Chandler's — Restaurant in Petoskey

After our visit today, I debated on whether or not to write a review on this place because we are restaurant owners and am all too familiar with dealing with unjustified bad reviews online. You do your best and hope customers will rave about excellent food, great customer service and a delightful atmosphere.

Unfortunately, we gave the benefit of the doubt and were so dissatisfied with every aspect of this visit I couldn't avoid writing a review. Hopefully it will be seen by management and be used as a training tool to prevent future issues. So management: take it or leave it.

We asked for a table for 3 outside and were told it would be ready at 1:45. At 1:40 we came back to a family getting up from a 4 top outside. We asked the hostesses if the table was available yet to which she responded, "we are working on it." Ok. No problem. We asked if there was a bar inside where we could get a drink and wait. She said yes and we proceeded inside. The bartender asked us if we wanted a drink. I asked for beers on tap. Nothing on tap. Hmmm. Ok. You would think a local restaurant in that area. "Fancy" or not, would have local beer. Whatever.

I got a Guinness.

In a pint glass. Le sigh.

After 15 minutes, surely the table was bussed and we were skipped. Nope. I walked back outside, the table still unbussed, had no one sitting at it. I reminded the hostess that we were still waiting inside. No restaurant is too fancy to bus a table within 20 minutes. Finally, we got our table outside. The waitress was had zero personality, but regardless, we ordered our food and commenced the wait.

AN HOUR LATER... our food still hadn't arrived. We asked the waitress if our lunch was on the way, she responded "it's coming right out".

We told the horror story of a customer who left a bad tip for one of our waitresses because the food came out slow and how sad it was when the waitress caught flack for the kitchen being slow. Until I looked around and realized EVERY OTHER TABLE had their food but us. People who had sat 30/40 minutes AFTER us had their food already. Did she forget to put in our order? As a restaurant owner, you would think your wait staff or a manager would check in and offer a free round, a free appetizer or at the very least, a free apology. Either way, 10 minutes later, we walked out and never looked back. We weren't stopped or asked if everything was ok. Nothing.

My grandfather loved this place and would sit here while we shopped. It was a place we thought we could go back and have a great time and were thoroughly disappointed. There are too many great places in Petoskey to waste your time in a snooty, uptight restaurant with terrible service.

We walked to Tap30 and we enjoyed great service, wonderful good and $120 later, we would go back again and again. We spent the money somewhere, but it wasn't at Chandler. If I could leave zero...

A recent dinner at Chandler’s in Petoskey, MI was nothing short of exceptional—a true highlight in northern Michigan’s dining scene. From the moment you step into Chandler’s, the cozy, intimate atmosphere immediately sets the stage for a memorable meal, whether you’re nestled in the main dining room, the wine cellar surrounded by thousands of bottles, or enjoying the charming outdoor patio.

We began our evening with the tartar and the Farmer’s Appetizer Board, both of which were a testament to the kitchen’s attention to detail and commitment to local, fresh ingredients. The tartar was perfectly seasoned and melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the Farmer’s Board was a delightful assortment of artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and house-made accompaniments—easily one of the best charcuterie experiences we’ve had in the region.

For the main course, the salmon was a standout. Expertly prepared, it arrived perfectly cooked—moist, flaky, and flavorful, with a subtle crispness to the skin. The accompanying vegetables were fresh and thoughtfully seasoned, complementing the fish without overpowering it. It’s clear why Chandler’s is so highly regarded for its seafood and creative daily special.

Pairing our meal with a glass of Zinfandel from Chandler’s extensive and well-curated wine list elevated the experience even further. The wine cellar is a true gem, offering selections that rival those of much larger cities, and the staff are knowledgeable, ready to recommend the perfect pairing for any dish.

Service throughout the evening was warm, attentive, and professional, striking the perfect balance between friendliness and efficiency. Even on a busy night, we never felt rushed, and every request was met with a smile.

Chandler’s consistently delivers on all fronts: atmosphere, service, and—most importantly—food. Whether you’re a local or just passing through Petoskey, this is a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates fine dining in a relaxed, welcoming setting. We left already planning our next visit, eager to explore more of the menu and enjoy another glass from that remarkable wine cellar. Five stars,...

We visited Chandler’s last night to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We made a reservation and were seated on time at a quiet corner table in the cellar, which seemed like the perfect spot for a special evening. However, not long after we arrived, the atmosphere shifted.

There were two large groups—a wedding party and a birthday celebration—already in the restaurant when we got there. While they were relatively quiet at first, the noise level grew significantly as the evening went on and the drinks kept flowing. It became difficult to enjoy conversation or the overall ambiance.

On the positive side, we really enjoyed the salad, the bread, and the wine selection—those were definite highlights. Unfortunately, the main courses were disappointing. My NY Strip was undercooked, served lukewarm. After sending it back, it came out warmer but chewy, and still undercooked. It didn’t appear to have been on a grill or flat top. It had virtually no sear and zero crust. My wife’s salmon was just okay—nothing memorable.

Our server was friendly and attentive throughout the evening, but the overall experience was diminished. Nothing about the meal felt special or particularly well-executed, and it certainly didn’t live up to the restaurant’s reputation or its price point.

Chandler’s has potential and may be a better choice on a quieter night, but for our anniversary dinner, the noise, delays, and lackluster food left us...