9 Bean Rows - Suttons Bay

The food is outstanding, the service is wonderful and the restaurant is lovely! Anything on the menu is great, but the trout and chicken are superb. It's great... read more The food is outstanding, the service is wonderful and the restaurant is lovely! Anything on the menu is great, but the trout and chicken are superb. It's great if you just want a good meal but would also be perfect for a date or anniversary. Our favorite place in Leelanau!

9 Bean Rows was on the way to becoming one of our favorite restaurants on the Leelanau Peninsula. According to local publications, the ownership was supposed to... read more 9 Bean Rows was on the way to becoming one of our favorite restaurants on the Leelanau Peninsula. According to local publications, the ownership was supposed to be undergoing a change when we were there last week, but there was a lot of uncertainty as to whether it was being run by the new owners or the previous ones. The food was comparable to in the past and generally quite good. However the wait staff was not very well trained. And when we requested outside dining we were placed at a table next to the air conditioning unit which was so loud it made conversation very difficult. All in all, a good meal, but given the cost of dining there, it failed to live up to expectations.

On the downside, the portion sizes were small. I suppose that's the spoiled American in me, but when I pay $30 for an entrée, I expect to feel more than just ba... read more On the downside, the portion sizes were small. I suppose that's the spoiled American in me, but when I pay $30 for an entrée, I expect to feel more than just barely satisfied. I'll likely need a snack soon after leaving. The atmosphere felt a bit off. The server was awkward, and the other patrons were quite unusual as well. The quietness of the place was probably the most off-putting aspect; if I have to sit among a bunch of odd characters, I’d prefer to be able to chat about it. I might consider coming back if I’m in the area, but it wouldn’t be my first choice.

Let's begin with the positive aspects. The food was quite good, including the roasted beets, fresh green salad, mushroom risotto, Bolognese, cheesecake, and app... read more Let's begin with the positive aspects. The food was quite good, including the roasted beets, fresh green salad, mushroom risotto, Bolognese, cheesecake, and apple tart. Everything was fresh, well-prepared, and beautifully presented. However, there were a few peculiarities that detracted from the overall experience. The temperature in the space was uncomfortably chilly—yes, I understand it's winter, but they really should improve the heating. Additionally, we weren't offered any bread, which felt a bit lacking for a meal that totaled $103 before gratuity.

What a wonderful discovery thanks to Yelp! The food was outstanding! My husband ordered the lamb burger, and it ended up being the highlight of our vacation mea... read more What a wonderful discovery thanks to Yelp! The food was outstanding! My husband ordered the lamb burger, and it ended up being the highlight of our vacation meals. I chose the mac and cheese, which was tasty, but the portion was a bit on the small side. The fruit bowl was delightful, featuring a surprising touch of fresh thyme. I'm not sure when we'll have the chance to return, but I would definitely recommend this place. I did take off one star due to the snobbish atmosphere and the attitude of the wait staff.