Shirley's In the Woods Cafe

10945 W Bear Lake Rd SE, Kalkaska
(231) 258-7955

Recent Reviews

Alan Riegel

HEY FOLKS this is the place for pasties. No need to go to the UP. The folks at Shirley's have a great guy building them in several different forms.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pot Roast Hash, Biscuits and Gravy with Eggs

Rick F

Excellent breakfast spot!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Darwin Rushlo

Crust on pastie was thick and hard.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

Salvatore Manzo

Fantastic breakfast!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Fast Toys

Shirley's In the Woods Cafe offers a breakfast experience that truly stands out. The cozy ambiance amidst nature creates a serene setting for the most important meal of the day. The menu boasts a delightful array of options, from classic favorites to inventive twists. Each dish is crafted with care, using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The friendly staff and prompt service contribute to a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you savor their signature pancakes or indulge in a hearty omelet, Shirley's is undoubtedly the go-to spot for a memorable breakfast that satisfies both the taste buds and the soul.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Jamie Karsten

Finally got to try the Rubens today. Both were delicious and perfectly made.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Robin Boyd-Hamilton

Fantastic place!! So much food. Took our blueberry pancakes home. Thank you!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Bridget McRell

This was amazing. The food, homemade, delicious, creative, loved it. The staff is so friendly and accommodating and adorably chatty. We had blueberry pancakes and the breakfast pasty (mind blown) but don't think you could go wrong with anything on the menu.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Mark B

After the past year I’ve simply come to the realization that this isn’t Shirley’s of old and never will be ! Not sure why they allowed the use of the name when it sold ?I am sort of a “Kalkaska omelette or corned beef hash guy when I order .The last 4 times I’ve had the omelette it’s been made differently with different styles of sausage and I would say only one of the omelettes was great . First time was cut up link sausage, next was like chunks of bulk sausage and the last one looked more like flavored taco meat .I won’t even risk the corned beef hash again which I always order very well done. I got a plate of their hash browns with maybe 3 tablespoons of canned corned beef mixed in that was anything but well done and oily . Idk if they were just out of corned beef so improvised?The homemade bread is blah , Shirley’s used to have the best sourdough bread ever , now it’s like fluffy wheat bread instead.The menu is really scaled back from past years and some of our favorites like the breakfast burrito or corned beef omelette isn’t on there .Seems pancakes are the safest option of consistency, they are huge and pretty good .Staff is friendly but do not handle a full restaurant very well , it gets very chaotic for them and service really goes down even though it’s a tiny place . Always weird when there is some guy working in there , idk if he is a owner but he seems to be more of a distraction than help . Last time I was there he was singing loudly in the back room and sounded like drunk karaoke and will continue to sing while bringing things up to put behind the counter.It is what it is I guess , it’s nice having a breakfast restaurant not having to go to Kalkaska or Grayling but I wish it was at least in the ballpark of original Shirley’s with taste and consistency.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 3

Alexandru Henegariu

Probably the best place I’ve ever eaten, the pancakes are great and huge! The bacon is cooked just right, the people who work there take pride in what they make!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

MyTravelsReviewed

Hour and 20 minutes for our order to come to the table. We walked in at 10:30, left at 12:45… never again Pancakes were hard, like biting into cardboard, hashbrowns had little to no crisp, sons loaded grilled cheese was fine. Worst part is the waitress just made excuses instead of simply apologizing for the looooong wait.

Zach Snyder

Food was decent, but expected better for the price. Super nice people though.

Food: 3

Service: 5

Jason Carlock

Second time we have stopped here after a visit to Traverse City. It's a great little place, friendly staff, and good food.Parking: plenty of parking in front of or on the side of the building.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Rosie

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Shirley's in the Woods Cafe, and it's safe to say that this cozy little spot has won a special place in my heart. Nestled along the way to Traverse City, amidst picturesque landscapes it's a delightful stop for anyone, including those on snowmobile adventures during the winter months.First and foremost, let's talk about the food. As we arrived, the aroma of freshly prepared dishes welcomed us with open arms. The menu offered a wide array of options that catered to different tastes and preferences. From hearty breakfast delights to their scrumptious lunch specials, Shirley's in the Woods Cafe exceeded our expectations.But it wasn't just the delightful dishes that won us over. The warm and welcoming service provided by the attentive server truly made us feel at home. Our coffee cups were promptly refilled, ensuring we stayed fueled for our journey ahead. Their genuine care and friendly demeanor showcased the dedication and passion they have for their customers. It's clear that creating memorable experiences is a top priority.Now, let's talk about the cafe's ambiance. Surrounded by nature's serene beauty, this hidden gem embraces its surroundings flawlessly. Whether you're visiting during cherry-picking season or embarking on a winter snowmobile adventure, Shirley's offers a cozy retreat. The rustic decor, adorned with wooden accents and charming vintage pieces, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. It's the perfect place to relax, unwind, and enjoy great food with family and friends.In conclusion, Shirley's in the Woods Cafe is more than just a pitstop along the way – it's an experience to be savored. With delicious food, attentive service, and a location that captures the essence of its surroundings, this cafe has become one of our favorite stops. Whether you're passing through or looking for a delightful meal during your winter escapades, Shirley's in the Woods Cafe won't disappoint.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Marcie Clark

We stopped in for breakfast on our family vacation in Michigan. We loved the food and the service. We will definitely stop by if we come back this way again. Highly recommended!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

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