Shirley's In the Woods Cafe — Restaurant in Bear Lake Township

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Shirley's in the Woods Cafe, and it's safe to say that this cozy little spot has won a special place in my heart. Nestled along the way to Traverse City, amidst picturesque landscapes it's a delightful stop for anyone, including those on snowmobile adventures during the winter months. First and foremost, let's talk about the food. As we arrived, the aroma of freshly prepared dishes welcomed us with open arms. The menu offered a wide array of options that catered to different tastes and preferences. From hearty breakfast delights to their scrumptious lunch specials, Shirley's in the Woods Cafe exceeded our expectations. But it wasn't just the delightful dishes that won us over. The warm and welcoming service provided by the attentive server truly made us feel at home. Our coffee cups were promptly refilled, ensuring we stayed fueled for our journey ahead. Their genuine care and friendly demeanor showcased the dedication and passion they have for their customers. It's clear that creating memorable experiences is a top priority. Now, let's talk about the cafe's ambiance. Surrounded by nature's serene beauty, this hidden gem embraces its surroundings flawlessly. Whether you're visiting during cherry-picking season or embarking on a winter snowmobile adventure, Shirley's offers a cozy retreat. The rustic decor, adorned with wooden accents and charming vintage pieces, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. It's the perfect place to relax, unwind, and enjoy great food with family and friends. In conclusion, Shirley's in the Woods Cafe is more than just a pitstop along the way – it's an experience to be savored. With delicious food, attentive service, and a location that captures the essence of its surroundings, this cafe has become one of our favorite stops. Whether you're passing through or looking for a delightful meal during your winter escapades, Shirley's in the Woods Cafe...

Their food was some of the best breakfast at a diner we have tried in quite some time. We visited from out of town this past labor day weekend. Everyone was nice with smiling faces and seemed to know the "regulars" that were in. Food was fresh and delicious, for great prices. Our family of four ate until we were stuffed for $32. Even their toast was good (I think they bake and sell their own homemade bread). Some very unique and over-the-top menu choices. They do have a smaller menu compared to most diners, but I think that works just fine because they are able to perfect the choices they do offer. I tried the "Cajun Sledder" which has cajun sausage, eggs, homefries, fried jalepeno coins, cheese, and it was absolutely amazing and also had a nice little kick. The owner, was in the kitchen helping cook which shows she really cares about her business and the food that is being served. My family was very pleased with the entire experience overall. We will definitely go back next summer when we visit...

Stopped here because of the 4.7 rating. We were disappointed, first because it took over an hour to get our food. Secondly because our waitress only stopped to tell us it wasn't her fault, she did everything right, did not seem to really care. We saw at least 2 tables that sat after us get their food and finish before we got ours and she served at least one of those tables. Finally the woman in charge came over to tell us our food would be right up, it wasn't. After she checked again she did come over and tell us breakfast was on the house. About 10 minutes later we did finally get our food. The food was okay, but nothing that merits a 4.7 rating. Now she did apologize as well as another waitress that didn't wait on us, but our waitress did her best to avoid us and offered no apology. We won't be eating here ever again. My only regret was not driving a little out of our way to Mancelona, home of the Iron skillet where we've had two...