I got to go in during a soft opening night. My husband is from the area but we are in no way related to the owners by friend or family.... We just called to ask if they had dine-in and because some of the owners' friends hadn't come in, they said they would be happy to have us.
The food was great!! I went to this place last summer and wasn't completely sold on it because it was basically just pizzas and subs, which isn't really my thing. I really wanted some good stuff that could be local like some fish, beef, or other produce. This new menu did not disappoint! They started us out with some amazing garlic bread that we got to dip in olive oil with herbs. I got the panko crusted walleye with garlic butter caper sauce, fingerling potatoes, and green beans. My husband got the pepper encrusted steak tenderloin (real name is French I can't pronounce) with cheddar potatoes and green beans. Everything was cooked well and seasoned to perfection. I don't know how they did it but my fish stayed hot to the last bite. I could eat those potatoes every day! The green beans were still slightly crunchy and fresh tasting just the way I like them. Lots of other stuff on the menu looks good too so I'll have to come back (beer based ribs, you're next!!).
The drinks were tasty and fast. I got a margarita (which was yum!!), and then said bartender's choice something fruity.... No idea what it was but it looked like the water of torch lake and was also very tasty. They don't really have a drink menu, but they have a full bar. I'm not very well versed in mixed drinks, so if I were to critique one thing it would be that I'd love to see a mixed drink menu to help me decide.
We were there the 2nd week they were open under the new owners. The sticky chicken was delicious. My husband and another in our party had ribs and both said they were wonderful. Our service was great, no complaints. The wait for food was not excessive. I was hoping they had the lasagna the previous owners had but no such luck. The atmosphere is casual so as far as dress shorts and jeans are fine.
Hidden Treasure! With five star food! Absolutely nothing compares! Not even in Traverse City. Starting right from the fresh baked bread. Appetizers made from scratch! Fresh walleye every time, a fillet you can cut with a butter knife served over a sauce that can not be replicated. Salads chopped to perfection. Beef tips mmmmuhhhhh. Let’s not forget the atmosphere. Perfection. A dozen times here under the new ownership and they never miss a beat. Perfect place for a date night or to bring the entire family (wish I would of taken pictures)
There’s a brand new owner who we know from friends of friends and we decided to try it out. They are having a soft opening starting with just pizza and it was great! We got two larges, cheese and pepperoni, and both were very good. Much better than chain restaurants and super nice to know it’s from a local family who has been here their whole lives, especially because the main cook has a degree in culinary arts.
Highly recommend checking it out and supporting a very friendly local family as they bring the place up to full speed.
The new owners have taken over and made the place theirs. There is a new menu. The decor is the same and very nice. The food was excellent - far better than their predecessor’s. The service was excellent. The only thing that prevented me from giving it all 5 stars is the seats are hard wood and are uncomfortable after a fairly short period of time sitting. I am happy for the new owners and I am sure they will succeed where their predecessor failed. I look forward to many seasons dining there.
Fantastic service and the food was absolutely wonderful . Omg the walleye was fantastic . All around great place. Pricing was normal to high but very much worth it. I would defiantly recommend this hidden treasure. Give it a try, you will enjoy it.
Just remember it isn’t a fast food joint. They take pride in their food and service so make sure to have time to enjoy.
We had a delicious dinner tonight!! Ate every bit! I had the pepper crusted beef tenderloin with mushroom cream sauce. Very friendly and hard-working servers. Full service bar. Finally a place to eat a nice meal in the south Torch Lake / Alden area!!
visited this place since the reopening, thanks Rosie and Jason for buying this and opening it again. Food was delicious and well we already loved it before. We will be back.
I was shocked how well my Tenderloin was prepared, I was actually floored. To my delightful dismay I enjoyed the best steak with a sauce I've ever had the pleasure of dining on. That's from Naples to New York, Chicago, and Detroit hands down best steak I've ever had in my life, smack dap in little ol Alden, Michigan. To go to Alden and not stop at the Bistro would be doing you and the family a great diservice, it's a must stop destination. Absolutely beautiful rustic up North comfortable family friendly atmosphere. The service was fast friendly but the attention to detail of the staff was extraordinary. Topped off with The Blue's exceptional out of this world's bold flavors in all of thier dishes. The bar of standard has been raised ladies and gentlemen, come see what the fuss is all about. Fellas is you need a place to make a lady feel like she's eating food from a 5 star restaurant this is the place!
The pizza at Bluewater Bistro is great ! I usually don’t eat pizza crust but loved how tender & flaky the crust was…almost like eating a croissant. Also, mushrooms on the pizza were fresh-tasting. Yum!
New owners! We ordered two pizzas and cheese bread for pickup. Our order was ready quickly and the food was SO good! Will absolutely order again. Grateful for this option so close to home!
The new owners have made huge improvements. Picked up pizza and cheese bread on Saturday night. The food was ready when they said it would be, the staff was kind and the food was great! Thank you!
Great pizza! The new owners were very nice and food was ready when I picked it up. This area really needs a locally owned restaurant and I really wish the new owners the best.
First time eating at the Bistro - had the chicken Alfredo and it was delicious. Friendly staff and very comfortable dining room. Looking forward to coming back soon.
Delicious gluten free crust! Excellent find up north.
New owners! Great pizza, service and atmosphere. The GF crust is by far the best I’ve had EVER!
Our waiter, Rob, was a wonderful young guy! The owner Jason checked in to be sure we were happy, and we were!
The steak au poivre was wonderful. The new owners are really starting off strong.
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