The Golden Stag — Restaurant in Manistee

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ From the moment we stepped through the doors of The Golden Stag, it was clear this was going to be a special dining experience. Tucked along the Manistee River, the restaurant has a warm, inviting feel that manages to be both stylish and relaxed. (The river is a short walk, which was enjoyable after we dined. The natural light during the early evening glowed beautifully across the water, and as dusk settled in.) We did enjoy the outdoor seating on River Street.

We were warmly welcomed and seated immediately by the friendly staff, who took the time to walk us through the menu and answer questions about several dishes. Their knowledge and enthusiasm for the food made us feel right at home and genuinely excited to try everything. Throughout the evening, the service remained consistently attentive without ever feeling rushed or intrusive—every course arrived at the perfect pace, and our drinks were never empty.

Speaking of the food, every dish we tried was exceptional. To start, we shared an appetizer platter that included freshly baked bread, bright, zesty dips, and perfectly seasoned small bites that hinted at the Mediterranean inspiration woven throughout the menu. Each item had its own distinct flavor, and together they made a wonderfully balanced introduction to what followed.

For my main course, I ordered a wood-fired pizza that was simply outstanding. The crust had that beautiful char you can only get from a true wood oven—light and airy inside, crisp on the edges, and full of flavor. The toppings were incredibly fresh and thoughtfully combined, striking the ideal balance of savory, creamy, and bright notes. My dining companion chose a pasta dish with a lemony sauce and tender chicken, and she couldn’t stop commenting on how perfectly cooked and satisfying it was.

We also treated ourselves to dessert and were so glad we did. The homemade baklava was a standout—flaky, rich, and drizzled with just the right amount of honey to complement rather than overwhelm. Paired with a smooth cup of coffee, it was the perfect way to end the meal.

What makes The Golden Stag truly special is the way everything comes together seamlessly: the spectacular atmosphere, the polished and friendly service, and the creative, beautifully executed food. Whether you’re sitting inside near the windows or outside soaking up the fresh air, the whole experience gives a sense of calm and connection to place that’s hard to find elsewhere.

It’s clear the team here cares deeply about what they do, from the thoughtful menu to the warm hospitality. Every detail feels intentional, and the result is a restaurant that feels both sophisticated and comfortable—somewhere you can dress up for a date night or come as you are and feel completely welcome.

If you find yourself in Manistee, do yourself a favor and make time for a meal here. It’s the kind of place that reminds you just how good dining out can be when everything is done with care and passion. We left already planning our next visit and couldn’t recommend it more highly. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Five...

Honest review. I stopped in for dinner June 21st with two friends. The decor was very nice but that's about the only positive I have from my experience.

We arrived and chose to get seated at the bar. When we sat we noticed that the room was very hot. They said that the Air Conditioning unit wasn't working. (They can only control so much I get that)

We asked questions about the menu. Sadly the pasta is not made in house and comes from a box/bag. Which is a shame since pasta is relatively easy to make and they in my opinion are charging fresh pasta prices.

I was still in the mood for pasta so I ordered Fettuccine Alfredo and added chicken the dish. When it arrived the sauce was bland and my chicken that I paid for was boiled.... Boiled flavorless chicken added to a already bland pasta.

Also on the bar side of things... I noticed them spraying all the drinking glasses with a rosemary spray... sadly when my CocaCola arrived it was rosemary flavored. And all of the dry fruit for the drink came from boxes as well.

My friend ordered a Tequila based drink. She mentioned it needed another shot cause it was very light.... the bartender heard and asked if she wanted another shot added... she said yes please.. the bartender then added a shot of Vodka to the tequila drink.

The staff was as polite as they could be. They definitely had some new workers on hand.. or at least I'm assuming so from the amount of dishes that kept getting broken around us.

Overall 2 out of 5 stars. Under seasoned food that's over priced for the quality being served. The establishment was a full house so the locals must enjoy it but we most...

Unfortunately, I have to update my original review after several disappointing experiences. My first dinner was amazing but each time after that has been a disappointment. This last visit was so upsetting that I knew I needed to update. They tried to serve wine that had been opened the day before and had already gone bad. We started the meal with the two appetizers; Bison meatballs and the Golden Greek Salad. The meatballs were bland and the sauce tasted like it came straight from a can. The salad is one of our staples and it was not made with the same standards it used to. Happy hour (4-6pm) is limited to those only able to sit at the bar (6-8 seats only). We decided to cut our dinner short as nothing we had ordered had been enjoyable. The bill was $70 for a subpar salad, 3 tasteless meatballs, a cocktail and glass of wine (that had to be replaced). Save your money and go somewhere that decides to keep the standards they began with.

ORIGINAL REVIEW (from 2023, photos go with original review) We visited the Golden Stag on their opening night and were not disappointed. This is a true gem for Manistee and a must visit. The service was friendly and the staff was very knowledgeable. After visiting Europe, I longed for an aperol spritz and an authentic Italian meal and this lived up to my expectations. We are excited to visit again and cannot wait to try more of the menu. Should you need to wait for a table, don't be deterred; the experience is...