Blue Slipper Bistro

We have been here several times but not in a few years. To be honest the inside décor/​carpet could use some updating, a good candidate for Restaurant Impossible. We started w soup and salad — homemade basil vinaigrette was good. My husband ordered the seafood chowder which was good but more potato/​bacon etc than seafood. Bread was not risen enough and not anything special which was too bad-​I expected to have a dipping oil of some kind but at least there was real butter. Food was served quickly, too. I ordered chicken scallopini which was very good as was my husbands pork saltimboca. He was very pleased. Veggie was broccoli — nothing special as far as preparation. Bottom line is that it’s worth a try and some dishes are quite good but you get the sense that things could be stepped up a bit, too.

Ate here recently for a late lunch/​early dinner. Aside from us only one other table was occupied. From the outside I wasn’t sure what to expect but this place came recommended from several friends. Our waiter was fantastic & very attentive. Entrees came with a salad & fresh baked bread; artichoke dip was one of the best; blue gill was yummy & pasta to die for! So glad we stopped in.

Casual. Good Michigan beer selection. Friendly staff. Pleasantly surprised with the menu yes it had burgers, but other menu items were intriging. One caution if it is summer and you are going on a Friday night make a reservation.

The blue slipper is a warm, friendly local restaurant that does many things right. In a small town in northern Michigan it manages to soldier on in spite of the weak local economy and unfair competition from a nearby casino. The food is good, service just right and atmosphere perfect for what it is, no pretenses.

«The Slipper» used to be a great place for a late night meal or drink but during a recent visit to northern Michigan it was all but dead.
For at least an hour, my companion and I were the only customers on a Friday night.
The pizza place that was also owned by the same people in downtown has recently closed.
Save yourself the agony of the slow service and lack of talent in the kitchen by going somewhere else.

The establishment was hopping Oma Friday evening. Locals and tourist made for an interesting group. Fish special was very fresh lightly breaded served with garden veggies. We come here every year and love it. Highly reccomended.

Funky little bistro that’s one of the only places in town. Good mix of locals and those searching out a new place to eat. Been here just once, but found it comfortable, enjoyed my meal and the atmosphere greatly. The menu is a surprising mix and stays true with «bistro» fare. The service was pleasant and the bar was well stocked. I’ve heard that service and food can be «hit or miss» but I was pleased and look forward to visiting again. Keep in mind that this is not a «down-​state» restaurant and I think you’ll enjoy yourself much more. Kick back and enjoy it for what it is. If you’re one who can’t, well drive back down state and find an Olive Garden.

We had an excellent meal here during our recent fall color tour vacation in Manistee. The atmosphere was not much but the food made up for it.
We started with the excellent cheese bread. Doughy yet crisp loaf stuffed with plenty of melty mozzarella and parmesan. They had olive oil to dip it into on the table and also offered us dressings or marinara as an option. It rocked plain or lightly dipped in the olive oil.
We shared a big bowl of salad that was full of small bits of everything. It was great for me but hard on my picky husband who finally gave up on scraping away bits of olive, onion and all other manner of things not to his liking. We each got different dressings. I adored the homemade poppyseed, James was fine with the ranch.
I had the seafood spaghetti which was excellent and full of seafood. It was in a rich tomato cream sauce. It was really good but after the eighth bite I was overwhelmed by the richness and took the rest home. I wish I had ordered differently because I know better about myself. My husband had tortellini with chicken in a cream sauce that he found very happy indeed.
We were annoyed a bit by the well water flavored ice but did better after asking for un-​iced pop.
We also had a show as we sat at a table near the bar and watched a first day trainee accidently make a round of bloody marys with gin and pour way too much alcohol into everything else. Sadly we were bad enough to take advantage and order a couple for ourselves. Whoo, kinda fun times.

Onekama has so few restaurants, I am hesitant to cast too harsh a criticism. The food was edible, and as previously mentioned, the atmosphere is casual. Unfortunately, the service can also be described as «casual». Service is slow, and the kitchen is not good with special orders. I came with a big group, and there was a collective disappointment with the experience. Pricey by area standards.
There is also a small lunch/​pizza place associated with the Slipper, near the hardware store. Good spot for lunch.

Planning to return to the Blue Slipper as soon as possible.
This is a really neat placea very comfortable casual ambiance. The pasta dishes are very good. The kitchen prpares and serves one of the best Lake Perch meals in Michigan.
Local craft brewed beers are featured as well as wines from Peninsula Cellars.