Northern Michigan: Lewiston’s Talley’s Log Cabin Bar
On a recent trip to Northern Michigan we ventured through Lewiston, a small town of approximately 1000 people, and had to stop in for a burger at Talley’s Log Cabin Bar. For those of you who are not familiar with Talley’s or do not know where Lewiston is at, here is some information for you. Lewiston is located in Northern Michigan and is 30 miles SE of Gaylord, 30 miles NE of Grayling and 30 miles NW of Mio. For us Michiganders it is right around the first knuckle of your index finger.
The community of Lewiston is not very big. It’s only 4.12 square miles, of which nearly a third is taken up by water with East and West Twin Lakes and the Au Sable River. Of course, having the lakes and river for activities, along with the Garland Golf Resort only 10 minutes away, they do get a lot of traffic and tourism through town. There are a few other bars and restaurants, but Talley’s seems to be the place to go . . . and for good reason!
Being located in such a small town, so far away from everything, you would think that no one really knows about Talley’s, but that’s not true. It seems like almost everyone we ever talk to about them knows of them and most have been there. It’s no surprise since they have been around for decades and are so well known for their burgers.
Talley’s is your typical small town bar. A place where you know all the locals are hanging out, yet you don’t feel out of place stopping in. This one is an actual log cabin, so the inside décor is totally rustic with knotty pine walls and ceiling. They only seat around 60, plus their bar may seat another 15 or 20. They also have outdoor deck with an additional 20-25 seats.
They are very supportive of the Detroit teams!
We have been to Talley’s when they have been totally packed and waiting out the doors and times where they are not so busy and personally I like it when they are packed. It adds to the over all vibe, especially if there is a sporting event on. There is a pool table, dart boards and a even stage in the back for live music on occasions.
Now…Let’s talk about the food. They have your typical bar menu. Burgers, chicken sandwiches, a fish sandwich and a grilled cheese chili and a lot of fried foods.
We are always here for the burgers and for good reason. They are outstanding. We don’t know what makes them so damn good but they are. They are not huge, maybe 1/3 pounders made from ground chuck, that are cooked fresh to order and served on a nice soft toasted bun with pickle chips. You can get it with or without cheese, grilled or raw onion with lettuce and tomato optional. The burger is super juicy and can get pretty sloppy when you put all the condiments on it, which makes it even better.
Of course they have more than burgers and you have to get a few sides to go with it as well. They have fries, ranch potato wedges and onion rings, the only veggies you will find on the menu (other than the lettuce and tomato on your burger) come in the form of their cole slaw.
If you have been to Talley’s, you know what we are saying. If not, we recommend adding it to your list of places to try on your next venture to Northern Michigan. You won’t be disappointed!
Talley’s is located at 2981 County Road 612 in Lewiston and is open Sun-Tues form 10AM to Midnight and Thursday-Saturday from 10AM to 1AM. They are closed on Wednesday.
Until next time . . . live well, eat well and enjoy life!
-Keith & Teresa Becker