This place had the best Mexican food I have ever had! I had a Really awesome chimichanga and a great coronarita! I ate my whole plate it was so good. My boyfriend loved his food we couldn't stop raving about it. And are waitress was really nice.
(5)
Michelle C.
Hands down best Mexican restaurant we've been to. We had the chicken fajitas. Excellent!
(5)
Ashley H.
We always drive by on our way to Frankfort or Honor, see all the cars lined up in the streets near this place, and say to ourselves, "Wow, that place is popular!" We have never stopped until some friends suggested we meet there for dinner. They have a fun atmosphere, good drinks, and delicious food. I opted for a taco dinner and chose to have my tacos with each of the meat offerings--pork, chicken and beef. Crunchy shells full of meet with fresh toppings--YUM! My husband enjoyed their chimichanga. My friend had nachos and they were loaded with toppings! It isn't too far of a drive from Crystal Mountain, Frankfort, Honor, or Beulah. Judging from all the cars we've seen there, get there early or late, or be prepared to wait! I didn't even mean to rhyme.
(4)
Sara P.
Is this the best, most authentic Mexican food in the world, or even in northwest Michigan? No, it's not. But it's tasty food in a lively atmosphere and worth a stop. My favorite thing on the menu is the fish tacos, which are truly excellent but unfortunately only available on Friday nights (with the occasional extra night thrown in). When I've come on other nights I usually end up with the enchiladas, which are good if not spectacular. The margaritas are good and they have a decent selection of beer, including several local taps. Their salsa is extremely popular and sold in the local grocery stores, but I think it's overrated and a bit bland. The best thing about The Roadhouse is the patio in the summer. There is an outdoor bar, live music, and a cozy atmosphere. There's almost always a wait on a nice day, and it's totally worth it.
(4)
Crystal K.
Very tasty dining experience. This was very traditional US Mexican but was one of our tastiest dining experience. The fajitas were ok, I ordered steak and the steak was not extremely tender but they were still delicious. The kids chicken strips were good along with the fries. The mac and cheese was definitely from a box. The beef tacos were a big cloud pleaser and we ordered seconds for two of our party. The empanadas were also very good though slightly bland. Overall a nice dining experience. I would definitely recommend.
(4)
Steven J.
Worst possible place in the world.... I am from south Texas and am aware of good Mexican food so believe me when I say the food at the roadhouse is the biggest joke. Not to mention the Salsa is terrible if I want tomato sauce I will order that. Meals are overpriced and terrible in taste. Managers and servers are rude and arrogant.... All in all if you want good mexican food I beg you to make the trip to AGAVE Mexican grill in traverse city. I am a local but willing to make the drive to TC everyday to get good food great service and excellent prices Anybody who enjoys this restaurant is simply out of their mind or just unaware of true Mexican food This place is deserving of negative stars
(1)
Mark H.
Love the Roadhouse! After a four hour drive there is no place I'd rather go for dinner in the area. Top notch food and tasty libations.
(5)
Crystal G.
Best meal of our time in Sleepy Bear Dunes area! Freshly prepared, full of wonderful flavor, you can taste the freshness. I had the chicken enchiladas topped with a fresh mild green sauce and the mr had the chicken quesadilla. He commented on liking the marinade on the shredded chicken. This place is better than your average Mexican restaurant.
(4)
Ellen P.
We recently had an opportunity to eat here, after several years away, and we had an enjoyable time, with great food, very friendly waitstaff and a fun atmosphere. The Roadhouse emphasizes "fresh Mex" with lots of fresh veggies and flavor. They also offer an extensive selection of tequilas -- over 20 -- and serve a variety of margaritas (try the Fuzzy Rita, which tastes like a high-octane Bellini); also some Michigan wines and craft beers. On our visit we ordered a sampler plate featuring a chicken tamale, chile relleno and one other entree, and we also ordered a Baja grilled shrimp wrap. I loved the shrimp wrap -- very flavorful. I also liked the fresh corn-bean salsa that came on the side; my only suggestion for improvement would be to add some lime juice for a bit more acidity. The chicken tamale was outstanding, tender and "corny," and the chile was also very good -- not greasy or over-battered. We visited on a Monday night, which in our experience tends to be a dead zone in resort towns...and the place was packed with happy people. We love our "up north" whitefish and perch and cherry dishes, but every once in awhile we crave Mexican food, and we're happy we have this option when we come to Benzie County. Note: The Roadhouse is only open for dinner...if you want Mexican food for lunch you'll have to drive about 35 more miles to Traverse City.
(4)
Sam O.
Yumm yumm! Dropped in for the first time. Happened to be "TacoTuesday"! $1.50 tacos. Soft shelled corn. I tried 1 Pork, 1 Chicken, 1 Beef, and one Black Bean. I preferred the Pork. The Cilantro was a little heavy for my taste and would ask to have it left off next time, but over all the portion size was great and food was delicious. Many Gluten free selections too!
(4)
Paul W.
This is a great place. Service was wonderful and the food was great. Had the chicken fajita, which was great. Great marinade and nice presentation. Others had the chimichanga and enchilada. All were very good. The server was personal and knowledgeable. The place is not very large so plan ahead or call ahead.
(4)
Ami H.
WORST SERVICE IN THE COUNTRY TRY THE FOOD AT A GAS STATION! Well there is no negative star to give, so I had to give them a single star, regrettably. But if I had my choice, there would be NO STAR here. We haven't had the food yet, but after waiting 2 hours to be served, it better be good. But that's not even my complaint. We come with a wedding party of 10 and after waiting 2 hours to get a table together, they tell us it's "too much work" to put together our 2 tables together to sit together - as a family. Really?!! Then, the manager came out to speak with us, she wouldn't even give us her name! How is that for standing by your service? And, then when pressed she threatened to kick us out for complaining!?! Did I mention we were with a 78 year old man and a pregnant woman??? I know what you're thinking... WHAT? Ok an hour later we were finally served. COLD FOOD. So I had to log into my computer to finish this review. And it's worth it. The food came out cold, the manager was absolutely rude, and after leaving a generous tip to Hannah, who did a decent enough job, the staff rolled their eyes at as as we left? Well, if that is how they treat someone who spends $200+ in their restaurant, I would hate to see how they treat joe the plumber, or whoever. It is so bad, I got the business card and I plan to call the owner in the morning. I say try the food at the gas station!!!
(1)
Dominique K.
We love this little hot spot in Benzonia for a casual Mexican meal. The decor is typical cheesy "Mexican" murals, serapes, and sombreros, but don't let that deter you. The empanadas are a special favorite of mine--and the ones we had today were hot, fresh, pillows of creamy potato-and-cheese goodness. I had the special today-a jerk chicken burrito. You could taste the jerk, yet it somehow worked, and they cheerfully made my burrito to order (sans refried beans). The fresh roasted salsa that came with our chips was tasty, but I was particularly taken with the house Organic Cherry Habanero Hot Sauce--a nice kick, with the sweetness of the cherries cutting the heat just enough. I picked up a bottle there to take home with me. My dining partner enjoyed his Roadhouse skillet dinner as well. Wintertime, the place is a quiet and laid back retreat from the cold. Summertime-it's packed with folks, and there is often a wait for a table, especially if you want to sit on their pleasant little patio. Dining inside can be a bit noisy and hot (no AC), but the vibe is friendly and the service has been great for us.
(4)
M F.
For Benzie County this is a pretty great spot to eat. The food is good, not great but still tasty and satisfying. I am a fan of tex-mex, and to have this eatery right here in this vacation town is awesome. I would recommend it to anyone coming to the area. I'm giving it four stars because you can't find a place as good as this for miles around.
(4)
Cammie C.
What a huge disappointment. First off, the chips were the worst chips I have ever had. My Margarita came in a plastic margarita cup. The food was not good. If you like authentic Mexican food, you won't like this. I guess for an Up North version of Mexican -- it may be ok. Our table of 4 was all disappointed.
(2)
Mary B.
Have to laugh when restaurants are rated first place by those local choice contests. How hard is it to come in first when you are the only Mexican place around!? Regardless, it was an okay place to stop when you are sick of grilling and the other usual options when on the road or camping in this beautiful neck of the woods. We have been here 3x and each time we both say average. Definitely go during happy hour 4-6 and get deals for you average fare at least. Empandas were not what an empanada should be, so don't be surprised. Husband had a trio of tacos that were lukewarm and not very flavorful. I had the maya combination platter of a chicken tamale, empanadas and chile rellano. Empanadas were far from being an empanada. It was a gooey spicy velveeta sauce. Chicken tamale was the best thing on the table all night for sure. The chile rellano was a soggy concoction, but not horrible. In review, go for happy hour and get the free chips and tamales. BTW, it was my husband's b-day the next day and they have a free birthday meal offering and we didn't feel the need to take them up on a free meal even!!!
(3)
Darin E.
Combinacian Maya. Good stuff
(4)
JP N.
I tend to frequent the roadhouse, the quality of the food and generous portion sizes make eating there enjoyable, having addictive salsa doesn't hurt either. The staff is friendly, and seem to enjoy working there. It's really hard to find a good dinner west of Traverse in the winter, and luckily they are open year round. My personal favorite is the chili relleno, (stuffed poblano) there can be a chance of catching one with a pepper that has a kick to it every once and awhile, but it's nice to have a little change every so often.
(5)
Ben K.
Unbelievable salsa. Not that it's hard to eat a basket of tortilla chips and salsa at a mexican restaurant by yourself. But here it's pretty easy to eat two, and its all because of the killer salsa, with a perfect light/chunky texture and just the right amount of heat. My tacos were also pretty tasty, and they serve it with the brilliant innovation of two long toothpicks skewered through the soft tortilla shells, such that you can actually manage your tacos without them falling apart all over the place. Well played. Also a nice beer selection and quite the plethora of margaritas.
(4)
Mary P.
I went to Roadhouse with my family a few weekends ago. We had a large party (12 people), so I called in advance to make sure they could seat us at 8:00. The man who answered the phone assured me that they could seat us within 15 minutes or less and that we would not need a reservation. When we arrived at the restaurant, we had a great time on their outdoor patio. The drinks and atmosphere were great. However, the time we had been quoted grew longer and longer. A few times we asked how much longer, and we were told "15 minutes" every time. IT TOOK TWO AND A HALF HOURS TO BE SEATED. When we complained, we were told that a host named "Bud" was to blame. When we asked to speak with Bud, he had been "sent home for the night." We received two free appetizers, but unfortunately that did not make us feel much better when we finally received our meals at 10:45pm. I will not be eating here again.
(1)
Rae M.
The food was great. Seated by a friendly hostess. Server was really nice. Had tamales for an appetizer, and chips and salsa. We both had the combination azteca platter which included a chicken enchilada, taco and poblano. The chicken was cooked really well, not overcooked. Taco was seasoned perfectly. The poblano and mole sauce was delicious. Service was great. Really great experience. Will definitely be back. Tried this restaurant because of an up north live deal. Glad we did, happy return customers!
(5)
Carla C.
I love this place almost as much as I love my sweetie! The margaritas are one of the best I've had. They are made the same each time, so no guessing what it's going to taste like. Chips and salsa are awesome....as is the homemade guacamole. They make a killer hot sauce that you can purchase....it's hot and very good. The entrees we have tried have always been very good. I would recommend the fajitas. The outside seating is comfortable and ambience fits the food they serve......as does the inside. If you are on your way up north, you hate Taco Bell, and Ortega sauce in the grocery store makes you sick, this place is for you.
(4)
Nicholas A.
Every time we come to northern Michigan we try to eat here. The food is fantastic. Try the organic cherry haberno hot sauce. In addition, the salsa is home made and thick with great onion and cilantro taste. I highly recommend this restaurant. Be prepared for a wait but well worth it. In the summer try to sit outside on the deck.
(5)
M G.
This place was disappointing. We were there on a Saturday night & it looked busy judging from the number of cars outside. Once inside, we were seated right away but noticed afterward that there was seating outside. We weren't even asked if we'd like to sit in or out. The chips and salsa were fine--no better or worse than anywhere else. I ordered the Chimichanga, which was filled with ground beef that was on the watery side and strangely-flavored. There were unappetizing looking (again, watery) black beans on the side and rice that tasted exactly like the Lipton rice side dishes you buy at the grocery store. The waitress swore it was home made, but it sure didn't taste like it, and the consistency was really gloppy. I barely touched any of it and when we voiced our disappointment to the waitress, she never offered to take anything off the bill. My husband ordered the special that night which was a shrimp and steak skillet; he said it was excellent, so I guess it just depends what you order. I don't think I'd bother going back, though. It was kinda pricey for the gamble you take on the food.
(2)
Corey S.
Great food. great margaritas! We come every year in February and are never disappointed!
(5)
Phillip K.
Good, consistent, Mexican food. Open all-year around. Always a good crowd -- during the winter, one of the only games in town, and during the summer, a nice outside patio, children-friendly, familiar food. I usually have something with chicken -- a burrito or tacos or something. Always good. Good chips and salsa, but annoying that they only serve one basket for free. Salad with salmon is a good non-meat choice. Always good pleasant service, and well-presented food. Not as good Mexian as El Zocalo in Detroit, but a nice second.
(4)
Rob Y.
I wish this place wasn't 3 hours from home. Love it all but especially the fish tacos
(4)
Amy F.
Long wait but really great flavorful food! I had the chicken chimichanga and it was perfect. Others at our table were very happy as well. Highly recommend for great Mexican up north!
(4)
Matt C.
WORST MEXICAN FOOD I'VE EVER HAD Right off the bat we knew something was up when the salsa shared more in common with ketchup than actual salsa. Grocery store salsa would have been a ten fold improvement. The chips themselves were also atrocious. Cold, stale, and way too salty. Next up, my Coca-Cola came in a plastic cup and had a very low syrup to seltzer ratio. My meal arrived soon after (the service was actually fairly speedy) and my Wet Burrito was positively disgusting. None of the ingredients had any distinct flavor to them. It was like eating prison mush. The sauce they smother it in was especially tasteless. Even the rice and beans were terrible. How do you screw that up?!? I'll tell you how: they overcooked the rice and covered beans in the tasteless sauce. For the love of all that is holy, AVOID THIS PLACE LIKE THE PLAGUE.
(1)
Joel M.
This place has become a staple in coming up north for myself and my family. When bring friends here they often leave saying its some of the best or the absolute best Mexican food they have ever had. Many times you have to wait to be seated but it's worth the wait and time flies when your with family/ good friends. All staff is really nice and I want to give a shout out to waitress Rebecca...I brought my best friend, his wife, and his 2-year-old son here on a fun weekend. My friends son is very active and independent and when he saw all of us drinking frozen margaritas he wanted some. Obviously he couldn't and he began crying. Rebecca saw what was happening and brought a kids frozen margarita (looked just like ours) which made him happy. Thanks Rebecca for being empathetic...you rock!
(5)
Karl W.
The best hidden secret up north - if you get the chance it's a must visit. The atmosphere, food and service is top notch. If I didn't know better I would have thought I was on the west coast outside a little town along highway 1. So charming and so cool!
(5)
Kristi R.
A large group of us went here on Friday 8/8/14 for dinner. The wait was really really long but the food was worth it. We were able to utilize three booths and the server was clearly and audibly frazzled- docked a star- get it together lady! The food was fresh and filling for the most part. I didn't love their salsa (it's just not good- no heat just bland!) or the fact that they charge for corn tortillas wth? But my Ancho Chicken salad was good. Two in my party devoured their fried ice cream. Clean bathroom w/ an interesting sliding door.
(3)
Kate S.
I dream about the vegetarian quesadillas when I'm away from this place! They will knock your socks off [and I'm not a vegetarian ftr]. It's served with a green chili pesto that is out of this world! The Roadhouse also has great salsa [try the roasted version], which you can buy to take home with you. But there's nothing better than sitting on the patio in summertime, sipping on a margarita [they're STRONG so watch out!], and enjoying a great dinner. I've never had anything I didn't like, and everyone I take there loves it too.
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Coat Check : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
Kelly N.
This place had the best Mexican food I have ever had! I had a Really awesome chimichanga and a great coronarita! I ate my whole plate it was so good. My boyfriend loved his food we couldn't stop raving about it. And are waitress was really nice.
(5)Michelle C.
Hands down best Mexican restaurant we've been to. We had the chicken fajitas. Excellent!
(5)Ashley H.
We always drive by on our way to Frankfort or Honor, see all the cars lined up in the streets near this place, and say to ourselves, "Wow, that place is popular!" We have never stopped until some friends suggested we meet there for dinner. They have a fun atmosphere, good drinks, and delicious food. I opted for a taco dinner and chose to have my tacos with each of the meat offerings--pork, chicken and beef. Crunchy shells full of meet with fresh toppings--YUM! My husband enjoyed their chimichanga. My friend had nachos and they were loaded with toppings! It isn't too far of a drive from Crystal Mountain, Frankfort, Honor, or Beulah. Judging from all the cars we've seen there, get there early or late, or be prepared to wait! I didn't even mean to rhyme.
(4)Sara P.
Is this the best, most authentic Mexican food in the world, or even in northwest Michigan? No, it's not. But it's tasty food in a lively atmosphere and worth a stop. My favorite thing on the menu is the fish tacos, which are truly excellent but unfortunately only available on Friday nights (with the occasional extra night thrown in). When I've come on other nights I usually end up with the enchiladas, which are good if not spectacular. The margaritas are good and they have a decent selection of beer, including several local taps. Their salsa is extremely popular and sold in the local grocery stores, but I think it's overrated and a bit bland. The best thing about The Roadhouse is the patio in the summer. There is an outdoor bar, live music, and a cozy atmosphere. There's almost always a wait on a nice day, and it's totally worth it.
(4)Crystal K.
Very tasty dining experience. This was very traditional US Mexican but was one of our tastiest dining experience. The fajitas were ok, I ordered steak and the steak was not extremely tender but they were still delicious. The kids chicken strips were good along with the fries. The mac and cheese was definitely from a box. The beef tacos were a big cloud pleaser and we ordered seconds for two of our party. The empanadas were also very good though slightly bland. Overall a nice dining experience. I would definitely recommend.
(4)Steven J.
Worst possible place in the world.... I am from south Texas and am aware of good Mexican food so believe me when I say the food at the roadhouse is the biggest joke. Not to mention the Salsa is terrible if I want tomato sauce I will order that. Meals are overpriced and terrible in taste. Managers and servers are rude and arrogant.... All in all if you want good mexican food I beg you to make the trip to AGAVE Mexican grill in traverse city. I am a local but willing to make the drive to TC everyday to get good food great service and excellent prices Anybody who enjoys this restaurant is simply out of their mind or just unaware of true Mexican food This place is deserving of negative stars
(1)Mark H.
Love the Roadhouse! After a four hour drive there is no place I'd rather go for dinner in the area. Top notch food and tasty libations.
(5)Crystal G.
Best meal of our time in Sleepy Bear Dunes area! Freshly prepared, full of wonderful flavor, you can taste the freshness. I had the chicken enchiladas topped with a fresh mild green sauce and the mr had the chicken quesadilla. He commented on liking the marinade on the shredded chicken. This place is better than your average Mexican restaurant.
(4)Ellen P.
We recently had an opportunity to eat here, after several years away, and we had an enjoyable time, with great food, very friendly waitstaff and a fun atmosphere. The Roadhouse emphasizes "fresh Mex" with lots of fresh veggies and flavor. They also offer an extensive selection of tequilas -- over 20 -- and serve a variety of margaritas (try the Fuzzy Rita, which tastes like a high-octane Bellini); also some Michigan wines and craft beers. On our visit we ordered a sampler plate featuring a chicken tamale, chile relleno and one other entree, and we also ordered a Baja grilled shrimp wrap. I loved the shrimp wrap -- very flavorful. I also liked the fresh corn-bean salsa that came on the side; my only suggestion for improvement would be to add some lime juice for a bit more acidity. The chicken tamale was outstanding, tender and "corny," and the chile was also very good -- not greasy or over-battered. We visited on a Monday night, which in our experience tends to be a dead zone in resort towns...and the place was packed with happy people. We love our "up north" whitefish and perch and cherry dishes, but every once in awhile we crave Mexican food, and we're happy we have this option when we come to Benzie County. Note: The Roadhouse is only open for dinner...if you want Mexican food for lunch you'll have to drive about 35 more miles to Traverse City.
(4)Sam O.
Yumm yumm! Dropped in for the first time. Happened to be "TacoTuesday"! $1.50 tacos. Soft shelled corn. I tried 1 Pork, 1 Chicken, 1 Beef, and one Black Bean. I preferred the Pork. The Cilantro was a little heavy for my taste and would ask to have it left off next time, but over all the portion size was great and food was delicious. Many Gluten free selections too!
(4)Paul W.
This is a great place. Service was wonderful and the food was great. Had the chicken fajita, which was great. Great marinade and nice presentation. Others had the chimichanga and enchilada. All were very good. The server was personal and knowledgeable. The place is not very large so plan ahead or call ahead.
(4)Ami H.
WORST SERVICE IN THE COUNTRY TRY THE FOOD AT A GAS STATION! Well there is no negative star to give, so I had to give them a single star, regrettably. But if I had my choice, there would be NO STAR here. We haven't had the food yet, but after waiting 2 hours to be served, it better be good. But that's not even my complaint. We come with a wedding party of 10 and after waiting 2 hours to get a table together, they tell us it's "too much work" to put together our 2 tables together to sit together - as a family. Really?!! Then, the manager came out to speak with us, she wouldn't even give us her name! How is that for standing by your service? And, then when pressed she threatened to kick us out for complaining!?! Did I mention we were with a 78 year old man and a pregnant woman??? I know what you're thinking... WHAT? Ok an hour later we were finally served. COLD FOOD. So I had to log into my computer to finish this review. And it's worth it. The food came out cold, the manager was absolutely rude, and after leaving a generous tip to Hannah, who did a decent enough job, the staff rolled their eyes at as as we left? Well, if that is how they treat someone who spends $200+ in their restaurant, I would hate to see how they treat joe the plumber, or whoever. It is so bad, I got the business card and I plan to call the owner in the morning. I say try the food at the gas station!!!
(1)Dominique K.
We love this little hot spot in Benzonia for a casual Mexican meal. The decor is typical cheesy "Mexican" murals, serapes, and sombreros, but don't let that deter you. The empanadas are a special favorite of mine--and the ones we had today were hot, fresh, pillows of creamy potato-and-cheese goodness. I had the special today-a jerk chicken burrito. You could taste the jerk, yet it somehow worked, and they cheerfully made my burrito to order (sans refried beans). The fresh roasted salsa that came with our chips was tasty, but I was particularly taken with the house Organic Cherry Habanero Hot Sauce--a nice kick, with the sweetness of the cherries cutting the heat just enough. I picked up a bottle there to take home with me. My dining partner enjoyed his Roadhouse skillet dinner as well. Wintertime, the place is a quiet and laid back retreat from the cold. Summertime-it's packed with folks, and there is often a wait for a table, especially if you want to sit on their pleasant little patio. Dining inside can be a bit noisy and hot (no AC), but the vibe is friendly and the service has been great for us.
(4)M F.
For Benzie County this is a pretty great spot to eat. The food is good, not great but still tasty and satisfying. I am a fan of tex-mex, and to have this eatery right here in this vacation town is awesome. I would recommend it to anyone coming to the area. I'm giving it four stars because you can't find a place as good as this for miles around.
(4)Cammie C.
What a huge disappointment. First off, the chips were the worst chips I have ever had. My Margarita came in a plastic margarita cup. The food was not good. If you like authentic Mexican food, you won't like this. I guess for an Up North version of Mexican -- it may be ok. Our table of 4 was all disappointed.
(2)Mary B.
Have to laugh when restaurants are rated first place by those local choice contests. How hard is it to come in first when you are the only Mexican place around!? Regardless, it was an okay place to stop when you are sick of grilling and the other usual options when on the road or camping in this beautiful neck of the woods. We have been here 3x and each time we both say average. Definitely go during happy hour 4-6 and get deals for you average fare at least. Empandas were not what an empanada should be, so don't be surprised. Husband had a trio of tacos that were lukewarm and not very flavorful. I had the maya combination platter of a chicken tamale, empanadas and chile rellano. Empanadas were far from being an empanada. It was a gooey spicy velveeta sauce. Chicken tamale was the best thing on the table all night for sure. The chile rellano was a soggy concoction, but not horrible. In review, go for happy hour and get the free chips and tamales. BTW, it was my husband's b-day the next day and they have a free birthday meal offering and we didn't feel the need to take them up on a free meal even!!!
(3)Darin E.
Combinacian Maya. Good stuff
(4)JP N.
I tend to frequent the roadhouse, the quality of the food and generous portion sizes make eating there enjoyable, having addictive salsa doesn't hurt either. The staff is friendly, and seem to enjoy working there. It's really hard to find a good dinner west of Traverse in the winter, and luckily they are open year round. My personal favorite is the chili relleno, (stuffed poblano) there can be a chance of catching one with a pepper that has a kick to it every once and awhile, but it's nice to have a little change every so often.
(5)Ben K.
Unbelievable salsa. Not that it's hard to eat a basket of tortilla chips and salsa at a mexican restaurant by yourself. But here it's pretty easy to eat two, and its all because of the killer salsa, with a perfect light/chunky texture and just the right amount of heat. My tacos were also pretty tasty, and they serve it with the brilliant innovation of two long toothpicks skewered through the soft tortilla shells, such that you can actually manage your tacos without them falling apart all over the place. Well played. Also a nice beer selection and quite the plethora of margaritas.
(4)Mary P.
I went to Roadhouse with my family a few weekends ago. We had a large party (12 people), so I called in advance to make sure they could seat us at 8:00. The man who answered the phone assured me that they could seat us within 15 minutes or less and that we would not need a reservation. When we arrived at the restaurant, we had a great time on their outdoor patio. The drinks and atmosphere were great. However, the time we had been quoted grew longer and longer. A few times we asked how much longer, and we were told "15 minutes" every time. IT TOOK TWO AND A HALF HOURS TO BE SEATED. When we complained, we were told that a host named "Bud" was to blame. When we asked to speak with Bud, he had been "sent home for the night." We received two free appetizers, but unfortunately that did not make us feel much better when we finally received our meals at 10:45pm. I will not be eating here again.
(1)Rae M.
The food was great. Seated by a friendly hostess. Server was really nice. Had tamales for an appetizer, and chips and salsa. We both had the combination azteca platter which included a chicken enchilada, taco and poblano. The chicken was cooked really well, not overcooked. Taco was seasoned perfectly. The poblano and mole sauce was delicious. Service was great. Really great experience. Will definitely be back. Tried this restaurant because of an up north live deal. Glad we did, happy return customers!
(5)Carla C.
I love this place almost as much as I love my sweetie! The margaritas are one of the best I've had. They are made the same each time, so no guessing what it's going to taste like. Chips and salsa are awesome....as is the homemade guacamole. They make a killer hot sauce that you can purchase....it's hot and very good. The entrees we have tried have always been very good. I would recommend the fajitas. The outside seating is comfortable and ambience fits the food they serve......as does the inside. If you are on your way up north, you hate Taco Bell, and Ortega sauce in the grocery store makes you sick, this place is for you.
(4)Nicholas A.
Every time we come to northern Michigan we try to eat here. The food is fantastic. Try the organic cherry haberno hot sauce. In addition, the salsa is home made and thick with great onion and cilantro taste. I highly recommend this restaurant. Be prepared for a wait but well worth it. In the summer try to sit outside on the deck.
(5)M G.
This place was disappointing. We were there on a Saturday night & it looked busy judging from the number of cars outside. Once inside, we were seated right away but noticed afterward that there was seating outside. We weren't even asked if we'd like to sit in or out. The chips and salsa were fine--no better or worse than anywhere else. I ordered the Chimichanga, which was filled with ground beef that was on the watery side and strangely-flavored. There were unappetizing looking (again, watery) black beans on the side and rice that tasted exactly like the Lipton rice side dishes you buy at the grocery store. The waitress swore it was home made, but it sure didn't taste like it, and the consistency was really gloppy. I barely touched any of it and when we voiced our disappointment to the waitress, she never offered to take anything off the bill. My husband ordered the special that night which was a shrimp and steak skillet; he said it was excellent, so I guess it just depends what you order. I don't think I'd bother going back, though. It was kinda pricey for the gamble you take on the food.
(2)Corey S.
Great food. great margaritas! We come every year in February and are never disappointed!
(5)Phillip K.
Good, consistent, Mexican food. Open all-year around. Always a good crowd -- during the winter, one of the only games in town, and during the summer, a nice outside patio, children-friendly, familiar food. I usually have something with chicken -- a burrito or tacos or something. Always good. Good chips and salsa, but annoying that they only serve one basket for free. Salad with salmon is a good non-meat choice. Always good pleasant service, and well-presented food. Not as good Mexian as El Zocalo in Detroit, but a nice second.
(4)Rob Y.
I wish this place wasn't 3 hours from home. Love it all but especially the fish tacos
(4)Amy F.
Long wait but really great flavorful food! I had the chicken chimichanga and it was perfect. Others at our table were very happy as well. Highly recommend for great Mexican up north!
(4)Matt C.
WORST MEXICAN FOOD I'VE EVER HAD Right off the bat we knew something was up when the salsa shared more in common with ketchup than actual salsa. Grocery store salsa would have been a ten fold improvement. The chips themselves were also atrocious. Cold, stale, and way too salty. Next up, my Coca-Cola came in a plastic cup and had a very low syrup to seltzer ratio. My meal arrived soon after (the service was actually fairly speedy) and my Wet Burrito was positively disgusting. None of the ingredients had any distinct flavor to them. It was like eating prison mush. The sauce they smother it in was especially tasteless. Even the rice and beans were terrible. How do you screw that up?!? I'll tell you how: they overcooked the rice and covered beans in the tasteless sauce. For the love of all that is holy, AVOID THIS PLACE LIKE THE PLAGUE.
(1)Joel M.
This place has become a staple in coming up north for myself and my family. When bring friends here they often leave saying its some of the best or the absolute best Mexican food they have ever had. Many times you have to wait to be seated but it's worth the wait and time flies when your with family/ good friends. All staff is really nice and I want to give a shout out to waitress Rebecca...I brought my best friend, his wife, and his 2-year-old son here on a fun weekend. My friends son is very active and independent and when he saw all of us drinking frozen margaritas he wanted some. Obviously he couldn't and he began crying. Rebecca saw what was happening and brought a kids frozen margarita (looked just like ours) which made him happy. Thanks Rebecca for being empathetic...you rock!
(5)Karl W.
The best hidden secret up north - if you get the chance it's a must visit. The atmosphere, food and service is top notch. If I didn't know better I would have thought I was on the west coast outside a little town along highway 1. So charming and so cool!
(5)Kristi R.
A large group of us went here on Friday 8/8/14 for dinner. The wait was really really long but the food was worth it. We were able to utilize three booths and the server was clearly and audibly frazzled- docked a star- get it together lady! The food was fresh and filling for the most part. I didn't love their salsa (it's just not good- no heat just bland!) or the fact that they charge for corn tortillas wth? But my Ancho Chicken salad was good. Two in my party devoured their fried ice cream. Clean bathroom w/ an interesting sliding door.
(3)Kate S.
I dream about the vegetarian quesadillas when I'm away from this place! They will knock your socks off [and I'm not a vegetarian ftr]. It's served with a green chili pesto that is out of this world! The Roadhouse also has great salsa [try the roasted version], which you can buy to take home with you. But there's nothing better than sitting on the patio in summertime, sipping on a margarita [they're STRONG so watch out!], and enjoying a great dinner. I've never had anything I didn't like, and everyone I take there loves it too.
(4)