The Outsider - Manistee, Michigan

The Outsider: A Manistee Gem

For individuals seeking a dynamic and engaging dining and entertainment experience in Manistee, Michigan, The Outsider presents a compelling choice. Located at 457 River St, Manistee, MI 49660, this establishment offers a unique blend of restaurant fare, a lively bar, and a nostalgic video arcade, catering to a diverse range of preferences. Contact them at Phone: 2312991235, or visit their website at Website: outsidermanistee.com to learn more.

A Transformation and a Retro Revival

The Outsider’s story is particularly interesting; it began as an ice cream parlor, a familiar landmark in the downtown area. Recognizing an opportunity to revitalize the space and introduce a new concept, the owners underwent a significant transformation. The result is a vibrant and eclectic venue that seamlessly blends classic Americana with modern entertainment. The ambiance is distinctly casual and trendy, drawing in a broad demographic.

Key Features and Offerings

The restaurant specializes in fast casual American cuisine, offering a satisfying selection of staples such as burgers, fries, hot dogs, and a wide array of toppings to customize each order. Beyond the food, The Outsider boasts a substantial beer selection and a creative cocktail menu, with expertly crafted drinks that appeal to both seasoned enthusiasts and those exploring new flavors. The establishment's commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in its comprehensive service options, including dine-in, takeout, delivery, and onsite services. The outdoor seating provides a pleasant option for enjoying meals in a relaxed atmosphere, especially during warmer months.

Accessibility and Amenities

The Outsider prioritizes inclusivity and accessibility. The building features a wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible parking lot, and wheelchair accessible restrooms and seating. The counter service is also conveniently located for quick visits. Patrons will find a variety of payment options available, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments. The venue also offers free street parking nearby, further enhancing convenience.

Entertainment and Social Atmosphere

Adding to its appeal, The Outsider houses a sprawling video arcade filled with classic and modern games, providing entertainment for all ages. The comfortable seating arrangements, combined with the lively atmosphere, make it an ideal spot for solo dining, groups, and families. The establishment is particularly welcoming to LGBTQ+ friendly individuals and strives to be a transgender safespace. Reservations are accepted, facilitating a smoother dining experience.

Food & Beverage Highlights

• Comfort Food: A selection of familiar and satisfying dishes.
• Quick Bites: Ideal for a fast and convenient meal.
• Small Plates: Perfect for sharing and sampling a variety of flavors.
• Vegetarian Options: Catering to dietary preferences.
• Wine & Beer: A curated selection to complement the menu.
• Coffee: Available for a caffeine boost.

Furthermore, The Outsider offers a comprehensive selection of spirits, including hard liquor, and a diverse range of desserts to satisfy sweet cravings. The venue frequently hosts catering events, providing a convenient option for parties and gatherings.

Customer Feedback and Reputation

The Outsider has garnered positive reviews from its patrons, as evidenced by its 124 reviews on Google My Business. The average opinion is 4.1/5, reflecting a generally favorable experience. Customers consistently praise the venue’s cool atmosphere, friendly staff, and engaging entertainment options. Many highlight the quality of the food and drinks, emphasizing the well-made cocktails and the extensive beer selection. The video arcade is a major draw, with visitors enjoying nostalgic classics and newer games. The overall impression is one of a well-managed and enjoyable establishment that successfully blends dining, entertainment, and social interaction.

In essence, The Outsider provides a multifaceted experience, catering to a wide range of tastes and interests. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a unique blend of classic American fare, a vibrant bar scene, and an engaging video arcade. The combination of these features, coupled with its convenient location and accessibility, makes it a standout destination in Manistee.

👍 Reviews of The Outsider

Joseph S.

5/5

A cool hang out spot in downtown Manistee.

We came after hearing a new place had opened up, this use to be an I e cream joint.

It's cool to see all the Pinball machines, they have a. Few multi-arcades too.

The food selection is basically fast casual american, burgers, fries, dogs, and all the toppings you could ask for.

They have a good bar and great drink selection, the cocktails are made well.

Highly recommended.

Nicole W.

5/5

This place is a gem! We walked up from the street -seeing the patio was filled with kids, dogs, and happiness! The live music was good and the wait wasn’t terrible considering they said they had never been so busy. THE FOOD WAS FREAKING DELICIOUS 🔥

Leena L.

5/5

It was our first time there today it was open and inviting. We ordered 2 uno burgers, 1 crazy fry, a beer and a coffee. We split the fries because the serving size is very generous. We got to play pin ball while we waited on our food which was not long. They were nice enough to make me an iced coffee and it was refreshing too. The fries were perfectly seasoned and crispy the way we like them the burgers were cooked perfectly too.

Alayna P.

3/5

This is such a fun concept. We were excited to take our family here for dinner! When we arrived and ordered at the counter there was only one family infront of us. The food took over an hour to be brought out. We have a one year old and unfortunately long wait times and babies don’t mix well. If you have kiddos I’d look into other options in the area:) However they had cornhole set up which the adults in our group enjoyed while we waited. Once the food finally came it was yummy… not quite the quality we expected after an hour wait and the price.

Jake M.

5/5

We organized a welcome party at The Outsider for our wedding where nearly 100 of our family and friends had the most wonderful night eating great food and incredible drinks. Service was speedy and the bartending and serving staff were the most friendly and welcoming. They took great care of us in their amazing space, extremely spacious and relaxing with the fire pits going at night. Thank you to all that worked the night of 9/27/2024 to make the night something we'll never forget. We'll be back to say hi soon!

-Jake and Derek

Beth

4/5

Loved the atmosphere and outdoor dining on a Saturday. The food was decent, but we wished for dipping options (especially for the onion rings). Service was subpar and hard to track down. But a fun place with good company regardless.

Tim K.

5/5

Finally enjoyed the best burger around along with awesome fries! Such a cool concept they have. Neat pinball arcade, full bar, and now LIVE music! Looking forward to the outside area in the summer ☀️! Keep up the good work. This will be my 'go to' burger place going forward. Great staff as well

Amber P.

1/5

We went for a late lunch on Sunday, around 1 and the employee told us they were out of fries. I was shocked as this place serves burgers and fries. Food was ok, cool atmosphere to hang out outside and close to walk to other places downtown. I will never return. The 1st time I went and was turned away because they needed to comply with health and food safety issues, the 2nd time the kitchen was closed and the 3rd time no fries and super slow service. It's a shame to witness.