ALPINE TAVERN & EATERY
About This Spot
Stepping into Alpine Tavern & Eatery feels like settling into a comfortable spot where familiar warmth meets a touch of spirited energy. Situated in the heart of Gaylord, this eatery lazily hums with the easy rhythm of a thriving local hub—a place where everyone seems to know at least one face across the room, and the mood invites both lively chatter and quiet enjoyment.
The space naturally unfolds into a relaxed intersection of a classic family restaurant and a bustling pub, with a generous outdoor patio that draws in the calm of the surrounding Michigan air. Whether you're unwinding after a day on the nearby slopes or meeting up with friends for a casual bite, the atmosphere stays inviting and unpretentious. There’s a contented buzz of conversation, accompanied at times by live music that adds a layer of community warmth rather than overt showiness.
The menu here isn’t just about sustaining appetite—it’s a snapshot of varied tastes that bring people together across ages and moods. Think of biting into a burger that’s robust with character and heat, savoring fish freshly battered to a satisfying crisp, or sharing a plate of nachos piled high with smoky pulled pork among laughter and stories. Comfort food mixes playfully with house twists: a familiar grilled cheese sandwich melded with brisket, spiced wraps, or vibrant seafood choices served with sides that reflect a thoughtful balance of tradition and unexpected touches.
Service strikes a careful balance between attentiveness and letting you settle into your space without rushing—an essential quality when the goal is to savor moments as much as meals. The staff’s friendly presence complements the atmosphere, enhancing the feeling of a space that embraces locals and travelers alike.
For families, groups, and solo visitors, Alpine Tavern & Eatery offers spaces to linger. Games on the patio keep the pace light and playful, while inside the bar invites a slower, relaxed unwind with thoughtfully crafted cocktails and a welcoming pour of local beers. The pet-friendly patio adds another layer of ease, encouraging you to bring every part of your day—and everyone who comes with it.
In all, Alpine Tavern & Eatery is a snapshot of small-town dynamism wrapped in warmth, where food and company shape an experience defined by genuine moments rather than polished presentation. It’s a place that keeps you curious for what’s next on the menu, yet comforted by the promise of well-loved flavors.
What’s Available Here
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Outdoor seating
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Kerbside pickup
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Takeaway
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Dine-in
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Bar games
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Fast service
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Fireplace
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Great beer selection
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Great cocktails
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Great coffee
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Great dessert
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Great wine list
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Live music
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Live performances
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Serves local specialty
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Sport
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Solo dining
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Wheelchair-accessible car park
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Wheelchair-accessible entrance
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Wheelchair-accessible seating
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Wheelchair-accessible toilet
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Alcohol
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Beer
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Cocktails
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Coffee
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Comfort food
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Food
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Food at bar
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Happy-hour drinks
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Happy-hour food
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Late-night food
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Quick bite
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Small plates
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Spirits
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Wine
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Catering
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Counter service
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Dessert
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Seating
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Table service
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Bar on site
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Toilet
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Wi-Fi
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Wi-Fi
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Casual
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Cosy
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Trendy
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Family friendly
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Groups
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Tourists
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University students
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Accepts reservations
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Credit cards
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Debit cards
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Credit cards
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Good for kids
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High chairs
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Kids' menu
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Free of charge street parking
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Free parking lot
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Parking
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Dogs allowed outside
Location & Hours
| Monday | 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM | |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM | |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM | |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM | |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM | |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM |
JJ 07 Dec 2025
The atmosphere is wonderful. The service was excellent! The food was tremendous and extremely good at a fair price. Paid $17 for the whitefish fried and baked with 2 sides. The side choices are wonderful and different. Tater tots, baked beans, cottage cheese, fries, onion rings, coleslaw, mashed taters, and gravy. We had the onion rings, fries, and tater tots were all good! The homemade tarter sauce was great! The fish were both juicy and flavorful whitefish. I highly recommend this place, especially for the fish. They have pizza that looked pretty good as well. I want to try the 1lb cod meal. My daughter loved her burgers and breadsticks. In gaylord for a small town mom and pop type experience. If you have not been or you are traveling, this is a hidden gem!
Penny Vipond 21 Nov 2025
Nice restaurant. Outdoor patio is big and is pet friendly. Full bar, live music, good service and good food. We will defiantly be back. Pizza was delicious. I'd like to try the salads next time. Fairly busy for lunch. Pepsi products.
Matt DeVries 21 Nov 2025
We were on our way up to the U.P and stopped in gaylord and got lunch here. We were very happy with everything. Large outdoor seating area with games to keep everyone busy while waiting for our food. The pop rocks kids cocktail was a huge hit with the kids. My wife got the brisket grilled cheese and raved about it. I got the perch and was very happy with the portion size and taste. Great staff and atmosphere. We will be back next time we are traveling in northern Michigan.
Stephanie Bialas 08 Nov 2025
Went for lunch. Good service, friendly and not busy. 1st time went here after snow tubing at local treetop ski resort close by. Lunch specials were very good value Too $12 full size sandwich, cup delish soup and homemade chips.
Dan Bircher 08 Nov 2025
This is a great spot for live music and great food. Although there was no band when I visited I have heard many great things. This Tavern has friendly and fast service. The entrance is a bit confusing but there are plenty of signs that will direct you to the back of the building. Warm and inviting atmosphere an small town feel. Must try burgers are big and juicy! Enjoy
The Kreitners 02 Nov 2025
We celebrated my best friend's birthday who passed away last year. The waitress was so kind and gave us a birthday candle to put into our fries. We ordered delicious soup! Country beef and barley, homemade chicken noodle and had half turkey club sandwiches with it and the Brick O fries. Very good!
Erin Ford 07 Oct 2025
We ate here as we were passing through the area. Our server was great right from the beginning, and my son was constantly looking for him to get a fist bump. We saw a lot of burgers on the way to our table and my son ultimately got the kids sliders, which he enjoyed as much as a picky 4 year old could. I had the barbecue sandwich and a cup of the the house white chicken chili, both of which were excellent. My parents both enjoyed their sandwiches as well. The atmosphere was nice, although pretty muted at 3 p.m.