Skip to Content

FRESHWATER TAVERN FAQS

KNOW BEFORE YOU DINE
Reservations & Dining
DO I NEED A RESERVATION?

No, our restaurant primarily operates on a walk-in basis. During peak dining hours, there may be a short wait for a table, especially for parties wanting a window view. For parties of 7 or more, please email info@freshwatertavern.com.

HOW CAN I MAKE OR CHANGE A RESERVATION?

Because we operate on a first-come, first-served walk-in basis, we do not take standard reservations. For groups of 7 or more, please contact us in advance so we can best accommodate your party, email info@terracebayhotel.com.

DO YOU ACCEPT WALK-INS?

Yes, we accept walk-ins and look forward to welcoming you. Good times are always on the horizon, so just walk in.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

Because we operate primarily on a walk-in basis and do not take standard dining reservations, we do not have a cancellation policy. For large private group events hosted through the hotel, please contact our events team regarding specific booking contract terms.

IS THERE A TIME LIMIT FOR TABLES?

No, we do not impose strict time limits on our tables. The Fresh Coast Lounge and our dining room invite you to linger, relax, and enjoy the waterfront scenery.

DO YOU OFFER PRIVATE DINING OR GROUP RESERVATIONS?

Yes, we offer private dining opportunities and event spaces through the Terrace Bay Hotel. For groups of 15 to 30 people looking to host milestone celebrations or business gatherings, please email our team to begin planning.

CAN YOU ACCOMMODATE LARGE PARTIES?

Yes, we can accommodate large parties. For groups of 8 or more people, we recommend contacting the hotel team in advance by calling or emailing us so we can best prepare for your gathering.

HOW DO I BOOK FOR A LARGE GROUP (8+ PEOPLE)?

For parties of 8 or more, we recommend contacting the Terrace Bay Hotel team in advance to best accommodate your group. Please call the hotel or email info@freshwatertavern.com.

CAN WE REQUEST A WINDOW TABLE?

You are welcome to request one, but window seating at Freshwater Tavern is based on availability and cannot always be guaranteed.

Menu & Dietary Needs
DO YOUR MENUS CHANGE SEASONALLY?

Yes, our menus change seasonally. Our chef-driven dishes feature fresh ingredients and regional flavors to deliver an elevated tribute to the coast.

DOES FRESHWATER TAVERN OFFER VEGETARIAN, VEGAN, OR GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS?

Yes. Several menu items can accommodate vegetarian or gluten-free preferences, and our team is happy to help guide you through the menu. Please inform your server of any dietary restrictions or allergies.

CAN YOU ACCOMMODATE FOOD ALLERGIES?

Yes, our culinary team handles food allergies with extreme care. Please inform your server of any specific food allergies or dietary restrictions before ordering so our kitchen can prepare your meal safely.

DOES FRESHWATER TAVERN OFFER A KIDS' MENU?

Yes. A kids' menu is available for younger diners at Freshwater Tavern.

WHAT TYPE OF CUISINE DOES FRESHWATER TAVERN SERVE?

Freshwater Tavern features elevated American cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients, regional flavors, and chef-driven seasonal dishes.

DOES FRESHWATER TAVERN OFFER HAPPY HOUR OR DRINK SPECIALS?

Yes, we have happy hour specials available exclusively for bar and lounge seating. Our happy hour runs Monday through Thursday from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM, and Friday through Sunday from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM.

Hours & Location
WHAT ARE YOUR HOURS?

Our winter hours are from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM, and our summer hours are from 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Please note that kitchen and bar service closing times may vary slightly.

WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?

We are located inside the Terrace Bay Hotel at 7146 P. Road, Gladstone, MI 49837. Our location sits just off US 2, overlooking Little Bay de Noc.

IS PARKING AVAILABLE?

Yes, complimentary on-site parking is available. Guests can use the Terrace Bay Hotel parking lot directly outside the restaurant.

IS VALET PARKING OFFERED?

No, we do not offer valet parking. Ample, complimentary self-parking is provided for all restaurant and hotel guests in our main surface lot.

Dress Code & Experience
IS THERE A DRESS CODE?

No, we do not have a strict dress code. We maintain a casual to smart-casual atmosphere, so please come as you are and enjoy the view.

IS THE RESTAURANT FAMILY-FRIENDLY?

Yes, our establishment is completely family-friendly. We feature a dedicated children's menu and welcome guests of all ages to join us along the shoreline.

IS OUTDOOR SEATING AVAILABLE?

Yes, outdoor patio seating is available seasonally, weather permitting.

IS YOUR PATIO PET-FRIENDLY?

No, only trained service animals are permitted inside the restaurant and on our property.

DO YOU OFFER WATERFRONT, ROOFTOP, OR OUTDOOR DINING?

Yes, we offer panoramic, sweeping waterfront views of Lake Michigan's Little Bay de Noc from our dining room, alongside seasonal outdoor patio seating.

IS THE RESTAURANT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE?

Yes, our restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible. Guests can access our dining room through a ramp at the main entrance or directly through the connected hotel.

IS LIVE MUSIC OFFERED?

Yes, we host seasonal live acoustic music nights featuring local talent in our lounge space.

Gift Cards
DO YOU SELL GIFT CARDS?

Yes, gift cards are available for purchase online, during our standard restaurant hours, or at any time at the Terrace Bay Hotel front desk.

CAN I PURCHASE GIFT CARDS ONLINE?

Yes, you can purchase gift cards online directly through the dedicated link provided on our website.

Takeout, Events & Other Services
DOES FRESHWATER TAVERN OFFER TAKEOUT?

Yes, takeout may be available depending on our current dining room service volume. We ask that you please call ahead to check availability and place your order.

IS DELIVERY AVAILABLE?

No, we do not offer delivery services. Guests are welcome to utilize our takeout option by calling ahead when dine-in volume permits.

CAN I ORDER ONLINE?

No, we do not feature an online ordering platform. To place a takeout order, please call our restaurant directly to check daily availability.

DO YOU OFFER CATERING?

Yes, we offer catering services in conjunction with private gatherings, celebrations, and business meetings hosted in the Terrace Bay Hotel event spaces.

DO YOU OFFER WEDDING REHEARSAL DINNERS OR CORPORATE EVENTS?

Yes, our lakeside spaces are fully equipped to host a variety of private milestones, including corporate meetings, business gatherings, and wedding celebrations.

CAN I HOST A PRIVATE EVENT AT THE RESTAURANT?

Yes, you can host a private event. The Terrace Bay Hotel offers dedicated event spaces and private dining opportunities for meetings, milestone celebrations, and special gatherings.

CAN YOU CUSTOMIZE MENUS FOR EVENTS?

Yes, our events and culinary teams work directly with groups to manage the details of your private dinner or gathering. Please reach out to our team via email to discuss specific menu arrangement options.

DO YOU OFFER HOLIDAY DINING OR SPECIAL MENUS?

Yes, we frequently celebrate seasonal events and special occasions. We recommend signing up for our email list to receive a free entree on your birthday and to stay informed about upcoming culinary events.

WHAT MAKES FRESHWATER TAVERN UNIQUE?

Freshwater Tavern offers one of the most scenic dining views in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, overlooking Little Bay de Noc. Combined with chef-driven dishes and craft cocktails, it creates a memorable dining experience for both locals and visitors.