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What to order
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🥇
Fish Tacos
Mentioned multiple times as delicious, yummy, and amazing, with reviewers specifically calling them a must-try and one of the restaurant’s standout dishes.
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🥈
Grandma's Popcorn
Recommended repeatedly as delicious, addictive, and even a must-order item; several reviewers singled it out as one of the best things they had.
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🥉
Perch
Frequently praised in several forms, including perch, perch sandwich, and yellow belly perch dinner, with reviewers saying it was cooked to perfection, perfect, or great.
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4
Tavern Burger
Recommended by multiple reviewers who said it was great, loved it, or incredible, and one reviewer even noted it was easily adapted for keto substitutions.
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5
Steak Sandwich
Called incredible and part of a meal described as the best food in Michigan, making it one of the most strongly praised sandwiches in the reviews.
Details
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 12 to 9 PM |
| Wednesday | 12 to 9 PM |
| Thursday | 12 to 9 PM |
| Friday | 12 to 10 PM |
| Saturday | 12 to 10 PM |
| Sunday | 12 to 8 PM |
About Bear Lake Tavern
This bar & grill founded in 1929 offers burgers, steaks & seafood, plus a patio with lake views.
Amenities
From the business
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Curbside pickup
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great cocktails
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Healthy options
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Historic
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Payments
- Checks
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- Has changing table(s)
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed
- Dogs allowed outside
Frequently asked
What is Bear Lake Tavern known for?
Bear Lake Tavern is especially known for perch, including perch dinners and perch sandwiches, plus fish tacos, grouper sandwiches, and BLTs. Reviewers also call out the margaritas and the lakefront patio, which make it a popular stop for seafood and drinks in Muskegon.
What dishes are most recommended at Bear Lake Tavern?
The most frequently recommended items are the perch, fish tacos, blackened grouper sandwich, and Grandma's Popcorn. Reviews also mention the tavern burger, walleye, fried green tomatoes, and steak sandwich as strong picks, with several people saying the seafood comes out cooked perfectly.
What is the atmosphere like at Bear Lake Tavern?
The vibe is casual, cozy, and a little historic, with reviewers describing it as a relaxed, neighborhood-style spot. It has indoor seating, outdoor seating, and a patio with lake views, so it works for groups, couples on date night, and solo diners stopping in for a meal or drink.
Is Bear Lake Tavern good value, and what is the price range?
The listed price range is $20 to $30, and multiple reviews say the prices are beyond reasonable or not bad for the quality. Guests often mention generous drinks, well-cooked seafood, and cocktails that are priced very reasonably, especially for a waterfront spot in Muskegon.
When is the best time to visit Bear Lake Tavern?
If you want the full experience, reviews suggest going when you can sit outside, because the patio and lake views are a big part of the appeal. Some guests also note the indoor dining area is smaller and can feel busy, so outdoor seating is a better choice when the restaurant is crowded or you want a quieter meal.
Is parking available at Bear Lake Tavern?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking is available.
Is Bear Lake Tavern kid-friendly?
Yes, Bear Lake Tavern is good for kids.
