MUSKEGON, MI – Lake Bluff Grille has become a favorite for people to grab a bite to eat and a few specialty drinks while enjoying breathtaking views on Muskegon Lake since opening in June.
The restaurant, named after its location on the bluff overlooking Muskegon Lake, is owned by the West Michigan restaurant group RedWater.
In 2021, RedWater secured plans for the new restaurant inside the Muskegon Country Club, 2801 Lakeshore Dr., to open it up to visitors in the area while keeping the golf component private.
Originally, the club was private since it was founded in 1908, making this year the first time visitors can order food without having a membership.
Luke Dekker, an assistant manager at Lake Bluff Grille, said the restaurant has received positive feedback since opening this summer.
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“We’ve gotten some great feedback from both our membership group and from the public,” he said. We’ve got a lot of return customers, a lot of faces that we’ve seen multiple times. So that tells me in the restaurant business, that you’re doing something well and right.”
Dekker said he has worked in the industry for almost 30 years, starting at age 14 washing pots and pans in Grand Haven before working as a chef and moving up to management five years ago.
Since RedWater reached out to him over the summer, Dekker said he’s enjoyed the experience, especially the savory food items.
The restaurant is most known for serving its rock concept after 4 p.m., which consists of a 500-degree volcanic rock that customers can use to cook a seared steak to their desired temperature right at the table, along with a choice of potato and vegetable.
The prices are based on the type of steak ordered, including a six-ounce Choice Sirloin for $27, an eight-ounce Prime Top Sirloin for $33, a 12-ounce Prime New York Strip for $35, a 14-ounce Choice Ribeye for $37 and a six-ounce Choice Center Cut Filet for $39.
Not only is the steak atop a volcanic rock a popular order, but customers also flock towards the in-house smoked and brined pastrami sandwich for $15, the French dip sandwich for $16 and the rotating monthly specials like this month’s Cioppino for $27.
Dekker touts the French dip sandwich as the best item on the menu. It comes with shaved ribeye, haystack onions, provolone, Swiss cheese and natural jus on top of a toasted bakery roll.
“It’s phenomenal,” he said. “It’s just the right mix of flavors, and it’s just a perfect go-to.”
Other options on the menu include the monthly drink features for customers looking to finish their meal with a specialty cocktail. The December features include First Crush for $13, The Jifrey for $12, 75 Frenchman for $13 and St. Francis “Old Vines” Zinfandel, 2018 for $12.
RedWater also runs monthly deals to help guests save money on meals and cocktails through Club RedWater. Guests who sign up can receive special discounts on regular dining.
Besides the mouthwatering food items, customers can play a game of golf inside with RedWater’s Live Golf Studios simulator equipped with over 100 golf courses and various challenge games.
”I think people are really enjoying what we’re doing,” Dekker said. “Our biggest thing right now is just letting people know that we’re here and that we’re open to the public. I think there’s an assumption that it’s a private club and you can‘t come in unless you’re a member, which is not the case.”
In the spirit of the holiday season, families in the Muskegon area can also participate in Lake Bluff Grille’s Santa Brunch, from 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., on Dec. 17.
Admission is $32 for adults, $16 for kids ages 5-12 and free for kids four and under with an adult purchase. To reserve spots, call (231) 755-3737.
Hours of operation for Lake Bluff Grille are Wednesday through Sunday, from 4-9 p.m. Private event booking information can be viewed online at lakebluffgrille.com.
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