Blackstar BrewPub — Restaurant in Whitefish

Do I want to like this place? Absolutely. Do I want to go back? Not anytime soon...

To preface everything I'm about to say, I did speak with the manager, Amanda, about my experience before leaving and she was very attentive and had me leaving a bit more hopeful than when I first approached her, but with that...

The good news is that the beer is as solid as you'd expect from a popular local brewery and I've always enjoyed Jeremiah Johnson's beers, it's a great bonus to have another local brewery in town. The pizza I shared was also quite good and I'd happily order another. Unfortunately good pizza and beer are the only things I really enjoyed...

Service was extremely lacking, we were greeted and sat by a hostess (she was great) who told us to order food and drink at the bar. There was otherwise no clear direction as to where to place our order so we just had to find an empty spot at the bar and wait for a bartender to notice us like we were trying to get another drink at the club. After giving the bartender our order she handed me the payment terminal and disappeared, I couldn't see her behind the bar so returned to my table, without a drink, and waited for about 5 minutes before my boyfriend spotted her and went to ask about our drinks. Within the previous few minutes she had forgotten both our drink order and whether or not she had given it to us (the manager later admitted it was unusually slow night...)

While at the bar we were then handed a numbered buzzer, similar to what you'd get at an Olive Garden to notify you when your table's ready, and again given no direction as to what it was for (and we still don't know...) We sat at our table, confused about our buzzer, but was then brought our food by a runner before it ever went off, and it never did the rest of our meal.

As someone who has worked in local food service, and my boyfriend who currently does, something that bothered us both was the two food runner who stood at the server window the entirety of our rough hour we were there, save one or two food runs during that time. It felt disjointed that we had to shuffle back and forth between the bar and our table while there were employees just standing around, never once were we approached asking if we would like waters, if anything could be bussed, how we were enjoying the meal or anything. If you want a walk up order service look at the Bulldog or Which Haus, this is a sit down table restaurant with a host/hostess, if you're going to be seating your guests you should at least attended to them. Otherwise, commit to a more self-serve style and use a model that works. This was all a very cold and cafeteria like experience, not something I think downtown Whitefish is lacking...

This is a new business so give them the benefit of the doubt that they're just trying to find their flow and I hope they do, I just don't see it...

Stepping into [blackstar] is like entering a culinary wonderland where every detail, from the ambiance to the last bite, has been meticulously crafted to perfection. This is not just a brew pub; it’s an unforgettable experience that redefines what dining should be.

The Service: The moment you walk through the door, you’re greeted with warm smiles and a genuine enthusiasm that makes you feel like the most important person in the room. The staff are true professionals—knowledgeable, attentive, and intuitive. They anticipate your needs with effortless grace, ensuring your glass is never empty and your table is always tended to with the utmost care. Their passion for the craft is evident in every recommendation and every interaction, making the service nothing short of impeccable.

The Food: Prepare your taste buds for a journey unlike any other. The menu at [blackstar] is a masterclass in flavor and creativity. Each dish is a harmonious blend of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, expertly prepared to showcase the best of what a modern brew pub can offer. From the first bite, it’s clear that this is not your average pub grub. Every plate is a testament to culinary excellence—bold, innovative, and absolutely delicious.

The starters set the tone with an explosion of flavors that dance across the palate, leaving you eagerly anticipating what’s next. The mains are nothing short of divine—succulent meats, perfectly cooked seafood, and vegetarian options that are as hearty as they are flavorful. And let’s not forget the desserts, which are the perfect sweet finale to a flawless meal.

The Brews: Complementing the exquisite food is a selection of craft beers that will leave even the most seasoned connoisseur in awe. Each brew is a masterpiece, crafted with care and precision. Whether you’re a fan of robust stouts, hoppy IPAs, or something lighter and more refreshing, the variety and quality of the beer on offer is unparalleled.

The Atmosphere: The ambiance at [blackstar] is both inviting and invigorating. The design blends rustic charm with modern elegance, creating a space that is as comfortable as it is stylish. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a relaxed evening with friends or a more intimate dinner, all while soaking in the vibrant energy that fills the room.

Overall Experience: [Blackstar] is more than just a place to eat and drink—it’s an experience that lingers long after you’ve left. Every aspect, from the service to the food and drink, is executed with a level of excellence that is rarely seen. This is a brew pub that doesn’t just meet expectations; it exceeds them in every possible way. If you’re looking for a dining experience that will truly take your breath away, look no further. [Blackstar] is the gold standard, a five-star gem that you’ll be eager to return to time...

DO NOT RECOMMEND HORRIBLE SERVICE It is exceptionally rare that I leave poor reviews. Most of the reviews I leave are 4-5 stars. Not today.

The location is right downtown Whitefish. It looks great inside and out. That’s all the nice things I can say.

When we arrived, we wanted to sit on the rooftop terrace. When we got there, nearly all the tables were dirty. There was no staff anywhere, except one that was busy serving drinks one floor below and two more serving drinks on the ground floor. No big deal….I’ve worked in restaurants before and know they can get busy (even though it was 3pm and not full at all). I found some napkins, got them wet and cleaned off my own table.

All orders are done via a QR code. There is no one to ask questions to about the menu. We keyed in our order and I was surprised to see that the app they use asks for a gratuity, for table service (default to 20%), before getting your drinks and food….and without having any servers!

Knowing that towns like Whitefish survive from summer tourism (and with a background in restaurant management) I decided to still leave a 20% tip.

When our food came, there were no napkins. We asked for utensils and the food runner (not server) was clearly annoyed and gave us a sarcastic remark before getting them. It was obvious that we ruined his day. Forget about getting water served. You have to get it yourself. The food was decent, but not great (the queso dip was a yellow, solidified sludge).

If you are going to ask for a tip, with 20% being your default setting, try having some service. Your establishment has NONE. I had to clean my own table, get my own napkins (which I found on a table of people who had left) and track down a glass of water. Getting utensils was an inconvenience to your staff. At no point did anyone check on us to see how our food/experience was. A to go box for our pizza? Good luck!!!

It is clear Blackstar does not care about their customers. They only care about their money. Go to one of the MANY other places in town that actually...