Mary's Bistro Draught House — Restaurant in Mackinac Island

Where do I begin? This was my family's first time on Mackinac Island and the first place of business we entered. First thoughts of a quaint restaurant with inviting employees. We decided to sit outside. We had two families totaling 7 people.

Immediately prices seemed a little high but we were ok with that considering the location. Took about 10 minutes to even have someone take our drink orders. At the time they were not that busy. By the time we left they were packed.

We got our drink with no straws. Not a huge deal but everyone around us had them. I do not know about you but drinking out of a cup that's been used a lot do you really want to put your mouth on it?

Our waitress disappeared for another 30 or so minutes until she returned to finally take our order.

I ordered the lamb burger. A lamb burger to me would taste like lamb. Well, it tasted like a beef burger with a lamb aftertaste. Someone else at our table ordered the battered fish and the fish still had the skin on it.

Our waitress never returned to ask about refilling our drinks. I ordered an alcoholic drink and it was chain restaurant quality.

The main takeaway here is the service. Our waitress was not attentive and ignored us for the other tables around us.

We got our bill that was over 100 dollars and the tip was automatically put in. Why should I pay an automatic tip for bad service?

Oh and take cash. This business makes you pay their credit card fees. 3% on over 100...

Nice views, fantastic (wow) slushy-tea-fruit-alcohol drink, good whitefish dip, okay soft pretzels with cheese. Pricey at $60 for two drinks and two appetizers. The experience with the hostess was interesting. We had not decided if we would have food or drinks or both, and as such were banished to one of about six chairs at the outdoor bar. We sat at a table, contemplating an appetizer in order to 'qualify' for the table. I get it...."rules". The hostess came out very concerned.....I mean VERY concerned.... restating the rules and suggesting the four of us go to the bar. Then she told the waiter, who further admonished us. I kidded with the waiter stating I was a former EMT and if the hostess was showing signs of further physical distress over our indecision, perhaps I could treat her until the pros arrived. Clearly, these people are getting scared to death by management about the seating policy, and are doing their level best to comply, but......at 4 PM on Sunday with the place nearly empty, it might be better to lighten up a little. The outdoor tables were never 1/4 filled, the bar sat mostly empty, and when we left the preciously-guarded empty outdoor tables were blocked off by a rope. I've been in customer service, I get the value of tables with a view.....but for goodness sake, take a deep breath and think before lasting impressions are left that completely override the experience you are trying to create for...

I contacted Mary’s bistro about treating my guest at my wedding to dinner on August 1st. They were so accommodating considering several restaurants I called prior to were not helpful at all. We had a total of 20 guest, and what a great experience we had. Angel was phenomenal I spoke with her before coming to the island on several occasions. We came a day before and she held my cake materials, glasses, and went over everything with me to make our day so special. It seem like I was talking to an old friend, she was so wonderful, so sweet, and so accommodating considering it was so busy at the restaurant on this weekend. When we arrived the day of our wedding everything was set up. Angel actually walked us in announced us to our guest, and they had a special space set up for us, with our cake set up, music playing, and our dinner party turned into a reception. Our servers Lindsey, Jake, and Austin were awesome, accommodating, and just waiting on my guest hand and foot. My guest raved about all three of them. The appetizers were delicious, my guest enjoyed their drinks, and they even brought out real glasses for our toast. All of our guests really enjoyed the food, and we couldn’t have asked for a better day. Everything was perfect thanks Angel, Lindsey, Jake, and Austin you guys are terrific. John...