Blu was a wonderful dining experience and was a great place for our group to celebrate a birthday. The restaurant on the the side of the Le Bear resort with large windows that provides a view of Lake Michigan. It was smaller than expected inside, though they also have an outdoor patio. The restaurant is lovely, simple and allows the view to be the focus. The service was excellent, very attentive. They have a good wine list that includes local wines (including some we had sampled earlier that day on our wine tour that were considerably marked up). To begin the meal you are served an amuse bouche. At our visit this was a salmon mousse. The idea of fish whipped is strange but this was surprisingly light and made a nice start to the meal. I had the crab puffs as an appetizer, which were as good as the other recommendations suggest. A friend had the fried green tomatoes. I would not have thought to order this and it was another pleasant surprise. Our group primary ordered fish items, the salmon and the sea bass. They also had a asparagus risotto. This is not the easiest to make and this was perfect and creamy. The salmon was very good, but the sea bass was amazing. I am not sure how often the menu changes or what items are seasonal but this fish option seems to be a good choice. Expect that any meal you have here is going to be pricey. We came to celebrate a friend's birthday, had a wonderful experience and felt that it was worth the price. If you are just looking for somewhere to eat or do not have much time, this is not going to be a good choice. As I noted, Blu is small, and I would recommend making reservation, especially during the busy part of the year.
(5)
Annie S.
Not sure why I have to drive over 4 hours for the best meal we've had in at least three years but this place is not to be missed! Here's a roadmap for an exceptional dining experience: 1. fabulous table along the wall looking out to Lake Michigan (this is a small place so most tables have a view. If you want outdoor seating, which is very limited, make sure to request it when you make your reservation). 2. Coho Pinot Noir - never had it before, recommended by the owner - DElicious! 3. Fried green tomatoes appetizer with tomato and goat cheese sauces. The tomatoes came out hot and crunchy, perfectly prepared. 4. Duck Confit entree - rich and flavorful like others but super crispy and superb. 5. Seared scallop special with black truffles and creamy mushroom risotto 6. Share, share, share! 7. Ask to be seated in the empty two-top on the patio to watch the sunset up close (check out sunset times before you make reservations) 8. Can't remember my husband's desert (he liked it) since I was absorbed in my yummy glass of Caymus 40th Anniversary Cabernet reasonably priced at $19. Oh, and service was excellent!
(5)
Steven L.
Spectacular Duck Confit ! Exquisite culinary excellence. Patio right next to the surfs of Lake Michigan. Basking under soft warm, late summer sunshine. Perfect !
(5)
Chocolina R.
"The" excellence of the fine cuisine. Professional hospitality beyond any kind of expectation. Truly heartfelt marvelous dinner. Our lifetime memory. Thank you.
As good as it gets!!! is the only way to describe Blu in Glen Arbor. The food is first class, over the top, such as the crab puffs. Full menu is excellent. The ambience is unbelievable, particularly as the sun sets across Lake Michigan outlining Sleeping Bear Point and the Manitou Islands. The wine list is very good, and they know their wines...just ask. Prices are high for the area, but worth every penny for a loveley evening out. Limited space, seats about 30, but I have taken a party of 10.
(5)
David M.
One of our best dining experiences ever. We went there for our 20th anniversary last Wednesday. Our server Tracie was outstanding. We ordered 4 appetizers and dessert. Tracie paired the appetizers in twos (as we asked her to) and each one was just as amazing as the earlier one. We felt perfectly served with magnificent food. Now my favorite dining experience in Michigan. Can't wait for an excuse to go back.
(5)
Karen P.
We vacation twice a year in Glen Arbor, Michigan and this is our special place to dine on our last evening. Always 100% in service, dining experience and of course, the cuisine. Our family of six has varied tastes. Two ordered the pan seared duck, which was incredible. It was a pan seared half of a duck and very flavorful. One ordered the veal chop which was to die for and everyone wished they had ordered it. One ordered the rack of lamb which was delicious, (and did not taste gamey like your grandmother's lamb.) I made it a point to taste everyone's, which is gouche, but what the hey!) My husband and I ordered the fish special, which was grouper (I think? but I had already had several glasses of Duckhorn wine!) The fish was a flakey, very tasty white fish. We all ordered the different salads: a BLT salad, a buttery bib lettuce salad with gorgonzola and cherries. The fried green tomatoes for an appetizer were wonderful as well as the crab puffs but the fried green tomatoes won that round, hands down! The desserts were over the top. Blueberry crisp won as the best dessert ordered at the table but the profiteroles and chocolate torte cake were close seconds for sure. We will return for sure next time we are in Glen Arbor, Michigan. Chef Randy came out to greet us towards the end of our meal. What a talent! Of course, our server, Kevin was very attentive. He has been our server before and is quite entertaining with our group. We will definitely request him next year, if he is still with Blu.
(5)
David H.
I think Blu is the best restaurant value on the Leelanau Peninsula. Randy Chamberlain's meals are always outstanding, the menu interesting and varied and the service really professional. Mari Chamberlain is co-owner and a qualified sommelier who makes sure that she has wines that fit both the menu and a reasonable budget. The restaurant is small enough and the service and food good enough that the whole experience has a European feel. There are a few other restaurants in the area where you can pay more and get as good an experience and many more where you will pay as much for less. On top of the dining value there is the spectacular view of the lake and the sunsets. Its our favorite place for a quiet dinner or a chance to show friends the "best of Leelanau".
One of the best dining experiences I have had. I have been all over the world and this is top notch. The food, the ambiance, the wine list and cocktails all make this restaurant sing. Very personable service and owners. This has quickly become more than a 'special occassion' place for me. I am becoming a 'regular.' Wonderful.
(5)
Bryan B.
There are a handful of restaurants in Northern Michigan that boast exquisite sunsets and I happen to work at one of them(not Blu). It's easy, when you have the benefit of that kind of view, to rely on it. That doesn't happen here. This is perfection in every facet of the dining experience. Truly the most amazing dining experience I've ever had!
(5)
Molly C.
Been coming here for years, and this place NEVER disappoints. One of the finest restaurants I've ever eaten at, and always an exceptional experience in all ways-- beautiful setting, great wine list, professional waitstaff, and glorious food. The meal we had tonight made me weep. What else can I say?
(5)
Ira L.
Blu is one of those restaurants that you expect might be not-so-good because the view is OH-SO-GOOD! But they didn't scrimp on the food either, as it's luckily equally as good as the location. Blu is located right on the beach of Lake Michigan's Sleeping Bear Bay and you can sit on their patio deck and watch the incredible sunset over the lake as you eat. The food was delicious and made excellent use of the Upper Peninsula's many fine local ingredients. Our server deftly steered me away from the Walleye to a more interesting choice, the Grilled Sea Scallops. They were perfectly done, crisped nicely on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth good on the inside. Then, after dinner, the restaurant even called us as we were driving away to let us know that we had left something at the table. This is a place that truly cares about their customers. It was one of several special dinners on my girlfriend's birthday weekend, and our great friend, Kim, could not have picked a better spot for the occasion. Thanks, Kim!
(5)
Rob M.
Excellent experience all around. I booked the full dining room (max 50 people) for my rehearsal dinner the night before my wedding. The service was very professional and the food was fantastic. The staff made last minute accommodations to our party size with no problem. They chose the bottles of wine for our meal which were reasonably priced and very delicious. Can't imagine that there could be a better restaurant in the area!
(5)
Carter P.
Disappointing! We made reservations, arranged for a babysitter, and were all set for a special family dinner only to have the restaurant call and cancel our reservations. In over 20 years of fine dining this is the first time this has ever happened. Needless to say I won't ever be patronizing this restaurant!
(1)
Pegy S.
Went September 24th. The sunset was gorgeous over Lake Michigan as we ate our scrumptious hors d'oeuvres. First time at Blu for my three gal pals, and they loved it. Two had Walley, I had the sea scallops, and the birthday gal had the lamb chops. Many wonderful local vegetables accompanied the entrees. I indulged the the flourless cake, which met my greatest expectations. The service was excellent. This is a MUST to visit in Northern Michigan. Bring your wallet. It is not cheap, but it is worth every last dime! You won't be disappointed with anything, from the minute you drive up until you leave. What a treasure in Leelanau County!!
(5)
Ilene T.
The food was every bit as good as the view, meaning both were spectacular. We enjoyed the early bird special enhanced by appetizers and wine. The weather added drama outside the picture windows, with high waves and a helicopter rescue near North Manitou Island. I highly recommend Blu for the adventurous diner with the dough to indulge in great food. Be sure to try the crab puffs, a Blu specialty.
(5)
Robin B.
My husband flew back up to Glen Arbor after a week at home during our month-long family vacation, and we wanted a special date night dinner to wrap up our summer up north. I hadn't been to this restaurant location since it was called Le Bear, and Yelp raves about Blue, so these two foodies simply had to try it, once we secured a sitter. The spot is tiny, and I think there is almost as much seating on the patio as there is indoors. That said, in the summers, a patio diner would have a glaring yellow sun in their faces until 9:30pm, or heat directly on their back, and a squinting date. We sat indoors near a window, and our server was Kevin. The amuse buche was a beet cream cheese with cherry segment and mint leaf on a tiny toast. Lovely to see, beautiful color. We had the escargot (better seasoned than La Becasse, don't tell them that), the sweetbreads, and then the delicious wine kicked in. I had a not-that-memorable trout with tomato jam and a gorgeous crust on it (at any other restaurant, this would be fantastic, but I'd just had such incredible hors d'oeuvres). My husband has a "beer test", where he requests that the server or chef recommend the best beer to go with his meal, and they had the CUTEST beer bottle with a gnome on it, and the flavor truly was perfect with his dinner. I don't know how Kevin did it! The desserts were things like flourless cake, coffee gelato, etc. We would have been better off just not having dessert and getting coffee, but we wanted the evening to last longer. Our bill with a couple of drinks each, 2 starters, 2 dinners, and 2 desserts, was around $180, and over $200 with tip. Again, a "good" date night, but well worth it. After dinner, we thanked Kevin and went outside for some sunset photos and to chat with other patrons and hotel guests. I hope we continue to have this babysitter so we can make an annual date night to Blu!
(5)
Dave W.
We wanted to have a nice dinner to wrap up our stay in Glen Arbor. This seemed to be the best place in town and the views looked amazing, so we gave it a try...and it did not disappoint. We hoped to eat on the patio, but it was kind of chilly so they weren't serving out there that night. Instead, we got a great seat by the window with an amazing view of the lake. Our server was friendly and helpful from the moment we arrived. We started our meal with the crab puff and duck pate appetizers. Both were excellent! I'm not usually one to eat duck but the pate (which came in a form different than what I would have expected) was quite good. We also both decided to go for the Wagyu steak...since the waitress said it would be the best steak we would ever it. It was also quite delicious! We wrapped things up with the flourless chocolate cake - a great way to wrap up the meal! The chef also came out to greet us and every other table, which was a nice touch. We would definitely recommend Blu for a high quality, adult dinner with views that can't be beat!
(5)
Raymond J.
Had dinner here a week or so ago while on vacation in Michigan . Excellent food and service . Really enjoyed their escargot . A great dinning experience if you are in the area .
(5)
Randel D.
Highly over rated for anyone familiar with true fine dining! We experienced the worst piece of Wagyu beef imaginable. Dry, tough, flavorless and that was at a MR temp. One end was not seasoned and the other end had too much salt and was topped with salty blue cheese marrow compound. The accompanying sauce was so sour that it tasted more like a vinaigrette. When i told the server about the issues she said i'll let the kitchen know. Nothing was done. My dessert was a new item for the week, a salted carmel bread pudding. All started well until i had a bite of the raw, uncooked center. I stopped and told the server. She acted way put out again and sighed and said i'll tell the kitchen. When i waited another 20 minutes for the check, i went directly to the host station. The server then said i guess the kitchen said the will "comp"the dessert. I asked about the steak and she said no!!! What? really? I've complained about 5 meals in the last 10 years ( we dine out about 6 times per month) and have never been met with such attitude. Sorry not so special!!!!! When traveling to Glen Arbor area, try some of the small local supper clubs, you will meet with better care and service. I have eaten at the best restaurants in the country and even had our wedding dinner in the private dining room at the French Laundry! Blu may have attitude but is NOT fine dining!
(1)
Maddy E.
We heard about Blu through the many Glen Arbor townspeople who had nothing but good things to say about the head chef, who donated food after the August 2nd storm. We decided to give it a try, even though it was a little pricey. We took full advantage of the early bird special for $28 per person. It was great! We could choose from a soup/salad, one of three entrees, and one of two desserts. The food was cooked to perfection. We tried the crab puff and they were excellent. The waitress was attentive and constantly filled our water glasses - a huge plus. We ate outside. The only negative was that if it rained they wouldn't have anything to shield us, but we were warned on the phone about that possibility. Would go again!
(5)
Kelly W.
The best restaurant I have EVER been too. Great food, let me rephrase that, WONDERFUL food. Great menu, awesome service, and a perfect view. This is definitely a must when you are in GA!
Very nice food but over priced and very little portion. We were a bit embarrassed that we were under dressed.
(4)
Courtney D.
Terrible service!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We made reservations and said that we had a baby in our party, we got there and there was no seat for the child. They were Very unfriendly and unapologetic. Will NEVER go there again!
(1)
Becky W.
After reading reviews and listening to locals, the decision to have a dinner at Blu far exceeded our expectations. We were happy to get reservations for a patio table. Our order of scallop appetizer, mixed green salad, and entree of halibut had been placed and greatly anticipated when an amazing storm began to form over the waters and move in our direction. Blu is a small restaurant and unfortunately had no table inside to seat us. The thought of getting our food in a "to go" box was not what we had planned. The chef came out and offered to literally move our patio table inside the dining room! The staff were so accommodating. First class service. And the food was among our favorite meals ever! The scallops were perfectly cooked and the halibut had a crispy crust like none we had ever tasted. Treat yourself to a dining experience as it should be if you are in this area. The over the top hospitality went even more over the top when an unexpected dessert arrived, on the house. THANK YOU for your generous spirit!
(5)
Colleen C.
I can't speak highly enough of the amazing staff, the relaxing ambiance, the delectable food and of course, the breathtaking views! Dining at Blu is truly an exceptional dining experience from start to finish.
(5)
Denise E.
Amazing discovery. Blu was recommended by two friends, one a professional chef. It is beautifully situated in the corner of the Le Bear Resort, right on the beach in Glen Arbor. Small, intimate dining room with rich finishes. They currently have a fabulous Friday night promotion that we took advantage of - salad, entree and a bottle of wine for two people - only $59. Everything was beautifully prepared and very tasty. Got to meet Chef Randy and his lovely wife. The dessert was to die for - marscarpone donuts (mini), with hazelnut brittle, vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. Only wish we could have enjoyed the sunset, but it was blowing sideways and snowing. Atmosphere inside was nice and warm! We'll be back.
(5)
Laura N.
Unbelievable. This was our best meal and dining experience to date in Northern Michigan. I had the signature Duck Confit which was cooked to perfection and my boyfriend had the Bronzini. I am not a big fish eater so I was a little apprehensive in trying the Bronzini but I am so glad I did. The taste and textures were great and balanced, the scallop was such a nice addition to the meal as well. We sat on the patio as the sun was setting, stunning views combined with the top notch service and dishes made this spot for us, second to none. I would highly recommend Blu to anyone visiting the area.
(5)
Sarah L.
Blu delivered a terrific experience, top to bottom. Although I suspect it wouldn't be half as wonderful if we'd been sitting inside, which seemed a little sterile. The porch really makes the evening. We ordered many small plates and two entrees for a table of five, and each dish was excellent. Beef, fish, salads--all done with equal care and attention. Cocktails and wine list were also notable. Service was equally attentive but non-obtrusive.
(5)
Marshall W.
We had our wedding reception on a Sunday afternoon - so that may bias my review. Along with the great weather and family and friends. The best part is the glorious view of the blue water and sky and the sun pouring in (no, it was not over heated, either). We never got a hint of the menu until the Thursday before, which they said would be the case, as they want to check the market for what was best and freshest available. Randy emailed us a suggestion of two fish dishes and two fowl dishes. We replied, maybe we could add a red meat dish for the more conservative in the crowd. We never saw the complete menu until we arrived, but what a meal! They surprised us with a litte "amuse-bouche" of a single bite of toast with a pate, herb leaf and single berry on top. Pretty and tasty! There was a choice of Swiss onion soup (done in a cream finish) and a goat cheese/beet and greens salad - both were decent sized and very tasty. Four entrees: Rainbow Trout on a bed of chopped beets and a delicate sauce, Tilapia, locally raised of chicken thigh and leg confit on rillette of goose, and Chateaubriand. I had the trout - good sized piece that was perfectly cooked, the sweet flavor went well with the slightly sweet beet flavors and delicate sauce. We had all Michigan wines, the Riesling from Brys was excellent. Also had an unoaked Chardonnay and a Cab Franc/Merlot blend that was great. Short's beer seemed to be popular, too. Then the desserts - OMG!! Randy outdid himself here!! A dark chocolate pudding-like scoop with a stunning triangular cookie sail, a slice of white chocolate mousse laid on a bed of liquid dark chocolate - we liked them so much, we sampled each others! Outstanding! Wonderful experience! Mary was the a great host, and never rushed us, allowing us to visit with our guests. I only wish I had a chance to delve more deeply into her audacious wine selection - there were some unusual selections available! Couldn't have asked for a better experience - highly recommended. We didn't spend anywhere near $100 pp either. Very reasonable! Can't wait to return for the anniversary!
(5)
elizabeth c.
We've had several meals at Blu over the years but our most recent meal this month wasn't one of them. First we had to wait for our table (no big deal). Then we waited 30 minutes for our appetizers (too long) and another 25 minutes for our salads. My husband's steak - the chef's special - was so fatty and devoid of flavor (strange combination, I know) that it was all but inedible. We live in New York City and so are accustomed to high prices - but Blu doesn't deliver on either the food or the service end of things, especially at this price level.
(2)
Marie H.
After an evening at Blu, my husband and I were content, full, happy and utterly blown away by the food. My suggestion--make sure to order the duck confit! It's the restaurant's specialty and it's AMAZING! We're talking 'out of this world' good.
(5)
Benjamin B.
A truly great experience. Blu has taken one of the best locations in Leelanau and created a memorable dining experience. Last night's fresh morels were sublime.
(5)
AJ M.
I took my Mom here as a celebration of her (7 week!!) visit to Northern MI right before she was heading home. I called for a reservation on a Thursday and was told there was availability at 5 pm and 9:30 pm, so I rushed home from work early so we could make the 5 pm reservation. It was a perfect, sunny day so we asked to sit on the patio. The young hostess seemed inconvenienced by this request but inquired at the front desk and they allowed us to sit on the patio. We were the only ones on the patio for most of our meal and thankfully we were treated to the wonderful service of Kevin, who made our dining experience fun, as we interogated him about the area, where he lived, etc. etc. We weren't terribly hungry (did I mention this was at 5 pm?) so we opted for the prix fixe menu. I started with a sweet corn bisque which was delicious but only lukewarm. My mom got a mixed green salad and she enjoyed it. I had the chicken confit with fresh veggies and a small mashed potato croquette. The chicken was delicious - moist with a yummy, well seasoned and crunchy skin (can't describe the sauce - sorry). The vegetables were fresh and tasty but the potatoes were cold. Fortunately that was such a small portion of the meal it really didn't matter. Mom had the panko breadcrumb crusted cod which had green beans, a potato croquette and capers. Her potato croquette was also cold but she loved the cod and veggies. We both had chocolate and orange ice cream for dessert and that was really good. What's funny is that the hostess and the busboy were really young but they seemed really snobby for their age and really uptight. Enter Kevin who chatted with us and provided top notch service. The other interesting thing is that when I called for the reservation they said there were only openings at 5 and 9:30. We left at 6:30 and the restaurant hadn't been full the entire time we were there, oh well. We agree that the view and location are an A+, overall service is a B+ and food is a B. It would be a great place to sit and have drinks and appetizers or dessert and coffee on the patio but at the prices there I'm sure this would not be an option. I will save this for special occassions or if someone wants to sit on the water and eat something other than bar food (Knot Just a Bar in Omena - great view too) but prefer Funistrada food and service over Blu anyday!
(4)
Charles P.
Breaks the axiom that a restaurant with a great view can't have great food. Gourmet dining doesn't get much finer than Blu. The venison comes from a local hunting lodge. Talk about lean, clean protein! I recommend "rare". So delicious!
(5)
JP N.
First time to blu, went on recommendation from another local restauranteur, and one of our party was another local restaurant proprietor. The service was beyond excellent, the food was almost par with Frankfort's Coho (add $10/ entree) The management on the other hand was instantly combative and defensive when given the slightest criticism. Our problem moved from something so little, to having a huge damper put on our entire evening, on a holiday no less. At $420 for a four top there is a bit more professionalism to be had, sans the arrogance. The paid bill was a beautiful sign, as it meant we could leave. I would be hard pressed to return to blu.
(2)
David J.
Simply outstanding. Fantastic service, great views and excellent food. While its a bit pricey for this area, it was worth it. The Alaskan halibut was amazing. Very generous portion and cooked to perfection. Great fresh vegetable sides. All of the salads are great too. Highly recommended.
(5)
Ronald S.
What a wonderful experience Blu was for my wife and me to celebrate our anniversary. When we walked in we were astounded by how small the dining room was. It probably has a capacity for 40 to 50 people, but it made the experience intimate and everyone had a wonderful view out of Blu's glass paneled walls looking over the beach and Lake Michigan. During our dinner we saw a colorful sunset as an ore freighter slowly made its way across the horizon with the Manitou Islands in the misty distance. We had been on the Leelanau wine-tasting circuit all day so we did not order wine but their list was pretty impressive. Our meal started with a surprise amuse bouche that was a muskmelon puree over a gazpacho base. Not something I would have ever ordered but absolutely delicious. We then shared their signature appetizer of blue crab puffs, the best we have ever had. My entree was grilled salmon on a vegetable stew mix and with breaded oysters (all were wonderful) and my wife had a very tasty cod with generous but somewhat bland scallops (the only disappointment of our meal.) For dessert we shared a banana cream and blackberry "pie" which was a layered affair of crust, whipped cream, huge blueberries and banana cream filling. There was none left even though we were really getting filled up. It was a unique and lip-licking end to a truly memorable meal. I saw some other comments in this app denigrate the hostesses and waitstaff but ours were great. We were greeted warmly with a smile and our waiter and the other attendants were so attentive. Chef Randy came to our table to ask if we were enjoying ourselves and even delivered our dessert personally. And no, they did not know this was a special occasion for us. One warning is that parking is only available on the street (unless you are a guest at the resort). We were lucky, as a spot opened up as we were driving in but I saw some people walking a few blocks. So yes, it was expensive and not something most would do for a routine meal. But if you want a special dining experience I would certainly recommend Chef Randy at Blu.
(5)
Mike M.
Trout, chicken, mushroom risotto, soup and salads ... Everything was fantastic. Way better risotto than at Union League Cafe (a French Restaurant in New Haven, CT where I've hoped for great risotto at least three times). Six of us ate here and ordered off the "early-bird" fixed price menu ($29) each, which helped immensely because the regular menu can easily run $50-70 a person.
(5)
Patrick D.
A fabulous room with a fabulous view. Absolutely beautiful. 5 stars there. Very good service. The food was .... good. Each first bite a treat, but after that it didn't sustain itself. Didn't leave those yummy flavors floating around your mouth that makes a really good meal terrific, a meal that you eat slowly to savor each bite. At these prices, it really should. I had the roasted garlic soup and the walnut rissoto. One unpleasant surprise, a lovely bathroom with a tacky storage shelf holding linens wrapped in plastic about to fall off. In a place like this you don't expect for the bathroom to also be a storage room. At least put in cabinets and keep things out of view. Over priced, by at least 50%. Because of the exuberant pricing considering the food, I do not see how anyone would rate this over 4 stars.
(3)
Mike M.
Trout, chicken, mushroom risotto, soup and salads ... Everything was fantastic. Way better risotto than at Union League Cafe (a French Restaurant in New Haven, CT where I've hoped for great risotto at least three times). Six of us ate here and ordered off the "early-bird" fixed price menu ($29) each, which helped immensely because the regular menu can easily run $50-70 a person.
(5)
Patrick D.
A fabulous room with a fabulous view. Absolutely beautiful. 5 stars there. Very good service. The food was .... good. Each first bite a treat, but after that it didn't sustain itself. Didn't leave those yummy flavors floating around your mouth that makes a really good meal terrific, a meal that you eat slowly to savor each bite. At these prices, it really should. I had the roasted garlic soup and the walnut rissoto. One unpleasant surprise, a lovely bathroom with a tacky storage shelf holding linens wrapped in plastic about to fall off. In a place like this you don't expect for the bathroom to also be a storage room. At least put in cabinets and keep things out of view. Over priced, by at least 50%. Because of the exuberant pricing considering the food, I do not see how anyone would rate this over 4 stars.
(3)
Pegy S.
Went September 24th. The sunset was gorgeous over Lake Michigan as we ate our scrumptious hors d'oeuvres. First time at Blu for my three gal pals, and they loved it. Two had Walley, I had the sea scallops, and the birthday gal had the lamb chops. Many wonderful local vegetables accompanied the entrees. I indulged the the flourless cake, which met my greatest expectations. The service was excellent. This is a MUST to visit in Northern Michigan. Bring your wallet. It is not cheap, but it is worth every last dime! You won't be disappointed with anything, from the minute you drive up until you leave. What a treasure in Leelanau County!!
(5)
Barbara S.
The fish is perfection!
(5)
Karen P.
We vacation twice a year in Glen Arbor, Michigan and this is our special place to dine on our last evening. Always 100% in service, dining experience and of course, the cuisine. Our family of six has varied tastes. Two ordered the pan seared duck, which was incredible. It was a pan seared half of a duck and very flavorful. One ordered the veal chop which was to die for and everyone wished they had ordered it. One ordered the rack of lamb which was delicious, (and did not taste gamey like your grandmother's lamb.) I made it a point to taste everyone's, which is gouche, but what the hey!) My husband and I ordered the fish special, which was grouper (I think? but I had already had several glasses of Duckhorn wine!) The fish was a flakey, very tasty white fish. We all ordered the different salads: a BLT salad, a buttery bib lettuce salad with gorgonzola and cherries. The fried green tomatoes for an appetizer were wonderful as well as the crab puffs but the fried green tomatoes won that round, hands down! The desserts were over the top. Blueberry crisp won as the best dessert ordered at the table but the profiteroles and chocolate torte cake were close seconds for sure. We will return for sure next time we are in Glen Arbor, Michigan. Chef Randy came out to greet us towards the end of our meal. What a talent! Of course, our server, Kevin was very attentive. He has been our server before and is quite entertaining with our group. We will definitely request him next year, if he is still with Blu.
(5)
Dave W.
We wanted to have a nice dinner to wrap up our stay in Glen Arbor. This seemed to be the best place in town and the views looked amazing, so we gave it a try...and it did not disappoint. We hoped to eat on the patio, but it was kind of chilly so they weren't serving out there that night. Instead, we got a great seat by the window with an amazing view of the lake. Our server was friendly and helpful from the moment we arrived. We started our meal with the crab puff and duck pate appetizers. Both were excellent! I'm not usually one to eat duck but the pate (which came in a form different than what I would have expected) was quite good. We also both decided to go for the Wagyu steak...since the waitress said it would be the best steak we would ever it. It was also quite delicious! We wrapped things up with the flourless chocolate cake - a great way to wrap up the meal! The chef also came out to greet us and every other table, which was a nice touch. We would definitely recommend Blu for a high quality, adult dinner with views that can't be beat!
(5)
Raymond J.
Had dinner here a week or so ago while on vacation in Michigan . Excellent food and service . Really enjoyed their escargot . A great dinning experience if you are in the area .
(5)
Randel D.
Highly over rated for anyone familiar with true fine dining! We experienced the worst piece of Wagyu beef imaginable. Dry, tough, flavorless and that was at a MR temp. One end was not seasoned and the other end had too much salt and was topped with salty blue cheese marrow compound. The accompanying sauce was so sour that it tasted more like a vinaigrette. When i told the server about the issues she said i'll let the kitchen know. Nothing was done. My dessert was a new item for the week, a salted carmel bread pudding. All started well until i had a bite of the raw, uncooked center. I stopped and told the server. She acted way put out again and sighed and said i'll tell the kitchen. When i waited another 20 minutes for the check, i went directly to the host station. The server then said i guess the kitchen said the will "comp"the dessert. I asked about the steak and she said no!!! What? really? I've complained about 5 meals in the last 10 years ( we dine out about 6 times per month) and have never been met with such attitude. Sorry not so special!!!!! When traveling to Glen Arbor area, try some of the small local supper clubs, you will meet with better care and service. I have eaten at the best restaurants in the country and even had our wedding dinner in the private dining room at the French Laundry! Blu may have attitude but is NOT fine dining!
(1)
Maddy E.
We heard about Blu through the many Glen Arbor townspeople who had nothing but good things to say about the head chef, who donated food after the August 2nd storm. We decided to give it a try, even though it was a little pricey. We took full advantage of the early bird special for $28 per person. It was great! We could choose from a soup/salad, one of three entrees, and one of two desserts. The food was cooked to perfection. We tried the crab puff and they were excellent. The waitress was attentive and constantly filled our water glasses - a huge plus. We ate outside. The only negative was that if it rained they wouldn't have anything to shield us, but we were warned on the phone about that possibility. Would go again!
(5)
Robin B.
My husband flew back up to Glen Arbor after a week at home during our month-long family vacation, and we wanted a special date night dinner to wrap up our summer up north. I hadn't been to this restaurant location since it was called Le Bear, and Yelp raves about Blue, so these two foodies simply had to try it, once we secured a sitter. The spot is tiny, and I think there is almost as much seating on the patio as there is indoors. That said, in the summers, a patio diner would have a glaring yellow sun in their faces until 9:30pm, or heat directly on their back, and a squinting date. We sat indoors near a window, and our server was Kevin. The amuse buche was a beet cream cheese with cherry segment and mint leaf on a tiny toast. Lovely to see, beautiful color. We had the escargot (better seasoned than La Becasse, don't tell them that), the sweetbreads, and then the delicious wine kicked in. I had a not-that-memorable trout with tomato jam and a gorgeous crust on it (at any other restaurant, this would be fantastic, but I'd just had such incredible hors d'oeuvres). My husband has a "beer test", where he requests that the server or chef recommend the best beer to go with his meal, and they had the CUTEST beer bottle with a gnome on it, and the flavor truly was perfect with his dinner. I don't know how Kevin did it! The desserts were things like flourless cake, coffee gelato, etc. We would have been better off just not having dessert and getting coffee, but we wanted the evening to last longer. Our bill with a couple of drinks each, 2 starters, 2 dinners, and 2 desserts, was around $180, and over $200 with tip. Again, a "good" date night, but well worth it. After dinner, we thanked Kevin and went outside for some sunset photos and to chat with other patrons and hotel guests. I hope we continue to have this babysitter so we can make an annual date night to Blu!
(5)
Kelly W.
The best restaurant I have EVER been too. Great food, let me rephrase that, WONDERFUL food. Great menu, awesome service, and a perfect view. This is definitely a must when you are in GA!
Very nice food but over priced and very little portion. We were a bit embarrassed that we were under dressed.
(4)
Courtney D.
Terrible service!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We made reservations and said that we had a baby in our party, we got there and there was no seat for the child. They were Very unfriendly and unapologetic. Will NEVER go there again!
(1)
Becky W.
After reading reviews and listening to locals, the decision to have a dinner at Blu far exceeded our expectations. We were happy to get reservations for a patio table. Our order of scallop appetizer, mixed green salad, and entree of halibut had been placed and greatly anticipated when an amazing storm began to form over the waters and move in our direction. Blu is a small restaurant and unfortunately had no table inside to seat us. The thought of getting our food in a "to go" box was not what we had planned. The chef came out and offered to literally move our patio table inside the dining room! The staff were so accommodating. First class service. And the food was among our favorite meals ever! The scallops were perfectly cooked and the halibut had a crispy crust like none we had ever tasted. Treat yourself to a dining experience as it should be if you are in this area. The over the top hospitality went even more over the top when an unexpected dessert arrived, on the house. THANK YOU for your generous spirit!
(5)
Colleen C.
I can't speak highly enough of the amazing staff, the relaxing ambiance, the delectable food and of course, the breathtaking views! Dining at Blu is truly an exceptional dining experience from start to finish.
(5)
Denise E.
Amazing discovery. Blu was recommended by two friends, one a professional chef. It is beautifully situated in the corner of the Le Bear Resort, right on the beach in Glen Arbor. Small, intimate dining room with rich finishes. They currently have a fabulous Friday night promotion that we took advantage of - salad, entree and a bottle of wine for two people - only $59. Everything was beautifully prepared and very tasty. Got to meet Chef Randy and his lovely wife. The dessert was to die for - marscarpone donuts (mini), with hazelnut brittle, vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. Only wish we could have enjoyed the sunset, but it was blowing sideways and snowing. Atmosphere inside was nice and warm! We'll be back.
(5)
Laura N.
Unbelievable. This was our best meal and dining experience to date in Northern Michigan. I had the signature Duck Confit which was cooked to perfection and my boyfriend had the Bronzini. I am not a big fish eater so I was a little apprehensive in trying the Bronzini but I am so glad I did. The taste and textures were great and balanced, the scallop was such a nice addition to the meal as well. We sat on the patio as the sun was setting, stunning views combined with the top notch service and dishes made this spot for us, second to none. I would highly recommend Blu to anyone visiting the area.
(5)
Sarah L.
Blu delivered a terrific experience, top to bottom. Although I suspect it wouldn't be half as wonderful if we'd been sitting inside, which seemed a little sterile. The porch really makes the evening. We ordered many small plates and two entrees for a table of five, and each dish was excellent. Beef, fish, salads--all done with equal care and attention. Cocktails and wine list were also notable. Service was equally attentive but non-obtrusive.
(5)
Eowyn K.
Blu was a wonderful dining experience and was a great place for our group to celebrate a birthday. The restaurant on the the side of the Le Bear resort with large windows that provides a view of Lake Michigan. It was smaller than expected inside, though they also have an outdoor patio. The restaurant is lovely, simple and allows the view to be the focus. The service was excellent, very attentive. They have a good wine list that includes local wines (including some we had sampled earlier that day on our wine tour that were considerably marked up). To begin the meal you are served an amuse bouche. At our visit this was a salmon mousse. The idea of fish whipped is strange but this was surprisingly light and made a nice start to the meal. I had the crab puffs as an appetizer, which were as good as the other recommendations suggest. A friend had the fried green tomatoes. I would not have thought to order this and it was another pleasant surprise. Our group primary ordered fish items, the salmon and the sea bass. They also had a asparagus risotto. This is not the easiest to make and this was perfect and creamy. The salmon was very good, but the sea bass was amazing. I am not sure how often the menu changes or what items are seasonal but this fish option seems to be a good choice. Expect that any meal you have here is going to be pricey. We came to celebrate a friend's birthday, had a wonderful experience and felt that it was worth the price. If you are just looking for somewhere to eat or do not have much time, this is not going to be a good choice. As I noted, Blu is small, and I would recommend making reservation, especially during the busy part of the year.
(5)
Annie S.
Not sure why I have to drive over 4 hours for the best meal we've had in at least three years but this place is not to be missed! Here's a roadmap for an exceptional dining experience: 1. fabulous table along the wall looking out to Lake Michigan (this is a small place so most tables have a view. If you want outdoor seating, which is very limited, make sure to request it when you make your reservation). 2. Coho Pinot Noir - never had it before, recommended by the owner - DElicious! 3. Fried green tomatoes appetizer with tomato and goat cheese sauces. The tomatoes came out hot and crunchy, perfectly prepared. 4. Duck Confit entree - rich and flavorful like others but super crispy and superb. 5. Seared scallop special with black truffles and creamy mushroom risotto 6. Share, share, share! 7. Ask to be seated in the empty two-top on the patio to watch the sunset up close (check out sunset times before you make reservations) 8. Can't remember my husband's desert (he liked it) since I was absorbed in my yummy glass of Caymus 40th Anniversary Cabernet reasonably priced at $19. Oh, and service was excellent!
(5)
Steven L.
Spectacular Duck Confit ! Exquisite culinary excellence. Patio right next to the surfs of Lake Michigan. Basking under soft warm, late summer sunshine. Perfect !
(5)
Chocolina R.
"The" excellence of the fine cuisine. Professional hospitality beyond any kind of expectation. Truly heartfelt marvelous dinner. Our lifetime memory. Thank you.
(5)
Marshall W.
We had our wedding reception on a Sunday afternoon - so that may bias my review. Along with the great weather and family and friends. The best part is the glorious view of the blue water and sky and the sun pouring in (no, it was not over heated, either). We never got a hint of the menu until the Thursday before, which they said would be the case, as they want to check the market for what was best and freshest available. Randy emailed us a suggestion of two fish dishes and two fowl dishes. We replied, maybe we could add a red meat dish for the more conservative in the crowd. We never saw the complete menu until we arrived, but what a meal! They surprised us with a litte "amuse-bouche" of a single bite of toast with a pate, herb leaf and single berry on top. Pretty and tasty! There was a choice of Swiss onion soup (done in a cream finish) and a goat cheese/beet and greens salad - both were decent sized and very tasty. Four entrees: Rainbow Trout on a bed of chopped beets and a delicate sauce, Tilapia, locally raised of chicken thigh and leg confit on rillette of goose, and Chateaubriand. I had the trout - good sized piece that was perfectly cooked, the sweet flavor went well with the slightly sweet beet flavors and delicate sauce. We had all Michigan wines, the Riesling from Brys was excellent. Also had an unoaked Chardonnay and a Cab Franc/Merlot blend that was great. Short's beer seemed to be popular, too. Then the desserts - OMG!! Randy outdid himself here!! A dark chocolate pudding-like scoop with a stunning triangular cookie sail, a slice of white chocolate mousse laid on a bed of liquid dark chocolate - we liked them so much, we sampled each others! Outstanding! Wonderful experience! Mary was the a great host, and never rushed us, allowing us to visit with our guests. I only wish I had a chance to delve more deeply into her audacious wine selection - there were some unusual selections available! Couldn't have asked for a better experience - highly recommended. We didn't spend anywhere near $100 pp either. Very reasonable! Can't wait to return for the anniversary!
(5)
elizabeth c.
We've had several meals at Blu over the years but our most recent meal this month wasn't one of them. First we had to wait for our table (no big deal). Then we waited 30 minutes for our appetizers (too long) and another 25 minutes for our salads. My husband's steak - the chef's special - was so fatty and devoid of flavor (strange combination, I know) that it was all but inedible. We live in New York City and so are accustomed to high prices - but Blu doesn't deliver on either the food or the service end of things, especially at this price level.
(2)
Marie H.
After an evening at Blu, my husband and I were content, full, happy and utterly blown away by the food. My suggestion--make sure to order the duck confit! It's the restaurant's specialty and it's AMAZING! We're talking 'out of this world' good.
(5)
Benjamin B.
A truly great experience. Blu has taken one of the best locations in Leelanau and created a memorable dining experience. Last night's fresh morels were sublime.
(5)
AJ M.
I took my Mom here as a celebration of her (7 week!!) visit to Northern MI right before she was heading home. I called for a reservation on a Thursday and was told there was availability at 5 pm and 9:30 pm, so I rushed home from work early so we could make the 5 pm reservation. It was a perfect, sunny day so we asked to sit on the patio. The young hostess seemed inconvenienced by this request but inquired at the front desk and they allowed us to sit on the patio. We were the only ones on the patio for most of our meal and thankfully we were treated to the wonderful service of Kevin, who made our dining experience fun, as we interogated him about the area, where he lived, etc. etc. We weren't terribly hungry (did I mention this was at 5 pm?) so we opted for the prix fixe menu. I started with a sweet corn bisque which was delicious but only lukewarm. My mom got a mixed green salad and she enjoyed it. I had the chicken confit with fresh veggies and a small mashed potato croquette. The chicken was delicious - moist with a yummy, well seasoned and crunchy skin (can't describe the sauce - sorry). The vegetables were fresh and tasty but the potatoes were cold. Fortunately that was such a small portion of the meal it really didn't matter. Mom had the panko breadcrumb crusted cod which had green beans, a potato croquette and capers. Her potato croquette was also cold but she loved the cod and veggies. We both had chocolate and orange ice cream for dessert and that was really good. What's funny is that the hostess and the busboy were really young but they seemed really snobby for their age and really uptight. Enter Kevin who chatted with us and provided top notch service. The other interesting thing is that when I called for the reservation they said there were only openings at 5 and 9:30. We left at 6:30 and the restaurant hadn't been full the entire time we were there, oh well. We agree that the view and location are an A+, overall service is a B+ and food is a B. It would be a great place to sit and have drinks and appetizers or dessert and coffee on the patio but at the prices there I'm sure this would not be an option. I will save this for special occassions or if someone wants to sit on the water and eat something other than bar food (Knot Just a Bar in Omena - great view too) but prefer Funistrada food and service over Blu anyday!
(4)
Charles P.
Breaks the axiom that a restaurant with a great view can't have great food. Gourmet dining doesn't get much finer than Blu. The venison comes from a local hunting lodge. Talk about lean, clean protein! I recommend "rare". So delicious!
(5)
JP N.
First time to blu, went on recommendation from another local restauranteur, and one of our party was another local restaurant proprietor. The service was beyond excellent, the food was almost par with Frankfort's Coho (add $10/ entree) The management on the other hand was instantly combative and defensive when given the slightest criticism. Our problem moved from something so little, to having a huge damper put on our entire evening, on a holiday no less. At $420 for a four top there is a bit more professionalism to be had, sans the arrogance. The paid bill was a beautiful sign, as it meant we could leave. I would be hard pressed to return to blu.
(2)
David J.
Simply outstanding. Fantastic service, great views and excellent food. While its a bit pricey for this area, it was worth it. The Alaskan halibut was amazing. Very generous portion and cooked to perfection. Great fresh vegetable sides. All of the salads are great too. Highly recommended.
(5)
Ronald S.
What a wonderful experience Blu was for my wife and me to celebrate our anniversary. When we walked in we were astounded by how small the dining room was. It probably has a capacity for 40 to 50 people, but it made the experience intimate and everyone had a wonderful view out of Blu's glass paneled walls looking over the beach and Lake Michigan. During our dinner we saw a colorful sunset as an ore freighter slowly made its way across the horizon with the Manitou Islands in the misty distance. We had been on the Leelanau wine-tasting circuit all day so we did not order wine but their list was pretty impressive. Our meal started with a surprise amuse bouche that was a muskmelon puree over a gazpacho base. Not something I would have ever ordered but absolutely delicious. We then shared their signature appetizer of blue crab puffs, the best we have ever had. My entree was grilled salmon on a vegetable stew mix and with breaded oysters (all were wonderful) and my wife had a very tasty cod with generous but somewhat bland scallops (the only disappointment of our meal.) For dessert we shared a banana cream and blackberry "pie" which was a layered affair of crust, whipped cream, huge blueberries and banana cream filling. There was none left even though we were really getting filled up. It was a unique and lip-licking end to a truly memorable meal. I saw some other comments in this app denigrate the hostesses and waitstaff but ours were great. We were greeted warmly with a smile and our waiter and the other attendants were so attentive. Chef Randy came to our table to ask if we were enjoying ourselves and even delivered our dessert personally. And no, they did not know this was a special occasion for us. One warning is that parking is only available on the street (unless you are a guest at the resort). We were lucky, as a spot opened up as we were driving in but I saw some people walking a few blocks. So yes, it was expensive and not something most would do for a routine meal. But if you want a special dining experience I would certainly recommend Chef Randy at Blu.
I think Blu is the best restaurant value on the Leelanau Peninsula. Randy Chamberlain's meals are always outstanding, the menu interesting and varied and the service really professional. Mari Chamberlain is co-owner and a qualified sommelier who makes sure that she has wines that fit both the menu and a reasonable budget. The restaurant is small enough and the service and food good enough that the whole experience has a European feel. There are a few other restaurants in the area where you can pay more and get as good an experience and many more where you will pay as much for less. On top of the dining value there is the spectacular view of the lake and the sunsets. Its our favorite place for a quiet dinner or a chance to show friends the "best of Leelanau".
As good as it gets!!! is the only way to describe Blu in Glen Arbor. The food is first class, over the top, such as the crab puffs. Full menu is excellent. The ambience is unbelievable, particularly as the sun sets across Lake Michigan outlining Sleeping Bear Point and the Manitou Islands. The wine list is very good, and they know their wines...just ask. Prices are high for the area, but worth every penny for a loveley evening out. Limited space, seats about 30, but I have taken a party of 10.
(5)
David M.
One of our best dining experiences ever. We went there for our 20th anniversary last Wednesday. Our server Tracie was outstanding. We ordered 4 appetizers and dessert. Tracie paired the appetizers in twos (as we asked her to) and each one was just as amazing as the earlier one. We felt perfectly served with magnificent food. Now my favorite dining experience in Michigan. Can't wait for an excuse to go back.
(5)
Ilene T.
The food was every bit as good as the view, meaning both were spectacular. We enjoyed the early bird special enhanced by appetizers and wine. The weather added drama outside the picture windows, with high waves and a helicopter rescue near North Manitou Island. I highly recommend Blu for the adventurous diner with the dough to indulge in great food. Be sure to try the crab puffs, a Blu specialty.
(5)
Kim S.
One of the best dining experiences I have had. I have been all over the world and this is top notch. The food, the ambiance, the wine list and cocktails all make this restaurant sing. Very personable service and owners. This has quickly become more than a 'special occassion' place for me. I am becoming a 'regular.' Wonderful.
(5)
Bryan B.
There are a handful of restaurants in Northern Michigan that boast exquisite sunsets and I happen to work at one of them(not Blu). It's easy, when you have the benefit of that kind of view, to rely on it. That doesn't happen here. This is perfection in every facet of the dining experience. Truly the most amazing dining experience I've ever had!
(5)
Molly C.
Been coming here for years, and this place NEVER disappoints. One of the finest restaurants I've ever eaten at, and always an exceptional experience in all ways-- beautiful setting, great wine list, professional waitstaff, and glorious food. The meal we had tonight made me weep. What else can I say?
(5)
Ira L.
Blu is one of those restaurants that you expect might be not-so-good because the view is OH-SO-GOOD! But they didn't scrimp on the food either, as it's luckily equally as good as the location. Blu is located right on the beach of Lake Michigan's Sleeping Bear Bay and you can sit on their patio deck and watch the incredible sunset over the lake as you eat. The food was delicious and made excellent use of the Upper Peninsula's many fine local ingredients. Our server deftly steered me away from the Walleye to a more interesting choice, the Grilled Sea Scallops. They were perfectly done, crisped nicely on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth good on the inside. Then, after dinner, the restaurant even called us as we were driving away to let us know that we had left something at the table. This is a place that truly cares about their customers. It was one of several special dinners on my girlfriend's birthday weekend, and our great friend, Kim, could not have picked a better spot for the occasion. Thanks, Kim!
(5)
Rob M.
Excellent experience all around. I booked the full dining room (max 50 people) for my rehearsal dinner the night before my wedding. The service was very professional and the food was fantastic. The staff made last minute accommodations to our party size with no problem. They chose the bottles of wine for our meal which were reasonably priced and very delicious. Can't imagine that there could be a better restaurant in the area!
(5)
Carter P.
Disappointing! We made reservations, arranged for a babysitter, and were all set for a special family dinner only to have the restaurant call and cancel our reservations. In over 20 years of fine dining this is the first time this has ever happened. Needless to say I won't ever be patronizing this restaurant!
Good For : Dinner Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Quiet Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Caters : No
Eowyn K.
Blu was a wonderful dining experience and was a great place for our group to celebrate a birthday. The restaurant on the the side of the Le Bear resort with large windows that provides a view of Lake Michigan. It was smaller than expected inside, though they also have an outdoor patio. The restaurant is lovely, simple and allows the view to be the focus. The service was excellent, very attentive. They have a good wine list that includes local wines (including some we had sampled earlier that day on our wine tour that were considerably marked up). To begin the meal you are served an amuse bouche. At our visit this was a salmon mousse. The idea of fish whipped is strange but this was surprisingly light and made a nice start to the meal. I had the crab puffs as an appetizer, which were as good as the other recommendations suggest. A friend had the fried green tomatoes. I would not have thought to order this and it was another pleasant surprise. Our group primary ordered fish items, the salmon and the sea bass. They also had a asparagus risotto. This is not the easiest to make and this was perfect and creamy. The salmon was very good, but the sea bass was amazing. I am not sure how often the menu changes or what items are seasonal but this fish option seems to be a good choice. Expect that any meal you have here is going to be pricey. We came to celebrate a friend's birthday, had a wonderful experience and felt that it was worth the price. If you are just looking for somewhere to eat or do not have much time, this is not going to be a good choice. As I noted, Blu is small, and I would recommend making reservation, especially during the busy part of the year.
(5)Annie S.
Not sure why I have to drive over 4 hours for the best meal we've had in at least three years but this place is not to be missed! Here's a roadmap for an exceptional dining experience: 1. fabulous table along the wall looking out to Lake Michigan (this is a small place so most tables have a view. If you want outdoor seating, which is very limited, make sure to request it when you make your reservation). 2. Coho Pinot Noir - never had it before, recommended by the owner - DElicious! 3. Fried green tomatoes appetizer with tomato and goat cheese sauces. The tomatoes came out hot and crunchy, perfectly prepared. 4. Duck Confit entree - rich and flavorful like others but super crispy and superb. 5. Seared scallop special with black truffles and creamy mushroom risotto 6. Share, share, share! 7. Ask to be seated in the empty two-top on the patio to watch the sunset up close (check out sunset times before you make reservations) 8. Can't remember my husband's desert (he liked it) since I was absorbed in my yummy glass of Caymus 40th Anniversary Cabernet reasonably priced at $19. Oh, and service was excellent!
(5)Steven L.
Spectacular Duck Confit ! Exquisite culinary excellence. Patio right next to the surfs of Lake Michigan. Basking under soft warm, late summer sunshine. Perfect !
(5)Chocolina R.
"The" excellence of the fine cuisine. Professional hospitality beyond any kind of expectation. Truly heartfelt marvelous dinner. Our lifetime memory. Thank you.
(5)Amanda B.
My mother wanted me to go somewhere extra special for dinner since she wasn't going to be with me on my birthday; on her of course. I decided I wanted to go to blu in Glen Arbor. We were welcomed by Mary (the owner) and one of the staff and invited to sit either in their small dinning room or on the patio. Easy choice; the patio is surrounded by flowers and overlooks Lake Michigan. It was a perfect day, not too hot and a light breeze coming off the water. Our server was a very sweet experienced woman, who was very knowledgeable about all of the dishes and the extensive wine list. We ordered a half bottle of a Champagne on Mary's suggestion but it ended up they didn't have it chilled, so she suggested the Piper Heidsieck Brut Champagne instead. We ordered the Crab Puffs, panko breaded and sautéed, Creole menuire sauce to start. Our server brought out the bottle and a chiller and showed the bottle and poured us each a glass. We were brought a house appetizer of two little pieces of toasted bread with some sort of topping which went perfectly with the Champagne, as did the crab when it arrived shortly after. I am not a fan of seafood as a general rule, but I always like to try it to see if my tastes have changed. Let's just say if all crab tasted that good, I'd eat crab everyday. My boyfriend ordered the rack of Lamb, char-grilled, with Leelanau dried cherries in Port wine demi-glace and mint olive oil and I ordered the grass-fed beef Tenderloin, pan-seared choice filet with a Burgundy-button mushroom sauce along with a bottle of very muscular Oregon single vineyard Pinot Noir. Our glasses never went empty; always being refilled by our attentive server. The meal was by far the best I have ever had at any restaurant. I wish I could find my pictures so I could include them with this review because the presentation of the plates was so beautiful, the food was that much more enjoyable. We finished in a European style, by sharing a light salad of fresh greens and a light dressing. I must say that my whole perspective of which comes first, the salad or the entree has forever changed since then. After having such a delightfully filling and satisfying meal, the salad calms the stomach and makes being full a very pleasant experience. I will never eat a salad before my dinner again. The whole meal lasted about two and a half hours and I never once felt rushed. We were able to enjoy every bite, every sip, all while watching the sun sink below the watery horizon. Truly an amazing birthday.
(5)Barbara S.
The fish is perfection!
(5)Bob L.
As good as it gets!!! is the only way to describe Blu in Glen Arbor. The food is first class, over the top, such as the crab puffs. Full menu is excellent. The ambience is unbelievable, particularly as the sun sets across Lake Michigan outlining Sleeping Bear Point and the Manitou Islands. The wine list is very good, and they know their wines...just ask. Prices are high for the area, but worth every penny for a loveley evening out. Limited space, seats about 30, but I have taken a party of 10.
(5)David M.
One of our best dining experiences ever. We went there for our 20th anniversary last Wednesday. Our server Tracie was outstanding. We ordered 4 appetizers and dessert. Tracie paired the appetizers in twos (as we asked her to) and each one was just as amazing as the earlier one. We felt perfectly served with magnificent food. Now my favorite dining experience in Michigan. Can't wait for an excuse to go back.
(5)Karen P.
We vacation twice a year in Glen Arbor, Michigan and this is our special place to dine on our last evening. Always 100% in service, dining experience and of course, the cuisine. Our family of six has varied tastes. Two ordered the pan seared duck, which was incredible. It was a pan seared half of a duck and very flavorful. One ordered the veal chop which was to die for and everyone wished they had ordered it. One ordered the rack of lamb which was delicious, (and did not taste gamey like your grandmother's lamb.) I made it a point to taste everyone's, which is gouche, but what the hey!) My husband and I ordered the fish special, which was grouper (I think? but I had already had several glasses of Duckhorn wine!) The fish was a flakey, very tasty white fish. We all ordered the different salads: a BLT salad, a buttery bib lettuce salad with gorgonzola and cherries. The fried green tomatoes for an appetizer were wonderful as well as the crab puffs but the fried green tomatoes won that round, hands down! The desserts were over the top. Blueberry crisp won as the best dessert ordered at the table but the profiteroles and chocolate torte cake were close seconds for sure. We will return for sure next time we are in Glen Arbor, Michigan. Chef Randy came out to greet us towards the end of our meal. What a talent! Of course, our server, Kevin was very attentive. He has been our server before and is quite entertaining with our group. We will definitely request him next year, if he is still with Blu.
(5)David H.
I think Blu is the best restaurant value on the Leelanau Peninsula. Randy Chamberlain's meals are always outstanding, the menu interesting and varied and the service really professional. Mari Chamberlain is co-owner and a qualified sommelier who makes sure that she has wines that fit both the menu and a reasonable budget. The restaurant is small enough and the service and food good enough that the whole experience has a European feel. There are a few other restaurants in the area where you can pay more and get as good an experience and many more where you will pay as much for less. On top of the dining value there is the spectacular view of the lake and the sunsets. Its our favorite place for a quiet dinner or a chance to show friends the "best of Leelanau".
(5)Steve K.
Really fantastic. If you like excellent food and are in the area, you need to go. I have to say I've eaten in some pretty nice places over the years, places in NYC, Chicago, Napa, etc, and this place in a little Michigan tourist town was as good as any of them. We had a fried green tomatoes appetizer-- I admit, a bit of a cliché at this point, but these were excellently prepared. I had a cucumber cold soup kind of creation that was amazing, along with excellent walleye. My wife had the beef tenderloin, and she is awfully picky about her beef-- and this was excellent good. We finished up with some simple sorbets, local sour cherry and prickly pear. The atmosphere and view were also impressive. This is on one of the beaches in Glen Arbor where one goes to see the sunset, and our late (8:30) reservation turned out to be a pretty good idea. We had an excellent table with a very romantic view of the setting sun. And at the end of the day, for this high end sort of food, it wasn't that expensive, either. We didn't go super high on wine (I think we had a bottle that was about $40 or a little less), but for this kind of food and service, I thought our final bill of about $150 or so was very reasonable-- hell, we paid twice as much at the Detroit-area "The Lark" for half as good of a meal. Go. Totally worth it.
(5)Kim S.
One of the best dining experiences I have had. I have been all over the world and this is top notch. The food, the ambiance, the wine list and cocktails all make this restaurant sing. Very personable service and owners. This has quickly become more than a 'special occassion' place for me. I am becoming a 'regular.' Wonderful.
(5)Bryan B.
There are a handful of restaurants in Northern Michigan that boast exquisite sunsets and I happen to work at one of them(not Blu). It's easy, when you have the benefit of that kind of view, to rely on it. That doesn't happen here. This is perfection in every facet of the dining experience. Truly the most amazing dining experience I've ever had!
(5)Molly C.
Been coming here for years, and this place NEVER disappoints. One of the finest restaurants I've ever eaten at, and always an exceptional experience in all ways-- beautiful setting, great wine list, professional waitstaff, and glorious food. The meal we had tonight made me weep. What else can I say?
(5)Ira L.
Blu is one of those restaurants that you expect might be not-so-good because the view is OH-SO-GOOD! But they didn't scrimp on the food either, as it's luckily equally as good as the location. Blu is located right on the beach of Lake Michigan's Sleeping Bear Bay and you can sit on their patio deck and watch the incredible sunset over the lake as you eat. The food was delicious and made excellent use of the Upper Peninsula's many fine local ingredients. Our server deftly steered me away from the Walleye to a more interesting choice, the Grilled Sea Scallops. They were perfectly done, crisped nicely on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth good on the inside. Then, after dinner, the restaurant even called us as we were driving away to let us know that we had left something at the table. This is a place that truly cares about their customers. It was one of several special dinners on my girlfriend's birthday weekend, and our great friend, Kim, could not have picked a better spot for the occasion. Thanks, Kim!
(5)Rob M.
Excellent experience all around. I booked the full dining room (max 50 people) for my rehearsal dinner the night before my wedding. The service was very professional and the food was fantastic. The staff made last minute accommodations to our party size with no problem. They chose the bottles of wine for our meal which were reasonably priced and very delicious. Can't imagine that there could be a better restaurant in the area!
(5)Carter P.
Disappointing! We made reservations, arranged for a babysitter, and were all set for a special family dinner only to have the restaurant call and cancel our reservations. In over 20 years of fine dining this is the first time this has ever happened. Needless to say I won't ever be patronizing this restaurant!
(1)Pegy S.
Went September 24th. The sunset was gorgeous over Lake Michigan as we ate our scrumptious hors d'oeuvres. First time at Blu for my three gal pals, and they loved it. Two had Walley, I had the sea scallops, and the birthday gal had the lamb chops. Many wonderful local vegetables accompanied the entrees. I indulged the the flourless cake, which met my greatest expectations. The service was excellent. This is a MUST to visit in Northern Michigan. Bring your wallet. It is not cheap, but it is worth every last dime! You won't be disappointed with anything, from the minute you drive up until you leave. What a treasure in Leelanau County!!
(5)Ilene T.
The food was every bit as good as the view, meaning both were spectacular. We enjoyed the early bird special enhanced by appetizers and wine. The weather added drama outside the picture windows, with high waves and a helicopter rescue near North Manitou Island. I highly recommend Blu for the adventurous diner with the dough to indulge in great food. Be sure to try the crab puffs, a Blu specialty.
(5)Robin B.
My husband flew back up to Glen Arbor after a week at home during our month-long family vacation, and we wanted a special date night dinner to wrap up our summer up north. I hadn't been to this restaurant location since it was called Le Bear, and Yelp raves about Blue, so these two foodies simply had to try it, once we secured a sitter. The spot is tiny, and I think there is almost as much seating on the patio as there is indoors. That said, in the summers, a patio diner would have a glaring yellow sun in their faces until 9:30pm, or heat directly on their back, and a squinting date. We sat indoors near a window, and our server was Kevin. The amuse buche was a beet cream cheese with cherry segment and mint leaf on a tiny toast. Lovely to see, beautiful color. We had the escargot (better seasoned than La Becasse, don't tell them that), the sweetbreads, and then the delicious wine kicked in. I had a not-that-memorable trout with tomato jam and a gorgeous crust on it (at any other restaurant, this would be fantastic, but I'd just had such incredible hors d'oeuvres). My husband has a "beer test", where he requests that the server or chef recommend the best beer to go with his meal, and they had the CUTEST beer bottle with a gnome on it, and the flavor truly was perfect with his dinner. I don't know how Kevin did it! The desserts were things like flourless cake, coffee gelato, etc. We would have been better off just not having dessert and getting coffee, but we wanted the evening to last longer. Our bill with a couple of drinks each, 2 starters, 2 dinners, and 2 desserts, was around $180, and over $200 with tip. Again, a "good" date night, but well worth it. After dinner, we thanked Kevin and went outside for some sunset photos and to chat with other patrons and hotel guests. I hope we continue to have this babysitter so we can make an annual date night to Blu!
(5)Dave W.
We wanted to have a nice dinner to wrap up our stay in Glen Arbor. This seemed to be the best place in town and the views looked amazing, so we gave it a try...and it did not disappoint. We hoped to eat on the patio, but it was kind of chilly so they weren't serving out there that night. Instead, we got a great seat by the window with an amazing view of the lake. Our server was friendly and helpful from the moment we arrived. We started our meal with the crab puff and duck pate appetizers. Both were excellent! I'm not usually one to eat duck but the pate (which came in a form different than what I would have expected) was quite good. We also both decided to go for the Wagyu steak...since the waitress said it would be the best steak we would ever it. It was also quite delicious! We wrapped things up with the flourless chocolate cake - a great way to wrap up the meal! The chef also came out to greet us and every other table, which was a nice touch. We would definitely recommend Blu for a high quality, adult dinner with views that can't be beat!
(5)Raymond J.
Had dinner here a week or so ago while on vacation in Michigan . Excellent food and service . Really enjoyed their escargot . A great dinning experience if you are in the area .
(5)Randel D.
Highly over rated for anyone familiar with true fine dining! We experienced the worst piece of Wagyu beef imaginable. Dry, tough, flavorless and that was at a MR temp. One end was not seasoned and the other end had too much salt and was topped with salty blue cheese marrow compound. The accompanying sauce was so sour that it tasted more like a vinaigrette. When i told the server about the issues she said i'll let the kitchen know. Nothing was done. My dessert was a new item for the week, a salted carmel bread pudding. All started well until i had a bite of the raw, uncooked center. I stopped and told the server. She acted way put out again and sighed and said i'll tell the kitchen. When i waited another 20 minutes for the check, i went directly to the host station. The server then said i guess the kitchen said the will "comp"the dessert. I asked about the steak and she said no!!! What? really? I've complained about 5 meals in the last 10 years ( we dine out about 6 times per month) and have never been met with such attitude. Sorry not so special!!!!! When traveling to Glen Arbor area, try some of the small local supper clubs, you will meet with better care and service. I have eaten at the best restaurants in the country and even had our wedding dinner in the private dining room at the French Laundry! Blu may have attitude but is NOT fine dining!
(1)Maddy E.
We heard about Blu through the many Glen Arbor townspeople who had nothing but good things to say about the head chef, who donated food after the August 2nd storm. We decided to give it a try, even though it was a little pricey. We took full advantage of the early bird special for $28 per person. It was great! We could choose from a soup/salad, one of three entrees, and one of two desserts. The food was cooked to perfection. We tried the crab puff and they were excellent. The waitress was attentive and constantly filled our water glasses - a huge plus. We ate outside. The only negative was that if it rained they wouldn't have anything to shield us, but we were warned on the phone about that possibility. Would go again!
(5)Kelly W.
The best restaurant I have EVER been too. Great food, let me rephrase that, WONDERFUL food. Great menu, awesome service, and a perfect view. This is definitely a must when you are in GA!
(5)John T.
Fish was fresh and seasoned well. I have to say the dessert was top notch as we got the sorbet and creme brûlée. Also, the view of the lake from your seats at sunset is hard to beat
(4)Tsai-yun H.
Very nice food but over priced and very little portion. We were a bit embarrassed that we were under dressed.
(4)Courtney D.
Terrible service!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We made reservations and said that we had a baby in our party, we got there and there was no seat for the child. They were Very unfriendly and unapologetic. Will NEVER go there again!
(1)Becky W.
After reading reviews and listening to locals, the decision to have a dinner at Blu far exceeded our expectations. We were happy to get reservations for a patio table. Our order of scallop appetizer, mixed green salad, and entree of halibut had been placed and greatly anticipated when an amazing storm began to form over the waters and move in our direction. Blu is a small restaurant and unfortunately had no table inside to seat us. The thought of getting our food in a "to go" box was not what we had planned. The chef came out and offered to literally move our patio table inside the dining room! The staff were so accommodating. First class service. And the food was among our favorite meals ever! The scallops were perfectly cooked and the halibut had a crispy crust like none we had ever tasted. Treat yourself to a dining experience as it should be if you are in this area. The over the top hospitality went even more over the top when an unexpected dessert arrived, on the house. THANK YOU for your generous spirit!
(5)Colleen C.
I can't speak highly enough of the amazing staff, the relaxing ambiance, the delectable food and of course, the breathtaking views! Dining at Blu is truly an exceptional dining experience from start to finish.
(5)Denise E.
Amazing discovery. Blu was recommended by two friends, one a professional chef. It is beautifully situated in the corner of the Le Bear Resort, right on the beach in Glen Arbor. Small, intimate dining room with rich finishes. They currently have a fabulous Friday night promotion that we took advantage of - salad, entree and a bottle of wine for two people - only $59. Everything was beautifully prepared and very tasty. Got to meet Chef Randy and his lovely wife. The dessert was to die for - marscarpone donuts (mini), with hazelnut brittle, vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. Only wish we could have enjoyed the sunset, but it was blowing sideways and snowing. Atmosphere inside was nice and warm! We'll be back.
(5)Laura N.
Unbelievable. This was our best meal and dining experience to date in Northern Michigan. I had the signature Duck Confit which was cooked to perfection and my boyfriend had the Bronzini. I am not a big fish eater so I was a little apprehensive in trying the Bronzini but I am so glad I did. The taste and textures were great and balanced, the scallop was such a nice addition to the meal as well. We sat on the patio as the sun was setting, stunning views combined with the top notch service and dishes made this spot for us, second to none. I would highly recommend Blu to anyone visiting the area.
(5)Sarah L.
Blu delivered a terrific experience, top to bottom. Although I suspect it wouldn't be half as wonderful if we'd been sitting inside, which seemed a little sterile. The porch really makes the evening. We ordered many small plates and two entrees for a table of five, and each dish was excellent. Beef, fish, salads--all done with equal care and attention. Cocktails and wine list were also notable. Service was equally attentive but non-obtrusive.
(5)Marshall W.
We had our wedding reception on a Sunday afternoon - so that may bias my review. Along with the great weather and family and friends. The best part is the glorious view of the blue water and sky and the sun pouring in (no, it was not over heated, either). We never got a hint of the menu until the Thursday before, which they said would be the case, as they want to check the market for what was best and freshest available. Randy emailed us a suggestion of two fish dishes and two fowl dishes. We replied, maybe we could add a red meat dish for the more conservative in the crowd. We never saw the complete menu until we arrived, but what a meal! They surprised us with a litte "amuse-bouche" of a single bite of toast with a pate, herb leaf and single berry on top. Pretty and tasty! There was a choice of Swiss onion soup (done in a cream finish) and a goat cheese/beet and greens salad - both were decent sized and very tasty. Four entrees: Rainbow Trout on a bed of chopped beets and a delicate sauce, Tilapia, locally raised of chicken thigh and leg confit on rillette of goose, and Chateaubriand. I had the trout - good sized piece that was perfectly cooked, the sweet flavor went well with the slightly sweet beet flavors and delicate sauce. We had all Michigan wines, the Riesling from Brys was excellent. Also had an unoaked Chardonnay and a Cab Franc/Merlot blend that was great. Short's beer seemed to be popular, too. Then the desserts - OMG!! Randy outdid himself here!! A dark chocolate pudding-like scoop with a stunning triangular cookie sail, a slice of white chocolate mousse laid on a bed of liquid dark chocolate - we liked them so much, we sampled each others! Outstanding! Wonderful experience! Mary was the a great host, and never rushed us, allowing us to visit with our guests. I only wish I had a chance to delve more deeply into her audacious wine selection - there were some unusual selections available! Couldn't have asked for a better experience - highly recommended. We didn't spend anywhere near $100 pp either. Very reasonable! Can't wait to return for the anniversary!
(5)elizabeth c.
We've had several meals at Blu over the years but our most recent meal this month wasn't one of them. First we had to wait for our table (no big deal). Then we waited 30 minutes for our appetizers (too long) and another 25 minutes for our salads. My husband's steak - the chef's special - was so fatty and devoid of flavor (strange combination, I know) that it was all but inedible. We live in New York City and so are accustomed to high prices - but Blu doesn't deliver on either the food or the service end of things, especially at this price level.
(2)Marie H.
After an evening at Blu, my husband and I were content, full, happy and utterly blown away by the food. My suggestion--make sure to order the duck confit! It's the restaurant's specialty and it's AMAZING! We're talking 'out of this world' good.
(5)Benjamin B.
A truly great experience. Blu has taken one of the best locations in Leelanau and created a memorable dining experience. Last night's fresh morels were sublime.
(5)AJ M.
I took my Mom here as a celebration of her (7 week!!) visit to Northern MI right before she was heading home. I called for a reservation on a Thursday and was told there was availability at 5 pm and 9:30 pm, so I rushed home from work early so we could make the 5 pm reservation. It was a perfect, sunny day so we asked to sit on the patio. The young hostess seemed inconvenienced by this request but inquired at the front desk and they allowed us to sit on the patio. We were the only ones on the patio for most of our meal and thankfully we were treated to the wonderful service of Kevin, who made our dining experience fun, as we interogated him about the area, where he lived, etc. etc. We weren't terribly hungry (did I mention this was at 5 pm?) so we opted for the prix fixe menu. I started with a sweet corn bisque which was delicious but only lukewarm. My mom got a mixed green salad and she enjoyed it. I had the chicken confit with fresh veggies and a small mashed potato croquette. The chicken was delicious - moist with a yummy, well seasoned and crunchy skin (can't describe the sauce - sorry). The vegetables were fresh and tasty but the potatoes were cold. Fortunately that was such a small portion of the meal it really didn't matter. Mom had the panko breadcrumb crusted cod which had green beans, a potato croquette and capers. Her potato croquette was also cold but she loved the cod and veggies. We both had chocolate and orange ice cream for dessert and that was really good. What's funny is that the hostess and the busboy were really young but they seemed really snobby for their age and really uptight. Enter Kevin who chatted with us and provided top notch service. The other interesting thing is that when I called for the reservation they said there were only openings at 5 and 9:30. We left at 6:30 and the restaurant hadn't been full the entire time we were there, oh well. We agree that the view and location are an A+, overall service is a B+ and food is a B. It would be a great place to sit and have drinks and appetizers or dessert and coffee on the patio but at the prices there I'm sure this would not be an option. I will save this for special occassions or if someone wants to sit on the water and eat something other than bar food (Knot Just a Bar in Omena - great view too) but prefer Funistrada food and service over Blu anyday!
(4)Charles P.
Breaks the axiom that a restaurant with a great view can't have great food. Gourmet dining doesn't get much finer than Blu. The venison comes from a local hunting lodge. Talk about lean, clean protein! I recommend "rare". So delicious!
(5)JP N.
First time to blu, went on recommendation from another local restauranteur, and one of our party was another local restaurant proprietor. The service was beyond excellent, the food was almost par with Frankfort's Coho (add $10/ entree) The management on the other hand was instantly combative and defensive when given the slightest criticism. Our problem moved from something so little, to having a huge damper put on our entire evening, on a holiday no less. At $420 for a four top there is a bit more professionalism to be had, sans the arrogance. The paid bill was a beautiful sign, as it meant we could leave. I would be hard pressed to return to blu.
(2)David J.
Simply outstanding. Fantastic service, great views and excellent food. While its a bit pricey for this area, it was worth it. The Alaskan halibut was amazing. Very generous portion and cooked to perfection. Great fresh vegetable sides. All of the salads are great too. Highly recommended.
(5)Ronald S.
What a wonderful experience Blu was for my wife and me to celebrate our anniversary. When we walked in we were astounded by how small the dining room was. It probably has a capacity for 40 to 50 people, but it made the experience intimate and everyone had a wonderful view out of Blu's glass paneled walls looking over the beach and Lake Michigan. During our dinner we saw a colorful sunset as an ore freighter slowly made its way across the horizon with the Manitou Islands in the misty distance. We had been on the Leelanau wine-tasting circuit all day so we did not order wine but their list was pretty impressive. Our meal started with a surprise amuse bouche that was a muskmelon puree over a gazpacho base. Not something I would have ever ordered but absolutely delicious. We then shared their signature appetizer of blue crab puffs, the best we have ever had. My entree was grilled salmon on a vegetable stew mix and with breaded oysters (all were wonderful) and my wife had a very tasty cod with generous but somewhat bland scallops (the only disappointment of our meal.) For dessert we shared a banana cream and blackberry "pie" which was a layered affair of crust, whipped cream, huge blueberries and banana cream filling. There was none left even though we were really getting filled up. It was a unique and lip-licking end to a truly memorable meal. I saw some other comments in this app denigrate the hostesses and waitstaff but ours were great. We were greeted warmly with a smile and our waiter and the other attendants were so attentive. Chef Randy came to our table to ask if we were enjoying ourselves and even delivered our dessert personally. And no, they did not know this was a special occasion for us. One warning is that parking is only available on the street (unless you are a guest at the resort). We were lucky, as a spot opened up as we were driving in but I saw some people walking a few blocks. So yes, it was expensive and not something most would do for a routine meal. But if you want a special dining experience I would certainly recommend Chef Randy at Blu.
(5)Mike M.
Trout, chicken, mushroom risotto, soup and salads ... Everything was fantastic. Way better risotto than at Union League Cafe (a French Restaurant in New Haven, CT where I've hoped for great risotto at least three times). Six of us ate here and ordered off the "early-bird" fixed price menu ($29) each, which helped immensely because the regular menu can easily run $50-70 a person.
(5)Patrick D.
A fabulous room with a fabulous view. Absolutely beautiful. 5 stars there. Very good service. The food was .... good. Each first bite a treat, but after that it didn't sustain itself. Didn't leave those yummy flavors floating around your mouth that makes a really good meal terrific, a meal that you eat slowly to savor each bite. At these prices, it really should. I had the roasted garlic soup and the walnut rissoto. One unpleasant surprise, a lovely bathroom with a tacky storage shelf holding linens wrapped in plastic about to fall off. In a place like this you don't expect for the bathroom to also be a storage room. At least put in cabinets and keep things out of view. Over priced, by at least 50%. Because of the exuberant pricing considering the food, I do not see how anyone would rate this over 4 stars.
(3)Mike M.
Trout, chicken, mushroom risotto, soup and salads ... Everything was fantastic. Way better risotto than at Union League Cafe (a French Restaurant in New Haven, CT where I've hoped for great risotto at least three times). Six of us ate here and ordered off the "early-bird" fixed price menu ($29) each, which helped immensely because the regular menu can easily run $50-70 a person.
(5)Patrick D.
A fabulous room with a fabulous view. Absolutely beautiful. 5 stars there. Very good service. The food was .... good. Each first bite a treat, but after that it didn't sustain itself. Didn't leave those yummy flavors floating around your mouth that makes a really good meal terrific, a meal that you eat slowly to savor each bite. At these prices, it really should. I had the roasted garlic soup and the walnut rissoto. One unpleasant surprise, a lovely bathroom with a tacky storage shelf holding linens wrapped in plastic about to fall off. In a place like this you don't expect for the bathroom to also be a storage room. At least put in cabinets and keep things out of view. Over priced, by at least 50%. Because of the exuberant pricing considering the food, I do not see how anyone would rate this over 4 stars.
(3)Pegy S.
Went September 24th. The sunset was gorgeous over Lake Michigan as we ate our scrumptious hors d'oeuvres. First time at Blu for my three gal pals, and they loved it. Two had Walley, I had the sea scallops, and the birthday gal had the lamb chops. Many wonderful local vegetables accompanied the entrees. I indulged the the flourless cake, which met my greatest expectations. The service was excellent. This is a MUST to visit in Northern Michigan. Bring your wallet. It is not cheap, but it is worth every last dime! You won't be disappointed with anything, from the minute you drive up until you leave. What a treasure in Leelanau County!!
(5)Barbara S.
The fish is perfection!
(5)Karen P.
We vacation twice a year in Glen Arbor, Michigan and this is our special place to dine on our last evening. Always 100% in service, dining experience and of course, the cuisine. Our family of six has varied tastes. Two ordered the pan seared duck, which was incredible. It was a pan seared half of a duck and very flavorful. One ordered the veal chop which was to die for and everyone wished they had ordered it. One ordered the rack of lamb which was delicious, (and did not taste gamey like your grandmother's lamb.) I made it a point to taste everyone's, which is gouche, but what the hey!) My husband and I ordered the fish special, which was grouper (I think? but I had already had several glasses of Duckhorn wine!) The fish was a flakey, very tasty white fish. We all ordered the different salads: a BLT salad, a buttery bib lettuce salad with gorgonzola and cherries. The fried green tomatoes for an appetizer were wonderful as well as the crab puffs but the fried green tomatoes won that round, hands down! The desserts were over the top. Blueberry crisp won as the best dessert ordered at the table but the profiteroles and chocolate torte cake were close seconds for sure. We will return for sure next time we are in Glen Arbor, Michigan. Chef Randy came out to greet us towards the end of our meal. What a talent! Of course, our server, Kevin was very attentive. He has been our server before and is quite entertaining with our group. We will definitely request him next year, if he is still with Blu.
(5)Dave W.
We wanted to have a nice dinner to wrap up our stay in Glen Arbor. This seemed to be the best place in town and the views looked amazing, so we gave it a try...and it did not disappoint. We hoped to eat on the patio, but it was kind of chilly so they weren't serving out there that night. Instead, we got a great seat by the window with an amazing view of the lake. Our server was friendly and helpful from the moment we arrived. We started our meal with the crab puff and duck pate appetizers. Both were excellent! I'm not usually one to eat duck but the pate (which came in a form different than what I would have expected) was quite good. We also both decided to go for the Wagyu steak...since the waitress said it would be the best steak we would ever it. It was also quite delicious! We wrapped things up with the flourless chocolate cake - a great way to wrap up the meal! The chef also came out to greet us and every other table, which was a nice touch. We would definitely recommend Blu for a high quality, adult dinner with views that can't be beat!
(5)Raymond J.
Had dinner here a week or so ago while on vacation in Michigan . Excellent food and service . Really enjoyed their escargot . A great dinning experience if you are in the area .
(5)Randel D.
Highly over rated for anyone familiar with true fine dining! We experienced the worst piece of Wagyu beef imaginable. Dry, tough, flavorless and that was at a MR temp. One end was not seasoned and the other end had too much salt and was topped with salty blue cheese marrow compound. The accompanying sauce was so sour that it tasted more like a vinaigrette. When i told the server about the issues she said i'll let the kitchen know. Nothing was done. My dessert was a new item for the week, a salted carmel bread pudding. All started well until i had a bite of the raw, uncooked center. I stopped and told the server. She acted way put out again and sighed and said i'll tell the kitchen. When i waited another 20 minutes for the check, i went directly to the host station. The server then said i guess the kitchen said the will "comp"the dessert. I asked about the steak and she said no!!! What? really? I've complained about 5 meals in the last 10 years ( we dine out about 6 times per month) and have never been met with such attitude. Sorry not so special!!!!! When traveling to Glen Arbor area, try some of the small local supper clubs, you will meet with better care and service. I have eaten at the best restaurants in the country and even had our wedding dinner in the private dining room at the French Laundry! Blu may have attitude but is NOT fine dining!
(1)Maddy E.
We heard about Blu through the many Glen Arbor townspeople who had nothing but good things to say about the head chef, who donated food after the August 2nd storm. We decided to give it a try, even though it was a little pricey. We took full advantage of the early bird special for $28 per person. It was great! We could choose from a soup/salad, one of three entrees, and one of two desserts. The food was cooked to perfection. We tried the crab puff and they were excellent. The waitress was attentive and constantly filled our water glasses - a huge plus. We ate outside. The only negative was that if it rained they wouldn't have anything to shield us, but we were warned on the phone about that possibility. Would go again!
(5)Robin B.
My husband flew back up to Glen Arbor after a week at home during our month-long family vacation, and we wanted a special date night dinner to wrap up our summer up north. I hadn't been to this restaurant location since it was called Le Bear, and Yelp raves about Blue, so these two foodies simply had to try it, once we secured a sitter. The spot is tiny, and I think there is almost as much seating on the patio as there is indoors. That said, in the summers, a patio diner would have a glaring yellow sun in their faces until 9:30pm, or heat directly on their back, and a squinting date. We sat indoors near a window, and our server was Kevin. The amuse buche was a beet cream cheese with cherry segment and mint leaf on a tiny toast. Lovely to see, beautiful color. We had the escargot (better seasoned than La Becasse, don't tell them that), the sweetbreads, and then the delicious wine kicked in. I had a not-that-memorable trout with tomato jam and a gorgeous crust on it (at any other restaurant, this would be fantastic, but I'd just had such incredible hors d'oeuvres). My husband has a "beer test", where he requests that the server or chef recommend the best beer to go with his meal, and they had the CUTEST beer bottle with a gnome on it, and the flavor truly was perfect with his dinner. I don't know how Kevin did it! The desserts were things like flourless cake, coffee gelato, etc. We would have been better off just not having dessert and getting coffee, but we wanted the evening to last longer. Our bill with a couple of drinks each, 2 starters, 2 dinners, and 2 desserts, was around $180, and over $200 with tip. Again, a "good" date night, but well worth it. After dinner, we thanked Kevin and went outside for some sunset photos and to chat with other patrons and hotel guests. I hope we continue to have this babysitter so we can make an annual date night to Blu!
(5)Kelly W.
The best restaurant I have EVER been too. Great food, let me rephrase that, WONDERFUL food. Great menu, awesome service, and a perfect view. This is definitely a must when you are in GA!
(5)John T.
Fish was fresh and seasoned well. I have to say the dessert was top notch as we got the sorbet and creme brûlée. Also, the view of the lake from your seats at sunset is hard to beat
(4)Tsai-yun H.
Very nice food but over priced and very little portion. We were a bit embarrassed that we were under dressed.
(4)Courtney D.
Terrible service!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We made reservations and said that we had a baby in our party, we got there and there was no seat for the child. They were Very unfriendly and unapologetic. Will NEVER go there again!
(1)Becky W.
After reading reviews and listening to locals, the decision to have a dinner at Blu far exceeded our expectations. We were happy to get reservations for a patio table. Our order of scallop appetizer, mixed green salad, and entree of halibut had been placed and greatly anticipated when an amazing storm began to form over the waters and move in our direction. Blu is a small restaurant and unfortunately had no table inside to seat us. The thought of getting our food in a "to go" box was not what we had planned. The chef came out and offered to literally move our patio table inside the dining room! The staff were so accommodating. First class service. And the food was among our favorite meals ever! The scallops were perfectly cooked and the halibut had a crispy crust like none we had ever tasted. Treat yourself to a dining experience as it should be if you are in this area. The over the top hospitality went even more over the top when an unexpected dessert arrived, on the house. THANK YOU for your generous spirit!
(5)Colleen C.
I can't speak highly enough of the amazing staff, the relaxing ambiance, the delectable food and of course, the breathtaking views! Dining at Blu is truly an exceptional dining experience from start to finish.
(5)Denise E.
Amazing discovery. Blu was recommended by two friends, one a professional chef. It is beautifully situated in the corner of the Le Bear Resort, right on the beach in Glen Arbor. Small, intimate dining room with rich finishes. They currently have a fabulous Friday night promotion that we took advantage of - salad, entree and a bottle of wine for two people - only $59. Everything was beautifully prepared and very tasty. Got to meet Chef Randy and his lovely wife. The dessert was to die for - marscarpone donuts (mini), with hazelnut brittle, vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. Only wish we could have enjoyed the sunset, but it was blowing sideways and snowing. Atmosphere inside was nice and warm! We'll be back.
(5)Laura N.
Unbelievable. This was our best meal and dining experience to date in Northern Michigan. I had the signature Duck Confit which was cooked to perfection and my boyfriend had the Bronzini. I am not a big fish eater so I was a little apprehensive in trying the Bronzini but I am so glad I did. The taste and textures were great and balanced, the scallop was such a nice addition to the meal as well. We sat on the patio as the sun was setting, stunning views combined with the top notch service and dishes made this spot for us, second to none. I would highly recommend Blu to anyone visiting the area.
(5)Sarah L.
Blu delivered a terrific experience, top to bottom. Although I suspect it wouldn't be half as wonderful if we'd been sitting inside, which seemed a little sterile. The porch really makes the evening. We ordered many small plates and two entrees for a table of five, and each dish was excellent. Beef, fish, salads--all done with equal care and attention. Cocktails and wine list were also notable. Service was equally attentive but non-obtrusive.
(5)Eowyn K.
Blu was a wonderful dining experience and was a great place for our group to celebrate a birthday. The restaurant on the the side of the Le Bear resort with large windows that provides a view of Lake Michigan. It was smaller than expected inside, though they also have an outdoor patio. The restaurant is lovely, simple and allows the view to be the focus. The service was excellent, very attentive. They have a good wine list that includes local wines (including some we had sampled earlier that day on our wine tour that were considerably marked up). To begin the meal you are served an amuse bouche. At our visit this was a salmon mousse. The idea of fish whipped is strange but this was surprisingly light and made a nice start to the meal. I had the crab puffs as an appetizer, which were as good as the other recommendations suggest. A friend had the fried green tomatoes. I would not have thought to order this and it was another pleasant surprise. Our group primary ordered fish items, the salmon and the sea bass. They also had a asparagus risotto. This is not the easiest to make and this was perfect and creamy. The salmon was very good, but the sea bass was amazing. I am not sure how often the menu changes or what items are seasonal but this fish option seems to be a good choice. Expect that any meal you have here is going to be pricey. We came to celebrate a friend's birthday, had a wonderful experience and felt that it was worth the price. If you are just looking for somewhere to eat or do not have much time, this is not going to be a good choice. As I noted, Blu is small, and I would recommend making reservation, especially during the busy part of the year.
(5)Annie S.
Not sure why I have to drive over 4 hours for the best meal we've had in at least three years but this place is not to be missed! Here's a roadmap for an exceptional dining experience: 1. fabulous table along the wall looking out to Lake Michigan (this is a small place so most tables have a view. If you want outdoor seating, which is very limited, make sure to request it when you make your reservation). 2. Coho Pinot Noir - never had it before, recommended by the owner - DElicious! 3. Fried green tomatoes appetizer with tomato and goat cheese sauces. The tomatoes came out hot and crunchy, perfectly prepared. 4. Duck Confit entree - rich and flavorful like others but super crispy and superb. 5. Seared scallop special with black truffles and creamy mushroom risotto 6. Share, share, share! 7. Ask to be seated in the empty two-top on the patio to watch the sunset up close (check out sunset times before you make reservations) 8. Can't remember my husband's desert (he liked it) since I was absorbed in my yummy glass of Caymus 40th Anniversary Cabernet reasonably priced at $19. Oh, and service was excellent!
(5)Steven L.
Spectacular Duck Confit ! Exquisite culinary excellence. Patio right next to the surfs of Lake Michigan. Basking under soft warm, late summer sunshine. Perfect !
(5)Chocolina R.
"The" excellence of the fine cuisine. Professional hospitality beyond any kind of expectation. Truly heartfelt marvelous dinner. Our lifetime memory. Thank you.
(5)Marshall W.
We had our wedding reception on a Sunday afternoon - so that may bias my review. Along with the great weather and family and friends. The best part is the glorious view of the blue water and sky and the sun pouring in (no, it was not over heated, either). We never got a hint of the menu until the Thursday before, which they said would be the case, as they want to check the market for what was best and freshest available. Randy emailed us a suggestion of two fish dishes and two fowl dishes. We replied, maybe we could add a red meat dish for the more conservative in the crowd. We never saw the complete menu until we arrived, but what a meal! They surprised us with a litte "amuse-bouche" of a single bite of toast with a pate, herb leaf and single berry on top. Pretty and tasty! There was a choice of Swiss onion soup (done in a cream finish) and a goat cheese/beet and greens salad - both were decent sized and very tasty. Four entrees: Rainbow Trout on a bed of chopped beets and a delicate sauce, Tilapia, locally raised of chicken thigh and leg confit on rillette of goose, and Chateaubriand. I had the trout - good sized piece that was perfectly cooked, the sweet flavor went well with the slightly sweet beet flavors and delicate sauce. We had all Michigan wines, the Riesling from Brys was excellent. Also had an unoaked Chardonnay and a Cab Franc/Merlot blend that was great. Short's beer seemed to be popular, too. Then the desserts - OMG!! Randy outdid himself here!! A dark chocolate pudding-like scoop with a stunning triangular cookie sail, a slice of white chocolate mousse laid on a bed of liquid dark chocolate - we liked them so much, we sampled each others! Outstanding! Wonderful experience! Mary was the a great host, and never rushed us, allowing us to visit with our guests. I only wish I had a chance to delve more deeply into her audacious wine selection - there were some unusual selections available! Couldn't have asked for a better experience - highly recommended. We didn't spend anywhere near $100 pp either. Very reasonable! Can't wait to return for the anniversary!
(5)elizabeth c.
We've had several meals at Blu over the years but our most recent meal this month wasn't one of them. First we had to wait for our table (no big deal). Then we waited 30 minutes for our appetizers (too long) and another 25 minutes for our salads. My husband's steak - the chef's special - was so fatty and devoid of flavor (strange combination, I know) that it was all but inedible. We live in New York City and so are accustomed to high prices - but Blu doesn't deliver on either the food or the service end of things, especially at this price level.
(2)Marie H.
After an evening at Blu, my husband and I were content, full, happy and utterly blown away by the food. My suggestion--make sure to order the duck confit! It's the restaurant's specialty and it's AMAZING! We're talking 'out of this world' good.
(5)Benjamin B.
A truly great experience. Blu has taken one of the best locations in Leelanau and created a memorable dining experience. Last night's fresh morels were sublime.
(5)AJ M.
I took my Mom here as a celebration of her (7 week!!) visit to Northern MI right before she was heading home. I called for a reservation on a Thursday and was told there was availability at 5 pm and 9:30 pm, so I rushed home from work early so we could make the 5 pm reservation. It was a perfect, sunny day so we asked to sit on the patio. The young hostess seemed inconvenienced by this request but inquired at the front desk and they allowed us to sit on the patio. We were the only ones on the patio for most of our meal and thankfully we were treated to the wonderful service of Kevin, who made our dining experience fun, as we interogated him about the area, where he lived, etc. etc. We weren't terribly hungry (did I mention this was at 5 pm?) so we opted for the prix fixe menu. I started with a sweet corn bisque which was delicious but only lukewarm. My mom got a mixed green salad and she enjoyed it. I had the chicken confit with fresh veggies and a small mashed potato croquette. The chicken was delicious - moist with a yummy, well seasoned and crunchy skin (can't describe the sauce - sorry). The vegetables were fresh and tasty but the potatoes were cold. Fortunately that was such a small portion of the meal it really didn't matter. Mom had the panko breadcrumb crusted cod which had green beans, a potato croquette and capers. Her potato croquette was also cold but she loved the cod and veggies. We both had chocolate and orange ice cream for dessert and that was really good. What's funny is that the hostess and the busboy were really young but they seemed really snobby for their age and really uptight. Enter Kevin who chatted with us and provided top notch service. The other interesting thing is that when I called for the reservation they said there were only openings at 5 and 9:30. We left at 6:30 and the restaurant hadn't been full the entire time we were there, oh well. We agree that the view and location are an A+, overall service is a B+ and food is a B. It would be a great place to sit and have drinks and appetizers or dessert and coffee on the patio but at the prices there I'm sure this would not be an option. I will save this for special occassions or if someone wants to sit on the water and eat something other than bar food (Knot Just a Bar in Omena - great view too) but prefer Funistrada food and service over Blu anyday!
(4)Charles P.
Breaks the axiom that a restaurant with a great view can't have great food. Gourmet dining doesn't get much finer than Blu. The venison comes from a local hunting lodge. Talk about lean, clean protein! I recommend "rare". So delicious!
(5)JP N.
First time to blu, went on recommendation from another local restauranteur, and one of our party was another local restaurant proprietor. The service was beyond excellent, the food was almost par with Frankfort's Coho (add $10/ entree) The management on the other hand was instantly combative and defensive when given the slightest criticism. Our problem moved from something so little, to having a huge damper put on our entire evening, on a holiday no less. At $420 for a four top there is a bit more professionalism to be had, sans the arrogance. The paid bill was a beautiful sign, as it meant we could leave. I would be hard pressed to return to blu.
(2)David J.
Simply outstanding. Fantastic service, great views and excellent food. While its a bit pricey for this area, it was worth it. The Alaskan halibut was amazing. Very generous portion and cooked to perfection. Great fresh vegetable sides. All of the salads are great too. Highly recommended.
(5)Ronald S.
What a wonderful experience Blu was for my wife and me to celebrate our anniversary. When we walked in we were astounded by how small the dining room was. It probably has a capacity for 40 to 50 people, but it made the experience intimate and everyone had a wonderful view out of Blu's glass paneled walls looking over the beach and Lake Michigan. During our dinner we saw a colorful sunset as an ore freighter slowly made its way across the horizon with the Manitou Islands in the misty distance. We had been on the Leelanau wine-tasting circuit all day so we did not order wine but their list was pretty impressive. Our meal started with a surprise amuse bouche that was a muskmelon puree over a gazpacho base. Not something I would have ever ordered but absolutely delicious. We then shared their signature appetizer of blue crab puffs, the best we have ever had. My entree was grilled salmon on a vegetable stew mix and with breaded oysters (all were wonderful) and my wife had a very tasty cod with generous but somewhat bland scallops (the only disappointment of our meal.) For dessert we shared a banana cream and blackberry "pie" which was a layered affair of crust, whipped cream, huge blueberries and banana cream filling. There was none left even though we were really getting filled up. It was a unique and lip-licking end to a truly memorable meal. I saw some other comments in this app denigrate the hostesses and waitstaff but ours were great. We were greeted warmly with a smile and our waiter and the other attendants were so attentive. Chef Randy came to our table to ask if we were enjoying ourselves and even delivered our dessert personally. And no, they did not know this was a special occasion for us. One warning is that parking is only available on the street (unless you are a guest at the resort). We were lucky, as a spot opened up as we were driving in but I saw some people walking a few blocks. So yes, it was expensive and not something most would do for a routine meal. But if you want a special dining experience I would certainly recommend Chef Randy at Blu.
(5)Amanda B.
My mother wanted me to go somewhere extra special for dinner since she wasn't going to be with me on my birthday; on her of course. I decided I wanted to go to blu in Glen Arbor. We were welcomed by Mary (the owner) and one of the staff and invited to sit either in their small dinning room or on the patio. Easy choice; the patio is surrounded by flowers and overlooks Lake Michigan. It was a perfect day, not too hot and a light breeze coming off the water. Our server was a very sweet experienced woman, who was very knowledgeable about all of the dishes and the extensive wine list. We ordered a half bottle of a Champagne on Mary's suggestion but it ended up they didn't have it chilled, so she suggested the Piper Heidsieck Brut Champagne instead. We ordered the Crab Puffs, panko breaded and sautéed, Creole menuire sauce to start. Our server brought out the bottle and a chiller and showed the bottle and poured us each a glass. We were brought a house appetizer of two little pieces of toasted bread with some sort of topping which went perfectly with the Champagne, as did the crab when it arrived shortly after. I am not a fan of seafood as a general rule, but I always like to try it to see if my tastes have changed. Let's just say if all crab tasted that good, I'd eat crab everyday. My boyfriend ordered the rack of Lamb, char-grilled, with Leelanau dried cherries in Port wine demi-glace and mint olive oil and I ordered the grass-fed beef Tenderloin, pan-seared choice filet with a Burgundy-button mushroom sauce along with a bottle of very muscular Oregon single vineyard Pinot Noir. Our glasses never went empty; always being refilled by our attentive server. The meal was by far the best I have ever had at any restaurant. I wish I could find my pictures so I could include them with this review because the presentation of the plates was so beautiful, the food was that much more enjoyable. We finished in a European style, by sharing a light salad of fresh greens and a light dressing. I must say that my whole perspective of which comes first, the salad or the entree has forever changed since then. After having such a delightfully filling and satisfying meal, the salad calms the stomach and makes being full a very pleasant experience. I will never eat a salad before my dinner again. The whole meal lasted about two and a half hours and I never once felt rushed. We were able to enjoy every bite, every sip, all while watching the sun sink below the watery horizon. Truly an amazing birthday.
(5)David H.
I think Blu is the best restaurant value on the Leelanau Peninsula. Randy Chamberlain's meals are always outstanding, the menu interesting and varied and the service really professional. Mari Chamberlain is co-owner and a qualified sommelier who makes sure that she has wines that fit both the menu and a reasonable budget. The restaurant is small enough and the service and food good enough that the whole experience has a European feel. There are a few other restaurants in the area where you can pay more and get as good an experience and many more where you will pay as much for less. On top of the dining value there is the spectacular view of the lake and the sunsets. Its our favorite place for a quiet dinner or a chance to show friends the "best of Leelanau".
(5)Steve K.
Really fantastic. If you like excellent food and are in the area, you need to go. I have to say I've eaten in some pretty nice places over the years, places in NYC, Chicago, Napa, etc, and this place in a little Michigan tourist town was as good as any of them. We had a fried green tomatoes appetizer-- I admit, a bit of a cliché at this point, but these were excellently prepared. I had a cucumber cold soup kind of creation that was amazing, along with excellent walleye. My wife had the beef tenderloin, and she is awfully picky about her beef-- and this was excellent good. We finished up with some simple sorbets, local sour cherry and prickly pear. The atmosphere and view were also impressive. This is on one of the beaches in Glen Arbor where one goes to see the sunset, and our late (8:30) reservation turned out to be a pretty good idea. We had an excellent table with a very romantic view of the setting sun. And at the end of the day, for this high end sort of food, it wasn't that expensive, either. We didn't go super high on wine (I think we had a bottle that was about $40 or a little less), but for this kind of food and service, I thought our final bill of about $150 or so was very reasonable-- hell, we paid twice as much at the Detroit-area "The Lark" for half as good of a meal. Go. Totally worth it.
(5)Bob L.
As good as it gets!!! is the only way to describe Blu in Glen Arbor. The food is first class, over the top, such as the crab puffs. Full menu is excellent. The ambience is unbelievable, particularly as the sun sets across Lake Michigan outlining Sleeping Bear Point and the Manitou Islands. The wine list is very good, and they know their wines...just ask. Prices are high for the area, but worth every penny for a loveley evening out. Limited space, seats about 30, but I have taken a party of 10.
(5)David M.
One of our best dining experiences ever. We went there for our 20th anniversary last Wednesday. Our server Tracie was outstanding. We ordered 4 appetizers and dessert. Tracie paired the appetizers in twos (as we asked her to) and each one was just as amazing as the earlier one. We felt perfectly served with magnificent food. Now my favorite dining experience in Michigan. Can't wait for an excuse to go back.
(5)Ilene T.
The food was every bit as good as the view, meaning both were spectacular. We enjoyed the early bird special enhanced by appetizers and wine. The weather added drama outside the picture windows, with high waves and a helicopter rescue near North Manitou Island. I highly recommend Blu for the adventurous diner with the dough to indulge in great food. Be sure to try the crab puffs, a Blu specialty.
(5)Kim S.
One of the best dining experiences I have had. I have been all over the world and this is top notch. The food, the ambiance, the wine list and cocktails all make this restaurant sing. Very personable service and owners. This has quickly become more than a 'special occassion' place for me. I am becoming a 'regular.' Wonderful.
(5)Bryan B.
There are a handful of restaurants in Northern Michigan that boast exquisite sunsets and I happen to work at one of them(not Blu). It's easy, when you have the benefit of that kind of view, to rely on it. That doesn't happen here. This is perfection in every facet of the dining experience. Truly the most amazing dining experience I've ever had!
(5)Molly C.
Been coming here for years, and this place NEVER disappoints. One of the finest restaurants I've ever eaten at, and always an exceptional experience in all ways-- beautiful setting, great wine list, professional waitstaff, and glorious food. The meal we had tonight made me weep. What else can I say?
(5)Ira L.
Blu is one of those restaurants that you expect might be not-so-good because the view is OH-SO-GOOD! But they didn't scrimp on the food either, as it's luckily equally as good as the location. Blu is located right on the beach of Lake Michigan's Sleeping Bear Bay and you can sit on their patio deck and watch the incredible sunset over the lake as you eat. The food was delicious and made excellent use of the Upper Peninsula's many fine local ingredients. Our server deftly steered me away from the Walleye to a more interesting choice, the Grilled Sea Scallops. They were perfectly done, crisped nicely on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth good on the inside. Then, after dinner, the restaurant even called us as we were driving away to let us know that we had left something at the table. This is a place that truly cares about their customers. It was one of several special dinners on my girlfriend's birthday weekend, and our great friend, Kim, could not have picked a better spot for the occasion. Thanks, Kim!
(5)Rob M.
Excellent experience all around. I booked the full dining room (max 50 people) for my rehearsal dinner the night before my wedding. The service was very professional and the food was fantastic. The staff made last minute accommodations to our party size with no problem. They chose the bottles of wine for our meal which were reasonably priced and very delicious. Can't imagine that there could be a better restaurant in the area!
(5)Carter P.
Disappointing! We made reservations, arranged for a babysitter, and were all set for a special family dinner only to have the restaurant call and cancel our reservations. In over 20 years of fine dining this is the first time this has ever happened. Needless to say I won't ever be patronizing this restaurant!
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