Flagship Tavern & Grill — Restaurant in Lake View Township

My friend group went to trivia night at this bar for years (even pre-Covid). This review is mostly a reflection of the ownership, rather than the staff who have always been nice to us through the years. There would always be gift certificates issued to winning teams (1st-3rd), which have been the same for years.

When I last went in (Oct 2024) to use a certificate that our team won in July or August of the same year, I presented it to the bar as I got my bill. They said they'd never seen these before and they would honor it that day (like they were doing a favor for me), but would not honor them moving forward because this was a thing from the last ownership group. I asked when the new ownership took over and was told early 2024. So, the only two options I can think of are that the owners didn't know that their bar was issuing bar dollars through trivia night for almost an entire year, or they are aware and are just trying to not honor the bar dollars anymore because they're having financial troubles.

Whichever it is, that's something a reputable business would honor and it is a pretty crappy practice to welch on that, as trivia night was the only reason we ever went there.

The food is so-so at best. The last takeout order that I got from them had some of the most forgettable fries I've had in a while. I tried to share some with people I was taking a road trip with right after picking them up and everybody had a few then said thanks,...

We had a gathering at Flagship the other night. It was the first time there for all of us, as being at such a busy traffic intersection it's easy to pass by and not notice it. They reserved us a great table on short notice even though it was during a Michigan State game. Pretty typical bar and grill decor, but the place was really comfortable and just felt really well looked after. What was most impressive to us about this place was the wide selection of food and drinks - there really was something there for everybody. We had the loaded fries, nachos, cheese curds and brussels sprouts for appetizers, and a selection of wraps, sliders, tacos, sandwiches and salads for entrees. People also found several drinks to enjoy, so everyone was happy. The food came out quickly, and everyone enjoyed their meals. Being so busy, the staff were doing great and always cheerful but it often took awhile for service to come around again. It's probably much more manageable when the Spartans aren't playing, but it's great that they have the ability to pay the check online so you don't need to wait to settle up. We'll certainly be back again, and may try their carryout...

I had a fantastic time here with friends recently.

The food is not for me. I found the cauliflower bites to be over-seasoned and overcooked inside its breading/batter. The fried pickle slices were too dry. The diner burger was also a little overcooked, and seemed under seasoned with my request to withhold cheese. Despite my dissatisfaction with the food, none of it was inedible and I still had a great restaurant experience here.

It doesn't mean a lot that a bar brands itself with a specific sports team; any establishment can add or change an "allegiance" at any time. Our social circle had an unexpectedly rough and traumatic week, but we had family in town and had already planned to come here to watch a game based on the place being an MSU bar. The service was so prompt, friendly, and helpful. I felt really comfortable and relaxed being able to hang out with people I enjoy and not think about said trauma for a while, and the atmosphere and service at Flagship enhanced that experience.

That's the whole point of going out with people at all, so I'm really glad we went here. They also have at least one NA beer here, for my...