The Blue Slipper Tavern — Restaurant in Onekama Township

In all of the many years I’ve visited restaurants this is the first time I’ve ever been threatened with physical harm over paying a check. This is two weeks ago, I decided to finish my trip before posting this so I could think over how to write this very negative review.

When we arrived the place was busy, which I at first thought “good, glad this old place is getting some business”. We sat at an outside picnic table and soon had a drink order in the works. And we waited. Drinks finally came and we ordered food. That took about a half an hour. The waitress finally delivered some very bland sandwiches apologizing for the long wait. Finished the very tasteless brisket sandwich, my wife and her sister left to go walk the dog while I waited for the check. And waited. AND waited. By this time most of the outdoor patrons had paid and left. So here I sit waiting for the check to pay and leave.

Finally I spot a guy standing outside the kitchen just looking around, I wave him over to say I want to pay and leave. He goes ballistic on me! “Can’t you see we’re extremely busy right now?!” I tell him “I guess you’re too busy for me to pay so maybe I should just leave?”. He goes even more ballistic, I stand up and now he’s inches from my face, he screams “Either you go inside and pay the check or I’ll bring you inside and you won’t like how I do it”. Not being a big fan of beating up restaurant employees I go inside the restaurant, the waitress finally appears and I pay, giving her 10% just to be nice. I also notice the inside has completely cleared out of customers.

Later I learn the hothead is the manager! Also learned he’s named Chris and apparently has a reputation as a hothead. These people don’t belong in the hospitality business if that’s how they treat customers. Definitely not...

First time in since the change of ownership and was hopeful to find a new place to order takeout close to Onekama.

Unfortunately, nothing hit the mark. Also would like to note I would have preferred to communicate this over a phone call, but between yesterday and today we have not had any luck getting someone to answer the phone.

The brisket sandwich was decent, but could use more flavor and desperately needs a better bun than basic white bread. Our chicken tenders were the ones you pray they aren’t when ordering at a restaurant.

But the real issue was the wing basket. The fries were soggy and the wings were some of the worst I’ve had. They almost seemed to be boiled as they were white and soggy, with 1 of the 6 being a wing/drum fusion with snapped bones that should not have been served to a customer - see picture.

Overall for $50, this was a disappointment to bring home for dinner. Posting this in hopes it can improve as Onekama really needs...

Incredible food, a warm and welcoming vibe, and a surprisingly impressive selection of vegetarian options! We went all in on the dips—each one was delicious, but that ranch? It’s been living rent-free in my mind for 24 hours now (and that’s coming from a self-proclaimed ranch snob)🤤

I was really impressed with the kids’ menu here! Instead of the usual hot dog, chicken fingers, and mac & cheese lineup, they offer more elevated options—almost like a smaller version of the adult menu. They’ve managed to strike the perfect balance between kid-friendly appeal and great flavors, making it a win for both kids and parents. It’s refreshing to see a restaurant put real thought into their younger diners’ meals!

The interior was a delightful surprise—modern and spotless, with just the right touch of quirky antique accents. And the staff? Genuinely friendly, attentive, and all smiles. If you haven’t been yet, be sure to add it...