Bostwick Lake Inn

This restaurant is just perfect. The location, food, ambiance and everything else makes this place great. If you’re looking for a restaurant in the area, definitely come here.

Two stars because in the past service, food and experience were fine. However, took a friend in last night Wed. 6−22−16, we arrived 10:15pm, didn’t have anyone acknowledge us when we strolled to the patio, had a seat one other table and a few at the bar. Bartender and one waitress, both made eye contact, the waitress 3 times, including the walk past us to go clear an empty table, but no one offered a statement of any kind. When we left the bartender was behind us so I asked if «there was patio waitstaff» his answer…“the kitchen is closed” Didn’t ask about the kitchen dude wondered if there was waitstaff (on the outside chance the short 20ish girl was a busboy and we hadn’t been completely dissed). Anyway like I said in the past the service was fine, even excellent, both those two closing the patio 6−22−16, are rude and useless.

We ordered 2 appetizers, and 2 entrees. Everything was either canned, or frozen food reheated including the pizza. Yes, the pizza dough was frozen, then reheated. The quality of food was about the same as going to a grocery store, leaving it in the freezer for a couple of weeks, then microwaving everything. For how poor their frozen food was the price was astronomical. I wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone.

We ate here for the first time tonight and really enjoyed it. The server suggested we try the crispy brussel sprouts with ginger blood orange glaze to start. They were good. My husband, who normally hates brussel sprouts, tried them and liked the taste; however, we both agreed that we couldn’t eat an entire pile of them.
My husband ordered the walleye which was excellent. I ordered the shrimp and scallop risotto which was okay. I think my husband enjoyed the risotto more than I did, so we shared meals. Neither of us ordered dessert since we were both stuffed.
The server was very friendly and the service was great. We sat indoors near a window and really enjoyed the lake view. Afterwards, we walked along the deck. The outdoor patio looked inviting and there were stairs off the deck leading directly into the water. It appeared to have a little beach area, as well.
All in all, we enjoyed this restaurant and will definitely return. We plan to eat here again out on the deck once the weather warms up.

The food has always been great here, several great options and decent prices. The ambiance is terrific with lake views, deck and fireplace. The only problem in the past has been the service. Today we were treated with amazing, PERFECT service. The food was perfect (onion soup, salad and the grilled salmon on a pretzel bun, topped off by a delicious home made salted Carmel brownie with ice cream) and the lake was beautiful. We could not have hoped for a better overall experience. So worth the drive (15 minutes from East GR) it’s a pleasant, pretty drive. If you want to ensure a perfect dining experience ask for Brad B, he was our waiter. In the summer they have music on their deck overlooking the lake.

Still 5 stars after our second visit! My husband got a Salmon dish and I got the Pork Chop special with brussel sprouts. So good! Pork Chops had a lot of flavor and the brussel sprouts were crispy on the outside-​which I love. We also indulged and got a desert, which was also very tasty.
We tried it on a Friday evening this time – around 6pm – primetime. The place was packed, but we only waited about 15 minutes. Efficient and friendly service once again. This is on of our new favorite restuarants.

We dined here tonight and had a fantastic meal. We made reservations and were seated right away after being cheerfully greeted by the host staff.
Our server, Andrea was great — she gave good suggestions and was patient while we made the very hard decision of what to eat — so many things sounded good!
I ended up having the excellent Beef Tenderloin and it was served with a frigging DELICIOUS pair of sides: a potato gratin and perfectly crispy Brussels sprouts. The sauce was a sweet red wine reduction I believe. I was a member of the clean plate club, people.
The Staff was great, crowd was friendly, and it was loud enough to be cheerful but not such a roar that we couldn’t hold a conversation with our table.
We typically dine outside so sitting indoors was a nice change — we were near an open window. I kept my jacket on because I wasn’t about to sweat out the staff — I remember those days of absolutely roasting while running around FOH. But, any chillier and I *might* have wanted to move tables.
Great experience and it’s a fantastic place to bring guests; there is something for everyone!

Atmosphere is nice, service was great. The food is okay. As I always say, the Gilmore Collection has perfected mediocrity. I have never left one of their establishments in shock and awe but also have not had a truly disappointing experience. Love the deck and the mini beach. Pretty cool.

Slow service, too much noise to have a conversation, and only partially air conditioned!
The Alaskan Sockeye Salmon was excellent! It earned back two of the stars lost for ambiance. The Potato Chip Corn Crusted Walleye was even better! Brought BLI nearly back up to five stars! But the Beef Tenderloin was very disappointing and New York Strip was full of gristle. Started this with four stars because I loved the salmon, but with everyone’s disappointment, I need to change it to three. So sorry because we like to eat here — my wife and I both ordered fish! But next time we will plan to wait, and eat outside. Definitely Salmon and Walleye. Too late now for dessert.

Always a great casual dining experience. Relaxing sitting in the deck. Looking forward to some lake perch

The overall experience here is excellent. I could nitpick a few things such as having to walk against the crowd waiting to be seated to use the restroom, a less than world class beer menu or the slightly slow service at less than super busy times. However, the overall experience to me with the vintage cottage lakefront atmosphere plus the first rate Gilmore Group food brings me to five stars without hesitation.
I love the mushroom chicken pasta, the wings, the Italian sausage pasta and the French onion soup plus so much more. Maybe it’s actually a good idea they don’t have more top drawer beers because it could become a beer geek flophouse very easily. I’ve noticed the other Gilmore Group restaurants keep only two or three world class beers on tap, and that’s probably not a coincidence. If they had 20 top flight beers, the cooks would be playing on their smartphones waiting for something to do.
With the wonderful atmosphere and lake view, there are a lot of beer geeks who would love to pass a few hours drinking four pints of world class beer tying up precious table space, hoping to see a drunken mariner accidentally drop their Rolex from a pontoon boat. That is a perfect Michigan afternoon.
Regarding the Gilmore Group restaurants, If you want a slightly fancy dining experience, try the Blue Water Grill or Rose’s, if you want a rustic and woodsmoke filled ambience, try the Flat River Grill and if you want a cottage on the lake atmosphere, try the Boswick Lake Inn.

It’s really a great place to eat. The staff is awesome and the food is excellent. Parking is kinda odd but the food and atmosphere make up for that. Make sure to get the Truffle Fries.

Stopped in for a 4^th of July dinner with our extended family. We were hoping to sit outside on the deck, but it was a beautiful day so they couldn’t accommodate a large party out there. We checked out the deck afterwards, and it looked very cool.
We sat at a table with a great view of the lake. Our server, Linnea, was super friendly and efficient.
All of the food looked great and everyone really enjoyed it. We started with the Brussels sprouts and they were really good. The rolls and garlic butter were very tasty! A couple of us had the risotto with shrimp entrée and it was outstanding. One person tried the pizza, a couple had burgers, a couple had Mac and cheese and one had the quesadillas. Everyone left happy and full!
We would definitely return, anytime of year, but particularly in the summer!

Great ambiance, excellent food, great drinks, and excellent service. I live near here and eat here at least once a week !

Nice lodge atmosphere on the lake with awesome outdoor seating. Two bars, one inside, and one out. I had the bleu cheese olive burger, which was perfect. The pretzel bun compliments the flavor nicely. It is a good spot if you live near or find yourself on Belding Rd. The parking is limited on busy nights, so plan accordingly.

I must admit a mixed review is coming. The food was excellent and appropriately priced. The atmosphere is lovely and cottage like, exactly what I was hoping for! The bar and brew selection was great! I especially enjoyed my Atwater draft which was an amazing double chocolate stout!
Here is the downside! On a beautiful sunny Spring day when Michiganders are reminded why we choose to live in this state, the customers crawled out from under their rocks and headed to BLI for dinner!
Our bartender was exceptional, he was talented, attentive and helpful without being pushy! Qualities that are greatly appreciated by patient but hungry diners. After we had enjoyed our first drink and the house made sweet potato chips and warm goat cheese dip, he asked if we were still waiting for a table. When we replied yes he was on it! We had been lost in the shuffle, this wasn’t a surprise because the hostess was in and out, not sure what that was all about.
Once seated our server, was attentive but also spread too thin as other reviewers had noted. Entrees arrived in a fairly timely manner but my husband’s coffee came about 15 min. After my dessert, might as well skip it by then!
It was my birthday, but after a couple of Atwaters I was pretty chill, and then when my hubby mentioned it was my birthday and we found out that my entrée was free! Well, heck it was all good!
Definitely visit Bostwick Lake Inn, but go patient because it could be a long leisurely night. Love that cottage atmosphere, but the service is killin’ this place.
This place is a gold mine but it is totally missin’ the boat with regards to utilizing their potential. There were empty tables everywhere that could have been full of happy patrons. Bottom line, they need more staff.

OMG… Great food. The flat iron steak, white cheddar augratin potatoes were scrumptious. .The brussel sprout out of this world. The service was excellent, the view superb. The salted Carmel pecan brownie to die for. First time here but think I found my new favorite place.

Was in Rockford and a pal took us here, dining on the lake is usually fun.
Well BLI was truly fun & very good!
The locals tell me this was recently taken over by the Gilmore Group, which improved & enhanced this place .
Walked in at 6pm on a Saturday & were seated by 6:20 on the deck, which has great views of the lake & comfy seating.
Our server knew the menu quite well, down to the ingredients, extras & favorites.
I ordered the blue cheese flat iron steak.
which came with grilled asparagus, a tangy sweet sauce & sweet potato fries
All were very good in taste/​flavor.
The flat iron steak though was a tad bit tough-​stringy
Flat iron steaks basically remind me of fajiata meat.
I saw tray after tray of AMAZING desserts go by. too bad there was zero room to try any, especially the crème brûlée

* Polarizing experience
* Soothing waterfront
* Fresh fruits and vegetables
* Affordable food
* Styrofoam-​free
* Drinks from across the world
* Dirty restrooms
* Poor cellular service
* No Wi-​Fi
* Inexperienced server
* Risqué server attire
* Rude staff
* Excruciatingly slow service
* Intrusive/​lingering server
* Lack of accessibility
* No large text menu
* No Braille menu
Many restaurants/​businesses offer an iPhone app for menu, nutritional information, large text, VoiceOver, assistive features, etc.

Always wonderful service! Always great food. A little bit smaller portions. But everything tastes great. Some of my favorites: shepherds pie, sausage pasta, and BLI Mac n cheese, and of course the Spanish Coffee after church on Sundays!
It’s great to sit out on the deck in the summer to be by the lake.