
A Friendly cheeseburger + sunset on Empire beach is my idea of a perfect night. ❤️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Well established and pleasant neighborhood bar. My grandfather Warren Dearing used to own this place and his brother owned the grocery next door. Came by yesterday to have a toast in their beloved memory. Tomorrow it's back home to San Diego ... always nice to visit my Dad's home of Empire, Michigan.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great burger, great Bahama Mama.
Disappointed as I ordered a waffle sandwich and I got a fried chicken sandwich. The famous prime dip is ok not worth $19. I also ordered a side of fries that never came. So hope them can work better in the staff as bartender seems very unfriendly and angry.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 1
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