The Mulefoot Gastropub
596 S Cedar St, Imlay City, MI, 48444
The Mulefoot Gastropub Menu
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Address :
596 S Cedar St
Imlay City, MI, 48444 - Phone (810) 721-1019
- Website https://www.themulefoot.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Michelle D.
I had been here for NYE and the food was okay. We live close and my husband really wanted to have a real dinner here so he made reservations as they get busy during the weekend. I looked over the menu online in advance and didn't really see much I would like since I am not a big meat eater. I didn't really have high expectations. We arrived a few min late for our reservations and we had to wait for a table. The restaurant is small and they block off the back room for some reason. After a few min we got a seat at the bar so we decided to stay there because we like the bartender. He even remembered us from NYE. He is very knowledgeable about all the food and beers. We LOVE fried pickles and haven't had them in ages so we got that as an appetizer. OMG. Best fried pickles ever! They looked small and a little sad, but my god, after that first bite! Pure heaven! The batter was dense, flavorful, and did not fall off the pickles. I could have eaten five orders! It took us a while to decide our entrees. Hubs ended up with the burger and I figured I'd try the Mac and cheese. It has duck on it and I don't do duck so I was being daring! The first bite I made sure I got a little of everything - noodles, duck, and crispy onions. I could not believe how tender and delicious the duck was! I could not put my fork down. I tried some of my husbands burger. As I said, I'm not a big meat person and rarely order a burger...I don't know what cut of meat they used but it was by far the best burger I've tasted. If you love local beers and delicious food, check this place out.
(5)Bella B.
How we heard.... The Mulefoot Gastropub's name makes one want to stop in because it's an unusual name for a city in the middle of nowhere or rather, Imlay City. But you got to hand it to them, it strives to do the sexy-hug-the-earth thing and offer people haute-ish cuisine using local Michigan products. Thumbs up. (Pun intended). My friend that recommended this place, just RAVED about the food. I totally trust her - so I was excited to check it out. First impressions and atmosphere. So, we finally walk in just when it opened that night. The host stand is a bit of a walk from the door, so we were greeted when we reached her stand. The bar was on the right of the stand and main dining room was to the left. Imagine rustic atmosphere: servers in denim and flannel, re-purposed wood square tables, local "art" on the cream walls, lighting was dimmed, temperature was cooler than desired and the music was a variety from jazz to country. Nothing broke up the space, lacking coziness but tables were spaced apart well. We did dig the cool flower vases in the middle of the tables made from old glass flasks and heating apparatus, circa old high school chemistry labs. First impressions and atmosphere were "B". Food. I ordered the hamburger because it should be above average because this was NOT a chain, sports bar nor diner. I was banking on something special. And my hubster ordered the meatloaf. Then, we waited.... and waited.... and waited. Mind you, we JUST walked in when it opened and they were NOT busy. We waited at least 20 minutes or more. By the time the entrees arrived, it all made sense when I took my first bite into the fries. They were soggy, laden with grease, no flavor and not salted. I don't think they turned on their fryers long enough to have the fries cook correctly. Then I bit into my burger, and it had fairly good texture and flavors, but too salty. Was that supposed to make up for the unsalted fries? My hubby said his meatloaf was good, but it was overdone and salty. I took a bite of his pork meatloaf; and would agree with him. So, we sensed a pattern... these are country folk and they love their salt on meat. To say the least, I was disappointed with my burger because I put too high expectations on them. But, fries should be EASY to do and that was a fail. So, the food overall was a "C". Drinks. The coffee was delicious because it was french-pressed, done correctly and good quality brand. My husband's vanilla stout was OK. We give drinks a "B+". Service. The server was personable, bubbly, helpful and knowledgeable about the menu. Her timing was good, though we were her only table for a while. She made sure we enjoyed our visit overall. Service was an "A". Washrooms. The ladies restrooms were probably one of the best restaurant restrooms I've seen. I was surprised, to say the least, that it had to be noted. Most are cold, dingy, unkempt. However, the lighting was bright, the temperature wasn't cold, spacious stalls, local "artwork" displayed, clean overall and therefore gets an "A". Overall. So overall, the experience was 3-stars (not 4-stars) because the food was quite disappointing and everything else was fine. Would we go back? It's a coin toss. We'll take our chances. The coffee, service and clean restrooms were redeeming. Now, if it was cozy enough, we would have ordered dessert. It makes sense why my friend highly raved about this place. I forgot her diet is a typical American diet. So anything made with quality ingredients, prepared with a variety of flavors and umami notes, she'll rave. But if you usually eat like this, be prepared for an average experience at The Mulefoot. Will Michigan raise the bar in what's considered great food and service? Seems like it continues to settle for mediocrity.
(3)Maggi W.
I was surprised to see a restaurant of this type open in a very remote rural region not typically the place you find foodies looking for the latest new thing. Several friends recommended it and we made a reservation for 5:30 on a Saturday. It was fairly empty but as the evening wore on it filled up. The decor could only be described as rustic/arty: a strange combination of shabby chic white painted barn siding and large colorful modern art portraits. Our table looked like a varnished picnic table and wobbled badly every time someone put his arms on it. We were four adults and our restaurant savvy 10 year old grandson. He ordered a burger and fries. The fries were phenominal - I believe fried in duck fat. He only ate 1/2 his burger but ate an entire house-made cone with hay softserve ice cream for dessert. (Real hay). My husband ordered French onion soup. It came with a strange white "foam" instead of cheese on top and was tepid- it should have been hotter. His "special" was meatloaf, which was OK, but sliced rather thinly- a bit crispy. He liked it though. I ordered the duck breast on a fermented black barley cake. The duck skin should have been more crispy, but the meat was cooked properly, pink but not too rare. I didn't much care for the barley cake. The waitress told us about a lobster "side" with any meal for only $4. It came in a tiny dish, no more than 3-4 inches. We laughed when we saw it. Pieces of sauteed lobster, probably left over from breaking down a lobster for something else. The dessert "Pot de Creme" was in an even tinier dish. It came with a small warm oatmeal bar. The chocolate was not as silky as expected and more like a pudding, but the oatmeal cookie was good. Finally, I ordered a martini, which came in a normal martini glass only half full. It was half the size of any other martini I've had anywhere else. For $10 I felt ripped off. I'm willing to try again, but hope I am more impressed next time. I like the menu and the concept of using local food and specialty pork, but the food needs work. We were impressed with our server, Jacqueline. She answered all our questions about the food and was very cheerful without being our best buddy. I'm willing to give this place another try, but at these prices my expectations are high. I hope we will have a more successful visit next time.
(3)Carol O.
The Mulefoot was worth every minute of our 2'hour trip. The food was gourmet with a casual twist. Our 4 entrees were unique, favorable and absolutely delicious. This is truly farm fresh dining with ingredients sourced within 100 miles and all sauces, breads, etc made in house. The bar carries great Michigan wines, over 70 microbrews made in the state and even several Michigan made bourbons. This restaurant believes in supporting the community that supports it. Every staff member is professional and friendly. The service as impeccable and our server was fabulous.
(5)Rebecca S.
Everything we tried was AMAZING! From the appetizers to the dessert, the food far exceeded our expectations. The portions were perfect and I love the fact that everything, including all the beverages, is made in Michigan. We are defiantly planning to go back =)
(5)Kelly B.
Went there with my husband and we LOVED it! Service was great and food was amazing! I tried duck for the first time and it was SOOO GOOD! We will be back VERY soon!!
(5)Erica C.
We have eaten here a few times and is one of our favorites!! Never disappointed and always something new, guaranteed to be fresh and phenomenal!!!
(5)Betsy T.
Love this place and will come back! Gluten free options are plentiful and delicious. Also happy they have Faygo! The filet was perfect, the smoked duck was also mouth watering. Red pepper bisque was also a great first course. Haven't had dessert yet but think it'll be so worth the calories.
(5)Jennifer K.
We were in town for a family wedding and the rehearsal dinner was booked here. Not sure what to expect, I saw the place and thought "hole in the wall" maybe okay food, etc. This place is awesome! They have an amazing set up and ambiance. The servers are attentive, friendly and helpful. Everyone loved the food, which was served buffet style in their banquet room for the rehearsal dinner. We had chicken, pork, potatoes, vegetables, salad and every single item I tried was amazing! People went back for seconds and thirds it was so good. Don't let the outside of the place or the location hinder you, this place is the best gastropub I have ever been to!
(5)Vinny G.
I have been here three times. And if Imlay city wasn't in the opposite direction of basically everything for me, that number would be much higher. The food and drinks are awesome. You can tell the two chefs really enjoy what they do and want to provide an awesome experience. I went one time on a whim, thinking, "we never go to Imlay city, let's go see if there's any reason to go". And we were so excited we did. (I live in romeo, so it's only twenty minutes north. But my work, family, friends, and social life are all south of Romeo). Either way, we may our way up here and had never even heard of a Gastropub before, so were intrigued. The first time we went, it was right after they re-opened for dinner. No one was really there, maybe a couple tables (it was a Tuesday or something during the week at like 4 o'clock) so we sat at the bar. And one of their bartenders let us know all about how awesome this place was. Educated us on their food and drink and what Gastropubs were. I know a decent bit about food and am a (cicerone) certified beer server so I know drinks/beer too, but I learned a lot that day. They make all of their food as fresh as possible. And I mean: FRESH AS POSSIBLE. They use local everything as much as they can. If it can be found locally, they'll cook it. And they're so creative too. Some stuff they have, you absolutely cannot find on any other menu in Macomb county. (Hell, even some 4&5-star restaurants in Detroit won't have some of this stuff). My fiancé won't try some of the stuff as it can be rather "too creative". But I'm always down to try anything and everything. Don't worry though, they have a lot of dishes that even the pickiest of eaters would love. The bartender made me a truly "craft" cocktail. Complete with Michigan whiskey, fresh squeezed lime juice, homemade simple syrup, and just as you'd expect AN EGG! There may have been a few more ingredients, but that's all I remember. All of this created an original whiskey sour. Not jack and store bought sour mix, a legit cocktail. Perfect to compliment their "pig of the day" which was made of local pork and local veggies. I love local. So this made the experience all that much better. I don't abandon good taste for the essence of local fair though. So this wasn't me being hypnotized by the term Michigan-made. It was genuinely delicious, craft food and amazing craft cocktails. My fiancé had to work at night, so she didn't have a cocktail, she did have a grape Faygo, which perfectly complimented our Michigan meal. Anytime I have a free night, which isn't often, I legitimately consider going to the Mulefoot. But I like to spread out my visits, otherwise it may lose its luster... though I doubt it. I have sent many people this way, and the last few times my family were in town, I took them here, hence my second and third visit.
(5)Nancy F.
So happy to see a farm-to-table option, especially in the Thumb area. These guys are rocking it. We have now eaten here twice and have been very pleased with their creativity, presentation and quality. They also have a decent wine and beer selection. Their pork dishes are delicious and virtually all ingredients are locally sourced and raised. The only knock during our most recent visit was an inexperienced waitress (Emily). We were just tucking into a delicious entree when she appeared and asked whether we were 'saving any room for dessert'. We were both puzzled at the timing of this. She then reappeared (when we were less than a third of the way through our dinners) with the actual dessert menu and interrupted our dining experience with her complete run down of the entire dessert menu "before she forgot about the details". While this sounds like a minor issue, it marred our enjoyment of an otherwise awesome meal. And let's face it, these chefs are turning out some delicious food which should be savored. It's all about the experience and I'm shocked that they have someone so inexperienced and untrained on staff. This seems like an oversight they will want to remedy.
(4)Adam B.
Worth the drive from Detroit! The staff was absolutely amazing! We sat at the bar and had drinks and appetizers. The staff was knowledgeable, genuinely personable, and fun. The food was tasteful an inventive. Truly enjoyed the beer selection, house cocktail creations, and appetizers. The atmosphere inside was welcoming and stylish. Can't wait to come back and try the dinner selections.
(5)Tara L.
3.5 stars We had been keeping the Mulefoot Gastropub on the radar for the longest time. I think the first time we had heard about this place was about a year ago, but we just never got around to trying it until recently. We had a nice time, but there were some key things that were lacking. First off, if you plan on coming, make a reservation, or be prepared to saddle up to the bar. We didn't make reservations, but were totally happy to dine at the bar. It's not a very big one, but it seats about 10 people comfortably. Our server was also the bartender (forget the name already but he was a nice guy that offered great service!), and after we had a chance to look over the menu, we decided on 1 appetizer and 2 mains. Appetizer: Corn Dogs ($12): This is not your average corn dog. The meat mixture is a maple pork sausage, and the batter is classic. I really liked the consistency and flavor of the batter, but it just didn't mesh with the meat that well; it was just too sweet. Add the molasses-chili reduction sauce and it felt disconnected. Great attempt, but it just needed more acidity. Mains #1: Mulefoot Burger ($14): Great flavor, moisture, and the bun was really well-crafted. I couldn't find the pickles, but the sun-dried heirloom tomato was super tasty. The cheddar cheese complemented the meat patty well and wasn't overpowering. Fries were pretty standard, and nothing special. I wish there were more though. Mains #2: Duck Breast ($24): Whenever I'm out and see a duck breast option, I will almost always order it, as I loooove duck! It's such a treat to find restaurants offer this, and unfortunately, Mulefoot's was pretty disappointing. It was overcooked, and the skin wasn't rendered fully so it had a mushy texture. The lentils that it was paired was nice, but didn't have any uniqueness to it. I thought maybe some cumin and thyme would enhance the flavor and pair well with the duck. The vegetables were surprisingly lackluster, and didn't exemplify the farm-to-table element that I was expecting. Their selection of microbrews is pretty good, and they feature some of the less well-known breweries, which I appreciate and admire. Husband had the Perrin Brewery Grapefruit IPA and thought it tasted great, but would have been better in a smaller volume (probably part of a beer flight would be ideal). By the way, you can customize a beer flight to your liking, which is nice and great for sharing. Overall, the staff was great, hospitable, and accommodating. The chef was somebody whom I was familiar with, and I admire what he's achieved thus far. However, I think this gastropub needs a bit more focus in terms of flavor profiles. I am not sure if we'll be repeat customers, as the prices are steep considering the execution, but I appreciate the effort.
(3)Tracy M.
Farm to Table (Quality Local Ingredients) in Imlay City. Locally owned by brothers, the attention to detail is apparent from the moment you are seated. The best service, and most knowledgeable staff, our party of four had ever had. Ask questions, talk with your servers, it makes the dining experience even better. Excellent food at a fair price, The Mulefoot Gastropub is amazing. This is a must try if you are ever near Lapeer County, Michigan. Be aware, quality comes at a price, so count on $75+ per couple. It's a special meal, not an everyday thing... Also - make reservations, it's hard to ever get walk-in table.
(5)Melissa L.
Seriously phenomenal food! I live an hour away but I occasionally go up to the thumb on the weekends. The restaurant is right on M53. First off, I love the farm to table restaurant concept. That is how we should all eat on the regular. It sounds silly to mention but even the soap in the bathrooms are from Mirror Lake Organics (a locally made beauty brand). Some Yelpers mentioned that they would have liked a fancier decor, but I like the rustic charm and ambiance. It can get a bit noisy in there, but never that bad. Secondly (and most importantly), the food is really tasty. So far, I have tried two soups (Red Pepper Bisque and Chowder with duck and potatoes). They were both really rich, but really good; this is coming from someone who normally hates heavy soups. As for entrees, I have tried the Filet Mignon, Cut of the Day (Boston Pork Butt), and the burger (not in one visit mind you, cast those eyes of judgment away). Filet was well seasoned and well cooked. As for the pork, it was a super moist and excellent cut of meat; I usually am nervous about ordering pork and for being such a thick cut, it was cooked perfectly. I do have one complaint about the dish. It came with jasmine rice that was very undercooked. It was still crunchy. But I wasn't planning on eating the rice, so I didn't send it back. It wasn't a big deal for me. Lastly, the burger was everything a burger should be. I usually don't order burgers out because they are always okay but never super impressive. Their burger surprised me with how good it was. It was juicy and well seasoned. W-o-w. Word of caution for those trying Mulefoot for the first time is that you should make reservations. Some days, it does get super busy and you are told that you will have a 45 minute wait. As for high volume days like Friday and Saturday, do it a week in advance if you could. You will be surprised by how limited or lack of options you have even two to three days before time.
(5)Joe D.
Hidden gem. Does not look like much from the exterior but don't let that fool you. Great food and service. Good selection of craft cocktails. Can get a little loud and smokey at times.
(5)James B.
Three people six dishes and every dish was amazing. Perfectly prepared and seasoned respecting the ingredients. No two dishes had a similar flavor profile yet all were successes. We had heavy to light from lamb and goat meatballs to delicately smoked trout to walleye that sang with clean fresh flavors. This is a level of food often promised on the coasts and not delivered. In my top ten for anywhere in the country. I hope enough people find them for them to be successful for some time to come.
(5)Andy G.
This place is Awesome! The "Tomahawk" is a terrific cut and I ate the whole thing!! Definitely returning!!!
(5)Krista R.
Really great place! ...especially for Imlay City. We went here for dinner and I had the special... it was really good. My fiancé had the duck which was also good but we would both recommend that you get the special every time. The service was amazing. Really nice people, great food, good bar. We will be back. :)
(5)Christopher D.
This was one of the best dining experiences I've ever had. My wife and I drove from Clarkston for our anniversary. Our server Allison was fantastic. Attention to detail, helped explain the concept, the specials and the menu. Even worked closely with the bartender to recommend new beers off their huge list of Michigan Craft Brews that complimented our meal. My wife had never had pheasant and absolutely lover hers. The pork special I ordered had just run out, but because they were butchers a pig in house Allison was able to get the chef to cut me a filet instead of the chop they had just run out of. The filet was great, but the ground pork sausage with zucchini and wrapped in greens that they served it with was my favorite part. The could throw 3 of those on a plate and serve it as an entree it was so good. I can't speak higher of this place, the food or the service. For sure worth a drive.
(5)Corey H.
A truly exceptional example of the farm to table ethos coupled with a creative and fastidious culinary mind at play. Every ingredient is fresh and almost all are locally sourced; every bite is rich in complex but deeply satisfying flavors. The freshness of the produce, and the reverence for the meats, especially the signature pork that lends MuleFoot it's name, shine through in "northern soul food", that enchants the eyes and sings on the fork. The poultry ( especially the sensuous duck) is perfectly prepared, and the sausage and pork are world class, but even usually pedestrian sides like lentils, are deliciously seasoned and elegantly rendered. The clean, fresh and cool casual atmosphere is appropriate for the quaint, sleepy little farm town surroundings. The wine list and the abundant Michigan craft beer selection is in excellent harmony with the menu. The staff is friendly, helpful and efficient, though the unbuffered front room can get a bit loud, and gentle smoke from the kitchen can fill up the dining room. Don't be mistaken; this is one of the finest dining experiences in the state at the moment, but with an unfussy, new rural sophistication is exciting and relaxing simultaneously. Worth the drive.
(5)Nicole K.
Love this place!!!!! Everything was perfect from the service to the food. Hostess, server, manager were all accommodating and really made our experience extra special. Impossible to get a bad dish here. All of the below are fantastic! - kale salad - duck confit - filet with blueberry compote - grass fed burger with bacon fries - pulled pork - smoked root beer float - rhubarb Danish - coffee brewed fresh at the table
(5)Billy Z.
Wow... Can't believe we waited so long to stop in. I started with a couple of craft beers and the fried bologna. The fried bologna was amazing... The black mustard was great with the bologna & chive English muffins. My wife had the corn dogs which were not what you get at a fair. These corn dogs came with an amazing molasses chili sauce that went great with their house made maple sausage. My entree was hay smoked pheasant and it did not disappoint. The pine nut pesto and the gnocchi was great. My wife's entree was the smoked pork joints over potato sausage hash with a yogurt mint sauce. Flavors I've never experienced but I'm glad I did. For desert we shared the flour less cake. The Carmel pieces were awesome... A bit pricey compared to anything in the area but well worth it.
(5)Jessica S.
Came here for my boyfriend's birthday. Had a great deal on groupon and I had heard about this place. Figured it was a great opportunity to try it. The inside is great, although I don't think all of the decor is in sync. The service was good, but I do not like how they wear jeans and any flannel shirt they want. I saw one girl in "ugg" boots. A huge turnoff for me. The patrons were dressed well and paying a lot of money, I don't want to feel like I'm at outback. What really got me was the food. We both got steaks. I got the filet, medium rare. He got the..ribeye, same temperature. The place was not busy AT ALL and I'd say medium rare doesn't take 25 minutes, but sure. Everything made to order, I'll relax. My meat was cooked great, his overdone. Like medium well overdone. He sends it back. Here's the kicker: IT TOOK THEM 30 MINUTES TO BRING A NEW STEAK! which was again, medium well. Overall, I'd rather stay in the city where there is more to do and get a pretty good meal, then chance it here in the middle of nowhere. Really two of the stars go to the sommelier. He was the real hero. Gave us a great shiraz, and when he noticed how long my guys food was taking, brought him a scotch. If I could I would give more stars just because he is great.
(3)Kristian A.
Amazing!! Our food was so good and fresh, and the service was great. The bread we got Before our meal was absolutely to die for- and made with home made butter of course. One of us got duck, which was excellent and had some great pesto along with it. We all tasted each others food because it was all so good we wanted to experience a little bit of everything. I got fish and chips, and I've never had better. My veggies were delicious. We got a dessert afterwards, which we normally do not do and it had some creme Anglaise on it that was to die for. I would definitely recommend this place- pricey but for a good reason. Even the ketchup was home made.. I'd love to see more places like this.
(5)Dana S.
This was so delicious!!!!!! Best food I've ever had in Michigan. Everything was cooked perfectly, fresh ingredients, wonderful flavor combinations! Great experience!!!!
(5)Jake V.
This place is amazing!!! The kale salad is to die for! My girlfriend and I went here for a date night and we will be coming back. She ordered a shrimp dish and I had the meatloaf with the fig sauce, both dishes were perfect. The apple cobbler desert is perfect along with their selection of Michigan beers and wines! I wish this place was open when I lived in Imlay City because I would have been here everyday!
(5)Amanda P.
This restaurant has absolutely amazing local food and the service was fantastic. Initially disappointed to be sitting at the bar as the dining room was full, that turned out to be the most enjoyable part. The bartenders let us sample food and were inventing new cocktails that they kept sharing with us! We were really pleased with the entrees (pheasant and duck, the pheasant with a celery root gnocchi that was out of this world) but the pork belly appetizer was fantastic as well. I don't know if you can go wrong with anything on the menu. The decor and ambiance are also really cool with a rustic barn like feel. The prices are also quite reasonable for what you are getting. This is my new favorite spot for sure.
(5)William H.
One of the finest places to eat around. Last night my wife and I went for an anniversary dinner. My wife had the special which was a pork center, I had the filet mignon. My filet was cooked wonderfully, they had a blueberry sauce with the steak. My steak was good but I didn't like the blueberry sauce with my steak, but that was a personal thing because I am a picky eater. I had some of my wife's pork chop, and that was delicious. Also, the bread they served at the beginning of the meal was excellent. I wish I had a loaf to eat, but that would have spoiled my meal. I was a little said to see they removed the Poutin (I think that is what they called it a year ago) which was French fries with a homemade sausage gravy in top. That was excellent last year. Just like last time, we had great service. We arrived early and got a vodka tonic, the bartender was very polite and gracious. Our server was on top of her game, very informative about the meals and specials. She kept the drinks filled and every time a plate was finished she cleared it away. She checked on us multiple times. We also ordered a bottle of wine which she asked if we wanted it now or wait till our meals come out. It was nice for her to ask. We made sure we tipped well, generally I tip a good waitress 20% but we tipped better than that last night. My wife had ordered a flight of beers, and just like a year ago the beer is borderline warm when served. That is the ONLY knock on this place and the cause for the the 4 out of 5. It should be a 4.8 out of five. The beer system needs to be addressed.
(4)Lealie G.
I came here to celebrate a birthday. Service was great the food was very interesting. I would recommend asking a lot of questions as to how the food is going to be prepared and presented. I had the Pho which is traditionally a Vietnamese soup dish with noodles. There version had rice pulled pork veggies and a duck egg. However I did not expect it to come as a soup so it was more of a gumbo. Everything tasted excellent but just keep in mind that they make everything with a twist.
(4)Rob M.
one word. amazing! staff is amazing! amazing time. amazing food. highly recommended. Dick, Andrew, and Maria have made this an Experience. For starters we had the smoked trout, and pork belly (highly recommended). For the main entree we had the meatloaf and the cut of the day. AMAZING! Foody Heaven must experience in person. Highly recommend eating at the bar.
(5)Von T.
Absolutely the best food and most innovative dining! We had some of the freshest trout besides catching it ourselves and the most tender pork loin we have ever eaten. The trout was caught that morning and the pork was from a pig that had been slaughtered that very week. We ended our meal with a smoked root beer float and a hay flavored ice cream waffle cone. We were not disappointed with anything we tasted. The star of the night was the smoked root beer float! Simply amazing!
(5)Ron W.
I was recently visiting and my mother insisted that we go to the Mulefoot, saying it was on the list of the top 100 eateries in the US. I was a little skeptical. Living in New England, good restaurants are fairly common. Having grown up in eastern Mi, I know they're much harder to find. I checked reviews and they are glowing, so I was excited to scope it out. The exterior is fairly unassuming as it is housed in a former banquet hall. Once you walk in, you see it's pretty trendy, with a nice bar area. The dining area has a bit of a cafeteria feel, and the lighting was too bright for my taste. I am a huge proponent of farm-to-table menus, and theirs was very appealing. We started with the Charcuterie for an app. Not a fan. it is served with black pepper crackers, the steak tartare was coated in black pepper... the pepper flavor was overwhelming. It also came with duck ham... it was a bit more like duck jerky. The entree I chose was the braised short ribs. These delicious, tender, flavorful ribs were served atop turnip puree and acorn squash. It was all excellent. The portions were generous but not to the point of being glutting. A previous reviewer mentioned the food being heavy, and I would second that. I barely had room for dessert, but am a sucker for pot de creme. This was a tiny portion, served with a delectable oatmeal raisin cookie. The creme wasn't very impressive. I prefer my pot de creme to be thick, decadent, and luxurious. This was pudding... The Mulefoot is definitely a place I would recommend. A gem in Imlay City. Lastly, I am all for restaurants supporting local artists, but there are these eye paintings that are very well done, but kinda creepy.
(4)Joshua M.
Like many of the other reviewers, my initial gut reaction to hearing "gastropub" and "Imlay City" in the same sentence was something along the lines of "I bet the food's terrible." Knowing that Yelp isn't exactly popular in these parts, I was really surprised to see so many good reviews, so I just had to try it. My mom and I went for brunch. When the waitress came out and started talking about the mulefoot pigs and all of that, I started to get excited. Ever since Alton Brown did an episode of Good Eats about how modern pork was bred to be so lean it has no flavor, I've been wanting to try the so-called "heirloom pork" varieties. We started with the poutine. Typically, I don't think of sausage gravy when I think about poutine, but this was absolutely delicious. The little pieces of pork in the gravy were filled with flavor. I ordered the roasted pork sandwich that comes with fried eggs on sourdough. The whole dish was like an upscale play on ham and eggs. I tried the pork first, and I was absolutely floored by how good it was. I told my mom she had to try it. The first words out of her mouth were "This tastes like spareribs used to taste when I was a kid." It was a perfect dish. Well-seasoned and perfectly balanced. No pretentious sauces. Everything went together perfectly. Add on some sweet potato hash browns if they're available when you're here. You can tell they grated the sweet potato to order. Amazing. I've got a new favorite restaurant in the area. I just can't believe how good it was Prices were incredibly reasonable. A few nights ago for dinner, we spent the same amount of money at a certain steakhouse down the street and left nowhere near as satisfied. Honestly, I hope they get the chance to (or have plans to) open a butcher shop. I'd buy the hell out of that pork. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Jerry R.
Not impressed at all... Went there at 4:30 on a Wednesday. Ordered drinks, salad, burger and desert. Over $70. Would have been ok with that, but when I tried my salad, fennel salad, I could only eat 2 bites, it was awful. Waitress never offered a replacement $7 salad. Never could get a second drink, waitress too busy with other table. No manager ever visited our table. Over heard another couple that did not like their desert, no offer to them either. Burger and fries was ok, but not a $14 burger by any means! I have spent way more than this at restaurants and been very happy with my meals, but I just do not see the value here. Nice concept, poorly executed!
(1)Albert K.
After seeing the stellar reviews here, my wife and I made the trip up to Imlay City to try this place. It was definitely worth a trip., but I don't feel like I need to make a point of going out there again. We started with the green salad and charcuterie plate. Salad was very fresh but charcuterie was a bit underwhelming. The real success of the night was the Mulefoot Cut of the Day and the Duck. Both dish presentations were beautiful and they tasted great. Apparently the owners raise this breed of pig, thus the name of the restaurant. Finally we had the desserts. I was eager to try them from what I saw, but was a bit disappointed. The cheesecake was just far too rich by itself., would probably have gone better with wine or coffee to cut the powerful flavor. Also got a Boston cooler with the hay ice cream. They served it in a pint glass that was about a third filed with Vernors and then a third with the ice cream, so the presentation and amounts were certainly lacking. The ice cream was interesting, but nothing earth shattering. Overall, I am glad I went out of my way to try this place, but again, don't feel the need to go again. Happy eating.
(4)Kaitlin A.
We were in town for the holidays. We stopped in because my friend works there. It is great guys! For real! Everything is local, handmade, and delicious! So many beers, and wines. And the atmosphere is killer! If you go be sure to ask for Emily, she's the best :)
(5)Clark D.
SO worth the drive! Our new favorite restaurant. We gave Dick, the mixologist/bartender an idea of the kind of drinks we generally go for and he knocked us out with two incredible concoctions. Beer drinkers can choose from a nice selection of -mostly- local (Michigan) craft beers. Dick also suggested a wine - an "Old World Red", which was not outrageously pricey, yet was a beauty of a deep, flavorful red, pairing very well with our dinner....and what a dinner it was... We began with the Scotch Egg, which is a hard-boiled egg encased in sausage. This was accompanied by an artful swirl of Creme Fraiche dotted with capers. The fresh bread and butter was simple perfection. My entree was a morel mushroom lasagna - the morels picked by the chef and artfully preserved. There was no slop in this lasagna, every vegetable was perfectly sized and placed, artfully balancing out the richness of the wild mushrooms. My wife chose the cut of the day, which was two differing cuts of pork (belly, and ?) marinated in root beer, cooked with cherries. The belly cut was succulent and juicy, contrasting with the other firm, steak-like section. Out of this world. Finished with a great cup of coffee and some creamy puff pasties with honey. This experience far exceeded our expectations. We left walking on a cloud, plotting our next trip to the Mulefoot.
(5)Neal Z.
Warm, fun, sincere and real Michigan food. Everything is fresh and interesting especially Ashley.
(5)Kara K.
Absolutely my favorite restaurant in Michigan. Everything I tasted was excellently prepared. I had the filet the first time and it was perfection. I love parsnips and the purée was delicious.The duck confit as an appetizer was excellent but the second time I visited I branched out and had the corn dogs and oh my! Crispy corn bread and maple homemade sausage inside with a ketchup reduction sauce. I'm drooling right now! The desserts were awesome as well I had the smoked root beer float that was so cool and delicious! Real smoke ! I look forward to going and seeing what the chefs have come up with next! The atmosphere was welcoming and casual, the food will keep me coming back for more!
(5)Matthew V.
Exceptional experience in every way. The team here knocks it out of the park on service, friendliness and execution. Great atmosphere and the food is amazing. Well worth the drive to this jem in Imlay City. Ask Dick the Mixologist to give you a recommendation on a Michigan spirits sourced cocktail and step out of the normal to enjoy what a proper drink should be. The sweetbreads are a must try as well. Thank you to the Mulefoot team for a great evening and dining experience, we will be back for sure.
(5)Bob N.
Wow, I don't know what happened in the span of one week. Had reservations for 630p Saturday, the day after Valentines day. They were fairly busy Sat. but we were seated right away but in the banquet area which already had a few tables filled. We were brought house made bread and water but no table setups. The waitress arrived her name was J (who we had last week she remembered us and was great last week) and took our drink orders, 2 beers and 2 coffees and our appetizer orders 2 orders of fried pickles(yum) and a poutine. we didn't see J again for at least 20 min. Apps arrived still no set ups no beer and no coffee. Snagged someone to find out where our beverages were and magically they showed up but the coffee was cold. So got a refill of the coffee, that was the last coffee of the night as it never got refilled even after asking. J comes to take our orders, 2 ribeye dinners a pastrami, 2 fried chicken dinners and a mac n cheese. Steaks were fine as was the chicken. The pastrami dinner was a baked pastrami which in concept should have been good but was way overdone to the point of being crunchy. Once dinner was done we ordered the yummy smoked rootbeer float which was served fairly quick. Asked J for the bill and waited and waited and waited just shy of 20 min for it, I was so fed up i actually timed her. I really hope J was just having a bad day as we heard from other servers they had been picking up her slack.
(3)Brian B.
I was in from North Carolina when my parents decided to take me out to dinner. For anyone who doesn't know, The Mulefoot is an American hog breed that is named for its most distinctive feature, the solid, non-cloven hoof which looks like the hoof of a mule. Oh and Gastropub's I usually associate with really good beer and good food. Well, North Carolina is also associated with really good pork and really good beer so I say they picked this place perfectly. I've lived out of state for 10+ years, and my parents have a small farm in Attica. I've had my share of 'good recommendations' for food over the last few years in the area and while some of my local favorites may include certain places, let's just say I was a bit cautious with another recommendation from the 'rents. While at the restaurant, I found out that the restaurant tries to source pretty much everything locally. I was impressed, except shrimp in the menu? Oh yes it is sourced from Okemos. Who knew there was a shrimp farm in Okemos? :) Also, beef is grass fed not grain. If you've never had grass fed beef before, it is different than your run of the mill steaks that are brought in from who knows were. It is a lot more lean and also better for you. Pork is also locally produced. Awesome. Main Meal: OK so on to the meal because I think I just totally said too much without saying anything yet about the food. I had the Dry Aged Ribeye which is prepared french style which I compared to a Chateaubriand. It was very similar. The cut was trimmed of pretty much all excess fat, perfectly cooked medium rare and sliced as it is plated. Very similar to a Filet, but more flavorful due to probably the dry age process. So if you're expecting a ribeye with all the fat, etc this is not what it is here. I was very pleased with it and the beef had a great grass fed taste that I expected. Potato on the side and fresh squash melody was also very nice and prepared very nice. I wish I could remember the name of the reduction sauce on the side, but it was a very nice steak sauce, but I didn't need to use a lot of it as I enjoyed the taste of the steak without. My Parents both had the Pork special which looked like a ribs left in cut/ tenderloin with the fat belly still on as they slowly smoked it. Really interesting way of cooking the dish and I can only assume this is what locks in all the moisture and flavor of the pork which was out of this world (my parents let me try a couple bites). If you've ever had a good cut of pork that is local and tastes fresh, this is what it should taste like. Dessert: Really great. It seems like most desserts are not a overly sweet as some other places I've been. I had the french named Chocolate dish with oatmeal cookies. which were great. The chocolate was prepared almost like a thick mousse and the cookies were tasty. My parents had a smoked rootbeer float which I also tried. The smoke added a third dimension to your traditional rootbeer float which was a very interesting twist. Service: We made reservations because we heard the place gets busy. If you're wanting a table at a certain time, I would also suggest this. This shouldn't be a bad thing for a good restaurant. Preparing good food also takes time. Expect to wait a little longer for your meal, but this didn't bother me at all. It gave me enough time to decide which beer I wanted to have for my dinner! (I suggest getting a flight of what is on tap and choose which one you like the best) The server Allison was fantastic. She was very knowledgable and spent time to talk to us about everything and answer our questions. Even one of the owners stopped by to talk to us and I had a nice conversation about microbreweries, and other fun topics. Oh and lastly...the fresh bread. AWESOME. Cleanliness/Appearance: Good reviewers go to the bathroom first. If the bathroom is nasty, you probably shouldn't eat there. I must say that the bathroom was well attended to along with the rest of the restaurant. The 'down on the farm' casual environment was good. You could either wear a suit and tie out for a nice date or go in with jeans and a polo and feel just fine. All and all we really enjoyed our night and are looking forward to maybe trying brunch while I'm in town. Thank you Mulefoot!
(5)Mike D.
My wife and I decided to make the drive and try something new. We wound up at the Mulefoot and were very happy about that. The first impression: the building was nice. Very clean inside and out. Greeted promptly by the friendly staff. We were seated right away, yes we did have a reservation. Our server came to the table quickly and was very nice and informed us about what the Mulefoot was all about. The menu was nice and simple. Not to many chooses to overwhelm you but enough that everyone could find something. We started with the steak frites. All I can say is WOW THOSE WERE DELICIOUS!!! Great flavor and very well plated. It was a great way to start the night. For our main course we ordered the filet mignon and it was cooked perfectly. The taste was very good and the blueberry glacé was a nice addition to wonderful cut of meat. We also ordered the cut of the day. On that night it was the tomahawk chop. First off, this thing was the size of my head. I was concerned it might be undercooked due to the size of it, 26oz, but the chefs nailed it. It was good to perfection and tasted incredible. Over all we really enjoyed our trip to the Mulefoot. The food was great, the staff was super friendly and fun and the atmosphere was very enjoyable. My wife and I do love visiting local place that try to support the local area. Mulefoot does that and does it well. We would recommended making your way to Imlay City to try the Mulefoot.
(4)Chad D.
Great atmosphere! Very nice people and the food is amazing. Beer is over the top with the great selection they have. Michigan proud! Will definitely be back. Great to see young people loving what they do.
(5)Christina G.
Casual space utilizing reclaimed wood. Ordered my standard gin martini and it was amazing. When the bartender brought the drink he explained that the Boston butt cut was the special tonight oh my goodness it was fantastic! Really liked the menu. I'm not a fan of the strong smoke flavor and that was strongly used on the menu in July. So if you love smoke get running over. We all had a great meal. Service was good and it's worth the drive to Imlay. Things I suggest to make it a five: do something with the entrance, and add some carpets to make the dining area more honey. As far as food keep up the good work, innovation, dedication and creativity are evident in your business. We will be back!
(4)viv l.
Worth a long drive! The Sommelier is extremely knowledgeable and gifted without a hint of pretentiousness. Relaxed laid back atmosphere with high quality creative dishes. Already planning next visit!
(5)Jay G.
Awesome. Great menu with several paired flavors one would never think to try! I started with the roasted carrot bisque which rivals some of the best squash soup ever! Next was the meatloaf. Very rich and enough to share (if you have some starters!). Finished with the raspberry beet sorbet! All was awesome! We'll back!
(5)Linda P.
3 stars for the food 5 stars for service atmosphere and beverages. Our waitress Brianne was wonderful, attentive and friendly. The beers she suggested and then brought samples of, were nice and cold and fresh. The food was interesting but just not great. We had the corn dog appetizers which were tasty, their signature chowder, which was good but the portion was on the skimpy side. The hamburger and fries were delicious. The burger is mixed with fresh ground pork and served on a sour dough homemade crunchy bun with steak sauce. Yummy. The fries are nice big crisp planks doused in fresh bacon bits, so good but the chef should go a little easier with the salt shaker. So far so good, the big problem was my husbands entree. The braised short ribs were more like chuck or pot roast. No ribs!Just one bone and the meat was tough. Not at all worth $29.00. I was so hoping to love this place and I wish them luck, it's a really nice local family business.
(3)Scott P.
This is an excellent restaurant to eat it if you are ever in Imlay City. It is a little different, everything is homemade and you can taste the difference. The menu is pricey for Imlay City, the restaurant seems like it is out of Royal Oak or Birmingham. It is definitely worth the trip up M-53!
(5)James P.
After driving an hour to get there I thought for sure I would be disappointed but far from it. The food and beer was great well more like awesome! I chose the special of the day which was Snitzel. The timing was something to marvel at because everything came at just the right moment. I will definitely be going back sometime soon for their dry aged ribeye and some of their fancy Bourbons.
(5)Rene R.
Fun atmosphere. Excellent food (love the farm to table and Michigan made products). Servers are very patient, friendly and knowledgeable. Can't wait to go back and see what they come up with next! Definitely need reservations in advance.
(5)Rhonda E.
The trout was out of this world! The spaetzle was multi layered with great flavors. The bar staff are always fun, and go out of their way to make any drink you can dream of. The local liquor choices are very fine well thought out. And you cannot beat Michigan beers. Will see you tonight.
(5)Jackie H.
Went here for dinner the day before Thanksgiving during the soft launch. I started with the poutin and the husband had both the ham fritters and scotch egg, both were awesome but I would have to say the scotch egg was my favorite. For the second course we had the pastrami and buger. The burger was good but the pastrami was amazing! I could eat that everyday. For dessert our table tried all three desserts on the menu. My favorite was the apple cider sorbet. We talked with the chef for a bit and learned about the concept and the locally sourced products. The concept is really cool and the prices are pretty reasonable. This a restaurant you would expect to find in downtown Detroit or Birmingham. I will be back, even through Imlay City is a bit of a hike from my house in Royal Oak.
(5)Mr. T.
I was here recently to help celebrate a wedding anniversary, and while there were many aspects of their business that pleased me, overall I think there are some issues with what they're doing. Mulefoot is a farm-to-table concept, sourcing most of its ingredients from nearby suppliers. I like to support such efforts -- but the end result has to be good, especially if the prices are high (which they are here). I ordered the "Cut of the Day," which on this day was a dish with various cuts of pork in a pappardelle pasta with a dried plum sauce, pumpkin, and almonds (and probably a couple of other things I've forgotten). It was a decent dish ... but the portion was enormous (TOO big), and it was served by itself in a bowl, with no accompaniment. Besides being very heavy, it was also quite salty, in a cumulative way. My first few bites were pleasant, but as I ate more, the salt level just became overwhelming. Eventually it began to taste like a fancy tuna casserole that had been oversalted (despite having no tuna in it), and the huge portion made it seem like a chore to keep eating. Ultimately I couldn't finish it. My suggestion for a dish like this would be to cut the portion in half (seriously, even that would still be a generous serving), put it on a plate, and accompany it with a nice vegetable side. I'm thinking asparagus. I split the chocolate pot de créme dessert with my companion, and it was disappointing. After having an enormous portion for my entree, suddenly I was looking at a tiny portion. There was a sizable but fairly bland oatmeal-raisin bar ("cookie," I guess) sitting on top of the chocolate, but there wasn't much chocolate, and what there was seemed thin and had an odd background note in the flavor -- it was undoubtedly something meant to enhance the flavor, but instead it seemed chemical or medicinal. Our server was terrific -- upbeat, attentive, and professional -- but it took far too long for the kitchen to get the food out. I think we waited as long for our dessert as we had for our main courses, which is inexcusable at any restaurant in any price range. I might try Mulefoot again sometime, but I would hope to find items on the menu that aren't quite so heavy. I also think they're in danger of confusing their clientele ... is it a rustic eatery, or an upscale restaurant? The decor says one thing, but the prices say something else entirely. I'm not from the immediate area, but $32 entrees can be a hard sell even in a larger, more affluent city. I wonder if, at some point, they'll have to decide whether they should be a more casual restaurant with somewhat lower prices, or an upscale restaurant with the kind of decor and ambiance one would expect from such a place. Right now it seems like they're trying to have it both ways, and I'm not sure it works. At this price point, you'd think it would be a romantic atmosphere ... but there is absolutely nothing romantic about the interior at Mulefoot, with its rough plank tables, uncomfortable industrial chairs, and chemistry class centerpieces. This is not a place to go for a first date or anniversary.
(3)Al H.
We came in around 5 pm on a Saturday, admittedly without a reservation. The place was nowhere near full but we were told there would be a 3 hour wait. We stood around chatting for a few minutes and the hostess came up and asked if we would mind being seating at a long family style table. We said that would fine. We sat on cheap metal chairs at the table made of planks similar to a picnic table. We were told that the food was farm to table. i ordered the duck which tasted and smelled as if it were freezer burned. The tab for one which included an entree, a side of spelt (which seemed like a grain you'd use to fatten hogs) and soup and tip was around $45. Totally not worth it due to the quality, service and atmosphere. I recommend you eat elsewhere.
(1)Patrick R.
A Gastro Pub?!?! In Imlay City?!?! And yes, it's awesome. We were there the second day they were open. Quality beer selection, and everything on the (still being developed) menu looked great. I tried the Poutin (Fries and sausage gravy.... best gravy ever!), the Hush Puppies (Tasty, but a touch on the dry side... And a slightly different dipping sauce other than herb butter would've been nice... something acidy or citrusy maybe?), the Scotch Egg (Super yum!!). My main was the burger (Very tasty... but I would have preferred a different sauce over mayo... already went Canadian enough with the Poutin! And some sort of sauce for the fries...). The wife had the Pastrami, which was good. For dessert I sampled the Pound cake... but I was already full. The decor is nice, the service is on point, and the owners/chefs know what they are doing. Everything is hyper local and fresh. I wish them great luck, and I hope the people of Imlay City will support them! Because right now... I don't know if Imlay City deserves a restaurant this good! Prove me wrong! It's a far drive for me (I live in Royal Oak)... but I will definitely be back! We had 6 in our group (we all had drinks and 3 courses) and our total bill came to around $200.... not too shabby!
(5)Jennie B.
I was extremely impressed by my entire dining experience. I made the drive up from Detroit after hearing some very positive reviews. To start: the homemade sourdough bread and butter was worth the (pretty long) drive alone- very hearty but soft and delicious. The chef said the flour is from down the block and freshly milled! The butternut squash soup was hands down the best butternut squash soup I've had. Cooked low and slow to perfection. The poutine was delightful: fries cooked in bacon fat and bacon salt that would have been perfect on their own- but the sausage and gravy put it over the top in the best way possible. Pastrami was awesome- especially the sauerkraut mashed potatoes! I died. Whiskey onion jam was so flavorful and added a perfect texture. Although I thought I had no more room at all, I got the hay ice cream and it was incredibly unique and absolutely delicious. Now it's time to go into a food coma. Can't wait to eat my leftovers tomorrow! I will be making the drive again, but I do wish a place like this was in Detroit. The closest I can compare it to is One Eyed Betty's (with similarly good drink and beer selection), but I think The Mulefoot takes it to the next level with creativity and flavor.
(5)Angela S.
Grew up in the area and was back home to visit family. Friendly and knowledgeable bartender and he's a sommelier to boot. Smoked salmon pate was good. Not too salty and had oranges mixed in but needs more crostini for the portion. Fantastic presentation with smoke sealed in a Mason jar. Main course was cheese ravioli with crispy pig jowls and caramelized onions. Never had jowls before and they are divine. Creamy goodness. Bacon on steroids. If you ever have this dish, you MUST encompass a bit of everything in one bite. It is nothing short of heavenly and I'm world traveled. Also impressed with the selection of Michigan craft brews, as I didn't expect to see Perrin on tap on this side of the state, or Right Brain from Traverse City or Latitude 42 from Portage in cans. Almost forgot the smoked jalapeño infused vodka and ginger pineapple rum infusion. Deelish! Wish they they a foot-rail at the bar because it would be more comfortable to sit there. Everything is locally sourced all the way down to the hand soap in the bathroom. So, snobby Royal Oakers and pent up Farmington Hills housewives, take a day trip north up the Dyke...Van Dyke, that is (M-53) to Imlay City. You will not be disappointed.
(5)Jason G.
I would have never expected a restaurant of this caliber in Imlay City, Michigan. Food, wine and beer selections are excellent. I travel a great deal and this place will stand up in all major cities. Mike the executive chef is a master in the kitchen. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to take a quick drive up north or is passing through.
(5)Patricia C.
My husband and I went for the first time, and it was a great experience! We ordered a Pinot Grigio but they did not have any, so they brought out a different white wine (Michigan Wine) and it was excellent. The appetizer was a little on the small side but the Beef Tartar was really good. And for our main course we had the Rabbit Marsala and I about died it was so good. I would say the Wine and Beer are on the expensive side. But I do recommend dining here.
(4)Jesse K.
A little pricey, but the food is incredible. The drink selection on tap changes, so always something new. They have a very dedicated staff that is willing to answer any questions. My wife and I have been there twice now and definitely plan on returning when time permits.
(5)Stella B.
I was apprehensive when first going here. Based on the menu I had read online I was unsure of dress code or atmosphere. I was surprised when we walked in how laid back it was. The food was great- I had the macaroni with duck- only complaint was it was a little greasy- still very good. Poutine was good. The smoked root beer was incredible and really made the meal and experience better. The ice cream I would love to buy a gallon of. Our server was pleasant, but when I asked about menu items looking for more of a description I was disappointed when for each item the response was "oh it's amazing"... I was looking for details. While it is expensive you have to appreciate the local food, the time taken to prepare it, and the natural good clean eating.
(5)Elizabeth R.
I just visited in mid-May of 2014. They seem to have worked out any kinks that previous reviews mentioned, and I'm sure being open longer has meant that their wait staff and kitchen are more experienced. I'm thrilled that this place is in Imlay City. Great food and a real experience; I had their Mulefoot burger and hay ice cream. The only reason I wouldn't order my meal again is because I want to try the rest of the menu. Very reasonably priced and seemed like a family friendly place earlier in the evening. Go now and go often! Imlay City can't lose this!
(5)Thomas B.
Great food, service, atmosphere, and beer selection. Excellent knowledgeable staff about the products they carry. I came during lunch because I understand it's very busy in the evening. I'd call ahead if you're concerned about times for dinner. The staff was very friendly and I ordered the reuben. The meat was super tender and tasted great. My only complaint was it needed more sauce, but nothing they didn't fix when asked. I love the concept from field to table and that it's locally raised. I would definitely come back. The only thing missing is a brewery.
(5)Adam L.
This was my second time here and I loved it even more the second time around. We started with the charcuterie plate and added the suggested cheese. My main course was the cut of the day which was the cowboy links, these were phenomenal and because of this my food was promptly stolen by my guest and I was in turn given her duck breast entrée which in my mind was equally as good. I was happy to see that it automatically came medium rare and not over cooked as some places tend to do. Dessert was goat cheese cheesecake and was surprisingly excellent. Our server was outstanding, she took the time to explain everything and give excellent recommendations. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for something out of the ordinary.
(5)Sheila W.
Okay this place rocks! Country decor, but with pop art on the walls you know you are somewhere exciting. The waitstaff arr amazing, and the food is some of the best I have ever had...as good as any meal at capital grill. Best of all they buy local from Michigan. It is a farm to table restaurant. They have many beers on tap, great wine selection, and craft cocktails. It is worth the drive!!!!
(5)Carolyn S.
We were delighted to find some interesting dining in Imlay City. We must have driven past it a dozen times before seeing it. We went for brunch. I ordered the pork belly appetizer, a Boston Cooler with hay ice-cream, and the white sturgeon. My husband ordered the Mulefoot burger with onion rings, and a Hideout peanut butter stout. Everything was delicious, and service was very attentive. There was a problem with the ice cream machine, and they offered to make it with vanilla instead, but I opted to wait, and it was worth it. They even came out a couple times to apologize for the wait. We weren't in a hurry. One thing, though. If you order the Mulefoot burger, it's going to come rare/medium rare. My husband ordered it medium, and it was much pinker than medium. He ate it anyway and enjoyed it. "Tasty," says he. There was a guy at the next table over who ordered his Mulefoot burger well done, and it came rare/medium rare and he pitched a fit. Some people aren't very flexible, and that's sad. We got a growler of the peanut butter stout to go, and I'm enjoying it thoroughly.
(4)Patti R.
Local farm grown fresh food! Loved the brunch menu, so much fun trying different combinations of food put together that I've never tried before. Talented chefs creating new and fresh food!
(5)Kelly B.
Best. Simply the best. Loved this meal beyond description. :D we live in Downtown Detroit and will be willing to drive up to Imlay City just for dinner here. Every bite was amazing.
(5)Brandi R.
I don't think I can accurately describe the end to end awesomeness of this place. I kind of knew the food would be good because it's all local and creatively prepared. I figured, because I'm pessimistic, that something wouldn't be great, I was wrong. Alison, our server, was incredible. She was knowledgable of the mission and passionate about it. The beer I ordered was so good (a raspberry ale), the roasted pork was delicious but the best order of the day? The root beer float. Try it. Amazing unique smokiness. Or, wait, the best thing was the smoked Trout pate?! NO, my sons burger was the best with local beef and pork on a house made bun with house made steak sauce. All five people, all five orders were amazing. Worth the drive, completely. We WILL be back. We support this place and it's vision 100% I thought the value was decent, too.
(5)Erica C.
The best food I have had in Michigan and to think it is in little ole Imlay City....The staff is amazingly educated on the menu and the farm to table experience. The bartender is also amazing. He came and sat with us ( as he did every table) asked what we liked made great suggestions for some Michigan Whiskeys. The chef made several appearances at our table to check on our food and make recommendations. It was a great experience...LOVED IT!
(5)angela e.
Absolutely amazing. I would never have expected to have such an amazing culinary experience in such a modern restaurant this close to home, but I am so very glad it is only 5 minutes away!!! If you like farm to table fresh food your search is over! Every plate they bring out the server and or chef will tell you exactly what farm each item came from and when it was picked/caught/butchered. I don't usually try good outside of my comfort zone, but the passion that the chef showed truly made me comfortable in picking anything off the menu. After first bite you realize that no matter what you choose it will be incredible. I had the aged ribeye (for anyone in the imlay city area, this steak is going to put Luckys out of business!) it was incredible. I haven't had a steak that good since paying double at Morton's for just the steak! At mulefoot I got the steak, potatoes, and asparagus! Anyways, my husband had the filet which was cooked perfectly, my brother also had the ribeye, my sister in law had the market fish (amberjack), and we got our one year old the hamburger. There was not a bite left on any of our plates (besides my daughters). Our server brought us our drinks, but the chef brought us all our food! I can't just talk about the food because the service is equally as great! For dessert we had the Hay Croquembouche (absolutely divine, writing about it is making me hungry!) it was served with raw honey which was perfect. We also got the apple cider sorbet (just like apple cider, not too sweet, but not too tart) and the smoked root beer float (house made vanilla ice cream with smokey rootbeer tasted like a toasted marshmallow). I have nothing but great things to say about this place. I can't wait to eat there again!
(5)Krista R.
Really great place! ...especially for Imlay City. We went here for dinner and I had the special... it was really good. My fiancé had the duck which was also good but we would both recommend that you get the special every time. The service was amazing. Really nice people, great food, good bar. We will be back. :)
(5)Adam B.
Worth the drive from Detroit! The staff was absolutely amazing! We sat at the bar and had drinks and appetizers. The staff was knowledgeable, genuinely personable, and fun. The food was tasteful an inventive. Truly enjoyed the beer selection, house cocktail creations, and appetizers. The atmosphere inside was welcoming and stylish. Can't wait to come back and try the dinner selections.
(5)Jerry R.
Not impressed at all... Went there at 4:30 on a Wednesday. Ordered drinks, salad, burger and desert. Over $70. Would have been ok with that, but when I tried my salad, fennel salad, I could only eat 2 bites, it was awful. Waitress never offered a replacement $7 salad. Never could get a second drink, waitress too busy with other table. No manager ever visited our table. Over heard another couple that did not like their desert, no offer to them either. Burger and fries was ok, but not a $14 burger by any means! I have spent way more than this at restaurants and been very happy with my meals, but I just do not see the value here. Nice concept, poorly executed!
(1)William H.
One of the finest places to eat around. Last night my wife and I went for an anniversary dinner. My wife had the special which was a pork center, I had the filet mignon. My filet was cooked wonderfully, they had a blueberry sauce with the steak. My steak was good but I didn't like the blueberry sauce with my steak, but that was a personal thing because I am a picky eater. I had some of my wife's pork chop, and that was delicious. Also, the bread they served at the beginning of the meal was excellent. I wish I had a loaf to eat, but that would have spoiled my meal. I was a little said to see they removed the Poutin (I think that is what they called it a year ago) which was French fries with a homemade sausage gravy in top. That was excellent last year. Just like last time, we had great service. We arrived early and got a vodka tonic, the bartender was very polite and gracious. Our server was on top of her game, very informative about the meals and specials. She kept the drinks filled and every time a plate was finished she cleared it away. She checked on us multiple times. We also ordered a bottle of wine which she asked if we wanted it now or wait till our meals come out. It was nice for her to ask. We made sure we tipped well, generally I tip a good waitress 20% but we tipped better than that last night. My wife had ordered a flight of beers, and just like a year ago the beer is borderline warm when served. That is the ONLY knock on this place and the cause for the the 4 out of 5. It should be a 4.8 out of five. The beer system needs to be addressed.
(4)Lealie G.
I came here to celebrate a birthday. Service was great the food was very interesting. I would recommend asking a lot of questions as to how the food is going to be prepared and presented. I had the Pho which is traditionally a Vietnamese soup dish with noodles. There version had rice pulled pork veggies and a duck egg. However I did not expect it to come as a soup so it was more of a gumbo. Everything tasted excellent but just keep in mind that they make everything with a twist.
(4)Rob M.
one word. amazing! staff is amazing! amazing time. amazing food. highly recommended. Dick, Andrew, and Maria have made this an Experience. For starters we had the smoked trout, and pork belly (highly recommended). For the main entree we had the meatloaf and the cut of the day. AMAZING! Foody Heaven must experience in person. Highly recommend eating at the bar.
(5)Von T.
Absolutely the best food and most innovative dining! We had some of the freshest trout besides catching it ourselves and the most tender pork loin we have ever eaten. The trout was caught that morning and the pork was from a pig that had been slaughtered that very week. We ended our meal with a smoked root beer float and a hay flavored ice cream waffle cone. We were not disappointed with anything we tasted. The star of the night was the smoked root beer float! Simply amazing!
(5)Maggi W.
I was surprised to see a restaurant of this type open in a very remote rural region not typically the place you find foodies looking for the latest new thing. Several friends recommended it and we made a reservation for 5:30 on a Saturday. It was fairly empty but as the evening wore on it filled up. The decor could only be described as rustic/arty: a strange combination of shabby chic white painted barn siding and large colorful modern art portraits. Our table looked like a varnished picnic table and wobbled badly every time someone put his arms on it. We were four adults and our restaurant savvy 10 year old grandson. He ordered a burger and fries. The fries were phenominal - I believe fried in duck fat. He only ate 1/2 his burger but ate an entire house-made cone with hay softserve ice cream for dessert. (Real hay). My husband ordered French onion soup. It came with a strange white "foam" instead of cheese on top and was tepid- it should have been hotter. His "special" was meatloaf, which was OK, but sliced rather thinly- a bit crispy. He liked it though. I ordered the duck breast on a fermented black barley cake. The duck skin should have been more crispy, but the meat was cooked properly, pink but not too rare. I didn't much care for the barley cake. The waitress told us about a lobster "side" with any meal for only $4. It came in a tiny dish, no more than 3-4 inches. We laughed when we saw it. Pieces of sauteed lobster, probably left over from breaking down a lobster for something else. The dessert "Pot de Creme" was in an even tinier dish. It came with a small warm oatmeal bar. The chocolate was not as silky as expected and more like a pudding, but the oatmeal cookie was good. Finally, I ordered a martini, which came in a normal martini glass only half full. It was half the size of any other martini I've had anywhere else. For $10 I felt ripped off. I'm willing to try again, but hope I am more impressed next time. I like the menu and the concept of using local food and specialty pork, but the food needs work. We were impressed with our server, Jacqueline. She answered all our questions about the food and was very cheerful without being our best buddy. I'm willing to give this place another try, but at these prices my expectations are high. I hope we will have a more successful visit next time.
(3)Carol O.
The Mulefoot was worth every minute of our 2'hour trip. The food was gourmet with a casual twist. Our 4 entrees were unique, favorable and absolutely delicious. This is truly farm fresh dining with ingredients sourced within 100 miles and all sauces, breads, etc made in house. The bar carries great Michigan wines, over 70 microbrews made in the state and even several Michigan made bourbons. This restaurant believes in supporting the community that supports it. Every staff member is professional and friendly. The service as impeccable and our server was fabulous.
(5)Rebecca S.
Everything we tried was AMAZING! From the appetizers to the dessert, the food far exceeded our expectations. The portions were perfect and I love the fact that everything, including all the beverages, is made in Michigan. We are defiantly planning to go back =)
(5)Ron W.
I was recently visiting and my mother insisted that we go to the Mulefoot, saying it was on the list of the top 100 eateries in the US. I was a little skeptical. Living in New England, good restaurants are fairly common. Having grown up in eastern Mi, I know they're much harder to find. I checked reviews and they are glowing, so I was excited to scope it out. The exterior is fairly unassuming as it is housed in a former banquet hall. Once you walk in, you see it's pretty trendy, with a nice bar area. The dining area has a bit of a cafeteria feel, and the lighting was too bright for my taste. I am a huge proponent of farm-to-table menus, and theirs was very appealing. We started with the Charcuterie for an app. Not a fan. it is served with black pepper crackers, the steak tartare was coated in black pepper... the pepper flavor was overwhelming. It also came with duck ham... it was a bit more like duck jerky. The entree I chose was the braised short ribs. These delicious, tender, flavorful ribs were served atop turnip puree and acorn squash. It was all excellent. The portions were generous but not to the point of being glutting. A previous reviewer mentioned the food being heavy, and I would second that. I barely had room for dessert, but am a sucker for pot de creme. This was a tiny portion, served with a delectable oatmeal raisin cookie. The creme wasn't very impressive. I prefer my pot de creme to be thick, decadent, and luxurious. This was pudding... The Mulefoot is definitely a place I would recommend. A gem in Imlay City. Lastly, I am all for restaurants supporting local artists, but there are these eye paintings that are very well done, but kinda creepy.
(4)Joshua M.
Like many of the other reviewers, my initial gut reaction to hearing "gastropub" and "Imlay City" in the same sentence was something along the lines of "I bet the food's terrible." Knowing that Yelp isn't exactly popular in these parts, I was really surprised to see so many good reviews, so I just had to try it. My mom and I went for brunch. When the waitress came out and started talking about the mulefoot pigs and all of that, I started to get excited. Ever since Alton Brown did an episode of Good Eats about how modern pork was bred to be so lean it has no flavor, I've been wanting to try the so-called "heirloom pork" varieties. We started with the poutine. Typically, I don't think of sausage gravy when I think about poutine, but this was absolutely delicious. The little pieces of pork in the gravy were filled with flavor. I ordered the roasted pork sandwich that comes with fried eggs on sourdough. The whole dish was like an upscale play on ham and eggs. I tried the pork first, and I was absolutely floored by how good it was. I told my mom she had to try it. The first words out of her mouth were "This tastes like spareribs used to taste when I was a kid." It was a perfect dish. Well-seasoned and perfectly balanced. No pretentious sauces. Everything went together perfectly. Add on some sweet potato hash browns if they're available when you're here. You can tell they grated the sweet potato to order. Amazing. I've got a new favorite restaurant in the area. I just can't believe how good it was Prices were incredibly reasonable. A few nights ago for dinner, we spent the same amount of money at a certain steakhouse down the street and left nowhere near as satisfied. Honestly, I hope they get the chance to (or have plans to) open a butcher shop. I'd buy the hell out of that pork. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Albert K.
After seeing the stellar reviews here, my wife and I made the trip up to Imlay City to try this place. It was definitely worth a trip., but I don't feel like I need to make a point of going out there again. We started with the green salad and charcuterie plate. Salad was very fresh but charcuterie was a bit underwhelming. The real success of the night was the Mulefoot Cut of the Day and the Duck. Both dish presentations were beautiful and they tasted great. Apparently the owners raise this breed of pig, thus the name of the restaurant. Finally we had the desserts. I was eager to try them from what I saw, but was a bit disappointed. The cheesecake was just far too rich by itself., would probably have gone better with wine or coffee to cut the powerful flavor. Also got a Boston cooler with the hay ice cream. They served it in a pint glass that was about a third filed with Vernors and then a third with the ice cream, so the presentation and amounts were certainly lacking. The ice cream was interesting, but nothing earth shattering. Overall, I am glad I went out of my way to try this place, but again, don't feel the need to go again. Happy eating.
(4)Kaitlin A.
We were in town for the holidays. We stopped in because my friend works there. It is great guys! For real! Everything is local, handmade, and delicious! So many beers, and wines. And the atmosphere is killer! If you go be sure to ask for Emily, she's the best :)
(5)Clark D.
SO worth the drive! Our new favorite restaurant. We gave Dick, the mixologist/bartender an idea of the kind of drinks we generally go for and he knocked us out with two incredible concoctions. Beer drinkers can choose from a nice selection of -mostly- local (Michigan) craft beers. Dick also suggested a wine - an "Old World Red", which was not outrageously pricey, yet was a beauty of a deep, flavorful red, pairing very well with our dinner....and what a dinner it was... We began with the Scotch Egg, which is a hard-boiled egg encased in sausage. This was accompanied by an artful swirl of Creme Fraiche dotted with capers. The fresh bread and butter was simple perfection. My entree was a morel mushroom lasagna - the morels picked by the chef and artfully preserved. There was no slop in this lasagna, every vegetable was perfectly sized and placed, artfully balancing out the richness of the wild mushrooms. My wife chose the cut of the day, which was two differing cuts of pork (belly, and ?) marinated in root beer, cooked with cherries. The belly cut was succulent and juicy, contrasting with the other firm, steak-like section. Out of this world. Finished with a great cup of coffee and some creamy puff pasties with honey. This experience far exceeded our expectations. We left walking on a cloud, plotting our next trip to the Mulefoot.
(5)Neal Z.
Warm, fun, sincere and real Michigan food. Everything is fresh and interesting especially Ashley.
(5)Kara K.
Absolutely my favorite restaurant in Michigan. Everything I tasted was excellently prepared. I had the filet the first time and it was perfection. I love parsnips and the purée was delicious.The duck confit as an appetizer was excellent but the second time I visited I branched out and had the corn dogs and oh my! Crispy corn bread and maple homemade sausage inside with a ketchup reduction sauce. I'm drooling right now! The desserts were awesome as well I had the smoked root beer float that was so cool and delicious! Real smoke ! I look forward to going and seeing what the chefs have come up with next! The atmosphere was welcoming and casual, the food will keep me coming back for more!
(5)Matthew V.
Exceptional experience in every way. The team here knocks it out of the park on service, friendliness and execution. Great atmosphere and the food is amazing. Well worth the drive to this jem in Imlay City. Ask Dick the Mixologist to give you a recommendation on a Michigan spirits sourced cocktail and step out of the normal to enjoy what a proper drink should be. The sweetbreads are a must try as well. Thank you to the Mulefoot team for a great evening and dining experience, we will be back for sure.
(5)Bob N.
Wow, I don't know what happened in the span of one week. Had reservations for 630p Saturday, the day after Valentines day. They were fairly busy Sat. but we were seated right away but in the banquet area which already had a few tables filled. We were brought house made bread and water but no table setups. The waitress arrived her name was J (who we had last week she remembered us and was great last week) and took our drink orders, 2 beers and 2 coffees and our appetizer orders 2 orders of fried pickles(yum) and a poutine. we didn't see J again for at least 20 min. Apps arrived still no set ups no beer and no coffee. Snagged someone to find out where our beverages were and magically they showed up but the coffee was cold. So got a refill of the coffee, that was the last coffee of the night as it never got refilled even after asking. J comes to take our orders, 2 ribeye dinners a pastrami, 2 fried chicken dinners and a mac n cheese. Steaks were fine as was the chicken. The pastrami dinner was a baked pastrami which in concept should have been good but was way overdone to the point of being crunchy. Once dinner was done we ordered the yummy smoked rootbeer float which was served fairly quick. Asked J for the bill and waited and waited and waited just shy of 20 min for it, I was so fed up i actually timed her. I really hope J was just having a bad day as we heard from other servers they had been picking up her slack.
(3)Brian B.
I was in from North Carolina when my parents decided to take me out to dinner. For anyone who doesn't know, The Mulefoot is an American hog breed that is named for its most distinctive feature, the solid, non-cloven hoof which looks like the hoof of a mule. Oh and Gastropub's I usually associate with really good beer and good food. Well, North Carolina is also associated with really good pork and really good beer so I say they picked this place perfectly. I've lived out of state for 10+ years, and my parents have a small farm in Attica. I've had my share of 'good recommendations' for food over the last few years in the area and while some of my local favorites may include certain places, let's just say I was a bit cautious with another recommendation from the 'rents. While at the restaurant, I found out that the restaurant tries to source pretty much everything locally. I was impressed, except shrimp in the menu? Oh yes it is sourced from Okemos. Who knew there was a shrimp farm in Okemos? :) Also, beef is grass fed not grain. If you've never had grass fed beef before, it is different than your run of the mill steaks that are brought in from who knows were. It is a lot more lean and also better for you. Pork is also locally produced. Awesome. Main Meal: OK so on to the meal because I think I just totally said too much without saying anything yet about the food. I had the Dry Aged Ribeye which is prepared french style which I compared to a Chateaubriand. It was very similar. The cut was trimmed of pretty much all excess fat, perfectly cooked medium rare and sliced as it is plated. Very similar to a Filet, but more flavorful due to probably the dry age process. So if you're expecting a ribeye with all the fat, etc this is not what it is here. I was very pleased with it and the beef had a great grass fed taste that I expected. Potato on the side and fresh squash melody was also very nice and prepared very nice. I wish I could remember the name of the reduction sauce on the side, but it was a very nice steak sauce, but I didn't need to use a lot of it as I enjoyed the taste of the steak without. My Parents both had the Pork special which looked like a ribs left in cut/ tenderloin with the fat belly still on as they slowly smoked it. Really interesting way of cooking the dish and I can only assume this is what locks in all the moisture and flavor of the pork which was out of this world (my parents let me try a couple bites). If you've ever had a good cut of pork that is local and tastes fresh, this is what it should taste like. Dessert: Really great. It seems like most desserts are not a overly sweet as some other places I've been. I had the french named Chocolate dish with oatmeal cookies. which were great. The chocolate was prepared almost like a thick mousse and the cookies were tasty. My parents had a smoked rootbeer float which I also tried. The smoke added a third dimension to your traditional rootbeer float which was a very interesting twist. Service: We made reservations because we heard the place gets busy. If you're wanting a table at a certain time, I would also suggest this. This shouldn't be a bad thing for a good restaurant. Preparing good food also takes time. Expect to wait a little longer for your meal, but this didn't bother me at all. It gave me enough time to decide which beer I wanted to have for my dinner! (I suggest getting a flight of what is on tap and choose which one you like the best) The server Allison was fantastic. She was very knowledgable and spent time to talk to us about everything and answer our questions. Even one of the owners stopped by to talk to us and I had a nice conversation about microbreweries, and other fun topics. Oh and lastly...the fresh bread. AWESOME. Cleanliness/Appearance: Good reviewers go to the bathroom first. If the bathroom is nasty, you probably shouldn't eat there. I must say that the bathroom was well attended to along with the rest of the restaurant. The 'down on the farm' casual environment was good. You could either wear a suit and tie out for a nice date or go in with jeans and a polo and feel just fine. All and all we really enjoyed our night and are looking forward to maybe trying brunch while I'm in town. Thank you Mulefoot!
(5)Mike D.
My wife and I decided to make the drive and try something new. We wound up at the Mulefoot and were very happy about that. The first impression: the building was nice. Very clean inside and out. Greeted promptly by the friendly staff. We were seated right away, yes we did have a reservation. Our server came to the table quickly and was very nice and informed us about what the Mulefoot was all about. The menu was nice and simple. Not to many chooses to overwhelm you but enough that everyone could find something. We started with the steak frites. All I can say is WOW THOSE WERE DELICIOUS!!! Great flavor and very well plated. It was a great way to start the night. For our main course we ordered the filet mignon and it was cooked perfectly. The taste was very good and the blueberry glacé was a nice addition to wonderful cut of meat. We also ordered the cut of the day. On that night it was the tomahawk chop. First off, this thing was the size of my head. I was concerned it might be undercooked due to the size of it, 26oz, but the chefs nailed it. It was good to perfection and tasted incredible. Over all we really enjoyed our trip to the Mulefoot. The food was great, the staff was super friendly and fun and the atmosphere was very enjoyable. My wife and I do love visiting local place that try to support the local area. Mulefoot does that and does it well. We would recommended making your way to Imlay City to try the Mulefoot.
(4)Chad D.
Great atmosphere! Very nice people and the food is amazing. Beer is over the top with the great selection they have. Michigan proud! Will definitely be back. Great to see young people loving what they do.
(5)Christina G.
Casual space utilizing reclaimed wood. Ordered my standard gin martini and it was amazing. When the bartender brought the drink he explained that the Boston butt cut was the special tonight oh my goodness it was fantastic! Really liked the menu. I'm not a fan of the strong smoke flavor and that was strongly used on the menu in July. So if you love smoke get running over. We all had a great meal. Service was good and it's worth the drive to Imlay. Things I suggest to make it a five: do something with the entrance, and add some carpets to make the dining area more honey. As far as food keep up the good work, innovation, dedication and creativity are evident in your business. We will be back!
(4)viv l.
Worth a long drive! The Sommelier is extremely knowledgeable and gifted without a hint of pretentiousness. Relaxed laid back atmosphere with high quality creative dishes. Already planning next visit!
(5)Jay G.
Awesome. Great menu with several paired flavors one would never think to try! I started with the roasted carrot bisque which rivals some of the best squash soup ever! Next was the meatloaf. Very rich and enough to share (if you have some starters!). Finished with the raspberry beet sorbet! All was awesome! We'll back!
(5)Michelle D.
I had been here for NYE and the food was okay. We live close and my husband really wanted to have a real dinner here so he made reservations as they get busy during the weekend. I looked over the menu online in advance and didn't really see much I would like since I am not a big meat eater. I didn't really have high expectations. We arrived a few min late for our reservations and we had to wait for a table. The restaurant is small and they block off the back room for some reason. After a few min we got a seat at the bar so we decided to stay there because we like the bartender. He even remembered us from NYE. He is very knowledgeable about all the food and beers. We LOVE fried pickles and haven't had them in ages so we got that as an appetizer. OMG. Best fried pickles ever! They looked small and a little sad, but my god, after that first bite! Pure heaven! The batter was dense, flavorful, and did not fall off the pickles. I could have eaten five orders! It took us a while to decide our entrees. Hubs ended up with the burger and I figured I'd try the Mac and cheese. It has duck on it and I don't do duck so I was being daring! The first bite I made sure I got a little of everything - noodles, duck, and crispy onions. I could not believe how tender and delicious the duck was! I could not put my fork down. I tried some of my husbands burger. As I said, I'm not a big meat person and rarely order a burger...I don't know what cut of meat they used but it was by far the best burger I've tasted. If you love local beers and delicious food, check this place out.
(5)Kelly B.
Went there with my husband and we LOVED it! Service was great and food was amazing! I tried duck for the first time and it was SOOO GOOD! We will be back VERY soon!!
(5)Erica C.
We have eaten here a few times and is one of our favorites!! Never disappointed and always something new, guaranteed to be fresh and phenomenal!!!
(5)Betsy T.
Love this place and will come back! Gluten free options are plentiful and delicious. Also happy they have Faygo! The filet was perfect, the smoked duck was also mouth watering. Red pepper bisque was also a great first course. Haven't had dessert yet but think it'll be so worth the calories.
(5)Jennifer K.
We were in town for a family wedding and the rehearsal dinner was booked here. Not sure what to expect, I saw the place and thought "hole in the wall" maybe okay food, etc. This place is awesome! They have an amazing set up and ambiance. The servers are attentive, friendly and helpful. Everyone loved the food, which was served buffet style in their banquet room for the rehearsal dinner. We had chicken, pork, potatoes, vegetables, salad and every single item I tried was amazing! People went back for seconds and thirds it was so good. Don't let the outside of the place or the location hinder you, this place is the best gastropub I have ever been to!
(5)Bella B.
How we heard.... The Mulefoot Gastropub's name makes one want to stop in because it's an unusual name for a city in the middle of nowhere or rather, Imlay City. But you got to hand it to them, it strives to do the sexy-hug-the-earth thing and offer people haute-ish cuisine using local Michigan products. Thumbs up. (Pun intended). My friend that recommended this place, just RAVED about the food. I totally trust her - so I was excited to check it out. First impressions and atmosphere. So, we finally walk in just when it opened that night. The host stand is a bit of a walk from the door, so we were greeted when we reached her stand. The bar was on the right of the stand and main dining room was to the left. Imagine rustic atmosphere: servers in denim and flannel, re-purposed wood square tables, local "art" on the cream walls, lighting was dimmed, temperature was cooler than desired and the music was a variety from jazz to country. Nothing broke up the space, lacking coziness but tables were spaced apart well. We did dig the cool flower vases in the middle of the tables made from old glass flasks and heating apparatus, circa old high school chemistry labs. First impressions and atmosphere were "B". Food. I ordered the hamburger because it should be above average because this was NOT a chain, sports bar nor diner. I was banking on something special. And my hubster ordered the meatloaf. Then, we waited.... and waited.... and waited. Mind you, we JUST walked in when it opened and they were NOT busy. We waited at least 20 minutes or more. By the time the entrees arrived, it all made sense when I took my first bite into the fries. They were soggy, laden with grease, no flavor and not salted. I don't think they turned on their fryers long enough to have the fries cook correctly. Then I bit into my burger, and it had fairly good texture and flavors, but too salty. Was that supposed to make up for the unsalted fries? My hubby said his meatloaf was good, but it was overdone and salty. I took a bite of his pork meatloaf; and would agree with him. So, we sensed a pattern... these are country folk and they love their salt on meat. To say the least, I was disappointed with my burger because I put too high expectations on them. But, fries should be EASY to do and that was a fail. So, the food overall was a "C". Drinks. The coffee was delicious because it was french-pressed, done correctly and good quality brand. My husband's vanilla stout was OK. We give drinks a "B+". Service. The server was personable, bubbly, helpful and knowledgeable about the menu. Her timing was good, though we were her only table for a while. She made sure we enjoyed our visit overall. Service was an "A". Washrooms. The ladies restrooms were probably one of the best restaurant restrooms I've seen. I was surprised, to say the least, that it had to be noted. Most are cold, dingy, unkempt. However, the lighting was bright, the temperature wasn't cold, spacious stalls, local "artwork" displayed, clean overall and therefore gets an "A". Overall. So overall, the experience was 3-stars (not 4-stars) because the food was quite disappointing and everything else was fine. Would we go back? It's a coin toss. We'll take our chances. The coffee, service and clean restrooms were redeeming. Now, if it was cozy enough, we would have ordered dessert. It makes sense why my friend highly raved about this place. I forgot her diet is a typical American diet. So anything made with quality ingredients, prepared with a variety of flavors and umami notes, she'll rave. But if you usually eat like this, be prepared for an average experience at The Mulefoot. Will Michigan raise the bar in what's considered great food and service? Seems like it continues to settle for mediocrity.
(3)Al H.
We came in around 5 pm on a Saturday, admittedly without a reservation. The place was nowhere near full but we were told there would be a 3 hour wait. We stood around chatting for a few minutes and the hostess came up and asked if we would mind being seating at a long family style table. We said that would fine. We sat on cheap metal chairs at the table made of planks similar to a picnic table. We were told that the food was farm to table. i ordered the duck which tasted and smelled as if it were freezer burned. The tab for one which included an entree, a side of spelt (which seemed like a grain you'd use to fatten hogs) and soup and tip was around $45. Totally not worth it due to the quality, service and atmosphere. I recommend you eat elsewhere.
(1)Patrick R.
A Gastro Pub?!?! In Imlay City?!?! And yes, it's awesome. We were there the second day they were open. Quality beer selection, and everything on the (still being developed) menu looked great. I tried the Poutin (Fries and sausage gravy.... best gravy ever!), the Hush Puppies (Tasty, but a touch on the dry side... And a slightly different dipping sauce other than herb butter would've been nice... something acidy or citrusy maybe?), the Scotch Egg (Super yum!!). My main was the burger (Very tasty... but I would have preferred a different sauce over mayo... already went Canadian enough with the Poutin! And some sort of sauce for the fries...). The wife had the Pastrami, which was good. For dessert I sampled the Pound cake... but I was already full. The decor is nice, the service is on point, and the owners/chefs know what they are doing. Everything is hyper local and fresh. I wish them great luck, and I hope the people of Imlay City will support them! Because right now... I don't know if Imlay City deserves a restaurant this good! Prove me wrong! It's a far drive for me (I live in Royal Oak)... but I will definitely be back! We had 6 in our group (we all had drinks and 3 courses) and our total bill came to around $200.... not too shabby!
(5)Jennie B.
I was extremely impressed by my entire dining experience. I made the drive up from Detroit after hearing some very positive reviews. To start: the homemade sourdough bread and butter was worth the (pretty long) drive alone- very hearty but soft and delicious. The chef said the flour is from down the block and freshly milled! The butternut squash soup was hands down the best butternut squash soup I've had. Cooked low and slow to perfection. The poutine was delightful: fries cooked in bacon fat and bacon salt that would have been perfect on their own- but the sausage and gravy put it over the top in the best way possible. Pastrami was awesome- especially the sauerkraut mashed potatoes! I died. Whiskey onion jam was so flavorful and added a perfect texture. Although I thought I had no more room at all, I got the hay ice cream and it was incredibly unique and absolutely delicious. Now it's time to go into a food coma. Can't wait to eat my leftovers tomorrow! I will be making the drive again, but I do wish a place like this was in Detroit. The closest I can compare it to is One Eyed Betty's (with similarly good drink and beer selection), but I think The Mulefoot takes it to the next level with creativity and flavor.
(5)Stella B.
I was apprehensive when first going here. Based on the menu I had read online I was unsure of dress code or atmosphere. I was surprised when we walked in how laid back it was. The food was great- I had the macaroni with duck- only complaint was it was a little greasy- still very good. Poutine was good. The smoked root beer was incredible and really made the meal and experience better. The ice cream I would love to buy a gallon of. Our server was pleasant, but when I asked about menu items looking for more of a description I was disappointed when for each item the response was "oh it's amazing"... I was looking for details. While it is expensive you have to appreciate the local food, the time taken to prepare it, and the natural good clean eating.
(5)Elizabeth R.
I just visited in mid-May of 2014. They seem to have worked out any kinks that previous reviews mentioned, and I'm sure being open longer has meant that their wait staff and kitchen are more experienced. I'm thrilled that this place is in Imlay City. Great food and a real experience; I had their Mulefoot burger and hay ice cream. The only reason I wouldn't order my meal again is because I want to try the rest of the menu. Very reasonably priced and seemed like a family friendly place earlier in the evening. Go now and go often! Imlay City can't lose this!
(5)Thomas B.
Great food, service, atmosphere, and beer selection. Excellent knowledgeable staff about the products they carry. I came during lunch because I understand it's very busy in the evening. I'd call ahead if you're concerned about times for dinner. The staff was very friendly and I ordered the reuben. The meat was super tender and tasted great. My only complaint was it needed more sauce, but nothing they didn't fix when asked. I love the concept from field to table and that it's locally raised. I would definitely come back. The only thing missing is a brewery.
(5)Adam L.
This was my second time here and I loved it even more the second time around. We started with the charcuterie plate and added the suggested cheese. My main course was the cut of the day which was the cowboy links, these were phenomenal and because of this my food was promptly stolen by my guest and I was in turn given her duck breast entrée which in my mind was equally as good. I was happy to see that it automatically came medium rare and not over cooked as some places tend to do. Dessert was goat cheese cheesecake and was surprisingly excellent. Our server was outstanding, she took the time to explain everything and give excellent recommendations. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for something out of the ordinary.
(5)Sheila W.
Okay this place rocks! Country decor, but with pop art on the walls you know you are somewhere exciting. The waitstaff arr amazing, and the food is some of the best I have ever had...as good as any meal at capital grill. Best of all they buy local from Michigan. It is a farm to table restaurant. They have many beers on tap, great wine selection, and craft cocktails. It is worth the drive!!!!
(5)Linda P.
3 stars for the food 5 stars for service atmosphere and beverages. Our waitress Brianne was wonderful, attentive and friendly. The beers she suggested and then brought samples of, were nice and cold and fresh. The food was interesting but just not great. We had the corn dog appetizers which were tasty, their signature chowder, which was good but the portion was on the skimpy side. The hamburger and fries were delicious. The burger is mixed with fresh ground pork and served on a sour dough homemade crunchy bun with steak sauce. Yummy. The fries are nice big crisp planks doused in fresh bacon bits, so good but the chef should go a little easier with the salt shaker. So far so good, the big problem was my husbands entree. The braised short ribs were more like chuck or pot roast. No ribs!Just one bone and the meat was tough. Not at all worth $29.00. I was so hoping to love this place and I wish them luck, it's a really nice local family business.
(3)Scott P.
This is an excellent restaurant to eat it if you are ever in Imlay City. It is a little different, everything is homemade and you can taste the difference. The menu is pricey for Imlay City, the restaurant seems like it is out of Royal Oak or Birmingham. It is definitely worth the trip up M-53!
(5)James P.
After driving an hour to get there I thought for sure I would be disappointed but far from it. The food and beer was great well more like awesome! I chose the special of the day which was Snitzel. The timing was something to marvel at because everything came at just the right moment. I will definitely be going back sometime soon for their dry aged ribeye and some of their fancy Bourbons.
(5)Rene R.
Fun atmosphere. Excellent food (love the farm to table and Michigan made products). Servers are very patient, friendly and knowledgeable. Can't wait to go back and see what they come up with next! Definitely need reservations in advance.
(5)Rhonda E.
The trout was out of this world! The spaetzle was multi layered with great flavors. The bar staff are always fun, and go out of their way to make any drink you can dream of. The local liquor choices are very fine well thought out. And you cannot beat Michigan beers. Will see you tonight.
(5)Jackie H.
Went here for dinner the day before Thanksgiving during the soft launch. I started with the poutin and the husband had both the ham fritters and scotch egg, both were awesome but I would have to say the scotch egg was my favorite. For the second course we had the pastrami and buger. The burger was good but the pastrami was amazing! I could eat that everyday. For dessert our table tried all three desserts on the menu. My favorite was the apple cider sorbet. We talked with the chef for a bit and learned about the concept and the locally sourced products. The concept is really cool and the prices are pretty reasonable. This a restaurant you would expect to find in downtown Detroit or Birmingham. I will be back, even through Imlay City is a bit of a hike from my house in Royal Oak.
(5)Carolyn S.
We were delighted to find some interesting dining in Imlay City. We must have driven past it a dozen times before seeing it. We went for brunch. I ordered the pork belly appetizer, a Boston Cooler with hay ice-cream, and the white sturgeon. My husband ordered the Mulefoot burger with onion rings, and a Hideout peanut butter stout. Everything was delicious, and service was very attentive. There was a problem with the ice cream machine, and they offered to make it with vanilla instead, but I opted to wait, and it was worth it. They even came out a couple times to apologize for the wait. We weren't in a hurry. One thing, though. If you order the Mulefoot burger, it's going to come rare/medium rare. My husband ordered it medium, and it was much pinker than medium. He ate it anyway and enjoyed it. "Tasty," says he. There was a guy at the next table over who ordered his Mulefoot burger well done, and it came rare/medium rare and he pitched a fit. Some people aren't very flexible, and that's sad. We got a growler of the peanut butter stout to go, and I'm enjoying it thoroughly.
(4)Patti R.
Local farm grown fresh food! Loved the brunch menu, so much fun trying different combinations of food put together that I've never tried before. Talented chefs creating new and fresh food!
(5)Kelly B.
Best. Simply the best. Loved this meal beyond description. :D we live in Downtown Detroit and will be willing to drive up to Imlay City just for dinner here. Every bite was amazing.
(5)Brandi R.
I don't think I can accurately describe the end to end awesomeness of this place. I kind of knew the food would be good because it's all local and creatively prepared. I figured, because I'm pessimistic, that something wouldn't be great, I was wrong. Alison, our server, was incredible. She was knowledgable of the mission and passionate about it. The beer I ordered was so good (a raspberry ale), the roasted pork was delicious but the best order of the day? The root beer float. Try it. Amazing unique smokiness. Or, wait, the best thing was the smoked Trout pate?! NO, my sons burger was the best with local beef and pork on a house made bun with house made steak sauce. All five people, all five orders were amazing. Worth the drive, completely. We WILL be back. We support this place and it's vision 100% I thought the value was decent, too.
(5)Mr. T.
I was here recently to help celebrate a wedding anniversary, and while there were many aspects of their business that pleased me, overall I think there are some issues with what they're doing. Mulefoot is a farm-to-table concept, sourcing most of its ingredients from nearby suppliers. I like to support such efforts -- but the end result has to be good, especially if the prices are high (which they are here). I ordered the "Cut of the Day," which on this day was a dish with various cuts of pork in a pappardelle pasta with a dried plum sauce, pumpkin, and almonds (and probably a couple of other things I've forgotten). It was a decent dish ... but the portion was enormous (TOO big), and it was served by itself in a bowl, with no accompaniment. Besides being very heavy, it was also quite salty, in a cumulative way. My first few bites were pleasant, but as I ate more, the salt level just became overwhelming. Eventually it began to taste like a fancy tuna casserole that had been oversalted (despite having no tuna in it), and the huge portion made it seem like a chore to keep eating. Ultimately I couldn't finish it. My suggestion for a dish like this would be to cut the portion in half (seriously, even that would still be a generous serving), put it on a plate, and accompany it with a nice vegetable side. I'm thinking asparagus. I split the chocolate pot de créme dessert with my companion, and it was disappointing. After having an enormous portion for my entree, suddenly I was looking at a tiny portion. There was a sizable but fairly bland oatmeal-raisin bar ("cookie," I guess) sitting on top of the chocolate, but there wasn't much chocolate, and what there was seemed thin and had an odd background note in the flavor -- it was undoubtedly something meant to enhance the flavor, but instead it seemed chemical or medicinal. Our server was terrific -- upbeat, attentive, and professional -- but it took far too long for the kitchen to get the food out. I think we waited as long for our dessert as we had for our main courses, which is inexcusable at any restaurant in any price range. I might try Mulefoot again sometime, but I would hope to find items on the menu that aren't quite so heavy. I also think they're in danger of confusing their clientele ... is it a rustic eatery, or an upscale restaurant? The decor says one thing, but the prices say something else entirely. I'm not from the immediate area, but $32 entrees can be a hard sell even in a larger, more affluent city. I wonder if, at some point, they'll have to decide whether they should be a more casual restaurant with somewhat lower prices, or an upscale restaurant with the kind of decor and ambiance one would expect from such a place. Right now it seems like they're trying to have it both ways, and I'm not sure it works. At this price point, you'd think it would be a romantic atmosphere ... but there is absolutely nothing romantic about the interior at Mulefoot, with its rough plank tables, uncomfortable industrial chairs, and chemistry class centerpieces. This is not a place to go for a first date or anniversary.
(3)Angela S.
Grew up in the area and was back home to visit family. Friendly and knowledgeable bartender and he's a sommelier to boot. Smoked salmon pate was good. Not too salty and had oranges mixed in but needs more crostini for the portion. Fantastic presentation with smoke sealed in a Mason jar. Main course was cheese ravioli with crispy pig jowls and caramelized onions. Never had jowls before and they are divine. Creamy goodness. Bacon on steroids. If you ever have this dish, you MUST encompass a bit of everything in one bite. It is nothing short of heavenly and I'm world traveled. Also impressed with the selection of Michigan craft brews, as I didn't expect to see Perrin on tap on this side of the state, or Right Brain from Traverse City or Latitude 42 from Portage in cans. Almost forgot the smoked jalapeño infused vodka and ginger pineapple rum infusion. Deelish! Wish they they a foot-rail at the bar because it would be more comfortable to sit there. Everything is locally sourced all the way down to the hand soap in the bathroom. So, snobby Royal Oakers and pent up Farmington Hills housewives, take a day trip north up the Dyke...Van Dyke, that is (M-53) to Imlay City. You will not be disappointed.
(5)Jason G.
I would have never expected a restaurant of this caliber in Imlay City, Michigan. Food, wine and beer selections are excellent. I travel a great deal and this place will stand up in all major cities. Mike the executive chef is a master in the kitchen. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to take a quick drive up north or is passing through.
(5)Patricia C.
My husband and I went for the first time, and it was a great experience! We ordered a Pinot Grigio but they did not have any, so they brought out a different white wine (Michigan Wine) and it was excellent. The appetizer was a little on the small side but the Beef Tartar was really good. And for our main course we had the Rabbit Marsala and I about died it was so good. I would say the Wine and Beer are on the expensive side. But I do recommend dining here.
(4)Jesse K.
A little pricey, but the food is incredible. The drink selection on tap changes, so always something new. They have a very dedicated staff that is willing to answer any questions. My wife and I have been there twice now and definitely plan on returning when time permits.
(5)Erica C.
The best food I have had in Michigan and to think it is in little ole Imlay City....The staff is amazingly educated on the menu and the farm to table experience. The bartender is also amazing. He came and sat with us ( as he did every table) asked what we liked made great suggestions for some Michigan Whiskeys. The chef made several appearances at our table to check on our food and make recommendations. It was a great experience...LOVED IT!
(5)angela e.
Absolutely amazing. I would never have expected to have such an amazing culinary experience in such a modern restaurant this close to home, but I am so very glad it is only 5 minutes away!!! If you like farm to table fresh food your search is over! Every plate they bring out the server and or chef will tell you exactly what farm each item came from and when it was picked/caught/butchered. I don't usually try good outside of my comfort zone, but the passion that the chef showed truly made me comfortable in picking anything off the menu. After first bite you realize that no matter what you choose it will be incredible. I had the aged ribeye (for anyone in the imlay city area, this steak is going to put Luckys out of business!) it was incredible. I haven't had a steak that good since paying double at Morton's for just the steak! At mulefoot I got the steak, potatoes, and asparagus! Anyways, my husband had the filet which was cooked perfectly, my brother also had the ribeye, my sister in law had the market fish (amberjack), and we got our one year old the hamburger. There was not a bite left on any of our plates (besides my daughters). Our server brought us our drinks, but the chef brought us all our food! I can't just talk about the food because the service is equally as great! For dessert we had the Hay Croquembouche (absolutely divine, writing about it is making me hungry!) it was served with raw honey which was perfect. We also got the apple cider sorbet (just like apple cider, not too sweet, but not too tart) and the smoked root beer float (house made vanilla ice cream with smokey rootbeer tasted like a toasted marshmallow). I have nothing but great things to say about this place. I can't wait to eat there again!
(5)Nancy F.
So happy to see a farm-to-table option, especially in the Thumb area. These guys are rocking it. We have now eaten here twice and have been very pleased with their creativity, presentation and quality. They also have a decent wine and beer selection. Their pork dishes are delicious and virtually all ingredients are locally sourced and raised. The only knock during our most recent visit was an inexperienced waitress (Emily). We were just tucking into a delicious entree when she appeared and asked whether we were 'saving any room for dessert'. We were both puzzled at the timing of this. She then reappeared (when we were less than a third of the way through our dinners) with the actual dessert menu and interrupted our dining experience with her complete run down of the entire dessert menu "before she forgot about the details". While this sounds like a minor issue, it marred our enjoyment of an otherwise awesome meal. And let's face it, these chefs are turning out some delicious food which should be savored. It's all about the experience and I'm shocked that they have someone so inexperienced and untrained on staff. This seems like an oversight they will want to remedy.
(4)Andy G.
This place is Awesome! The "Tomahawk" is a terrific cut and I ate the whole thing!! Definitely returning!!!
(5)Vinny G.
I have been here three times. And if Imlay city wasn't in the opposite direction of basically everything for me, that number would be much higher. The food and drinks are awesome. You can tell the two chefs really enjoy what they do and want to provide an awesome experience. I went one time on a whim, thinking, "we never go to Imlay city, let's go see if there's any reason to go". And we were so excited we did. (I live in romeo, so it's only twenty minutes north. But my work, family, friends, and social life are all south of Romeo). Either way, we may our way up here and had never even heard of a Gastropub before, so were intrigued. The first time we went, it was right after they re-opened for dinner. No one was really there, maybe a couple tables (it was a Tuesday or something during the week at like 4 o'clock) so we sat at the bar. And one of their bartenders let us know all about how awesome this place was. Educated us on their food and drink and what Gastropubs were. I know a decent bit about food and am a (cicerone) certified beer server so I know drinks/beer too, but I learned a lot that day. They make all of their food as fresh as possible. And I mean: FRESH AS POSSIBLE. They use local everything as much as they can. If it can be found locally, they'll cook it. And they're so creative too. Some stuff they have, you absolutely cannot find on any other menu in Macomb county. (Hell, even some 4&5-star restaurants in Detroit won't have some of this stuff). My fiancé won't try some of the stuff as it can be rather "too creative". But I'm always down to try anything and everything. Don't worry though, they have a lot of dishes that even the pickiest of eaters would love. The bartender made me a truly "craft" cocktail. Complete with Michigan whiskey, fresh squeezed lime juice, homemade simple syrup, and just as you'd expect AN EGG! There may have been a few more ingredients, but that's all I remember. All of this created an original whiskey sour. Not jack and store bought sour mix, a legit cocktail. Perfect to compliment their "pig of the day" which was made of local pork and local veggies. I love local. So this made the experience all that much better. I don't abandon good taste for the essence of local fair though. So this wasn't me being hypnotized by the term Michigan-made. It was genuinely delicious, craft food and amazing craft cocktails. My fiancé had to work at night, so she didn't have a cocktail, she did have a grape Faygo, which perfectly complimented our Michigan meal. Anytime I have a free night, which isn't often, I legitimately consider going to the Mulefoot. But I like to spread out my visits, otherwise it may lose its luster... though I doubt it. I have sent many people this way, and the last few times my family were in town, I took them here, hence my second and third visit.
(5)Tara L.
3.5 stars We had been keeping the Mulefoot Gastropub on the radar for the longest time. I think the first time we had heard about this place was about a year ago, but we just never got around to trying it until recently. We had a nice time, but there were some key things that were lacking. First off, if you plan on coming, make a reservation, or be prepared to saddle up to the bar. We didn't make reservations, but were totally happy to dine at the bar. It's not a very big one, but it seats about 10 people comfortably. Our server was also the bartender (forget the name already but he was a nice guy that offered great service!), and after we had a chance to look over the menu, we decided on 1 appetizer and 2 mains. Appetizer: Corn Dogs ($12): This is not your average corn dog. The meat mixture is a maple pork sausage, and the batter is classic. I really liked the consistency and flavor of the batter, but it just didn't mesh with the meat that well; it was just too sweet. Add the molasses-chili reduction sauce and it felt disconnected. Great attempt, but it just needed more acidity. Mains #1: Mulefoot Burger ($14): Great flavor, moisture, and the bun was really well-crafted. I couldn't find the pickles, but the sun-dried heirloom tomato was super tasty. The cheddar cheese complemented the meat patty well and wasn't overpowering. Fries were pretty standard, and nothing special. I wish there were more though. Mains #2: Duck Breast ($24): Whenever I'm out and see a duck breast option, I will almost always order it, as I loooove duck! It's such a treat to find restaurants offer this, and unfortunately, Mulefoot's was pretty disappointing. It was overcooked, and the skin wasn't rendered fully so it had a mushy texture. The lentils that it was paired was nice, but didn't have any uniqueness to it. I thought maybe some cumin and thyme would enhance the flavor and pair well with the duck. The vegetables were surprisingly lackluster, and didn't exemplify the farm-to-table element that I was expecting. Their selection of microbrews is pretty good, and they feature some of the less well-known breweries, which I appreciate and admire. Husband had the Perrin Brewery Grapefruit IPA and thought it tasted great, but would have been better in a smaller volume (probably part of a beer flight would be ideal). By the way, you can customize a beer flight to your liking, which is nice and great for sharing. Overall, the staff was great, hospitable, and accommodating. The chef was somebody whom I was familiar with, and I admire what he's achieved thus far. However, I think this gastropub needs a bit more focus in terms of flavor profiles. I am not sure if we'll be repeat customers, as the prices are steep considering the execution, but I appreciate the effort.
(3)Tracy M.
Farm to Table (Quality Local Ingredients) in Imlay City. Locally owned by brothers, the attention to detail is apparent from the moment you are seated. The best service, and most knowledgeable staff, our party of four had ever had. Ask questions, talk with your servers, it makes the dining experience even better. Excellent food at a fair price, The Mulefoot Gastropub is amazing. This is a must try if you are ever near Lapeer County, Michigan. Be aware, quality comes at a price, so count on $75+ per couple. It's a special meal, not an everyday thing... Also - make reservations, it's hard to ever get walk-in table.
(5)Melissa L.
Seriously phenomenal food! I live an hour away but I occasionally go up to the thumb on the weekends. The restaurant is right on M53. First off, I love the farm to table restaurant concept. That is how we should all eat on the regular. It sounds silly to mention but even the soap in the bathrooms are from Mirror Lake Organics (a locally made beauty brand). Some Yelpers mentioned that they would have liked a fancier decor, but I like the rustic charm and ambiance. It can get a bit noisy in there, but never that bad. Secondly (and most importantly), the food is really tasty. So far, I have tried two soups (Red Pepper Bisque and Chowder with duck and potatoes). They were both really rich, but really good; this is coming from someone who normally hates heavy soups. As for entrees, I have tried the Filet Mignon, Cut of the Day (Boston Pork Butt), and the burger (not in one visit mind you, cast those eyes of judgment away). Filet was well seasoned and well cooked. As for the pork, it was a super moist and excellent cut of meat; I usually am nervous about ordering pork and for being such a thick cut, it was cooked perfectly. I do have one complaint about the dish. It came with jasmine rice that was very undercooked. It was still crunchy. But I wasn't planning on eating the rice, so I didn't send it back. It wasn't a big deal for me. Lastly, the burger was everything a burger should be. I usually don't order burgers out because they are always okay but never super impressive. Their burger surprised me with how good it was. It was juicy and well seasoned. W-o-w. Word of caution for those trying Mulefoot for the first time is that you should make reservations. Some days, it does get super busy and you are told that you will have a 45 minute wait. As for high volume days like Friday and Saturday, do it a week in advance if you could. You will be surprised by how limited or lack of options you have even two to three days before time.
(5)Joe D.
Hidden gem. Does not look like much from the exterior but don't let that fool you. Great food and service. Good selection of craft cocktails. Can get a little loud and smokey at times.
(5)James B.
Three people six dishes and every dish was amazing. Perfectly prepared and seasoned respecting the ingredients. No two dishes had a similar flavor profile yet all were successes. We had heavy to light from lamb and goat meatballs to delicately smoked trout to walleye that sang with clean fresh flavors. This is a level of food often promised on the coasts and not delivered. In my top ten for anywhere in the country. I hope enough people find them for them to be successful for some time to come.
(5)Christopher D.
This was one of the best dining experiences I've ever had. My wife and I drove from Clarkston for our anniversary. Our server Allison was fantastic. Attention to detail, helped explain the concept, the specials and the menu. Even worked closely with the bartender to recommend new beers off their huge list of Michigan Craft Brews that complimented our meal. My wife had never had pheasant and absolutely lover hers. The pork special I ordered had just run out, but because they were butchers a pig in house Allison was able to get the chef to cut me a filet instead of the chop they had just run out of. The filet was great, but the ground pork sausage with zucchini and wrapped in greens that they served it with was my favorite part. The could throw 3 of those on a plate and serve it as an entree it was so good. I can't speak higher of this place, the food or the service. For sure worth a drive.
(5)Corey H.
A truly exceptional example of the farm to table ethos coupled with a creative and fastidious culinary mind at play. Every ingredient is fresh and almost all are locally sourced; every bite is rich in complex but deeply satisfying flavors. The freshness of the produce, and the reverence for the meats, especially the signature pork that lends MuleFoot it's name, shine through in "northern soul food", that enchants the eyes and sings on the fork. The poultry ( especially the sensuous duck) is perfectly prepared, and the sausage and pork are world class, but even usually pedestrian sides like lentils, are deliciously seasoned and elegantly rendered. The clean, fresh and cool casual atmosphere is appropriate for the quaint, sleepy little farm town surroundings. The wine list and the abundant Michigan craft beer selection is in excellent harmony with the menu. The staff is friendly, helpful and efficient, though the unbuffered front room can get a bit loud, and gentle smoke from the kitchen can fill up the dining room. Don't be mistaken; this is one of the finest dining experiences in the state at the moment, but with an unfussy, new rural sophistication is exciting and relaxing simultaneously. Worth the drive.
(5)Nicole K.
Love this place!!!!! Everything was perfect from the service to the food. Hostess, server, manager were all accommodating and really made our experience extra special. Impossible to get a bad dish here. All of the below are fantastic! - kale salad - duck confit - filet with blueberry compote - grass fed burger with bacon fries - pulled pork - smoked root beer float - rhubarb Danish - coffee brewed fresh at the table
(5)Billy Z.
Wow... Can't believe we waited so long to stop in. I started with a couple of craft beers and the fried bologna. The fried bologna was amazing... The black mustard was great with the bologna & chive English muffins. My wife had the corn dogs which were not what you get at a fair. These corn dogs came with an amazing molasses chili sauce that went great with their house made maple sausage. My entree was hay smoked pheasant and it did not disappoint. The pine nut pesto and the gnocchi was great. My wife's entree was the smoked pork joints over potato sausage hash with a yogurt mint sauce. Flavors I've never experienced but I'm glad I did. For desert we shared the flour less cake. The Carmel pieces were awesome... A bit pricey compared to anything in the area but well worth it.
(5)Jessica S.
Came here for my boyfriend's birthday. Had a great deal on groupon and I had heard about this place. Figured it was a great opportunity to try it. The inside is great, although I don't think all of the decor is in sync. The service was good, but I do not like how they wear jeans and any flannel shirt they want. I saw one girl in "ugg" boots. A huge turnoff for me. The patrons were dressed well and paying a lot of money, I don't want to feel like I'm at outback. What really got me was the food. We both got steaks. I got the filet, medium rare. He got the..ribeye, same temperature. The place was not busy AT ALL and I'd say medium rare doesn't take 25 minutes, but sure. Everything made to order, I'll relax. My meat was cooked great, his overdone. Like medium well overdone. He sends it back. Here's the kicker: IT TOOK THEM 30 MINUTES TO BRING A NEW STEAK! which was again, medium well. Overall, I'd rather stay in the city where there is more to do and get a pretty good meal, then chance it here in the middle of nowhere. Really two of the stars go to the sommelier. He was the real hero. Gave us a great shiraz, and when he noticed how long my guys food was taking, brought him a scotch. If I could I would give more stars just because he is great.
(3)Kristian A.
Amazing!! Our food was so good and fresh, and the service was great. The bread we got Before our meal was absolutely to die for- and made with home made butter of course. One of us got duck, which was excellent and had some great pesto along with it. We all tasted each others food because it was all so good we wanted to experience a little bit of everything. I got fish and chips, and I've never had better. My veggies were delicious. We got a dessert afterwards, which we normally do not do and it had some creme Anglaise on it that was to die for. I would definitely recommend this place- pricey but for a good reason. Even the ketchup was home made.. I'd love to see more places like this.
(5)Dana S.
This was so delicious!!!!!! Best food I've ever had in Michigan. Everything was cooked perfectly, fresh ingredients, wonderful flavor combinations! Great experience!!!!
(5)Jake V.
This place is amazing!!! The kale salad is to die for! My girlfriend and I went here for a date night and we will be coming back. She ordered a shrimp dish and I had the meatloaf with the fig sauce, both dishes were perfect. The apple cobbler desert is perfect along with their selection of Michigan beers and wines! I wish this place was open when I lived in Imlay City because I would have been here everyday!
(5)Amanda P.
This restaurant has absolutely amazing local food and the service was fantastic. Initially disappointed to be sitting at the bar as the dining room was full, that turned out to be the most enjoyable part. The bartenders let us sample food and were inventing new cocktails that they kept sharing with us! We were really pleased with the entrees (pheasant and duck, the pheasant with a celery root gnocchi that was out of this world) but the pork belly appetizer was fantastic as well. I don't know if you can go wrong with anything on the menu. The decor and ambiance are also really cool with a rustic barn like feel. The prices are also quite reasonable for what you are getting. This is my new favorite spot for sure.
(5)