Frederic Inn, Michigan

Entry Way

      Dining joints come and go.  Some eclectic, some trendy, downtown or rural, fusion, or just another way of showcasing the same cuisines that also come and go.  I mean no harm to the more trendy or upscale eateries, but I have had some of my best meals at the smaller local 'mom and pop' places or even truck stops at times.  Price is not often an issue with me, but quality is.  We have dined at many fine restaurants in Traverse City, but sometimes you just want a good meal close to home.  This review will come at no surprise to locals.  It is a treasure.  

      Frederic Inn is a local place, located 14 miles east of us on County Road 612.  We have eaten there many times.  Also located just 2 miles west of I-75, Frederic is a MAJOR stop on the NW Michigan Snowmobile Trail System and during winter time, the traffic both on and off road can rival many interstate highways.  In fact the main street entry is enclosed within a building wide 'mud room' so that you may escape the freezing weather from parking to entry.

The Bar

      When you enter, your initial impression would mostly likely be a small bar with a couple of tables for dining.  There is, however, another whole room for dining as well.  Many nights during the week it is pretty casual with occupancy nowhere near full.  During weekend specials or winter weekends, it is very much 'first come, first served' if at all.  

The Main Dining Room (and there is another)

      First of all, the Frederic Inn has been awarded Best of the North for not only their Wet Burrito, but their entire Mexican Cuisine for several years.  Their menu is characteristically 'Up North' with burgers, both fresh walleye, perch, and whitefish; ribs, soups and salads, chicken, steaks, pizza, Friday fish fry, and some very tasty liver and onions.    https://fredericinn.com/menu/

Introducing the 'Super Wet Burrito'

      Obviously their Wet Burrito is the most famous entrée, but other items deserve merit as well. All their fish entrees are delicious!  An entire Wet Burrito is an enormous meal that may very well require a 'to go' box.  Barb always gets the 'Baby Wet Burrito' and sometimes can't finish that.  It is a delicious, but hearty meal. We have eaten there several times on Friday and Saturday Prime Rib.  This is NOT TO BE OVERLOOKED.  We can honestly state this Prime Rib is as good as any we've ever eaten.

Prime Rib

      We thoroughly enjoyed our meal, the meat was done to perfection;  tender, and tasty.  Barb likes hers well done and I prefer a medium rare, but sometimes 'butt end' piece.  Tonight's cut was a bit more 'medium', but delicious nonetheless.  There was plenty of Au Jus.  I did ask for horseradish.  The sides were mashed taters and the salad bar.  The service were excellent.  We enjoyed drinks with our dinner with a total price of $42.  

      For us Frederic Inn is a close, comfortable standby, ALWAYS good food at a fair price.  For those winter fanatics it is a major stopping point, beer joint, and warming place for friends and family.  For those traveling to the Great White North any time of year I have to say that this should be a MUST SEE on your way.  You will never be disappointed.  Dilly Dilly! I rate this the full 5 stars.

 "I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list"

Susan Sontag

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