Delicious food. We ordered the Chicago steak and white fish risotto. Amazing fresh caesar salad and the peanut butter cheesecake was outstanding! Quick, attentive service. Did not need a reservation on a Tuesday evening for 2. Beautiful building situated right on the River so that you can see passing boats go by from some tables, including ours.
Overview
Bluefish Kitchen + Bar, nestled at 312 River St, Manistee, MI, is a dining gem that combines the best of coastal flavors with a cozy, modern ambiance. Whether you're a local or just passing through this charming Michigan town, Bluefish offers an unforgettable experience for food lovers. As you walk into the restaurant, you're immediately greeted by its inviting atmosphere-a mix of rustic warmth and contemporary design. The setting makes it the perfect spot for a casual meal with friends, a romantic date, or a special celebration.
The menu at Bluefish Kitchen + Bar is diverse and full of fresh, high-quality ingredients that bring a coastal flair to every dish. From expertly prepared seafood to hearty meat dishes, there is something for every palate. The highlight, of course, is the seafood. Their signature fish tacos are a must-try, with perfectly seasoned fish paired with fresh toppings and a tangy sauce that balances the flavors perfectly. If you're craving something a bit more substantial, the cedar-planked salmon is a popular choice, cooked to perfection with a delicate smokiness that enhances its natural flavors.
Bluefish Kitchen + Bar doesn't just shine in its main dishes-its appetizers and sides deserve just as much attention. The lobster bisque is rich and creamy, offering a comforting start to your meal. For a lighter option, the mixed greens salad with citrus vinaigrette is a refreshing choice, offering a burst of flavor to complement the more indulgent dishes.
Their drinks menu is equally impressive, featuring a curated selection of craft beers, wines, and creative cocktails. The bar staff is knowledgeable and always happy to recommend the perfect pairing for your meal. Whether youβre in the mood for a refreshing mojito or a glass of crisp white wine, the drink selection at Bluefish Kitchen + Bar complements the food offerings beautifully.
One of the standout features of the restaurant is its location along the scenic River St. The view of the Manistee River adds an extra layer of charm to your dining experience, particularly if you choose to sit on the outdoor patio. On a pleasant evening, it's hard to beat the combination of good food, refreshing drinks, and the peaceful riverside setting.
In terms of service, Bluefish Kitchen + Bar has earned a reputation for providing friendly and attentive service. The staff goes out of their way to ensure that every guest feels welcome, whether itβs explaining the ingredients in a dish or offering recommendations. It's clear that they take pride in delivering a dining experience that goes beyond just great food.
Locals and visitors alike rave about Bluefish Kitchen + Bar in their reviews. The consistency in food quality, coupled with the laid-back yet upscale vibe, makes it a standout in the Manistee dining scene. If you're looking for a place where you can unwind, enjoy a great meal, and take in the beauty of the surrounding area, this restaurant is a fantastic choice. From the fresh seafood to the signature cocktails, each visit to Bluefish promises a memorable experience.
When planning your visit, be sure to check their hours and make a reservation if you're coming during peak times. Bluefish Kitchen + Barβs popularity has only grown, so securing a table ahead of time can help ensure you donβt miss out on this local favorite. Whether youβre looking to enjoy a relaxed dinner or celebrate a special occasion, Bluefish Kitchen + Bar offers a perfect setting to create lasting memories with great food, drinks, and company.
Good to know
Service options
β Outdoor seating β Kerbside pickup β Takeaway β Dine-in β DeliveryHighlights
β Great beer selection β Great cocktails β Great coffee β Great dessert β Great wine list β Serves local specialtyPopular for
β Lunch β Dinner β Solo diningAccessibility
β Wheelchair-accessible car park β Wheelchair-accessible entrance β Wheelchair-accessible seating β Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
β Alcohol β Beer β Cocktails β Coffee β Comfort food β Happy-hour drinks β Healthy options β Private dining room β Small plates β Spirits β Vegetarian options β WineDining options
β Brunch β Lunch β Dinner β Dessert β Seating β Table serviceAmenities
β Bar on site β Toilet β Wi-Fi β Wi-FiAtmosphere
β Casual β Cosy β Historic β Quiet β Romantic β Trendy β UpmarketCrowd
β Family friendly β Groups β LGBTQ+ friendly β Tourists β Transgender safe spacePlanning
β Dinner reservations recommended β Accepts reservationsPayments
β Credit cards β Debit cards β Credit cardsChildren
β High chairs β Kids' menuParking
β Free of charge street parking β Free parking lotPets
β Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 1096 reviews
Visited for lunch. Lunch menu is reasonably priced, we enjoyed the white fish sandwhich and pesto grilled cheese. Food was refreshing, quality ingredients. The tomatoes tasted like heirloom, and the freshly made chips were a welcomed change from the typical pile of fries most places go with. The red pesto with the grilled cheese was a nice way to step up the grilled cheese in a way my wife and toddler were able to still enjoy. Atmosphere is amazing, definitely has the vibes of fine dining with a view of the river. Service was also on point. Some other reviews share negative experienced around wait times and service but none of this was experienced by our party. Wait times were minimal and service was friendly and accomodating.
It's a nice place to get a decent meal. Located at the end of the main street in downtown Manistee. There is street parking and a very small lot across the street. We were seated right away. You can set inside or on the deck overlooking the water. The hostess was pleasant. They have a full bar that seats about 10 people. We ordered 3 drinks that did take a little long. The server was very nice and made menu suggestions. We ordered an appitizer and 4 meals. The accostics were a little loud. If there were more people, it would be hard to have conversations. The food was good but not great for as much as you are paying.
This was our first visit to this restaurant. We were greeted promptly by the hostess and seated exactly where we wanted. The waitress Gabby, took our drink order shortly after being seated. After which, she returned and took our appetizer and entrΓ©e orders. Our waitress was incredibly pleasant and professional with an excellent personality. Itβs nice to see someone that really enjoys their job. I think the food quality was excellent. We had New Orleans shrimp for an appetizer, which was outstanding! My son got the prime burger, which was cooked perfectly, I got the spicy pork tenderloin which was absolutely delightful! Gabby then brought us the dessert menu, which of course we were way too full to order from. Overall, we had an excellent dining experience everything from the location on the water to the decor with custom hand, painted murals to the elevated metal ceilings and beautiful table furniture. We were extremely satisfied with our meal, excellent service and the price. We will certainly be returning.
We got there on a Saturday on Labor Day weekend and were able to walk right in, which was a pleasant surprise because they looked very busy. We had the salmon salad, the bruschetta, the pork tenderloin, and the crΓ¨me brΓ»lΓ©e. The food was excellent! There was indoor and outdoor seating near the river. Our server was good. The old fashioneds were very good, thatβs why thereβs only one picture to go with this review.
The Great Lakes whitefish ~ pan seared,topped with herb compound butter and paired with Parmesan risotto was exceptional! The chocolate mouse was delicious. Nice window view. Excellent service. Highly recommend.
I love this place Iβve been working in restaurants for almost 20 years off n on I should come in there the service needs to be allot better itβs a beautiful restaurant need a little work to get it running top notch once again