25 Best Restaurants in Bay City, MI
This article was written by local contributor Kaitlin Brennan & edited by the Travel Lens team.
Ah, Bay City, Michigan - a place I proudly call home.
With its rich history, a beautiful waterfront, and friendly community, Bay City has undoubtedly captured the hearts of many.
But what I particularly enjoy about living here is exploring the diverse dining scene.
From authentic Mexican dishes to mouth-watering barbecues, this city has something to offer for every palate.
Join me as I share the best restaurants in Bay City, Michigan, that you absolutely must try!
Gilly's Bistro
I have been living in this town for quite some time now and have always heard great things about Gilly's Bistro.
So, I decided to finally give it a try, and I must say, it did not disappoint!
From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with a lively and welcoming atmosphere, which was perfect for enjoying a delicious meal.
I went ahead and ordered the wet burrito and nachos, which were both absolutely amazing.
The burrito was massive, filled with savory ground beef, beans, rice, and melted cheese, all smothered in a flavorful sauce and fresh veggies.
The nachos were just as delicious, loaded with beans, cheese, and fresh veggies.
The chips themselves were crispy and not greasy at all.
The portion size was generous, and I had more than enough to share with a friend.
Gulino's Pizza & Sons
As someone who lives in the area, I can't resist the charm and delicious offerings of Gulino's Pizza & Sons.
I have been a regular customer of this Italian restaurant since it opened, and I am never disappointed with the quality of their wood-fired pizza.
They offer a variety of classic and creative toppings, all served up in a casual, family-friendly setting.
One of the things that keeps me coming back to Gulino's is the friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
And let's not forget the pizza itself – my personal favorite is their BBQ chicken pizza, which I can boldly say is out of this world!
I have also had the pleasure of trying several of their other dishes, like their generously-portioned Foccacia bread and the mouthwatering Don Corleone pizza.
Gulino's never disappoints when it comes to providing fresh ingredients and a delectable crust on their pizzas.
As if the savory offerings weren't enough, Gulino's also has some incredible desserts.
The panna cotta and cannoli are absolute perfection and a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
With its reasonable prices, delicious food, and friendly atmosphere, Gulino's Pizza & Sons has easily become my favorite quality pizza choice in town.
Lasko's Restaurant
The food at Lasko's Restaurant is always excellent, with large portions that guarantee you won't be leaving hungry.
Lasko's has a cozy diner vibe, which is one of the reasons I keep going back.
The prices are very reasonable, and the food, although sometimes a bit bland for my taste, is always good.
I usually add a bit of salt to my Country omelet, and it's perfect.
I've also heard great things about their Reuben sandwich, so I'm planning to try that next time.
Gatsby's Seafood & Steakhouse
I've dined at Gatsby's Seafood & Steakhouse several times now, and I must say, it has become my favorite spot for a delicious steak in Bay City.
The brick-walled interior and retro speakeasy vibe make for a delightful atmosphere that transports you back to a different era.
Their menu offers a wide variety of seafood, steaks, and pasta dishes, each skillfully prepared and beautifully presented.
The char on my steak and shrimp was always perfect, a testament to the talent of the kitchen staff.
Though the flavors might not be as exotic as in some other places, the quality of the ingredients they use is top-notch.
On my most recent visit, I tried the ginger-glazed salmon, which was fresh and delightful.
My partner ordered the seafood stuffed cannelloni, and we both agreed it was heavenly.
The side salad that came with our dishes was the cherry on top of an already satisfying meal.
One thing to note is that their steak fries portion can be quite generous.
So, if you're planning on sharing a side dish, keep that in mind.
Brooklyn Boyz Pizza
One of my favorite places to eat in the city is Brooklyn Boyz Pizza.
This quaint, family-owned spot specializes in pizza, pasta, starters, subs, and salads.
Though they don't have a bar, the atmosphere is always cozy and welcoming.
Their famous garlic knots are a must-try and are the perfect way to start your meal.
I always get a large portion since everything is made so fresh, and the portions are generous.
During my last visit, I was greeted at the door and asked if I needed the wine list - which was a nice touch.
The casual and comfy atmosphere at Brooklyn Boyz Pizza makes it really easy to mingle and enjoy a Friday night dinner with friends.
I can't wait to go back and try some more items on their menu!
Zacatacos
Living in Bay City has been a great experience, but I always missed the authentic Mexican food from my time in New Mexico.
That all changed when I discovered Zacatacos.
I'm so glad I found this gem of a restaurant, and now I am a regular here.
The ambiance at Zacatacos is very welcoming, with clean décor and cute decorations.
I love that they have high chairs available for children, so it's perfect for family gatherings.
Speaking of food, let me tell you, their tacos are the real deal – truly an 11 out of 10!
The chips are freshly made every day, and the salsa is simply amazing.
I can confidently say that Zacatacos serves the closest thing to authentic Mexican food that you can find in the area.
Wanigan Eatery and Pub
Wanigan Eatery and Pub has an excellent menu with tons of delicious sandwich options.
What I love most about this place is its pet-friendly policy!
I can bring my furry friend along with me, and we can enjoy the ample outside seating they have available.
Not only is the food mouthwatering, but the service is always warm and welcoming.
I recently attended a friend's bridal shower hosted at the restaurant, and I was thoroughly impressed by how well the event was handled.
Governor's Quarters
I've been living in this area for years, and I can confidently say that Governor's Quarters is one of my favorite spots to hang out with friends or have a nice meal.
Their on-tap beer selection is truly unmatched in Mid Michigan, and I love how they always have something to cater to everyone's taste.
The food has always been excellent in my experience, and I find myself craving their dishes every now and then.
I remember attending a retirement party there a while ago, and everything was just perfect – from the service to the food.
It's a popular spot for events like that, and I can totally see why.
I'm not much of a golfer myself, but I've heard great things about their golf simulator from friends who enjoy the sport.
It's an added bonus that makes Governor's Quarters a unique destination for a fun night out.
Mandy's Diner
I recently decided to give Mandy's Diner a try after hearing mixed reviews from friends and family.
My experience started off on a positive note with our friendly and attentive waitress.
I ordered Mandy's Big Breakfast, and I have to admit I was taken aback by the size of the meal.
The American fries were a delightful surprise, as it was my first time trying them deep-fried.
Additionally, there were some odd green/gray rubbery pieces on the bread, which I found unappetizing.
The Public House
I recently decided to spend an evening at The Public House in Bay City, and I was not disappointed!
The cocktail bar is perfect for those who appreciate a well-crafted drink and a relaxed atmosphere.
I enjoyed trying a couple of their signature drinks and was pleasantly surprised by the quality and creativity involved.
The food at The Public House is also top-notch, with my favorite being their beautiful charcuterie board.
The service was friendly and attentive throughout the night.
Beaver's Pub
Just last week, I decided to try out Beaver's Pub in Bay City, and let me tell you, it was quite an experience!
The moment I walked in, I was struck by the modern rustic atmosphere, which was a pleasant surprise.
My friends and I started with the Loaded Woodchips as an appetizer, and they were simply mouthwatering.
For our main courses, we opted for the Lobster Ravioli and Cobb Salad, which were both delicious and generously portioned.
Meaty's Roadhouse BBQ & Sausage Shack
Meaty's Roadhouse BBQ & Sausage Shack, a barbecue restaurant, truly has it all - amazing food, a large menu, and a relaxed atmosphere.
My go-to dish is chicken tacos, which come in generously large portions with a choice of a side.
I love that I can sit outside at the picnic tables and enjoy the fresh air while I wait for my order.
One of the standout features of Meaty's is its extensive variety of sauce choices.
Each time I visit, I'm tempted to try them all!
I've also had the chance to try their bratwurst and brisket burger sandwiches, as well as their onion rings, which are absolutely delicious.
The food is always moist and flavorful, and I genuinely appreciate that I don't feel the need to add extra sauce.
Roma's Family Restaurant
Roma's Family Restaurant truly stands out when it comes to Italian cuisine.
I remember my first visit there; I was immediately drawn to the pizza's perfect cheese quantity, quality, and cook time.
Not to mention the garlic cheese bread that had just the right amount of crunch without overcooking the cheese on top.
The small special with six toppings is a very reasonable option and has become a personal favorite of mine.
One of my most memorable experiences at Roma's was when I tried their baked spaghetti for the first time.
It was incredibly delicious, and the portion was so huge that I had enough leftovers for the next day.
The melted cheese on top was the cherry on the cake!
Plus, the accompanying salad and bread were equally delightful.
I chose Italian bread, but there's also the option of garlic bread.
Roma's is truly a Bay City classic, with friendly service and a cozy atmosphere.
Uptown Grill
As someone who lives in the area, I have to say that Uptown Grill is definitely one of my favorite spots for American comfort food.
The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with a variety of seating options such as tables, booths, and even a bar.
During the summer, they also offer patio seating which allows you to enjoy the beautiful view of the Saginaw River while dining.
The menu at Uptown Grill is extensive, and I have tried many of their dishes.
One time, I went for brunch with my family, and we were impressed by the selection and quality of the food.
The Blueberry French Toast was superb, while the Lobster Benny was mouthwatering.
My personal favorite, however, is the Lobster and Brie Omelette, which I highly recommend trying with a side of sourdough toast.
I also appreciate how much they care about the quality of their food and the overall experience for their customers.
My partner once ordered the Cobb Salad and claimed it was the best she's ever had.
On another visit, I tried the Italian Sandwich, and it was incredibly satisfying.
Latitude 43
Last weekend, I decided to visit Latitude 43 with my friends.
We started off with their fried pickles, which were breaded to perfection and served hot.
For our main course, I tried the ribeye steak, and it was cooked precisely to my liking - medium.
The asparagus on the side was tender, and the presentation of the baked potato was fantastic for someone like me who wants to watch their butter intake.
One of my friends ordered the honey bourbon salmon, and she couldn't stop raving about how flavorful and perfectly cooked it was.
What caught my attention even more was their extensive martini selection, which was quite a pleasant surprise.
Although the place was buzzing on a Thursday evening, the service remained top-notch.
BJay's Pizza and Coneys
BJay's Pizza and Coneys was recommended by a charming older couple from the neighborhood.
They were absolutely right about the delicious coney sauce served on a Koegel hotdog.
I love how you can order a "six or 10 pack" of coneys, which makes it perfect for gatherings with friends and family.
Though I was quite full after enjoying the coneys, I couldn't resist trying their pizza on my next visit.
The pizza at BJay's is insanely good, and I'm not exaggerating.
The cheese is way better than anything else I've had on a pizza, and the sauce is incredibly flavorful and scrumptious.
As a local, I take pride in introducing this small family-run pizzeria to visitors because their pizza is hands down the greatest I've ever tasted.
Lucky's Steakhouse
Let me tell you about my recent visit to Lucky's Steakhouse.
I was craving some good old-fashioned American fare and decided to give this place a try.
I must say, the atmosphere was very inviting, with a touch of old-school charm that made the evening even more enjoyable.
I tried their best Chardonnay, which was absolutely delightful.
Their carrot cake, although served cold, was still quite tasty.
I have a feeling that if I had arrived earlier, my dining experience would have been even better.
On a separate visit with my partner, we were both impressed by the impeccable service and cleanliness of the restaurant.
The portions were generous, and the food was nothing short of amazing.
Stock Pot Diner and Catering
I recently discovered Stock Pot Diner and Catering, a charming diner with a great atmosphere.
The place was clean and comfortable, with the perfect temperature and seating room.
The breakfast offerings were fantastic, especially the hash browns.
They were perfectly crispy, chewy, and hot when they arrived at my table.
The retro-looking tables added to the diner's charm, and I'm willing to give the lunch experience another try since it could have just been an off day.
Sushi Remix
Just the other day, I stumbled upon an incredible sushi spot that I can't believe I missed for so long – Sushi Remix!
As someone who has been living here for more than 7 years, I had almost given up on finding exceptional sushi in the tri-cities area.
But this place has completely turned my sushi game around.
On my first visit, I decided to treat myself for my birthday and went for their sushi poke bowl.
It was, without a doubt, the best sushi experience I have ever had.
Old City Hall
Old City Hall is a fine dining restaurant located in a historic building that once served as our town's City Hall.
The atmosphere was inviting, with a unique blend of history and modernity.
I was lucky enough to get a table outside on the closed-off street, which added to the overall charm of the experience.
The food was delicious, although it took a bit longer than expected to arrive.
I appreciated the interesting and somewhat eclectic menu options, and the portions were just right for the reasonable prices.
I opted for the raspberry donut cheesecake, and it was absolutely incredible!
I also tried a bite of my friend's lemon cream cake, which was equally delicious.
I must say that the desserts alone make Old City Hall worth a visit.
Barney's Bar & Grill
I've lived in Bay City for years now, and I've always been on the lookout for great local places to eat.
The atmosphere is very welcoming, with a classic neighborhood bar vibe that's perfect for a casual night out.
My partner and I went there for an early dinner one day, and we were pleasantly surprised by the efficient service and the great food.
We ordered the Crispy Cod Dinner and Cod Bites, and both dishes were delicious and perfectly cooked.
The portions were generous too, which made the experience even better.
I also appreciated the reasonable prices - our entire meal, including drinks and appetizers, came in at just under $50.
Since then, I've gone back to Barney's a couple of times to try other items on their menu, like the brisket taco salad and the Wednesday white bean chicken chili.
MI Table
I first discovered MI Table a while ago, and I must say, it's become one of my favorite places to enjoy great food and drinks in downtown Bay City.
Every time I've gone there, I've had an awesome time with my friends, enjoying their delicious, ever-changing menu.
The dining area is visually stunning, with a perfect layout and eye-catching color scheme.
As a bonus, they have a separate relaxation area inside an old bank vault, where you can unwind and enjoy a couple of board games.
It's such a unique touch that adds character to the restaurant.
Being in town, it's the perfect spot to go to when traveling through Bay City.
With an updated menu featuring food specials and drinks for each season, every visit offers a different experience.
One of my favorite things about MI Table is that they serve all Michigan products, supporting local businesses and providing fresh ingredients.
On one of my recent visits, I enjoyed their warm and fresh pita chips.
Although I wasn't too fond of the Maurice Salad, I'm looking forward to trying other dishes on their menu.
Retro Rocks
Retro Rocks is a unique bar and restaurant we've been visiting for a few months now.
During my last visit, we were lucky enough to grab a table on their patio, which was perfect for the warm summer evening.
We started off with the bacon buffalo dip as an appetizer, and it was a hit at our table.
For our main courses, we tried Moroccan Lamb, Grilled Cheese, and Pork Potstickers.
Each dish was full of flavor and absolutely delicious.
The drinks we ordered were strong and tasty, making it a great night out.
What I love about Retro Rocks is their diverse menu, which offers a variety of dishes to suit everyone's tastes.
I've heard great things about their skewer dishes, and I'm eager to give them a try next time.
Final Thoughts
I cannot express how fortunate I am to live in Bay City with its diverse and delightful dining options.
Every time I go out to eat, I know that I'm in for a treat, whether it's enjoying a slice of pizza from Gulino's, treating myself to a mouth-watering steak at Gatsby's, or discovering new flavors at Sushi Remix.
So, next time you find yourself in Bay City, be sure to give these amazing restaurants a try for a taste of what makes our city so special.
Recent posts
10 Incredible Breakfast Spots in New Orleans You Need to Try
12 Incredible Restaurants in Lancaster PA, You Need to Try
12 Incredible Restaurants in Asheville, NC You Need to Try
22 Best Things to Do in Old Town Alexandria, VA
25 Best Things to Do in Westport, CT
20 Best Things to Do in Westport, MA
16 Best Things to Do in Woonsocket, RI
26 Best Things to Do in Huntsville, AL
30 Best Things to Do in Altoona, PA
28 Best Things to Do in San Angelo, TX