Alanson Depot

Staying nearby in HS, we got steered to this place courtesy of Yelp Nation. Unfortunately only rates a 3 stars but stick with me a moment not for the food. We informed our server it was our 1st time and she shared the specials and answered our questions. She was new but did a solid job. Little after 6:30 on a Tuesday night not terribly busy. We decided if they did tonight right, we'd be back tomorrow for steaks. Our party of two chose off the normal menu; she, the Chicken Caprese sandwich and myself, the Depot Double burger sandwiches served w/ housemade potato chips I added cole slaw as an additional side. I prefer med rare but failed to mention and she didn't ask. Food is cooked to order so it does take a little extra time but the server was attentive and the wait was not inordinate. Slaw comes early creamy/sweet and sandwiches served piping hot from the kitchen. Burgers are med well but juicy. She rates her chicken caprese as delicious remarking that the balsamic reduction put hers over the top. My Depot Double is super tasty. Housemade potato chips thick, crispy, salty very good! Food is 4 to 4.5. So, why the ding? Check comes, I pay it but didn't really study it. Until I get my change. Got charged $9 for the depot double AND an extra $2.50 for the extra burger. On our way out, I stop at the entrance and eyeball the menu. We quickly notice the menu description out of sync w/ the check. We decide to chalk it up to not eyeballing the bill before paying when I'm verbally body tackled by the hostess from behind the bar who see us w/ the menu. I could care less about the matter, but she wants to dig her heels in and justify what she already knows we just checked. (Server is new, the double means we tear a normal burger in two, there's a surcharge for an extra burger [not kidding, she's actually saying this]... She's looking for a fight we're looking to leave. Let me be clear; we had no issue with our food, the server, the wait, the atmosphere, the bathrooms. We're hopeful that Yelpers have those same experiences. The hostess, however, earns a solid 2 star. Get the register or the menu and the hostess in sync with one another and try not to pick a fight with patrons who had no issue. It would have made the rotation but she spoiled a perfectly pleasant dining experience we became more aggravated over the 2 hours after we left. Doubtful we're returning for years for another retry. We'll stick w/ options in HS Petoskey.

This old train depot turned restaurant has always been a good stop. The place is very welcoming and pleasant. I ordered the breakfast special a BLT omelette. It was fantastic. The person i was with also got an omelette and she stated hers was excellent also. The service was very good and friendly. Overall a 5 star experience. Would I return? Yes I would.

What a gem! The building itself is historic and the decor really celebrates that history. Everyone was eager to welcome us and make sure we were having a great time. Our waitress ' service was epic too. The food is Delicious! It came out quickly and really was great. The zippy sauce for onion rings made me feel like I was eating an Outback Bloomin Onion. I will definitely return when in town and regret not going back on this trip!

Very nice waitress, helpful and welcoming. The roast beef with mashed potatoes was delicious.. our other entrees were as well. Nice atmosphere. Would definitely go back.

Went here and ordered the pecan encrusted white fish, mahi-mahi tacos, seared bluegill, and a rack of ribs. Everything was excellent. All 4 of us shared family style. We are everything so fast that this was the only picture of our meal I could get. The service was also great. This place is the best restaurant in all of alanson. Maybe even all of northern Michigan. I definitely recommend the pecan encrusted whitefish or the mahi-mahi tacos. So fresh and so tasty! I can't stop thinking about it and it's been 2 days later. If I'm ever up that way again you know I'll be there!