Hank's Tavern — Restaurant in Muskegon

I don't take posting bad reviews lightly, and I try to take all variables in consideration when making my reviews but our visit was mediocre at best. The food itself was decent (except the kids food, more on that below) but the service leaves a lot to be desired. To start the waitress acted as if we were an inconvenience to be served, she forgot multiple items that we requested and only checked on us one time during our visit, our cups were empty most of the time we were there. Keep in mind they were not very busy, there was only a handful of tables with customers.

To preface the food part, I had my 2 yo nephew with me.

I ordered a grilled cheese and fries from the kids menu for him. The plate came out extremely hot, as well as the fries were extremely fresh and scalding. I don't necessarily have an issue with this except that the waitress set it down right in front of him. Additionally she set down a fork and steak knife set right in front of him too. Completely inappropriate for a small child at the table.

Now as I said, they weren't very busy, and I would like to assume the poor service was the cause of short staff or something but it felt as though they had adequate staffing based on the number of employees we saw. Additionally, my brother and his wife had eaten there a few weeks prior and after telling them our expectations they corroborated our experience with their own equally poor visit.

In short, based on food price and service received, this is not worth the time or money. I would recommend The Station Grill or Turk's Tavern (Exit 9 I-96...

Definitely eat here! There's several reasons why its a local favorite and you won't regret it!

The food: What a pleasantly unexpected variety of dietary options for a Tavern! The amount of tasty Gluten Free choices available here far exceed anywhere else that I've found in Muskegon thus far! The chef has a solid handle on seasoning and flavors just to say the least. Our steaks were cooked perfectly to order (medium-rare), perfectly seasoned, and were so juicy! The sides were so delicious that they stand up on their own. My Gluten Free son swears their burgers and tacos are the best he's ever had (my heart isn't too broken since he shares sometimes lol). The service and atmosphere: Excellent, friendly, and efficient service is provided for sure each time we've frequented. The atmosphere / service It's one of those places where you feel welcomed as if you're a regular even when you're new in town! (I'm not super new to the area anymore, but even when we were) the atmosphere and service will absolutely keep you coming back. After about a year in town my son also began working at the Tavern as his first job and I was not at all surprised to hear how exceptionally clean the back of house is kept, since everytime I had eaten there the dinning room and tables were so well maintained! It really is a great family owed, neighborhood gathering place with great food and service! So blessed to have such a cool eatery...

Just picked up two take out dinners from Hank's. They neglected to include the fries I ordered. Called to let them know and headed back to get the fries. No apologies were offered. Now I have some warm fries and 1& 1/2 cold dinners. This is not the first time my carry out was lacking something I ordered. Hanks is not what it used to be. The servers used to make guests feel appreciated and welcome. Not any more. When dining in at lunch you ask for something and have to ask for it again. It is as if the servers have attitudes. I am not saying they all have attitudes, but the ones I have interacted with don't have that professional server thing going on. My rating is based on my comparison of what the Hanks experience was (2018 and before) and what it is now. No comparison. Seems as if there is some strife in house. I heard the hostess tell the woman behind the bar that a party had been seated on the patio. The woman behind the bar snapped back, "I don't know who is going to get them." The hostess was trying, but it is hard to keep doing good work when people around you are negative and contentious. Hanks, you used to be so good. I could always count on you for a great dining experience. Please go back to your old way of...