Kruse's Deer Lake Inn

An incredible little place you may drive right by if not actively looking for it. The staff were very kind, welcoming, and accommodating as soon as we walked in. There was always someone, whether a waiter or manager, bustling and circling around the dining rooms just scanning tables and consistently making sure everyone had what they needed. When we came in the place was practically empty, but within an hour it became packed as you see in the images, but it didn't seem to phase the staff. They hustled, their communication was outstanding, they maintained good humor, and rocked a busy lunch service. Their manager was a stellar coordinator/director, jumping in wherever he was needed and multitasking impressively. The kitchen staff powered briskly through the service pumping out high quality dishes like a well-oiled machine. The waitress made great recommendations and almost every dish I tried was stellar - I highly recommend Jack Beard's Fish Chowder while it's on the menu and the Seafood Panroast. The creme brulee was alright. Still, do not pass this place up if hunger strikes - you are getting a beautiful experience at a fair price.

My husband and I celebrated our anniversary and we couldn't have picked a better place! Loved the menu selections. They had a great variety of seasonal dishes and cocktails! We had the pleasure of being served by Mike the bartender who has a great sense of humor. Very enjoyable evening. I highly recommend the Deer Lake Inn!

My husband ordered the Flash Fried Calamari. I won't touch squid, but he liked it. The server was very knowledgeable regarding the menu and sold me on the Pan Fried Great Lakes Walleye. It was a strange combination of the fish with grapes and peaches. Sounds strange, but it works. The fish was very lightly coated and cooked nicely. It was served with rice pilaf. A very good dish. My husband ordered Twin Filets & Gulf Shrimp Skewer. That was served with mashed potatoes and asparagus. The asparagus was not over cooked, the mashed was yummy, and the filets were cooked nicely. The service was great and no complaints with the atmosphere. It was a very good meal.

What a wonderful experience! The food is great and the staff is amazing. Kudos to Justin and Josh who actually pretended to be bears as we are on the deck and as they delivered the wine they gave our children the most delightful scare ever. The Maryland chicken is my all-time favorite and the stuffed mushrooms are fantastic. To be frank for the price, you're getting an incredible deal on amazing food. Kid-friendliness: They treated our children above and beyond. They made sure that they were extremely happy and helped us to enjoy a wonderful evening

Had our Anniversary dinner here after driving past many times wanting to try it out. Seated at windows in front bar area. VERY LOUD/busy between 6:30-7 on a Friday. Quieted down after that. Very friendly, knowledgeable server gave great food recommendations. Tasty calamari. Seafood Panroast was AMAZING if you like salty/savory. Blackened salmon with siesta key sauce was equally amazing. Michigan berry salad was a pleasant summer side. Was not happy with my house Pinot Noir, but they happily replaced it. Chocolate mousse topped it all off - delicious! Small outdoor patio option with several tables exists out back.

Kruse’s Deer Lake Inn has become my favorite restaurant in the area. They have some unique flavors such as their current harvest salad that has candied pecans, apples, bacon, goat cheese, and a bacon vinegarette which sounds questionable, but is quite delicious. And everything on the menu is great and they have a great variety of dishes depending on what I’m feeling like ribs, parmesan encrusted flounder, fish and chips, blackened chicken wrap, tortellini pasta with chicken and palomino sauce. They always have a good desert on the menu too the four berry crisp is my favorite, and right now it’s apple crisp. Service has been downright amazing every single time I’ve been there, and management has been exceptional too.

Great Pineapple upside down Martini... excellent calamari.... Primavera- wet and sloppy Walleye fillet was fried and OK and served with Beautiful fresh vegetables that were slathered with a gooey butter sauce. Disappointing... rice pilaf was beef broth in cooked rice with a can of tomatoes on top. Super waitstaff and great manager... Felt like fine dining, cost like fine dining, tasted like a coney.

Best friend calamari that I have ever had! Ever! Great atmosphere! Excellent staff! Thanks, we'll be back!

Absolutely fresh and delicious!!! Ordered the Walleye with rice and vegetables. So so fresh, yummy and presentable. I would definitely come here again.

The food is really good. Their prices are silly though. Too much for a small soup, small salad and small dessert. But we keep coming back because its quiet enough to actually talk to a friend and actually hear each other.