Empire, Michigan
After a long day in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, we had worked up quite an appetite. On the way back to our Airbnb, we stopped in the small town of Empire and grabbed a bite to eat at Joe’s Friendly Tavern.
According to the restaurant’s website, the location where Joe’s is situated has been a local gathering spot since 1887, but the Friendly Tavern was first established in 1940. The Friendly Tavern underwent several changes in ownership before being acquired by Joe Wiesen and his family in 1974. The Lerchen family currently operates Joe’s Friendly Tavern.
We were not expecting to dine in such a historic restaurant, but we took a look at what was available on the menu. I may have ended up with the best dish: Joe’s Prime French Dip with Onion Rings and the house-made Joe’s Friendly Tavern Root Beer. The French Dip is marketed as the “Best one ever,” and the sandwich did not disappoint. It was delicious, but a sandwich, side, and drink for just me came to around $30, so it can get rather pricey if you are eating out with your entire family or a group of friends. The portions were very filling, and I’m glad we stopped to experience this neat little restaurant on the little finger of the mitten. Now and then, it is worthwhile to splurge on a meal, and a trip to Joe’s is a great way to cap a visit to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
