Tipsy Bear Bistro — Restaurant in West Branch

Racist alert! Restaurant inside was nearly empty during lunch time, with only a few tables occupied. But the hostess took my party of three all the way inside a corner. After we got seated, we asked the waitress to move to a different table in the middle, but she insisted that she needs to “talk to the manager.” The hostess came back and this time she only offered a high table in the next area. The intention was obvious. They don’t want Asian people (we’re Americans too) to mix with the whites. We walked out. Amazing this thing is happening in 2025.

P.S. The owner responded below with a completely false fabrication of the story. I didn't quite expect an apology but this is appalling. How dare you call us "entitled" knowing what happened? I gave the exact description of the incident. The outdoor patio was busy but inside was nearly empty, only a few tables were occupied and there were easily 5-6 low tables cleaned up and ready to seat us, not having to sit next to the other groups. It makes no sense to seat us way inside corner if they were so busy to serve. We clearly indicated our preference of low tables in the first place, but the only alternative option the hostess offered after we asked was still the high top table. "Having to prepare the table" is complete BS. In fact there was another group just behind us and they were seated where we wanted. We never "walked outside without communicating" but had to use the restroom after the long drive. We did not order drinks. The waitress just brought the water that we didn't drink. We politely gave them a number of chances to correct but that's how they acted. Our patience ran out. Well there are not many non-whites in the whole town so they couldn't care less anyways. Neither can I, but I had to set the...

Have always loved this restaurant and have had good experiences, but our experience tonight was rather frustrating. We were seated by the hostess and our waitress Erica came over right away with water. She asked if we decided on what to eat, I told her that I needed another minute to look at the menu. She did not return to our table for over 15 minutes - not an exaggeration. Even though she passed by our table at least 8 times. When she finally came back over she took our order - the ribeye on special with french fries and a side of raspberry bbq, and a bbq brisket grilled cheese - she asked if we would like anything else, my boyfriend decided to order a beer. We waited for our food for about 15 minutes (which is not what I'm complaining about, that was an acceptable amount of time for the med-well steak that I ordered), but in that time she did not bring the beer back. She came over to deliver our food and asked if she could get us anything else, she didn't bring the side of bbq and she had still not brought the beer, so we asked for both of them. Someone else brought the beer, and she came back in a few minutes with the bbq. Erica had no time management skills, she would talk to one table, and run and do everything for them until she would get to the next. She was slow paced and didn't have much hospitality as a waitress. I currently work as a waitress and my boyfriend is a previous server, so there is a lot that we can put up with and not complain about. But the service we received tonight was 1-star. On a side note, the food was...

*8/24/24—My group stopped in just before dinner time and was seated immediately. We all chose entrees from Chef’s specials, including Steak Diane, smoked St. Louis ribs (not baby back, as they indicated), scallops, and stuffed salmon.

My stuffed salmon was excellent, but I thought it should come with a side salad for $29. The creme brûlée was very good, but I think the top could be crisper.

They still have the 4.24% service fee, plastic tablecloths, and paper napkins, which do not present as the higher-end restaurant I believe they are trying to represent. Very good service. Pricy.

I appreciate that the owner visited our table and asked about the food and service. I would return, but I would like to see them make some slight improvements.

3 years ago *Unfortunately, my appetizer soup (which was more like a chili) was just average. I had the Korean kabob on a bed of rice, which was very good and priced accordingly. The food came out quickly, and the service was great.

There is a large wine selection and craft beer available. The restaurant has a quaint, up-north atmosphere with plastic table coverings and paper napkins. There is indoor/outdoor seating with a full bar. I am not sure if they have Wi-Fi. There is street and side building parking.

Bring cash if you don’t want to pay a 4% credit card fee. It sort of takes away from the style of the establishment and might be better just to be worked into the cost of the entree. I...