Oat Soda Lake Orion — Restaurant in Lake Orion

This review is for 2 separate visits.

1st Visit:

Started with the Big Bloody Bloody Mary and a White Russian for drinks. White Russian was good, but the Big Bloody was something else. A mason jar full of tomato greatness. The drink was garnished with a pickle spear and olive, along with a few deli meats and cheeses. Yum. Ordered the Polish Breakfast Bowl & Apple Cinnamon French Toast from the Brunch menu. Both were delicious. The polish breakfast bowl reminded me of my family, and the apple cinnamon french toast was on a whole other level and not too sweet. While it doesn't need butter or maple syrup, it does elevate it to another level. I saw other tables get sliders delivered and I am excited to come back and try them because they look amazing. Highly recommend this place.

2nd Visit:

Finally got around to getting back to this place, and this visit was less than stellar. Essentially, we waited forever to be seated, waited forever to have our order taken, and even longer to get our food. All the tables were sat, and most of the bar was full, so I understand they were busy, but when we got there the hostess told us it was about a 10-minute wait, but it ended up being closer to 45 minutes. The food was good, I got the beef sliders and fingerling potatoes. However, it took us a total of 2 hours from giving our name to leaving. My mother was visiting, and I had told her about how good my previous visit was, so we decided to check it out so I could finally try the sliders.

I understand things happen, and no one wants anyone to be waiting, including the restaurant staff, but this definitely soured my opinion of this place. I really enjoyed my first time here a lot, so I think I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and not write it off yet. We all have bad days, and again, the food wasn't bad. I think I would have enjoyed the sliders more if I hadn't already been upset by the long wait times. Anyway - I'm sure I will give this place another shot in the future, and I hope it goes better, as I do really like this place. Lowering score...

I hosted a private party at Oat Soda for my mom’s birthday celebration. I thought this was going to be challenge to plan because I live in Southwest Michigan, about 3 hours away, my mom lives in California and was coming to Michigan for a visit and the majority of her life long friends and family live in the suburbs of Detroit. The restaurant was the perfect venue, Jen, Jason, Danny and staff made sure they he party went off without a hitch! It was a fabulous event! First I want to be clear that I had checked or tried to check out other venues with no luck, I received little to no calls back, Oat Soda was AMAZING! Jen & Jason met with me via video meeting to go over my options for the party. There were several elderly relatives in attendance and there has been a rise in Covid lately so it was fabulous that we had their outdoor deck for people who were more comfortable outside, in addition they have two large garage/wall doors that were opened with screens, it was a great atmosphere!!!! Now let’s talk about the food and drink! FABULOUS, DELICIOUS, FRESH INGREDIENTS! If you are a Craft Beer lover this will be your favorite place! They have 30 craft beers available, a large wine selection and cocktails that will be in harmony with your taste buds for days! (I am still dreaming about the Watermelon cosmo I had) The food was delectable, we had about 30 guests at the party and everyone raves about their meal! We had a table of appetizers for our guests when they arrived and then they each ordered off the menu for their entree. I have posted some different dishes. My favorite appetizer was the Smoked Whitefish Spread. Do yourself a favor and go visit Oat Soda, you will...

Jason, Jen and Danny have done a great job on this place. Excellent beer selection on draft, to go in crowler/growler, or from their cooler area.

Food: Great variation of Stack Burgers and they are all delicious! Our favourites are the olive Burger and currently they have a Polish burger on special. Usually towards the weekend they put on featured specials so be sure to check their social media or website on Thursday/Friday to see what new they have come up with.

The beet salad is my wife's favorite, I love their Polish plate and don't forget fresh baked cookies for dessert! BLT Caesar, is for those that LOVE bacon. Mediterranean pizza has some flavorful roasted garlic, tomatoes and artichoke hearts.

One of the best if not the best places to get your craft beer fix, with 30 taps that are rotated often. You'll sure to find something new to enjoy! Checkout their social media to see when their next tap takeover is.

These guys have been in the industry for awhile before opening Oat Soda. They have only been open for a few years, but their experience, connections and knowledge much surpass that. Attend one of their beer, wine, or cider pairing nights...you'll leave full and happy!

Speaking of happy, their happy hour has half off beers that you can pair perfectly with a 2 meat and 2 cheese charcuterie. Finally, have a date night out on some Wednesdays, play music bingo and win...