Warm yourself by our rustic fireplace
From the wooded highlands overlooking the south end of Black Lake, the Bluffs on Black Lake restaurant and campground invite locals and visitors to enjoy the food, view and beautiful outdoor setting at this historic location. Come relax in our log cabin atmosphere, and enjoy a restaurant that provides fast, friendly service
New owners Craig Coe and his wife, Jeanette, acquired the Bluffs in early March 2013 and invite you to visit their little oasis on the lake. It’s a great break from the ride or the perfect lunch stop when fishing on Black Lake.
A Historic and Cozy Setting
The facility began as a boy’s camp back in 1929. The original wooden tavern floor has been preserved. Rustic furniture and tongue and groove pine walls, a copper-topped bar adorned with barn tin, and the original stone fireplace combine to create a warm and inviting ambiance. The new dining room is carpeted.
The view overlooking Black Lake from the newly restored deck, with towering pines coming through the floor, is hard to beat. See more photos.
Delicious Food and Michigan Craft Beers
The Bluffs on Black Lake is open daily from noon to 9 p.m., year round. We provide great food and a beautiful view of Black Lake from our 1,200 sq. foot deck.
Everything on the menu is made from scratch, down the to mayonaisse and salad dressings. The bar burgers are patted by hand. A custom smoker seasons ribs, brisket and pulled pork. Also on the menu: fresh seafood, hand-cut steaks and pizza. A roasted corn and barbecue-pit baked beans are standard side dishes.
Michigan craft beers are on tap – along with the standard selections.
A Rustic Campground
The Bluffs on Black Lake also has a campground with 19 rustic and 19 electric sites. The popular Black Mountain Recreational Area is located directly across from the campground, which sees plenty of winter activity from cross-country skiers and snowmobilers, as well as dirt bikers in the warmer months. The crosscountry ski trail groomer comes to the restaurant’s front door.
The beautiful view from our deck
About the Owners
Craig brings more than 30 years of experience in the restaurant business and the delicious food is proof of his expertise. He began working in restaurants at the age of 16 and eventually earned a culinary degree from Schoolcraft College in Livonia. For the past six years, he worked as a marketing representative for Sysco Foods.
Wife Jeanette, who has worked as a veterinary technician at the Animal Medical Clinic in Cheboygan for the past 10 years, handles the front of the restaurant.
Their son, Andrew Ruegsegger, left a chef’s position at Boyne Mountain, to head up the kitchen staff of five.
Visit the Bluffs on Black Lake anytime. As Craig says: “The food is delicious, there’s Michigan beer on tap, and you can’t beat the view.”