Food is always good and service is Great daily Fish specials are outstanding

Excellent food and services

The only place in Michigan that I will eat fish. Always delicious & so fresh! Highly recommend !

Great staff, great food! We love it.

Stopped there for the first time. Sat at the bar. Nice friendly people. Great food & drinks. We tend to order beer at a restaurant we haven’t been to bc they usually pour crappy drinks to new people. The drinks were great! Can’t wait to go back!

The lakes is my favorite restaurant. The food is delicious, the service is second to none (thanks Drew). I love the mahi mahi when they have it, and wow the apple crisp cheesecake is a burst of amazing.

Our kind of place.... hidden gem within a strip mall. When you walk in, your first impression is a bit of a surprise because it's very nice. We expected a sports bar and it's definitely more upscale than that. The ambiance is low-lit with nice decor and a social bar area. Lots of comfy booths around the perimeter. We had a great, friendly server and she also introduced us to chef Dan. The food was excellent. Simply prepared, fresh, great quality food. My ribs were dry rubbed with two sauces - Carolina and BBQ on the side - fall off the bone good with great seasoning. My husband had pan seared swordfish. We both had the vegetable medley which had carrots, broccoli, green beans and zucchini. Fresh crisp and not over cooked. Clean-your-plate awesome! We loved it and will be back!

Good place to eat. Nice decor. Had calamari and filet mignon. Beer selection was good.

Steak and ribs were great. Vegetable medley good. Atmosphere very inviting. Waiter seemed new, but tried hard. Recommend trying.

This is the best place ever my dad used to work here he used to be the owner yeah his Location Burnt down and his brother Erin my uncle is the owner totally recommend

PS Arby's don't got to meet these people got meats

Amazing food, great service. I had the filet and my husband had a steak as well. This was our first time here and we will definitely be back!

The food here is nothing short of amazing. The ribs (soaked in apple juice) are by far the tastiest and most tender I have had in a long time. The spicy mac and cheese is a burst of delicious. My only problem with this place is that everything I have tried is so darn good, that I cannot choose between them.

First visit and the food and service was exceptional!! I had the turkey burger with veggies and a Michigan Salad. Don't pass up the Pink Lemonade Martini!! Drew gave us amazing service by far the best customer service I've had in months he had great food suggestions!

My husband and I ate at The Lakes for the first time yesterday. We were looking to try something different and local, and we're glad we did!

The server started us off with fresh, warm bread and whipped butter. We both ordered drinks from their extensive menu. They had a lot of local microbrews on tap, as well as a large selection of wine.

We both ordered burgers, and they were cooked exactly as we ordered them. The portions and prices were reasonable, and the service was fast.

We also really liked the atmosphere. From the outside, it looks like you're going to find a typical strip mall bar, but inside, you find a tastefully decorated restaurant with a slightly more upscale feel. It's tastefully decorates, and a fireplace wants up the space.

We'll definitely be back.

The calamari was to die for! Tina is the best server ever. Very clean with a great atmosphere.

Drew is an amazing server. They have an advanced selection of craft beer. Their menu is very diverse with all sorts of options depending on your budget. I would highly recommend it his restaurant. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but it is a 5 star establishment.

Always a great time at The Lakes Bar & Grille! We have been here many times and the staff is always very courteous, and the food is always on point. I highly recommend the French Onion Soup and the Ribs.

Its location is unexpected for such a nice restaurant (in a strip mall), but the food and service were exceptional. I had the perch, and although there are numerous pieces, I could have kept eating them filet after filet.... So good!

Wonderful New York strip, amazing red snapper, wonderful service and willing to cook my friends fish to where he likes it rather than frying it they where willing to pan saut the fish no down sides a little more pricy then originally expected

This place has great food. The menu is much better than its closest competitor. It is in a strip center, but the food is great.

Staff is friendly, and super attentive. This place is a great date spot, or just a place to have a nice elegant dinner. I usually come with my friend to this spot after work, and order a lemon drop. They make the strongest lemon drops, but they're yummy! The staff is very generous with their servings, and that makes a huge difference. I sometimes hangout here on the weekends, but it's a little more busier then.

All the food I've had here is great, so I don't really think you can go wrong with this place. :)

My wife and I were extremely pleased with both the Walleye dinner we had as well as the great service. Drew was awesome and is a big reason we will make sure to go back.

Absolutely superb!

The clientele is a pleasant crowd. The staff is friendly and professional, providing endless courtesies to ensure a quality experience. The food, well crafted. The price matches its quality. Nothing on the menu is overpriced. Worth every penny.

The specials are exquisite. Their menu adjusts to the seasons. Fresh and complex tastes and textures are present in every dish, while still offering a delightful level of simplicity, allowing your choices to be made with ease.

Ask for Lauren M.--She's one of our favorites! You won't regret it.

For years I have driven right in past this place thinking it was a bar, I was mistaken. When the family suggested meeting here for dinner, I admit I wasnt thrilled. But it turns out I was wrong, this place is great. The first thing I noticed was that despite being in a strip mall, the interior is very upscale.

We had a cozy and spacious corner booth for 4 of us. Our server was exceptional and very attentive. He took the time to ask the chef some questions for me about food allergies and made sure my meal was safe. My salmon was very good and cooked perfectly. Our group also enjoyed the halibut special, filet and ribeye special. Our server was so attentive that when we paid the bill he noticed our last name was the same as a bottle of wine they had and brought it over to show us. I thought that was really nice of him. We will definitely be back.

My family loves this restaurant. Besides dinners and lunches, I've thrown two baby showers here and they go above and beyond. Aaron was so helpful with the menu and Sophie has worked both of our showers and she is AMAZING. She helped with things that weren't part of her job and did absolutely everything she could to make it run smoothly.

My latest baby shower was in April and it's June as I write this and I still have guests telling me it was the nicest shower they've ever been to. The food is outstanding. As soon as you walk in the door you forget you're in a strip mall. The decor is high end with a fireplace, fresh flowers and a gorgeous wall of wine bottles behind glass.

You will not regret trying out this restaurant or the very friendly bar. It's full of repeat, friendly customers every time I go there. I've never once left disappointed. It's our favorite local restaurant.

Back in the day, my husband was a cook and I was a server and bartender and that never leaves you. We notice everything. The beautiful, clear glasses, the fresh fruit in the drinks, the temperature of the food. I'm not kidding, this place is flawless.

My favorite local destination to go out to eat! Staff and servers are excellent, food is awesome, highly recommended

One of my favorite places for cocktails. Modern atmosphere and a nice place to meet up with friends. All they need is a better location on the water!

Hubs and I were looking for somewhere to eat dinner on Memorial Day and I found this place on Yelp, but had a heck of a time finding it in real life. Even after spotting the sign on the road, it didn't jump out to me, nestled in the middle of a strip mall. Parking, we debated going in but since I like trying new places and you can't go wrong with bar food, we decided to give it a shot. I was shocked at the interior and the large wine collection along the back wall. We were quickly sat and I knew by the cloth napkins and the bread plates the menu would not be the typical bar food I was expecting. I got the Pink Lemonade which was tart enough and refreshing and hubs got a Grey Goose on the rocks. Drinks came out quick and we placed our food order. I got the spicy chicken wrap without the tomatoes and the hubs got the Cesar Salad with Shrimps. A few minutes after we ordered, my husband flagged down our server to add calamari to our order. He brought the calamari out before the food and my husband loved it (I don't do seafood). When the server put the dish down, I asked about the creamy sauce and he quickly told us about it (I forget) but it didn't have mustard, which I was checking on because my husband hates mustard. The calamari had capers and the sauce which my husband was very impressed with. When our server brought our food out, I inspected the wrap because I thought I saw tomatoes and the server assured me it was red peppers. The wrap was really good, spicy, but good flavor. The chicken was cooked perfectly and the wrap stayed together to the very end. The French fries were tasty and cut like nothing I've seen before. It almost looked like steak fries, but also looked like two fries stuck together. Wish I had taken a picture.
Our service was great, the food was fresh and well prepared, the menu was diverse and interesting. Loved the dcor, darker and more upscale than I anticipated from the exterior. It was not busy when we arrived, more than half the tables were empty but by the time we left it had picked up and despite tables being sat near us I felt we had appropriate space and could carry on a conversation without feeling like the table next to us could hear every word.
I would love to go back and try some of the other items on the menu. I wanted to try the soup of the day, Asparagus (not something you see often on a menu) but it was hot as balls and I just couldn't eat soup. I hope people will look past the strip mall and give it a shot because it is a gem.

My mom and I took the kiddies after work and school. We came into the restaurant and it took a minute for us to be seated. We just stood at the door looking around because their was no one to greet us. Then this kind of loud and kind of rude guy came out of no where and told us to go sit in the back corner booth... we weren't seated, he pointed it out and we basically seated ourselves. So once we sat down he( who never said his name until I asked... Sam) gave us menus and when I asked for kids menus, they only had one printed out . So , ok no biggie. We ordered our food and Sam just seemed like he was a little bothered by the fact that he had to wait on us. Everything he said while taking our order was hard and fast and like he was rushing us to hurry and make a decision. Then I was looking around and noticed he seemed to be the only waiter waiting on people. We got our food and it was delicious, I was so hungry I forgot to take pics. Also we weren't offered any bread and butter which I usually have when I go there. Maybe that's only offered in the evening. As we were eating, I noticed more waitresses coming in and people coming out of the back to help up front. Sam came back to the table to check on us seemingly nicer... I said all of this to say, I think Sam might have been overwhelmed... the place wasn't really that crowded but it was if you had to work it by yourself. I've been to this restaurant about 4 or 5 other times before becoming a yelper and the food and service were amazing!!! Not so much this time . Hopefully when we return there will be more waitstaff so there will be a better experience.

Everything we ordered today was very good. The kids got chicken tenders and fries which were up to their standards. Homemade ranch for the win!
The first bread wasn't hot so that was a bummer. I expected a bit more flavor but it was fine.
Portions are small by most standards. Side salad was more-so a sampling. I got the Parmesan chicken and my mother got the ribs. Both were very good. No true complaints other than the bread lacking flavor. Service was a bit slow to greet us but it was a dinner rush so no biggie. I would recommend a visit

One of my all-time favorite places!!! Their Michigan salad with blackened salmon is consistently a home run, and the sweet potato fries (with a dijon dipping sauce) adds a nice flavor to the meal.

It's located in a small strip mall, and is very unassuming from the outside. But the inside is well-decorated and spacious, yet cozy feeling. The fireplace is a nice touch.

I take my kids here frequently, and my daughter has declared that it's the best cheeseburger she's ever had. Granted, she's almost 6, so take that with a grain of salt, but the girl knows her cheeseburgers.

Also, I suppose the meal could get pricey if you're having a bunch of drinks as well, but my dates are pretty cheap with their chocolate milk orders, so I can feed the 3 of us for less than it costs to get pizza delivered, and it's FAR better food.

It's PACKED on a Friday night, so I'd suggest getting there early or making a reservation.

This is a great local grille. We sometimes forget it's there since it's tucked into a shopping strip, but we are always happy when we go there. For lunch I usually order the French onion soup and a salad. Both the Caesar and Wedge salads are delicious.

We have tried a lot of dishes on the menu and all of them have been solid! They usually have some pretty good cocktails as well!

My only ding is that sometimes the service can be on the slower side. It's a smaller restaurant so they don't have an abundance of staff so it's understandable. It's fine if you are looking for a leisurely meal, but I'd plan some extra time if you have a place to go.

I don't live in Waterford, but every time I'm around the area, I stop by for some delicious food! It's definitely a small hidden gem that I'll be sharing with others. The food is amazing, the people are great, and I love the small cozy feeling reminding me of home. I mainly order their seafood and I haven't gotten let down yet! They must have one amazing chef back there

We live close to the lakes and it is one of the better spots to eat in the area. Service drinks and food are always good!

On the 29th of April, I attended a bridle shower at this establishment. There were 40 people in attendance. Upon entering The Lakes, all the tables were set and dressed with crisp white linens, silverware, water goblets, etc. The entire staff were friendly, professional and accommodating. The food was fresh, hot and tasty. This is the perfect place to stop for a meal or a drink, or the hold a special event. I think everyone was happy with the service and the food. This place is Triple AAA

We eat here no less than twice a week. The food is excellent! Love the crab cakes, onion rings, ribs, steak, turkey burger,etc. I could even name more. The staff makes it even more enjoyable.

The food and service was good but it seemed a little bit pricey for what you were receiving. I got a burger and really enjoyed it and I sat at the bar so the waiter was very attentive. The atmosphere was very nice it was a little bit too loud but I was there on a weekend so it may not count as much I'm sure it's quieter during the week.

Our favorite spot. Great food, great service. Try the turkey burger, it is amazing!

YUM.

Came here last weekend when I was visiting my parents. They go semi-regularly and had a number of menu suggestions, however once I saw the surf and turf macaroni on the menu I was sold.

And Oh. My. Gosh. SO GOOD. Imagine grandma's pot roast underneath the best baked mac and cheese you've ever had...and then top it with some succulent chunks of lobster. Definitely did not disappoint! Also came in a huge portion size so I had dinner AND breakfast the next day.

Since moving to the area approximately one year ago, my wife and I have dined at the lakes nine times. The atmosphere is upscale, but not pretentious. Each and every time we have dined there we have had excellent service and excellent food. I'm sorry that KV allegedly had a bad dining experience there. But I know that had they spoken up while at the restaurant, everything possible would have been done to make their meal and evening satisfactory. I have dined in many restaurants all over the world, and I could hardly classify this restaurant as a dump. I am eagerly looking forward to the next time we dine at the Lakes. Try it, you'll like it.

Great service from our waiter James and fantastic food. The Chef came to our table to make sure everything was to our liking and it was. We had stuffed rainbow trout and firecracker chicken. This place is as good as any $$$ level restaurant in Washington DC. We just came back from there and this was one of our top meals.

Great food and nice atmosphere.

The staff is always very awsome the fish special's are fresh daily the food is great and very reasonable price If you are in the area stop by and give it a try

Always friendly staff. Owners present often. Solid food and good drinks.

Great place for a meal. Try the mac n cheese. great!

Fantastic food and service. We loved it.

Super good food and good people : )

A ruby in a goat's ass-- great menu, new decor, outstanding service. Eat here.

Woohoo

Lakes is a smaller, but fancier little bar. You'll pay a little more here but they have a ton of craft beer on tap and they mix a strong drink. Bathrooms are always super clean and the staff are nice and friendly. The only problem with this bar is the location. Being on Union Lake rd you will literally be stuck in the parking lot for the next 47 eternities trying to get out there. I would use caution when going between the hours of 3-7pm.

Upon arrival in the parking lot I had no idea how nice it was inside. I love very close by. Outstanding food, outstanding service by Sofi. Will be back for sure

The chicken parm is to die for!! So delicious!! This place is pretty and clean inside. Great service! Love it here!!

Ok

Husband and I had a wonderful anniversary dinner at The Lakes last night. We had the calamari app with a beautiful burre blanc, wedge salad which was incredibly fresh and a wonderful chicken parm that was as light and crispy as can be. Jenn, our bartender, was delightful and very attentive to everyone. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and highly reccommend The Lakes to anyone in the area. It is a true gem!

Our food was excellent (I enjoyed a steak and my wife had a large salad). Bar service was a bit slow, even though our drinks were rather low maintenance. Very nice decor inside, if small. We will be returning.

Exceptional parmesean chicken. Home made bread. Nice wine selection. Perfect date night place!!

This is a upscale restaurant in a strip mall. Extremely crowded every time I've been here. Definitely a gold mine.

I started off with the tomato bisque which was good. A little on the thin side though. Then I had the ribs with onion rings. The ribs were good but the onion rings were excellent.

The service was excellent. I would definitely go back.

This is a nicer place with plenty of food options on the menu. If you're not looking for it you might miss it. In the summer months you can sit outside. They also have lots of wine and drink choices.

the employees are so nice and the prices are great. The waitress offered me a blowjob for only $20!!!!!

One of our favorite places and Jennifer is the best!

Love this place and the people that work here! Anyone that has a chance come visit ! We eat there at least once a week! Small but classy!

Close to my house and perfect for date night.... Especially in March. Yummy cocktails for me and two very discreet televisions that have ncaa basketball on for him . Food is good but the cocktails are great! I always make reservations but it's usually not necessary.

Loved the feel of the place, and they had a great beer selection. Servers were also very nice, but the food brought my rating down.

I got the surf and turf Mac and cheese, and I must say, it tasted more like a beef stroganoff with some big pieces of lobster on top. The beef was tasty and the lobster was decent, but I almost wouldn't have considered it a Mac and cheese because the cheesy favor was nonexistent. The dish tasted like it sat in the salamander a bit too long based on the solid/near burnt state of the top layer of cheese.

My wife got the fish and chips, and that was excellent! Loved the tartar sauce with it as well.

Overall, I wasn't crazy about my dish, especially for the price. However, based on everything else, I would definitely go back to give it another shot!

I agree with all the reviews that note how unassuming this place is from the outside - it's in a strip mall and totally looks like a dive bar. However, the inside is lovely! They have a nice bar with a cozy fireplace and a bunch of comfortable booths. The food was pretty great too - interesting menu with actual flavor and fresh ingredients. My only criticism is that the service was r slow... And I was there at 4pm on a Sunday when the place was mostly empty.

This place is very deceiving from the outside. It's in a little strip mall so doesn't look very fancy but when you step in, it's gorgeous! The decor is comfortable but looks upscale. The lights are a little dimmed which makes for a relaxed ambience.

My husband and I just stumbled upon this place one day and it's become one of our favorite spots. The burger is one of the best if not, the best, burger I've ever had. Every dish we've had here has been delicious and they don't skimp on the liquor either. Nice selection. From the decor, ambience, food and service, this place has it all. If you haven't been there, I highly recommend it.

The atmosphere was much more upscale than I was expecting for a "Bar and Grill" in a strip mall in this area, but it was welcoming and warm. I would just reconsider bringing my kids on a Friday night. It was a packed restaurnat, but our table was waiting for us (I made a reservation 2 hours prior) and we were seated right away. The wait staff was friendly and accommodating. The menu had some great options---although the fish and chips my daughter was hoping for was out. We had stuffed burger, ceasar salad, turkey burger amd kids chicken strips---all with fries. The food was amazing!! Everyone of us was pleased---especially me. Turkey burgers in restaurants are never this moist and flavorful. The bill was about $10 per person, so very reasonable. My husband had eaten out all week with a client in town and commented this was the best food he's had all week. We will for sure be back!

A nicer place in town, great steaks and bottomless baguette. I fairly large seafood menu, it was hard not so go with fish, but steak won my heart. The service felt very professional as well. I really enjoyed having a nice family dinner here.

Hot waitress. Fit body. Good Chili stuffed burger. The place was alive on a Sat night, which is a good sign. Lil pricy but guess that's all relative.

My buddy recommended this spot so I took my girl here for dinner. Did NOT disappoint!

From the outside it looks like a typical Waterford/ Commerce bar but inside is well decorated in an upper crust kinda way. Fireplace, a nice big bar, air conditioned wine closet and intimate. I made a reservation just in case and showed up about an hour early. They didn't receive my reservation but I showed them my confirmation email and they quickly wrote me in.

We settled in at the bar for a beer and before I could even get mine, they had a table for us. Excellent!

We sat at a little two top and sipped our beers as our waitress had already addressed us. I recommend everything we ordered!

Started with the Honzo shrimp, which was two shrimp skewers stuck into a slice of whole pineapple, with an Asian infused coleslaw on the side and a buttery Sriracha dipping sauce. Absolutely amazing! Talk about flavor and deliciousness. We also split a cup of vegetarian black bean soup, which was also amazing. They also give you a loaf of bread, which again was great.

Main course was a 10 oz flank steak with grilled Yukon yellow potato fingerlings and some steamed veggie medley. Soooo good! My date got two grilled breasts of chicken with veggies and redskins surrounded by some deep fried Apple pieces sauted in rum. Fantastic! Even the beer list was great. I could not say enough great things about this place. I will come back and bring more and more people to enjoy their delicious offerings.

You might overlook this place in a strip mall, but it's worth a look. Food and the presentation of it is always spot on. It's a little pricey but we always go home happy w leftovers. The brie, steaks and surf and turf mac and cheese are outstanding!

The ny strip was great! Both my wife and I thought it was excellent. The salad was ok. Very fancy for a strip mall bar and grill. Overall, great place to go. Ps. Whoever wrote that "Zetterberg" review, awesome stuff.

Employees were great. Very small place the wait is usually long. Nice atmosphere but they need to buy the space next door and expand the seating.

Best food for 20 miles, OUTSTANDING CHEF and freindly staff and management
What can I say, their food is excellent and prices are reasonable. Warm and upscale atmosphere, nice bar area, good wine list. Gourmet food as well as sandwiches and burgers. The chef specials are to die for, even their salads are unique. A must try if you were there before when it called Commerce Grill, which had horrible owners and not freindly at all, these owners now how to run a reataurant. Try it, I promise you won't be disappointed.

You would not expect to find this caliber of food at a place tucked away in a strip mall - surprise! The food is excellent here and I am a picky reviewer. The chef is obviously a graduate of some culinary program because the food is great; the plates are presented well and everything about this place, the food, the service, the presentation and the ambiance (upscale yet casual) is spot on. Do yourself a favor and give this place a try. Chance are, like me, it will become one of your regular stops.

Don't let the strip mall exterior set up fool you. It's extremely comforting inside despite being small, so I'm all for the atmosphere of this small bar and grille. The draft beer was delicious, with a solid options menu. The best of the experience was their stuffed burgers and hospitality. Not only was the food arrived to us hot and delicious but the waitress was extremely kind and never intrusive in asking how we were.

I fully plan on visiting again and trying more on their menu and beer options!

A great atmosphere for eating delicious fresh flavors

I have never had a bad experience here. Rather it's ordering out or dining in it has always been amazing! The owners are awesome! Always friendly and the quality of the food is superb! Get the turkey burger!!! You'll thank me later.

I took my wife here for her birthday. The food was out of this world my wife had the lobster tail special and I had the perch both were perfect. The staff here is really amazing. Our server went out of her way to make the occasion special. A complimentary dessert that I had chosen when my wife visited the restroom, was brought out with Happy Birthday written in chocolate cursive with a candle. The little details make this place exceptional. We have been here a few times and always have the best service. It is becoming our usual spot!!! Kudos to the owner and staff keep up the good work!

This place is amazing!! From the outside, it may not look like the best as it is in a strip mall, but the food is amazing and the service is impeccable. Everyone who works there is friendly. It is our favorite restaurant and we eat there quite frequently. It is definitely the best restaurant in the area. For those familiar with the area, the food is better than Matter of Taste but the atmosphere is not quote as good. I highly recommend.

You would not expect to find a place of this caliber tucked away in a strip mall, but surprise, surprise. I'll be the first to tell you, most restaurants are medicore at best, opting to serve the food Gordon's Food Service provides. These guys don't. Our group has been here probably a half dozen times over the past year now and never had a bad meal. Try the Blackberry Chicken, the Flank Steak, Firecracker Chicken or any of the specials. The food is always first class, the presentation is great and the ambiance of this place resembled that of a upper scale, casual restaurant. Our service has always been spot on. I don't know the chef or the owners. Read my other reviews here. I'm picky, but this place deserves the accolades. Try it.

We had my baby shower here and it was a great experience. The service was great, and the food was excellent. The fries, regular and sweet potato, were a hit among the guests. Definitely recommend for events and casual dining out. The chicken caesar wrap was really good!!

The ambience is beautiful, modern lighting, brick, fireplace, and table cloths. It's very welcoming and definitely a surprise from the strip mall look outside.

I have brought everyone I know to this establishment! NEVER a let-down. The staff is amazing when it comes to wine selection. The steak is my favorite (I have had every one of them and can't pick which is best!!!!). The cost-per-person is a little on the higher end FOR ME ONLY because I usually split a bottle of wine with a friend, but if you consider 2 EXCELLENT steak dinners AND a bottle of fine wine for $50, thats a GREAT DEAL in my opinion! - Tori Thompson, Owner of POSH by Tori BOUTIQUE, Commerce ....PS: Please carry a Moscatto soon!!! See you guys next week!

You would not expect to find a place of this caliber tucked away in a strip mall, but surprise, surprise. I'll be the first to tell you, most restaurants are medicore at best, opting to serve the food Gordon's Food Service provides. These guys don't. Our group has been here probably a half dozen times over the past year now and never had a bad meal. Try the Blackberry Chicken, the Flank Steak, Firecracker Chicken or any of the specials. The food is always first class, the presentation is great and the ambiance of this place resembled that of a upper scale, casual restaurant. Our service has always been spot on. I don't know the chef or the owners. Read my other reviews here. I'm picky, but this place deserves the accolades. Try it.

Turkey burger is amazing.  Packaging for carryout was upgraded and service is perfect

TheLakesBar
"An unique neighborhood bar & grille, warm classic interior, the perfect backdrop for any occasion — from a business lunch, romantic dinner or friendly get together.

Parking Options: Parking Lot
Business Hours: Monday: 4p.m. - 10 p.m.; Tuesday:11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Wednesday - Sunday:11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m."

This place is beautiful and modern on the inside. This is totally unexpected because it is in a strip mall.

My boyfriend LOVES the spicey mac and cheese. I usually get the chicken parmesan. We both love the pot stickers.

We really like the beer and wine selection, too. They have some Michigan craft beer (a must) and some great wines.

The only reason this places gets 4 stars and not 5 is the price. If it were a little cheaper, we would go here all the time.

We frequent the Lakes Bar & Grille because it's close to home and we LOVE the food! While they haven't updated their menu in a while, there is a great selection and something for everyone. I absolutely love the Michigan salad and the Firecracker chicken pasta! My dad enjoys the ribs, burgers, etc. Highly recommend the Lakes Bar & Grille. The atmosphere is also really great! The one criticism we have is that lately we've been having not so great service. We waited 25 minutes to get our drinks after ordering them, and another hour for the food. The waitstaff is friendly and the food does come out hot. They also offer discount coupons on their website as well as in weekly ads in the local paper.

We forgot the place has changed hands and it's menu as well but we had a great dinner and service to match last night.

My fiancé and I decided to stop here because we wanted to try a new restaurant. Yelp score is basically an average for food, service, decor/atmosphere and overall experience.

Food:
3.5 out of 5
We had the crab cake appetizer - it was just, ok. Not necessarily the best but also not bad either. The sauce was good but the actual crab cake itself seemed a little mushy. to me. I ordered the turkey burger for my entree and he had the half slab of ribs with the Carolina sauce. We noticed a few interesting things....my burger, which tasted good overall had the most overwhelming salty taste after chewing it for about 6 seconds. I could not for the life of me figure out why it was so salty!! I think the veggies (cucumber and coleslaw) helped to tone down a bit of the saltiness, but had it not been for them, I don't think I could've finished the meal. My fiancé said his ribs were good and that he enjoyed the sauce, there just wasn't enough of it. He asked the waitress for more on the side and the sauce she brought out was ice cold, almost as if it came right out of the fridge. Not sure if that's just how it's supposed to be, but we definitely found that a little odd. For dessert we enjoyed the Nutella hazelnut torte which basically tasted like a "cake" version of a Ferrerro Rocher candy - would definitely recommend.

Service:
5 out of 5
Out waitress was named Sarah and she was very friendly. In addition, she was attentive and made sure we knew what all of the specials were for the night. She checked on our table regularly and made sure drinks were full. No complaints!!

Decor:
4 out of 5
From the outside this place almost looks like a coney. We've actually driven past this restaurant multiple times but never looked twice at it bc it just sort of fades into the background. The decorations inside are really nice and it's very comfortable overall. I did notice up front and back towards the kitchen they have these almost shower curtain like curtain/drapes hanging down, almost as though they're replacing walls, which I didn't really understand. Overall atmosphere was laid back and casual - making the perfect setting for a diverse customer base.

Overall experience:
4 out of 5
I'd recommend this place to a friend and would definitely be willing to give it another try in the future.

We love this place.  The food is very good (try the Michigan salad!), the wait staff is friendly and efficient and the wine list is good.  It's not too big and not too noisy.

Great food since the new owners took over.   Have been there 3 weekends in a row and the food is fabulous.   Fish and chips are to die for.   Apps are outstanding.

Very refereshing to find a resaurant that cares about quality of food and service.   Definately 5 stars!!!

Went again last night - happy to report they are back on track. Quick, attentive service & both of our steaks cooked to perfection - filet for my wife & NY Strip for me. Good cocktails & wine as well. Yay!

Our favorite, local "last minute" choice - especially when we are too tired to decide on going anyplace else. Cozy atmosphere, good & fair pours on cocktails & relatively consistent food. Especially like the Caesar salad, potstickers & Honzo shrimp. Fish entrees excellent 90% of the time, steak spot on about 75% of the time. Service efficient & reliable also about 75% of the time. We are very comfortable here & will continue to patronize!

Amazing food, fun atmosphere and great people! Definitely a favorite.

Yum yum yum yum yum yum Yum yum yum yum yum yum Yum yum yum yum yum yum Yum yum yum yum yum yum Yum yum yum yum yum yum Yum yum yum yum yum yum Yum yum yum yum yum yum yum yum yumYum yum yum yum yum yum Yum yum yum yum yum yum Yum yum yum yum yum yum Yum yum yum yum yum yum Yum yum yum yum yum yum Yum yum yum yum yum yum Yum yum yum yum yum yum yum yum yum!!!!!!

Great beer too

This is like your neighborhood cheers. Not only is the food great but so is the atmosphere. Great staff great ambience great food. All right in the neighborhood! What more can you ask for?

Very good lunch experience! Calamari appetizer was prepared perfectly, The wedge and Ahi Tuna wrap very good. The Spanish Coffee is a must do !!

The food was amazing. I had the salmon and it was cooked perfectly and had a ton of flavor. The waitstaff was very attentive and we had a wonderful time. Everyone at the table enjoyed their meals and we splurged and had dessert as well which was also delicious. You wouldn't think that the food would be so flavorful and the ambiance so enjoyable since the restaurant is located in a strip mall type place. It is definitely worth checking out!

My mom and I stopped here for a quick lunch on a whim. It's nearby my apartment and I've seen it a few times.
From first sight I thought it was going to be a diner-type bar and grill. It's in a a little strip mall with a small sign that doesn't really catch your eye. When we walked in I was pleasantly surprised by a small but chic little restaurant. The prices seemed a bit high, but we decided to give it a try.
I got the soup of the day (clam chowder), my mom got chili, and we decided to split an order of calamari. They first brought out some fresh and warm bread, which was great. We got our soups and calamari at the same time. Everything was very good and flavorful. The chili came with little bowls of cheese, sour cream and jalapeños and the calamari had a great sauce on top and was full of flavor. The clam chowder was thinner than I usually like, but made up for it in flavor.
I will definitely be back!

This is for sure a fantastic place. A true classy gem hidden in the lakes area! A great selection of delicious foods, amazing drinks as well. Staff are always welcoming, professional, and fantastic!

I've been there twice, its pretty good, nice atmosphere, good food. Reasonably priced too.

This is a hidden gem in a strip mall, they are usually VERY busy on the weekends so the word must be getting out! This was the third time we came here, the previous two times we just didn't feel like waiting an hour for a table.

The ambience is nice at this restaurant, the table was nice and roomy. We started out with their crab cakes. The presentation was very nice and the flavor's were great. I ordered their NY Strip steak, it had good flavors but the quality of the cut seemed a little uneven, a 1/3rd of the steak was cooked as I had ordered it, the rest of the steak was slightly overcooked. It tasted good though. The veggies and the potatoes I ordered with it was very nicely flavored.

My wife ordered one of their specials, chicken florentine. I tried it as well, it was very good, juicy and lot's of great flavor. The presentation was really awesome.

The service was good throughout, a little slow on the refills of our drinks but it was a Friday night and they were quite busy so that's understandable.

We'll definitely be back here..SOON!

Awesome experience at this restaurant. The bbq ribs were absolutely amazing!! Extremely tender! Fell clean off the bone with hardly any effort. Delicious! Others in my group had the flank steak and chicken parmesan. Everyone was very pleased with their choices. Beautiful presentation of the food as well. All staff were very courteous and kind. Nice atmosphere. Very clean. Will definitely go back! Not one complaint from our group of four.

Don't let the strip mall facade fool you - Lakes Grill has a sophisticated, intimate atmosphere with a food and wine selection that will keep you coming back!

There's a list of reasons why this place is a top pick for date night - or any other night for that matter. But if I had to narrow it down to my top three they would be...

#3 The ambience. It's classy, romantic and welcoming.

#2 The drinks. They have a fantastic wine list, beer selection and very creative cocktails.

#1 The turkey burger. Yes, the #1 reason I LOVE Lakes is their turkey burger. This baby is covered with smoked gouda cheese, applewood smoked bacon, sliced cucumber, cole slaw & chili mayo. To die for.

There are menu items to fit any budget. Appetizers are priced from $6.95-$10.95, soup/salad from $3.95-$9.95 and entrees from $9.95-$29.95. Regardless of the price point - all options are delish.

Lakes Grill is on the smaller side but they have done a fantastic job with the layout - so instead of being cramped, it feels cozy and quaint. With oversized booths and a beautiful decor, Lakes has a romantic vibe that makes for the perfect date night setting.

Food & Service was amazing... Can't wait to go back

Our first time here, because we had a discount coupon. It looks small from the outside, but more room inside then we thought, because it's in a strip mall. We were waited on immediately and it continued throughout our meal. The menu was pricey, but had a good variety. We had the perch and ribs. Both were good. Perch was flaky and fresh. The ribs were tender with lots of meat. The fresh baked bread was delicious and is served in a bag. The special potatoe side of the night was blue cheese mashed and those were good. Both meals, drinks, with our coupon, came to just over $48.
The atmosphere and decor was exceptional. Not loud, a couple of TVs in the background, nice and relaxed with low lighting, and the place appeared clean.
Just a few issues I had were:  not all the wait staff had their long hair tied back. One waitress had long hair hanging loose and it was long past her shoulders. I thought all long hair was to be pulled back so it wouldn't get in food and on tables.
The other issue was:  glasses being stored down on bottom shelf at ankle level where the wait staff stood at the bar to get drinks, including soft drinks, and the glasses at floor level were used for my Pop. I didn't realize it until we sat there looking around. Those glasses get dust and dirt, anything their feet will kick up, flying up on them.
I am giving 4 stars for good service and great food. I dropped one star for the long hair and glasses stored by the floor.
I sure would like to know if there is a State Health Department law for restaurants to demand all long hair be restrained; and drinking glasses not be stored down by the floor.
We would go back if the two issues were addressed and corrected. If not, then no we won't! Don't like hair, dust, or dirt (or anything else not meant) in our food.

SO GOOD! I wasn't sure what to expect from this place because it's in a strip mall. The reviews seemed great so we decided to try it. We were pleasantly surprised.

The restaurant is very nice inside. Clean & decorated very nicely. At first, we thought we were under dressed, wearing jeans & casual shirts. But we never felt out of place..

Drinks were good, had some draft Oberon. We tried the lobster bisque soup, the Michigan side salad and two burgers (turkey burger & blazin burger) they come with fries but they mixed sweet potato fries with regular fries upon request... SO GOOD!

Everything was excellent. The turkey burger was delicious and the chili mayo really complimented it well. The blazin burger was STUFFED with tasty goodness :)

The menu varied from burgers to pasta to fish entrees as well. Our service was also excellent. I'm looking forward to going back and trying something new! GREAT PLACE! YOU SHOULD CHECK IT OUT!!

Tucked away in a strip mall, I have to confess we hardly ever expected this level of innovation and excellence from The Lakes Bar and Grille in Union Lake when we walked in the door the first time.

I've eaten here perhaps eight times over the past year and each time the food on been spot on as well as the entire experience. On a recent Saturday night three of us went and all of us were delighted again.

First, the food is great.  The Blackberry Chicken is top notch, which is what my dining companions ate. I opted for the Flank Steak which was thinly sliced and with the Lakes zip sauce. I wanted medium and I got it, as well as a piece of steak that was wonderful. Flank steak can be a matter of eating around the grist at times, but this cut was great. No problems.  I've had the specials such as fish in the past and each time they have been cooked just right.

To be honest, I've read the other reviews on this place and don't get them. I'm kind of picky but the food and presentation here has always been first rate. As far as my five starts, this place isn't the Lark, but for what it is, a small restaurant which strives to be more than a burger joint or just a grille, they excel.

Folks, read my other reviews and you'll know I don't give great reviews very often. This is a find.

We have been here as a family a few times and each time the food is excellent, the staff is great and we can always get a table. Bread basket is GOOD. Dessert portions are on the small side but everything else is top notch. Always willing to go back.

Just left, really enjoyed our dinner. The French Onion soup was excellent, would recommend. Also the Surf & Turf  Mac & Cheese was very rich, Loved it. Will come again. Good local spot

Had the firecracker chicken & pasta and so did my bride.

Coffee was excellent which says a bunch . Everyone at the party was very happy with tier meals.

Fish and chips was excellent and recommended by others at out table

Ate here 10 over the years and has always been great!

Great food and great beer on tap.  Like the decor of the inside. Overall it is nice to have a good restaurant in the area.

Don't let the strip mall location deter you from trying this restaurant.  Had a great meal here .  Opened with tempura Brie and fresh berries.  It was beautifully plated and very tasty.  We ordered specials.  I thoroughly enjoyed mussels over capellini with sun dried tomatoes, pepperocini and feta.  My companion had chicken piccata with potato cakes, and FRESH vegetables.  Again the flavor was wonderful and the plating beautiful.  A whole loaf of warm bread is brought to the table.  Service was well paced and friendly.  Drinks well made.  We'll definitely return .

Husband and I have been here a couple of times. The atmosphere is always cozy, the drinks are good and the food is a step above what you find at other places in the area. The flank steak with the zip sauce of a favorite.

Food is great! I love the turkey burger. They take reservations which is always a plus. Service is a little slow even when they are not so busy but I still come back for the great food and delicious martinis.

Every time we've been here over the last two years (~5 times) the food has been outstanding, the service great, and the decor is very nice (although probably due for a makeover) The food has really been exceptional, as good or better than a certain well-known place that is within spitting distance!

Great food each and every time we go here. The risotto cakes are awesome.

my fav restaurant in the area. I only get the crab cakes and steak but it is always amazing. wish they had moscotto! service is always really great.  i also always call ahead and reserve because waiting in their tiny little lobby is weird because it feels like youre stepping on people.
I wouldnt really suggest bringing young kids here because its a little dressy and pricey for young kids.

My husband and I had such a nice dinner after our latest visit here that I thought it warranted an updated review. We arrived just past 6:00 pm on a Saturday. The restaurant was full and we were told that our wait would be about 20 minutes- no big deal, we expected as such on a Saturday evening. Luckily, we found the last two open seats at the bar and enjoyed a drink while we waited. After about 15 minutes, the hostess informed us that a table was almost ready and recommended that we cash out at the bar. Our hostess noticed how busy the bartenders where, and was kind enough to approach one of the directly to ask that he get our bill for us, which he immediately did. Sure enough, a few minutes later, we were seated at our table. We ordered the Honzo Shrimp appetizer, which was good, not exceptional, but good. For our entrees, my husband ordered one of the specials, which was the 24 oz Ribeye, and I went for the stuffed "Blazing" burger and asked that my side of fries be cooked well done. Now, I love a good burger, but would not normally order one at a nicer restaurant- something told me to, and I'm glad I went with my gut. Our entrees arrived and both were plated very nicely. While my husband raved over his Ribeye, I also was raving about my burger. This burger was very large, very juicy and very flavorful! I must say, one of the best burgers that I've had. I also have to add that the fries were perfect- steak cut, extra crispy and seasoned just right. To me, this is very important- if I'm going to indulge in deep fried carbs, it better be worth it. Admittedly, I ate everything off of the plate. I could not help it, it was that good..... Now, back to the Ribeye. My husband was kind enough to cut a generous piece for me to try- OMG, awesome! Like my burger, the Ribeye was juicy and cooked to perfection! It also has some sort of glaze on it that was wonderful. He ordered the potato croquettes as a side. The croquettes looked like extra large tater tots, but were actually very crispy on the outside and extra creamy/cheesy in the inside. Again, delicious, and a nice change from your usual potato choices.

We normally do not order dessert at restaurants because we are too full after our meals, but my husband caved and ordered the Crème Brulee. Although the portion seemed a bit small, it was like a taste of creamy, vanilla, crispy caramel heaven....well worth the indulgence.

We were there a good two hours and the restaurant was as full when we left as when we arrived. Our waiter apologized a couple of times for the longer wait, but we did not mind, and actually did not think the wait was that bad for how busy the restaurant was. I would consider this restaurant as a bit on the "classy" side, though not "snooty" and would recommend for a "date night" restaurant, or a good place to meet friends. Yes, some of the menu items are a bit pricey, but there are several other choices on the menu that are reasonable, when considering that the food quality is so good.

I heard that the restaurant my be relocating to Clarkston? I'm guessing probably to a larger space, but will be bummed that we may have to drive a bit further to dine here, as the current location is so convenient for us.

My husband and I ate here on a recent Saturday night. I had the Firecracker Chicken and my hubbie had the Parmesan Chicken. Both were excellent. Chicken can be dry and tasteless but both our cuts were cooked and seasoned just right. My chicken wasn't too spicy but spicy enough to enjoy while my husband's tasted great. We've eaten at this Union Lake establishment a number of times now and each time we have enjoyed the decor (classy, contemp), the food and the service. The specials are almost always worth trying. We found this place last winter and now eat here every few weeks. We're picky, so know when you eat here it's going to be good! • • • My husband and I ate here on a recent Saturday night. I had the Firecracker Chicken and my hubbie had the Parmesan Chicken. Both were excellent. Chicken can be dry and tasteless but both our cuts were cooked and seasoned just right. My chicken wasn't too spicy but spicy enough to enjoy while my husband's tasted great. We've eaten at this Union Lake establishment a number of times now and each time we have enjoyed the decor (classy, contemp), the food and the service. The specials are almost always worth trying. We found this place last winter and now eat here every few weeks. We're picky, so know when you eat here it's going to be good! • • •

Spent a long enjoyable time coming up with the perfect pairing of microbrew and food.  Intelligent wait staff had good advice,  know the beers and the foods.  I like this place!

New Years Eve 2013. Absolutely amazing. The best way to end the year was at the lakes bar and grill. Our waitress Alex was so sweet and attentive. The food was great.and the drinks wow. Loved everything except the older gentlemen that almost ran me over on my way to the bathroom. Someone needs to tell him to slow down. All in all a great place to relax and ring in the New Year. Will be back soon

Awesome!! from the moment that we walked through the door until the end of our service everything was great. a lovely waitress named Rachal made us feel welcome and relaxed. we both had the special for the day and was recommended highly by our waitress. my girlfriend had the sea bass, sweet and cooked just right and i had the baby back ribs that i overheard the man behind the bar describe it as 'just came out of the oven and fall off the bone". he wasn't wrong tender and delicious. we usually have to go out of our way for great food, novi or into the white lake - highland area but with this place only miles from our house it is a great place to make our new favorite place to eat. and did i mention the great beer selection. over half made right here in michigan. love it • • • Awesome!! from the moment that we walked through the door until the end of our service everything was great. a lovely waitress named Rachal made us feel welcome and relaxed. we both had the special for the day and was recommended highly by our waitress. my girlfriend had the sea bass, sweet and cooked just right and i had the baby back ribs that i overheard the man behind the bar describe it as 'just came out of the oven and fall off the bone". he wasn't wrong tender and delicious. we usually have to go out of our way for great food, novi or into the white lake - highland area but with this place only miles from our house it is a great place to make our new favorite place to eat. and did i mention the great beer selection. over half made right here in michigan. love it • • •

I have brought everyone I know to this establishment! NEVER a let-down. The staff is amazing when it comes to wine selection. The steak is my favorite (I have had every one of them and can't pick which is best!!!!). The cost-per-person is a little on the higher end FOR ME ONLY because I usually split a bottle of wine with a friend, but if you consider 2 EXCELLENT steak dinners AND a bottle of fine wine for $50, thats a GREAT DEAL in my opinion! - Tori Thompson, Owner of POSH by Tori BOUTIQUE, Commerce ....PS: Please carry a Moscatto soon!!! See you guys next week! • • • I have brought everyone I know to this establishment! NEVER a let-down. The staff is amazing when it comes to wine selection. The steak is my favorite (I have had every one of them and can't pick which is best!!!!). The cost-per-person is a little on the higher end FOR ME ONLY because I usually split a bottle of wine with a friend, but if you consider 2 EXCELLENT steak dinners AND a bottle of fine wine for $50, thats a GREAT DEAL in my opinion! - Tori Thompson, Owner of POSH by Tori BOUTIQUE, Commerce ....PS: Please carry a Moscatto soon!!! See you guys next week! • • •

You would not expect to find a place of this caliber tucked away in a strip mall, but surprise, surprise. I'll be the first to tell you, most restaurants are medicore at best, opting to serve the food Gordon's Food Service provides. These guys don't. Our group has been here probably a half dozen times over the past year now and never had a bad meal. Try the Blackberry Chicken, the Flank Steak, Firecracker Chicken or any of the specials. The food is always first class, the presentation is great and the ambiance of this place resembled that of a upper scale, casual restaurant. Our service has always been spot on. I don't know the chef or the owners. Read my other reviews here. I'm picky, but this place deserves the accolades. Try it. • • • You would not expect to find a place of this caliber tucked away in a strip mall, but surprise, surprise. I'll be the first to tell you, most restaurants are medicore at best, opting to serve the food Gordon's Food Service provides. These guys don't. Our group has been here probably a half dozen times over the past year now and never had a bad meal. Try the Blackberry Chicken, the Flank Steak, Firecracker Chicken or any of the specials. The food is always first class, the presentation is great and the ambiance of this place resembled that of a upper scale, casual restaurant. Our service has always been spot on. I don't know the chef or the owners. Read my other reviews here. I'm picky, but this place deserves the accolades. Try it. • • •

Great looking menu and very good service. I was a little disappointed in my choice, the shrimp fettuccini with wine sauce rather than Alfredo. It had good flavor but just didn't stick with the noodles. I'll go back and hope to try the filet or salmon on my next visit. It's pretty upscale for a "bar and grill"...

This is the second time I visited this restaurant and could not have had a more pleasant experience. The hostess was a grandmother type who really welcomed my boyfriend and I into the restaurant. I ordered the Rainbow Trout and was in heaven with every bite. Super delicious!

After reading some on-line reviews, my husband and I decided to try this restaurant. Like most, we were curious to check out this place, as the location is a bit odd with it being in a strip mall. We arrived just before 7 pm on a Saturday evening and the restaurant was full. The woman who greeted us at the door was very pleasant and informed us that there would be about 1/2 hour wait- she said we could eat at the bar, but we decided to have a drink at the bar and wait for our table. The atmosphere is updated and very nice- not what you would envision from the outside. There were two bartenders, but it took almost 10 minutes before we were asked what we would like to drink. After ordering, it took about the same to actually receive our drinks. I'm not sure why it took so long, as they did not seem overly busy. By the time we got about 1/2 way through our drinks, we were seated at our table. The rest of our visit went very well. Our waitress was friendly and knowledgeable. After telling us the specials for the evening, I decided on the Surf and Turf Mac & Cheese and my husband went with one of the specials, which was a T-Bone Steak with Herbed Butter and Zip Sauce (and he also ordered a side of the Seafood Soup). I have to say that both of our meals were delicious! The mac & cheese was the best that I've ever had (dare I say, better than the Union/Woodshop). The "steak" seemed more like roast (but very tender), and there were only a few pieces of lobster, but it still tasted awesome- rich and creamy. My husband's steak was cooked and seasoned nicely. I also liked that the side of veggies was a mixture of different veggies and cooked perfectly- a bit on the crisp side and not soggy or loaded with butter. The orzo that accompanied my husband's steak was very flavorful as well. The soup was also delicious- not the generic cream based seafood soup, but a tasty, tomato based soup with chunks of seafood.

Some of the entrees are a bit overpriced, and the menu selection is a bit scarce, but the quality of the food was very good.

Overall, we enjoyed ourselves and will definitely be back.

My friend Amy and I went to the Lakes Bar And Grill on a Saturday night. Just before six. When we walked in, we were told there might be a wait, but we could eat at the bar. I'm not one to eat at bars, so we said we would wait, because I will drink at a bar. The hostess came back and said they had a table.

My first impression of the menu was that it was pretentious and overpriced. They had things I would like coupled with things I wouldn't
(Surf and turf Mac and cheese? Ahhh,,,no). I thought about having a drink but well martini's were $7.00! Again, no.

I finally decided to get the Lakes burger with onion rings ( $9.75 plus $2.00 up charge for onion rings) and a crock of the French onion soup ($3.75) and a iced tea. Amy got the French onion soup and Lakes burger with fries ( it comes with fries) and a diet coke.

The soup was good, a little greasy, but still pretty tasty. The table bread was so good...I could have eaten the whole thing.  I loved the plates. Big and heavy and pleasing to the eye. Everything was presented beautifully. Then our burgers came. My first bite was....wow! It had that just off the grill flavor that you don't find in restaurants very often. The onion rings were great though I didn't care for the dipping sauce. The French fries were good too, more of the steak fry variety.

We where only able to eat half the burgers but we both agreed that we would come back again when we needed a good hamburger fix.

When the bill arrived I was curious about the $4.93 discount and our waitress Katie said that before 6:00 pm you get the second entree for half price! Who knew! Service was great and everyone was friendly.

Amy and I will definitely go back, and if we get there before 6:00 we might even try a $29.00 steak.

This place was great.  I'm surprised by some of the other reviews I see.  I thought it was reasonably priced and the food was delicious.  The menu is not huge but the specials have always sounded/been great.  I've had great experiences, with great food and friendly staff.  Not a complaint to be made.

A nice surprise!  Especially for a restaurant in a strip mall.  Reasonably priced, interesting menu.  Food was well presented, served quickly and hot.  Waitress was attentive and knowledgable. Decor was warm and inviting.

I have frequented Lakes Bar & Grill time and time again since it opened. My husband and I are always pleased with the service and find the food to be good. The salads are always very fresh and chilled, the cocktails are always prepared just right and most of the main dishes we have ordered have been good.
I did not like the calamari the one time I ordered it and wish that they would use a larger shrimp in their shrimp pasta dish...but those are the only two times we have not been satisfied.
If you order before 6:00PM you receive a discount on your meal, too.
We also like the atmosphere and ambience of the restaurant.

My husband and I went here the other night and had a great time. It's a small little place but they make good use of the space they do have on the inside. They actually have a very nice drink menu, my husband especially liked the Michigan speciality beers. At the beginning they offer you bread, which was baked to near perfection- extremely tasty and they will offer you additional bread if you like for no cost! For dinner, I had the surf and turf which was excellent and my husband had barbeque ribs which were a half slab but seemed to really fill up his plate. All in all, it was an enjoyable experience for him and I. Oh, and during the week at particular times they have a deal on entree's where if you buy one you get one half off. That's a killer deal and you most certainly get your money's worth!!

We went on a Thursday night, which they call "Date" night and if you order 2 entrees you get a free dessert. The turtle cheesecake was yummy and the Rainbow trout and Firecracker Chicken were even better. We just got back from DC and this place could rival any of the ones we went too, including the iconic Ebbit Grill. James was an excellent server, friendly but not intrusive.

People were dressed in jeans, business casual, and for dates. It's a place that welcomes everyone and while a little higher in price than a neighborhood restaurant, is worth every penny.

Tucked away in a strip mall, I have to confess we hardly ever expected this level of innovation and excellence from The Lakes Bar and Grille in Union Lake when we walked in the door the first time.

I've eaten here perhaps eight times over the past year and each time the food on been spot on as well as the entire experience. On a recent Saturday night three of us went and all of us were delighted again.

First, the food is great. Executive Chef Michael Mason has created some solid standards. The Blackberry Chicken is top notch, which is what my dining companions ate. I opted for the Flank Steak which was thinly sliced and with the Lakes zip sauce. I wanted medium and I got it, as well as a piece of steak that was wonderful. Flank steak can be a matter of eating around the grist at times, but this cut was great. No problems.  I've had the specials such as fish in the past and each time they have been cooked just right.

To be honest, I've read the other reviews on this place and don't get them. I'm kind of picky but the food and presentation here has always been first rate. As far as my five starts, this place isn't the Lark, but for what it is, a small restaurant which strives to be more than a burger joint or just a grille, they excel.

I bought a groupon for this restaurant. First of all, this restaurant is not real close to where I live so it was a bit of a drive to get there.  The restaurant was very busy and for a while, we thought we were going to have to sit outside but luckily they found a great table for us. The restaurant itself is new and is very nicely designed and decorated. The service was not the best.  Probably too many customers and not enough wait staff.  The food was actually very good.  I would consider going back there if I happened to be in the area but I would not go out of my way.