Pierson's Grille & Spirits — Restaurant in Harbor Springs

EDITED ON 10/02/2024. After contacting other management at the establishment, Chandler, the owner of Piersons, has contacted me directly. I am beyond happy with this interaction. He apologized to me profusely about what had happened to my boyfriend and I on Monday night. He assured me that we’d be receiving a refund for the order AND also said he’d give us a gift card to use at one of his other very nice establishments. I’m changing my review from 1 star to 3 stars. The only reason I left 1 star was because of one person at Piersons (as mentioned below). Thank you CHANDLER, for taking the time out of your day to call me and set things strait. You’ve truly shown the proper representation your establishment has and deserves, which is courteous, caring, and kind. I will always be glad to dine at Chandlers, Mitchell St Pub, and make purchases at Symons General Store. Thank you.

Blown away by what’s happened tonight. Let me start by saying, Chelsea (or however you spell it) has NO business being in the service industry! I’ve been in the restaurant business for 13 years myself as a waitress and I have NEVER experienced such disrespect and complete disregard. My partner and I came in about 9:45pm. We hardly dine in Harbor Springs and we were there for a private family matter just trying to get some to-go food. We ordered takeout- a cup of soup and a burger with fries; no drinks or anything else. Not even 5 whole minutes had passed since putting in the order and we decided to try and cancel the order. We are very kind people. My partner apologized for the inconvenience and respectfully asked that the order be cancelled. Chelsea, the bartender, proceeded to say that the order has already been rung in and the kitchen has already started making it and if we don’t pay she will call the cops. Really? Never, have I EVER experienced this type of treatment. I work at a well established steakhouse, and we HAPPILY will cancel to go orders from customers who’ve changed their mind. I could’ve understood if the food was packed and ready to go, but it was less than 5 minutes! After talking to another waitress at the establishment we also come to find out she is a manager. Unbelievable. This is who you let run this establishment? Talked to other patrons who were in Bar Harbor and told us that she’s known for being an awful bartender- rude to customers, crappy attitude. We were told she is a sole reason locals chose not to dine there. Add two more to the list! Chelsea, whatever’s going on in your life, I truly hope you can heal. I’d also like to add that Chelsea is the only reason I’m writing this review and why we will never be back. I’ve had other experiences at Piersons with other servers that were great. They deserve that...

I have no idea how this place has received as many 4+ stars as it has. Almost makes me want to question the rating system or what they are able to do to alter reviews. I am not sure I have had an all around worse dining experience in years. I know covid has been very difficult on restaurants, but experiences like this cannot simply be disregarded especially at this time. It was our first time in the area with lots of choices based on google reviews, and this was a complete disaster from start to finish.

Initially out of almost every single appetizer. Food came out wrong, and some not at all until all others were finished, even though we watched many tables that arrived after us get the same exact food. Food was mostly terrible across the board as a consensus. Not just average or mediocre for the price, it was either overcooked (whitefish), undercooked (pizza and vegetables), or just pour tasting all together (fishy tasting, watery noodles, tough, etc). The truffle fries I think were the only bright spot of the evening. Spoke to that manager a couple of times after the waitress tired to cover with stories that made no sense at all, and he did take a couple of items off. Honestly should have been almost the entire disaster of food order if they ever wanted to see any of us again. I"m guessing this place wont be around for long, but my advice is to do yourself a favor and don't waste your money like we unfortunately did. Its almost impossible to believe this could just be "an off night" as the manager...

Sure would have liked to have eaten here. We stepped inside stood squarely in front of the hostess at least that’s what she appeared to be. Although there was no welcome just someone obviously disjointed. She fumbled with menus and sat other folks that outside claiming that the place was filling up fast. When I could I thought get her attention I asked about the three vacant booths she ignored me and talked to herself while shuffling her menus and continued to finally recognize the two ladies behind my wife and I and said two? You can come with me oh and you two as well. Took us to the very back tables where I again asked about the booths finally she kinda looked at us and mumbled something about the fact the booths were to be occupied by someone else later? We left went and ate a pizza at Turkey’s as we drove by we couldn’t help but notice that the a couple of the booths were still empty. Most rude person I’ve ever encountered. I traveled extensively for 36 years entertaining folks all over our country. We used sail into this cute little town no more...