The 15 best bars and drinks in Bay City

We stopped in for a quick bite during happy hour. They had a special on flatbread. Unfortunately they refused to honor it even though all their table signs said 5 pm. As you can see from the pictures it was a little after 4 pm. Talk about false advertising. I’ll be avoiding them in the future. 8/10 - Feel free to check my bill, you DID NOT discount them at half off, I was charged the full price!. You should also update all the table cards (Picture attached) it clearly states 1/2 off on Wednesday. No changing my review to 1*

We went to Bay city for some work and I found this place because they had Gluten Free options for my husband. Their GF flat bread was good, good fries and the burger was ok, not like I wanted it but it was tasty. They do have options for vegetarians. I would come back to try more things.

Wow, this was pretty awesome tonight. Came in on a Tuesday and they had 1/2 off flights, the choices of beer were outstanding allowing me to sample several new brews. Despite recommendations for burgers and flatbreads, the Hibachi Bowl caught my eye. It came out quickly and was absolutely fantastic, one of the best dishes I’ve had traveling around lately. On top of that, place was clean and the people friendly. I don’t get up to Bay City often, but I will be back here for sure!

We wanted to say thank you so much for having our baseball group last night. We greatly appreciate the fact that you could make a reservation with such short notice and give us a nice patio spot! The hostess and waitress were lovely. We had a few birthdays in our group and they also accommodated that. The food was also quite tasty. Thank you so much for a wonderful night. We hope we are back in the great town of Bay City soon so we can see you again!

We ordered quite a few things. The pizza was my favorite! It had a very addictive spicey marinara and was delicious! 10/10 on the pizza scale!

Service was great but our chicken nachos were cold and nothing special. They did take them off our bill. Fried green beans were the best of everything ordered. Tried my wife’s smash burger which was good but not $14 good. Good service, okay food, WAY overpriced.

The outside seating was spacious, the waitstaff was excellent (congenial, engaging and remained professional), the overall beverage selection was very impressive, especially the beer selection! Everyone in our party of 7 said their food was delicious. The view of the water and the sunset during dinner topped the night off. Kudos Tavern 101, thank you for a great evening.

Stopped in to get a howler fill. When the barkeep pulled out a couple of pint glasses and a funnel, I knew things could only go sideways from here. The ensuing fill was as regrettable as you'd imagine. I know better than to attempt to point out the ridiculousness of what had transpired to the person responsible for said madness, so just paid full price for the partial fill and went on my way. Staff need retraining.

I had the Irish Guinness Stew and my fiance had the salmon Caesar salad as well as a side of delicious onion rings! All were excellent and if we ever come back to Michigan we will be back!

This restaurant is family owned neighborhood bar where you feel at home right away. We visit ALL the time and it's always great. We've never had poor or even mediocre service or food. Recently we had a huge party on the patio on a busy Friday night. We had at 20-25 people and our waitress was the best I've ever seen on a big party. Kelsey never made a single mistake and her response time was practically instant for everything including food, drinks, extra sauces and stuff like that. We actually all gave her a round of applause at the end of the party. Although in my experience at coonans that is par for course.... The waitstaff here is the best in Bay City in my opinion. The waitstaff here is always friendly and positive..... You'll always leave full and in a great mood! I can't recommend Coonans enough!!

Love the atmosphere and food here! First off we were treated very well and promptly by the staff. The food here was delicious. My husband ordered a Jalapeño Burger and I ordered the veggie Quesadilla. We also ordered the Deep fried Dill Pickles as an appetizer. I recommend this place for anyone looking for a great place to eat and socialize!

Love the hometown feel of Coonan’s, where everyone knows your name..especially Kim :). I love the variety of draft beer. I had the Olive Burger, which was ok. My brother had the Hub Burger Deluxe which was very good. Service is always great and its always nice of Kim Coonan to stop by and give my mom a hug.

Coonan’s is always great for a nice dinner and a beer at a Bay City backyard bar. Kim and his staff certainly know how to make you feel at home and make sure you’re taken care of. They have a very diverse menu, Irish food, a variety of hotdogs, great soups, and nice outdoor seating that is pet friendly.

Great Irish Pub. The fish was Cod tenderloin. Our server was very nice. She answered all of the questions. Cold beer, good mixed drinks.

The Bloody Mary Flight was amazing. All the food was great. Service was a bit slow and one of our party had a pint glass with lipstick on it. Brunch menu had a great selection. They offer mixed drinks, wine, beer on tap and bottle. It’s super spacious with tons of wine for sale. Will update the reviews with our next visits.

They have a huge wine vault, with some pretty expensive wines, both red and white. Food is decent. Nothing out of the ordinary. They have a full bar with a variety of drinks. They sometimes have live bands playing inside. The ambience is great, our server was good, was attentive and nice to talk to. It's not very expressive for the quantity of food they serve, so I'd go again.

Great meal and atmosphere. The menu was mostly sandwiches and apps. Everything we had was delicious with good portions. VNO had a great wine selection, and the wine pour was very generous. Wednesday was 1/2 off wine glass no limitations.

Decided to try something new tonight, was truly one of the best experiences I have had in a while! The food, drinks, live music, and service was great! Kevin I believe was the only one there on tables and bar tonight, and being solo he did an amazing job. I highly recommend the crab Rangoon dip, lobster tacos and the blue Christmas Mule.

The wait staff is friendly and adequately attentive. It is a very large place and takes a while to go between the kitchen and some of the seats. The food is delicious and love that there are wine flights. Great price when being able to try 4 wines with a good selection. The sweet potato waffle fry appetizer is the best appetizer I have ever had.

Very knowledgeable staff on wine selections. Food was delicious and they offered a variety. We were waited on in a very timely manner. Huge selection of craft beer and wines to drink at dinner and then go and shop what you drank in the very organized store.

Love coming here. The food is awesome no matter what you get here. I’ve always had a positive experience with the service here! They have awesome weekday specials. Tuesday is the best because they have half off drafts! Highly recommend coming here!

I’m leaving a review because I also work in customer service, and feel that this situation was poorly handled. I went there with my family, we had a wonderful waitress, but the place was extremely busy and the staff was apologetic for the wait and overwhelmed - but we did not mind that at all. We had a great time and enjoyed everything. However, when we paid, we didn’t get our credit card back. The waitress thought she gave it back to us but didn’t, we looked and looked but didn’t find it, she said she would call if she found it. Because it was so busy we agreed, but it felt strange leaving without our card knowing that they still had it. Luckily, we were staying the night, and went back in the morning. They had the card, but had not called to let us know. The manager on duty on Sunday morning 8-10-25 surmised that we left it there which was not the case. Again, we loved our waitress, and can understand misplacing the card during such a hectic night, but no one called, no one apologized, and the manager assumed it was left by us which was incorrect. I know mistakes happen, but it’s how you fix them that matters, and in this case River Rock Cafe fell short.

Great breakfast joint! Portions were huge and tasted delicious - would highly recommend the parmesan potatoes. It was as really nice to see a alcohol drink menu at breakfast! Edit** came back to have lunch after toy reopened in 2025. The staff were very friendly, portions were large and the meals were tasty. Glad to see they made a come back!

Food is a bit pricey, but everything we got was delicious. They have awesome chicken fingers that are homemade and the cheese sauce for their pretzels is absolutely delicious. Service was awesome as well.

Wayyyy overpriced. Charge $3.00 more for mediocre fries. They only give you a handful anyways. My cocktail was $12 too, would be nice if they had the prices posted on their cocktail menu. Would recommend somewhere like Luckys Steakhouse, similar price but way better food + portions.

6/27/25 RiverRock in Bay City, MI last night was INCREDIBLE. The olive 🫒 burger was scrumptious. The meat so fresh and the olive tapenade sauce really completed the 🍔 burger. My lovely wife (Cindy) had the house 🏠 burger and the results were the same. The French fries came out thick cut which I love ❤️ at the perfect temperature. They were a perfect compliment to the burger. The service was great as the RiverRock team was staying busy and from I noticed was paying attention to thier clientele. The atmosphere was great as the street was shutdown for some fun Friday night music 🎵. The Rock Show band played some of their favorites tunes. The whole experience resulted in a really fun night. Hats 🎩 off to the River Rock and ALL the business owners on Midland Street for making it the a happening place in Bay City. Well done

This place has always had a great vibe, but I wanted to check it out since new owners took over. Our waitress was great, but the kitchen was a little slow, which is expected with new staff. Also, the food menu is a lot smaller, so hopefully, a few new things are eventually added to it. We'll definitely be back.

Had one girl working, took almost 10 minutes before she came and took our drink order. (Only 6 people in the bar) My food was cold and she was supposed to come back with butter for our bread and we never got that either. Asked for my fish to be done crispy, it was just barely cooked.

I drove 25 miles to eat here. So glad I came. Been missing it on my travels. Wings are great and the selection of sauce is second to none. Always a special going on for food combos and beer. The best place to watch football. Service was fast and friendly. I SHALL RETURN! See our YouTube channel Coolest Life.

We stopped here on our way back to Ann Arbor. It looks like they have a good crowd today, but the staff was still very attentive. The restaurant was very clean and we love the food. We will definitely stop here again on our way up and back to Traverse City.

I love coming here! The food is always so fresh and good! I have no complaints. I always get Janessa as a waitress and she is truly amazing! Takes her time with you, always checks on you, offers the best delas, and is over the top! So kind as well! One of the nicest waitresses I’ve ever had!

Vanessa was our server tonight and she was fast, friendly, and quite well educated on the variety of sauces for the kid to try. We got a good variety of sauces and I tried the Mango Habanero wings that were delicious. The queso was delightful.

Tiara was our server, and she was amazing! She even carded me and I’m like 54! Cold beer and hot wings. What could be better?

Online ordering always get my food kinda gross. The packaging sucks because it makes the food feel moist, like the French fries for example. Service is usually good when I go which is great! Lots to look at and plenty of table space.

Great place to watch the play offs. They had the sound for the game on. Other people in the restaurant came specifically to watch the game too, so it was neat to interact as a group even though we were all strangers walking in.

The service is terrible. We had to go up and get our own napkins and silverware. We had to ask for hot sauce for a Bloody Mary that we were not told we could build our own way and the waitress didn’t think they had red hot even when it plainly states it in the menu. They had it.. the deep fried pickles were good but not for $9!!! The burgers were very small for $14 mostly bun. So in total, terrible service, not very helpful, the food was ok but not worth the price at all. We will not be returning to this place. If you’re looking for a great place and great value, go to Barney’s grill!!!

We first visited Bay City Bill’s for the E-HPS Band fundraiser. Even though we live just about a half mile away, we had never been there before. The service was great and the food was even better. They had a wings and fries deal that night, and both were absolutely delicious. We usually go to Buffalo Wild Wings every Thursday for BOGO, but after trying Bay City Bill’s, this will be our new Thursday tradition instead. Highly recommend giving them a try!

Good place for a meal. Ordered the BBQ wings, and Philly steak sandwich and they both came out hot and were actually pretty good. Bartender was chill… the rum punch was dope… liked it… would I go back..yes… will I go back. Yes… def try this spot out folks… it’s a good one.

Hidden Gem of Bay City. Unbelievable service (Allison super friendly and efficient). and food at a great price. Met cook in the back and gave him an atta boy! Thank you! In house made blue cheese the best I have ever had. Steak had a slight Parmesan/herb/butter crust that was cooked PERFECTLY medium. My wife’s brisquet sandwich was not drenched in bbq sauce (which had a memorable tang). The table next to us ordered Nachos and they looked amazing. Steak dinner, brisquet meal, and grilled cheese meal for $37. Great value! Great music/great people. 7 televisions each playing something different. Excellent music. Skip the pricy downtown restaurants and visit Bay City Bill’s; you will not be disappointed. Can’t wait to go back! Keep up the good work.

Their burgers were delicious! The onion rings are amazing too!

Spicy Bloody Mary, Hamburger and onion rings...Everything delicious. My wife had the club...loved it...we both got the house made chips...excellent.

It's a Bay City classic. One of my favorite neighborhood bar n grills

Had my first visit here and had a wonderful time! The food truly is "one-of-a-kind" & I love how the names of items/menu all have a "political flavor". The service was very good esp as it was a large private group being served. The atmosphere is nice but a bit hard to hear & carry on conversations as the room is big, bare floor etc...One minor issues for me was the chairs are all on rollers and I did struggle a bit getting in/out of them as I use a cane for a physical disability. But overall I really loved the experience!

I generally don't like the atmosphere here. Downstairs in a basement, no windows and can be very loud at times. However, I've never had a bad meal. Had the nachos last night and they were the best nachos I've ever had. Came on a platter spread out so every chip had cheese and veggies; unlike so many places that pile it high. Finally somebody got it right.

Great place! We came in with a large group tonight and they went above and beyond. Food, drinks, and service was amazing!

The tap menu is off the charts and is always rotating. Therefore the flights are a must. Food is always solid as well. It’s a bit dark for my liking and any entertainment really kills the vibe due to the noise, but overall it is definitely a place to visit and revisit.

Amazing food, impressive beer selection, and very friendly folks! Great options for vegetarians. 🌿

They have a large range of beers. The servers were great too, polite and kind. Liked the food and the ambience. They have good interior, which has a little archaic feel to it. They have a huge parking area. Can add more food options.

A local landmark! Weird setup in the basement of a former town hall (?) with a vibrant ( loud crowd) vibe gives me that community feeling every time! Staff is way above awesome and the menu is so on point! Delivers exactly as advertised! Highest recommend! (We were just there and can't wait to go back.) PLUS live music and Thursday night trivia!

The music keeps increasing in volume until you can't here yourself, let alone have a conversation. The young girl working in the kitchen tonight kept running her fingers through her ponytail right next to the fryers and grill.

I think these bad reviews are drunk people who had a little TOO much of a good time at the bar here LOL. We walked in because we saw their $8 taco tray and they were playing nice music. We quickly found out it was a hidden gem! The food was just amazing and the service was wonderful. We ordered a taco tray and quesadillas and they're fully customizable, even the kind of meat. I reccomend the chicken quesadillas, I've been craving them from here really bad and I'd like to go back 😂😂

They charge for cups of water. That is maybe the most ridiculous thing I have ever experienced. We have spent over $100 here on alcohol and then you charge me for cups of water to make sure we can stay hydrated? I've never experienced this. I am a bar manager/general manager in my background. I am in shock at this. This is insane. What are you trying to accomplish?

When I want a good steak I go to Luckys. Great quality food for a reasonable price. The service is always fantastic as well!

My gal LIZ makes the best burger . Go see her and tell her I sent ya

Ordered food and relaxed on the outside patio area, two of us ordered the southwest burger and my wife ordered the club all I can say "OMG!! The burgers were amazing!!!" I haven't had a bar burger that tasty in a long time!! Definitely would be back for an amazing burger.

Bar part is ok. it takes forever to get drinks. Went to the nightclub part, and they told me I had to take off my hat. Mind you, 3 other guys are wearing hats, and not one security guard tells them to take off hat. Apparently, you can wear hats, just not ball caps. Dumbest rule ever. The security guard with bald head and red beard has little man syndrome and needs to be fired...

The Spinning wheel has almost always been my home away from home. Relaxed environment, great staff, and a good DJ. Love the old school look with a new age twist. Ken the owner is an all around awesome guy with a lot of heart. Not what it use to be, but even better. Great job Ken with making a great personal watering hole. Stop on by and have a drink people. Pool tables, and darts to unwind with also.

Truly a great place to meet up with friends, enjoy a little music, excellent staff, warm and welcoming, .... Wait!! Don't go there!! It's terrible!! Lol. I just want to make sure you don't take my table.

Went here with my fiance and some friends. There was a dj who was super cool. The bartender always brings your drinks to your table. Pool tables are available and of course, plenty of room to dance!

A nice hole-in-the-wall bar. The drink prices here are excellent. The bartenders really know what they are doing. It is a pretty mixed crowd laid back and not anything too crazy.

Ken, sir you are the best thing to happen to the spinning wheel! Since the Delta college dorms!?!?!. To Ken and the staff of the spinning wheel, you are the best group of friends one could ever hope to have, and even more blessed to have you all in my life! Thank you Ken, Casey (may have spelled wrong) Casey, Amanda, Morgan, Chelsea, and can't for get Sarah! You all have a very special place in my 💓!! Love you all.

Ken the new owner has changed so many things to make it a better bar!! I recommend that people stop in and check it out!! Awesome DJ and wonderful waitstaff!! 😊

Great atmosphere fantastic service highly reccomend trying the "blue motorcycle" pool tables darts and karaoke great hole in the wall bar

Food and dining were good. If I was back in this area I would stop in again. Wouldn't necessarily drive from a great distance. Liked the idea that after eating I was full but didn't have that unsettling feeling you sometimes get after eating out.

Probably one of the best dishes I have had in a LONG time. I've never had goat cheese before and I do not regret leaving it on the dish. Joel is an impeccable chef and Mode's is lucky to employ him as their cook. I will DEFINITELY be returning in the future.

Great Nacho special on Monday night. Fast, friendly service, Nachos priced for one but easily serves at least 2. They do it simple, but they do it very well. Will check out the Sunday Coney special next. Keep up the good work.

This may be my new favorite breakfast burrito place😁 That's all I've had there so far but I'm happy (we asked to have our hashbrowns inside the burrito)😁 The staff were friendly & welcoming, too

Great food, good prices and a comfortable atmosphere....

Excellent food,great customer service and awesome entertainment

Quick service, entire staff following COVID procedures and are attentive. The Devlish Eggs are one of the best and original “apps” I have tried in a long time.

Bartender started acting crazy for no reason over drinks, I was willing to pay my tab she had no idea what she was talking about. Other bartender came over the de-escalate the situation, she in that told me that bartender was trying to fight me. I was sitting at a table ordered drinks with a friends we were brought the drinks and payment was never taken I assumed we had an open tab I don’t think the bartenders had any idea what they were doing.

Great name. Didn't hate pubbys chub but just wasn't for me

It's a dive bar, with all the amazing qualities that make a dive bar great! It's got its own vibe. Great bar burgers, keno, and plenty of TVs.

Best burger in town. I drive 20 minutes to get a burger 🍔 with onion rings at least once a week. I think I’ll have one for dinner tonight.

Dang this is the burger you get when Danni is working!!! Amazing

Great place to meet family for socializing.

Stop into Tubby's, you're bound for a good time, great food & a small-town atmosphere! The traditional Buffalo wings are delicious & spot on, every time! The Tubby-burger- is a Must-try item on the menu!! The staff is fast, friendly, welcoming & efficient. Never a bad meal- and we've tried almost the entire menu!! A great, southend-vibe & dive-bar feel...my "home-away-from-home!!" Cheers! To the ultimate staff members: Matty, Dani, Miss. Lia, Doreen, Lindsey, Brenda & more!! A good time- Every Time!! And the "Host...with the Most... Dean & Mollyanne" The place to be...any time...any day of the week!!"

Small friendly neighborhood bar not a place you're going to get a really stiff drink but it was okay

This is a great place to relax. Amazing employees. Highly recommend

Officially my favorite bar in Bay City! The atmosphere is amazing. Drink prices are also very reasonable.

We stop by Paddy's Green Hut every two weeks with my husband's friends. "BAR NIGHT WITH HIS BUDDIES" Renee is a GREAT BAR TENDER she remembers what your FAVORITE drink is SHE'S AMAZING! THANK-You, Renee

Quiet neighborhood Irish pub. Loved the decor. Bartender was super sweet along with the regulars at the bar felt like one of the crew. Will definitely go back!! 🍀

A cool little Irish pub in Bay City. Good dive bar atmosphere. Pretty cheap beer and a good crowd vibe. Check out if you're trying to get away from downtown BC. Staff is always super friendly too.

Nice small town bar. Friendly people and great liquor selection. A great place to go any night of the week. Staff is friendly and so are patrons. A fun place to play the juke box