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Hours
Sun
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Mon
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Tue
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Wed
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Thu
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Fri
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Sat
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
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Ratings and reviews
4.5
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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PRICE RANGE
$29.00 – $80.00
CUISINES
Steakhouse, Contemporary
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly
meals, features
Is this a Steakhouse?
Details
About
Lakeside Fine Dining on the crystal clear waters of Walloon Lake. A little more than 100 years ago, a quaint country inn on the shores of a pristine Northern Michigan lake opened its doors to travelers who trekked for hundreds of miles to enjoy the beauty of the jewel that lay before them – Walloon Lake. Today the Walloon Lake Inn is a unique upscale restaurant, which was restored and renovated in 2014. It is a popular destination for people seeking a unique dining experience with a reputation of fantastic food, lovely atmosphere and superb service.
PRICE RANGE
$29.00 – $80.00
CUISINES
Steakhouse, Contemporary
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly
Meals
Dinner, Brunch, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Waterfront, Gift Cards Available
Contribute
4.5
140 reviews
Excellent
91
Very good
18
Average
14
Poor
13
Terrible
4
Larry G
Bloomfield Hills718 contributions
Nov 2020 • none
Open only for dinner, the Walloon Lake Inn is a special price to enjoy a great meal, celebration and relax. Diverse menu has just about everything you could ask for, pan fried whitefish is amazing. 3-course meal options are best value at $50 including dessert or $60 including an app. Live piano player on weekends, intimate bar. Make reservations in advance. Best to be enjoyed by adults. Just a two minute walk from the Hotel Walloon (both owned by the same people).
Written November 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill T
Columbus440 contributions
May 2021 • family
We visited this place as a treat for my daughter's 21st birthday and were pleasantly surprised at how good it was for such a small town. We were skeptical because we'd eaten at a place in Boyne City that looked like it was fancy but was mediocre.
This was every bit as good as many of the fancy restaurants in our city, just with a bit more midwest friendliness. Pro tip-if you want a fancy meal but aren't on an unlimited budget, they are currently running a prix fixe special $50 for an appetizer or salad, entree, and dessert. They do make up for it some on the drink prices.
It is worth the cost. We were greeted with a little take on crostini with apples and honey. As a nice touch, they had special printed the menus to recognize my daughter's birthday.
Service was top notch, and she guided us through the menu, checking on us and refilling waters often. The manager checked a couple times as well, and everyone pitched in with serving and clearing. It's clearly a place that knows how to keep things moving without making you feel rushed. I'm guessing they are packed during the summer.
The food was exceptional. My wedge was made with a split baby romaine heart with blue cheese, pickled onions and fresh bacon. My wife's Caeser was equally good, and even comes with anchovies if you like. My daughter had the tempura Ahi roll. As the waitress warned, it was huge, easily enough for a meal itself. She had half boxed just to keep room for the entree. She really liked it, although she said it seemed to use regular rice, not the typical sticky sushi rice.
We all had the white fish. It was as well-prepared as any fish I've had anywhere. Perfectly crispy, thin panko crust, keeping it very moist and not overpowering the mild local fish. It was served over a bed shaved zucchini and summer squash, a few small crispy potato bites-probably more for texture, and a delicious lemon, butter, caper sauce that balanced everything out. None of us was able to finish the large portion.
Dessert was good. Very creamy creme brulee. Very small portion, but a nice finish to the large meal. The berry cobbler was larger and served with ice cream. Well done and perfectly tart.
Just a spectacular lucky find.
Written May 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Walloon Lake Resort
Thank you for your many gracious words.
We are overwhelmed, honored, and proud.
Written July 15, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
caymankid
587 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
I dined here with my wife and two kids on July 20, 2020 and Katie was our server. Katie did a pretty good job considering it was her first day waiting on tables by herself. We started with the gnocchi appetizer and it was very good. My wife ordered the white fish, I the wedge salad and veal chop that my son and I split, and the kids fillet for my daughter. All the food was very good but $42 for my daughters kids fillet was a total rip off as it was about 3 ounces. I mean she was done with it in 3 bites. Had I known how small it was I would have just ordered her the regular fillet for a few dollars more. Our bill was $190 without tip with one glass of wine and that is very high consider it was only 2 entrees and a kids fillet. I dont mind spending the money but not for 2 entrees and stingy kids fillet. I think I will take this one off the bucket list as their are many choices in this price range.
Written August 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael B
Grand Rapids99 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
It is rare when I'm totally blown away by a meal or restaurant. Each fantastic meal sets the bar higher for your next find whenever and wherever it may be. With that said, it is hard to imagine ever surpassing the high bar of excellence set at the Walloon Lake Inn.
We decided to head up north to catch what was left of a beautiful fall color scene. Given the time of year, we booked an early reservation so we could enjoy the lake and possibly a sunset. Our table at the window certainly allowed us to enjoy breathtaking views while we dined.
We started with drinks. While we usually order wine, the craft cocktail menu was quite interesting so I ordered the "Loch Ness" which was 12 year old Chivas Regal with a Pinot Noir floater. Very interesting combination and tasted great. My wife enjoyed her Manhattan which was also made with a craft bourbon. We skipped wine since we had a 30+ mile drive after dinner.
For appetizers we both ordered the Tempura Fried Ahi Tuna Roll. Portions were huge and we could have easily split this. Glad we each ordered our own because after the first bite, there was no way I was going to share mine. Also, this was the first time I can remember having a tuna roll without wasabi. It was not necessary and would have in fact detracted from all the other flavors of this dish.
I had the Wagyu Beef Tips. The sauce was amazing as was the beef. The beef was served with roasted baby carrots and hazelnut spaetzle which proved to be a wonderful combination. My wife's choice was Seafood Risotto containing perfectly prepared jumbo shrimp and scallops. Both dishes were absolutely amazing. I kept thinking, "eat slow, small bites makes the meal last longer". Desert was Pumpkin Creme Brûlée. Although pretty full by this time, we enjoyed desert immensely.
I've raved about the food but equal time needs to be spent commenting on the service. The staff at Walloon has perfected service to an art form. Responsive and anticipatory without being overbearing. We never wanted for a thing. Our server was a few notches north of outstanding.
Driving back we reflected on many of the outstanding meals and venues we've enjoyed (pre COVID of course) around the world. It will be fun and a challenge to attempt to surpass our dining experience tonight.
Written November 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tim T
Holland90 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
This was our first visit, but by no mean our last one. The Walloon Lake Inn is one of those restaurants that give you great service and great food. Right from the beginning, you knew that this meal was going to be special. Our waitress was extremely personable and knowledgeable about the menu. My wife had the filet which was incredible, while I had the shrimp and scalllops which was out of this world. The sauces for both dishes was excellent. We split a Caesar salad and we had no room for desert. The drinks were very good too. Next time you want to celebrate or have special meal, I would recommend the Walloon Lake Inn. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
Written August 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KitchenBliss
Petoskey79 contributions
Oct 2022 • family
The special for three courses (one appetizer, one entree, one dessert - Any choices off the regular menu!) for $60 is phenomenal (I believe if you select an appetizer, salad, entree instead, it is slightly more). The timing for this special is currently between 5-6pm only (fine by us). The food is excellent quality fine dining plus fantastic service to go with it. The amuse bouche greeting snack as a welcome from the chef upon arrival is always different and delicious. They serve fresh warm bread and butter as well and I was pleasantly surprised to have child friendly options when we were celebrating a recent family birthday - the children’s chicken fingers / fries and buttered noodles were generous delicious portions for $12 and under (there is also a kids filet but I heard that was $42). In our most recent visit we loved the gnocchi which were perfection, the scallops/shrimp risotto, NY strip, crispy whitefish and oysters as well. We are always looking forward to our next opportunity to come again. I didn’t even mention the beautiful dramatic and moody interior design and beautiful lake view. My favorite drink is the spicy jalapeño Paloma! Worth it!! Thank you for being here!
Written November 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Great Lakes Travel Tips
Ann Arbor12 contributions
Jun 2021 • couples
Five Star ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ dining and service. We booked dinner late and closed the place. Instead of getting the shaft from servers anxious to leave, we were treated to extra apps, larger portions, and no one minded that we lingered.
In all the years we have been Up North, I don’t know why we haven’t made it here before.
Written June 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Walloon Lake Resort
We are happy you found us and we look forward to your many returns.
Written July 15, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
peter0001
Michigan City46 contributions
Jun 2021 • family
Unfortunately the kitchen had some serious production issues the night we dined at the restaurant. The setting is charming, but all charm is lost when one sits for 1 3/4 hours waiting for the entree to be served. While most of us appreciate a reasonable pace for dining, this was unacceptable. We will try the Inn again, but certainly hope that the service resumes a normal pace.
Written June 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Walloon Lake Resort
Please forgive the slow service.
Thank you for trying us again.
Written July 15, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hancal
Emirate of Dubai76 contributions
Jul 2024 • couples
After a very underwhelming experience at a very popular restaurant in the area the previous night, we decided to try out Walloon Lake Inn, and we were not disappointed.
We prefer to eat very early, so we made an online dinner reservation for dining room opening at 4pm.
We were warmly greeted, and shown to our table, where there was ice water already waiting. Our server explained that they had a deal on from 4pm -5pm, 3 courses for $60 per person, an absolute steal considering you could order anything from the menu, bar the last three most expensive entrees.
Between the two of us, we opted for the crab and truffle gnocchi and tempura fried ahi tuna rolls to start. For our main courses we chose the braised shot rib and seafood risotto, followed by crème brûlée and turtle cheesecake for dessert.
Every single course was spectacular. I’m not usually a huge fan of gnocchi as it can be quite stodgy, but it was absolutely delicious. The texture, the flavours, the little morsels of crab and the fragrant creamy sauce, it all worked so well together. The ahi rolls were scrumptious, and the added crunch of the fried tempura was perfect.
The seafood risotto was exquisite. The plump juicy scallops alongside the meaty shrimp was a real winner. The brisket however, was the star of the show. Tender, meaty, and juicy, it melted in your mouth. The juxtaposition of the cold apple fennel slaw, with the steaming hot brisket was utterly divine. The creamy cauliflower and potato mash finished off an already delectable dish.
By this point we were absolutely stuffed, but couldn’t say no to dessert. It was hands down the best crème brûlée I’ve tasted, (and I’ve had a few)! Not too sweet, with the most perfect audible sugary crack at the firm tap of your spoon. The cheesecake was also fantastic. A nice robust slice, yet still light at the same time.
Overall I was more than impressed with the quality, presentation and service at Walloon Lake Inn. If we were staying in the area for an additional night, we would most definitely return again to sample the rest of the menu. On our next visit to the area, our first stop will absolutely be Walloon Lake Inn.
Written July 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cream78
Lima530 contributions
Feb 2021 • couples
Walloon Lake Inn is such a romantic, special restaurant. The ambiance is lovely, with dim lighting and classical music softly playing in the background.
My husband and I enjoyed Valentines dinner at the Inn. The $50 special was a fantastic deal. We both enjoyed the filet with broccolini, and I loved the seafood bisque. It was perfect!
Our waiter Jerry was attentive and friendly.
I highly recommend staying at the Hotel Walloon and having dinner at the Walloon Lake Inn. It’s like stepping back into a beautiful, more simple time. The whole experience was absolutely wonderful!
Written February 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Walloon Lake Resort
We will pass on your kind words to Jerry, thank you.
Written July 15, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mflyon
Wilmette303 contributions
Jun 2021 • none
Warm evening so we ate outside. We drank a good pisco sour and Manhattan.
We ate whitefish (the best during our Michigan vacation), smoked pork chops and cheese cake. The restaurant was extremely busy but the service and the food were excellent.
Written June 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Walloon Lake Resort
Our whitefish is an Up-North tradition, we are pleased you enjoyed it.
Thanks you for your kind words, we appreciate this.
Written July 15, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ajoy2b
Palm Beach612 contributions
Aug 2023 • couples
We arrived early for our reservation and sat at the bar. What great fortune since we met Kayla, the woman tending bar. She was a delight to chat with and very knowledgeable about various wines and mixed drinks.
We then moved to our table. Jodi, our server was pleasant and friendly. We ordered the Pannonia crusted whitefish and chicken carbonara. Our food was served about 10 minutes after we ordered. We did not have an opportunity to savor our wine.
The whitefish was crisp and tender. The accompanying veggies fresh as well.
The chicken carbonara- another story. The chicken was sliced into 3 pieces of which only the middle was edible. The end pieces were tough and dry. Not worth trying to eat. The pasta and carbonara sauce were exceptional. Jodi attempted to make up for it by offering dessert but we declined.
Written August 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stacey
Scottsdale1 contribution
Jul 2022 • friends
Rude, rude, rude. The General Manager is the rudest person we ever came in contact with in the service industry. We were getting together with friends for a special occasion and requested a certain table 2 months in advance. They assigned us to a different table so asked to speak with General Manager, Melissa, and she very rudely stated “what is your problem “ very loudly in front of other guests. When we kindly explained that we requested a certain table she stated that we could take the table we were given or leave because there were plenty of other customers that were waiting in line. Interesting thing is that there were 6 other tables outside that remained empty during our visit. The food was good, but Melissa is very RUDE and DiSRESPECTFUL. Lots of other restaurants in town that appreciate your business so will not be going back.
Written July 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JustCommonSense320
Chicago21 contributions
Aug 2021 • none
Spent a week split between Mackinac Island and Petoskey. By far, our best dinner was at the Walloon Lake Inn. Beautiful outdoor setting, delicious food, gorgeous presentation, outstanding waitstaff, and an entertaining and engaging piano player. If you are looking for a restaurant for your "splurge" dinner when on vacation Up North, this is the place.
Written August 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Walloon Lake Resort
A perfectly worded review, thank you for your kindness.
Written August 14, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jeff A
Detroit143 contributions
Jul 2024 • friends
I have wanted to eat at the Walloon Lake Inn for a long time, but it was a huge disappointment. It started with our mistake and the manager Melissa is an expert at turning a challenging situation into a negative. She was inflexible and seems put off with our party which included a person of color and two gay couples.
She started solving our problem by saying we could leave. She repeated this many times. Our evening improved and we had a good waiter. The food was delicious and the portions were generous. But, in each of the three courses one person got served five minutes after everyone else. Seemed sloppy for the price point ( worth noting it was not the servers fault. Back to charming Melissa, the delay was her doing since she was supposed to ensure the full table got their food at the same time..
If you are a Caucasian straight couple who can accept poor service without complaining, this is your place. If you go, make sure to salute Malissa for the best chance at good service.
Written July 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
On behalf of every staff member of color and those who are gay, we find it highly offensive you use your preferences and skin color as an excuse to slander restaurants. We were very accommodating by seating you despite your group being extremely demanding and rude to our staff, as that’s not something we tolerate here. During peak season every table is planned out strategically to ensure proper execution for every guest. The local business owner you mistook for a friend is consistently kind to our staff. We are not surprised you enjoyed both the food and service and we appreciate the shout out. If you intend on dining with us in the future, we ask that you come polite and with the correct number of confirmed guests, so the experience starts on the right foot. Thank you.
Written July 28, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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