Welcome to The Golden Stag
Nestled along the picturesque Manistee River, The Golden Stag offers an inviting dining experience where culinary creativity meets warm hospitality. This restaurant boasts a diverse menu rich in Mediterranean flavors, with standout dishes like wood-fired pizzas, shrimp scampi, and fig and prosciutto pizza capturing the hearts of diners. The ambiance strikes a perfect balance between upscale and casual, making it ideal for any occasion—from date nights to family gatherings. Guests rave about the attentive staff and generous portion sizes, ensuring that each meal is not just satisfying but also memorable. Whether you enjoy the cozy interior or the scenic outdoor seating, The Golden Stag is a true gem in Michigan.
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318 River St, Manistee, MI 49660, United States Hotline: +1 231-299-1200
Welcome to The Golden Stag, a culinary jewel nestled along the banks of the serene Manistee River in Michigan. Conveniently located at 318 River St, Manistee, MI 49660, this restaurant has quickly established itself as a favored destination for both locals and travelers alike. Renowned for its exceptional service, inviting atmosphere, and a menu that beautifully marries Mediterranean inspiration with local ingredients, The Golden Stag invites you to embark on a delightful dining experience.
As you step inside, you are greeted by stunning brick walls and warm lighting that create a cozy yet upscale ambiance. The thoughtful design allows for both casual dining and more intimate dinner arrangements, making it the perfect setting for any occasion—from a relaxed meal after a day at the beach to a romantic date night. Many patrons, like HarleyDave, appreciate the versatility of the space: "It’s clear the team here cares deeply about what they do." This attention to detail extends to the service, where friendly staff members ensure that each guest feels welcome and valued right from the start.
The menu at The Golden Stag is a true highlight, brimming with an array of mouthwatering options. From the moment you glance at the appetizer selection—featuring delights like the trio appetizer and saganaki—you'll find flavors that tantalize the palate. Bill Bassett raved about the shish kabob, exclaiming its "delicious meat and vegetables," while Andrea Hauser couldn't resist the shrimp and shawarma platter, calling it "to die for." Each dish is crafted with fresh ingredients and seasoned to perfection, touted for both their taste and portion sizes.
The wood-fired pizzas stand out as a signature offering at The Golden Stag. Customers frequently praise choices like the fig and prosciutto pizza, which Lisa describes as a long-awaited treat that "did not disappoint." The pizzas are known for their beautifully charred crust and carefully curated toppings. Diners such as Madison Richards have noted that even after finishing a meal, the extraordinary flavors linger, compelling them to return for more.
No meal here would be complete without indulging in dessert. The homemade baklava and three-berry cobbler are commonly highlighted as showstoppers, providing a sweet finish to a delightful evening. LuAnn Kemble reflects on her experience, emphasizing how “sharing desserts was an excellent way to end the meal,” wonderfully encapsulating the spirit of community and connection that The Golden Stag fosters.
The Golden Stag does more than serve exceptional food; it creates an experience where every detail—great food, stunning ambiance, and attentive service—intertwine seamlessly. Many guests, including Courtney S. with her family of nine, find comfort in the fact that they can enjoy a remarkable meal without compromising on warmth and authenticity. In the bustling culinary landscape of Manistee, The Golden Stag shines as a beacon of quality, continually drawing rave reviews from satisfied patrons.
If you find yourself in the area, don’t miss the opportunity to visit The Golden Stag. Whether you’re savoring fresh seafood, indulging in handcrafted pizzas, or enjoying artisan desserts, you’re guaranteed to leave with a satisfied palate and a plan to return. A meal here is not just dining—it’s a celebration of flavor and shared moments that will linger in your memory long after the last bite.
Had dinner here with my friend on Saturday night! What a terrific restaurant! My friend had the shish kabob with two super long skewers of delicious meat and vegetables. I had the Aegean pizza with a salad and Greek dressing to start! It was amazing! The pizza was so big, I took a lot of it home! Super friendly and attentive staff, and a great location downtown! Thank you everyone for a wonderful meal!
Wonderful dinner! Been dreaming of the fig and prosciutto pizza for a year, and it did not disappoint! The kids also liked their wood-fired pizzas, and my hubby's elk was amazing! My mom's carbonara was great as well. Sharing desserts of tiramisu and three-berry cobbler was an excellent way to end the meal! Can't wait to return!
We had the shrimp scampi and a salad with pickled artichoke hearts and feta. Both were delicious and they served very good sized portions! The brick walls and ambiance were upscale, and friendly staff made it a perfect place to dine after a long day. One side is more casual and the other is more dressy, so they can accommodate date night or after the beach and don’t want to cook vibes.
From the moment we stepped through the doors of The Golden Stag, it was clear this was going to be a special dining experience. Tucked along the Manistee River, the restaurant has a warm, inviting feel that manages to be both stylish and relaxed. (The river is a short walk, which was enjoyable after we dined. The natural light during the early evening glowed beautifully across the water, and as dusk settled in.) We did enjoy the outdoor seating on River Street. We were warmly welcomed and seated immediately by the friendly staff, who took the time to walk us through the menu and answer questions about several dishes. Their knowledge and enthusiasm for the food made us feel right at home and genuinely excited to try everything. Throughout the evening, the service remained consistently attentive without ever feeling rushed or intrusive—every course arrived at the perfect pace, and our drinks were never empty. Speaking of the food, every dish we tried was exceptional. To start, we shared an appetizer platter that included freshly baked bread, bright, zesty dips, and perfectly seasoned small bites that hinted at the Mediterranean inspiration woven throughout the menu. Each item had its own distinct flavor, and together they made a wonderfully balanced introduction to what followed. For my main course, I ordered a wood-fired pizza that was simply outstanding. The crust had that beautiful char you can only get from a true wood oven—light and airy inside, crisp on the edges, and full of flavor. The toppings were incredibly fresh and thoughtfully combined, striking the ideal balance of savory, creamy, and bright notes. My dining companion chose a pasta dish with a lemony sauce and tender chicken, and she couldn’t stop commenting on how perfectly cooked and satisfying it was. We also treated ourselves to dessert and were so glad we did. The homemade baklava was a standout—flaky, rich, and drizzled with just the right amount of honey to complement rather than overwhelm. Paired with a smooth cup of coffee, it was the perfect way to end the meal. What makes The Golden Stag truly special is the way everything comes together seamlessly: the spectacular atmosphere, the polished and friendly service, and the creative, beautifully executed food. Whether you’re sitting inside near the windows or outside soaking up the fresh air, the whole experience gives a sense of calm and connection to place that’s hard to find elsewhere. It’s clear the team here cares deeply about what they do, from the thoughtful menu to the warm hospitality. Every detail feels intentional, and the result is a restaurant that feels both sophisticated and comfortable—somewhere you can dress up for a date night or come as you are and feel completely welcome. If you find yourself in Manistee, do yourself a favor and make time for a meal here. It’s the kind of place that reminds you just how good dining out can be when everything is done with care and passion. We left already planning our next visit and couldn’t recommend it more highly. Five stars all the way
Incredible- one of our favs in the state- and that is saying a lot...wish the background music (which is beautiful) was louder...all the conversations could more easily be ignored, maybe just my problem. The view OUT the window photo is to show the nice daylight shining in if you’re lucky enough to be here in time for HAPPY HOUR! They have some great options for the window of time.
A MUST stop in Manistee, Michigan. The food was absolutely delicious, great service, and super comfortable seating. The shrimp and shawarma platter are to die for, everything was so fresh and seasoned so well. Excellent customer service!!
The Golden Stagg - A Hidden Gem in Manistee My recent visit to The Golden Stagg in Manistee was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment I walked in, the beautiful atmosphere captivated me. The interior exudes a cozy elegance, with warm lighting and tasteful decor that makes you feel right at home while still offering an upscale dining experience. The service was impeccable. The staff was attentive, friendly, and genuinely cared about making my evening special. It’s rare to find a team so dedicated to ensuring every detail is perfect. Now, onto the food and drinks—absolute perfection! I started with their Snowflake cocktail, a delightful blend of winter-inspired flavors that was as stunning as it was delicious. It was the perfect way to kick off the evening. For dinner, I indulged in their Chicken Alfredo, and it was truly the best I’ve ever had. The creamy, flavorful sauce paired with perfectly cooked pasta and tender chicken was heavenly. Every bite was a testament to the chef’s expertise. The Golden Stagg is a must-visit for anyone in Manistee, whether you’re a local or just passing through. From the exceptional food and cocktails to the beautiful ambiance and incredible service, it’s an experience that will leave you eager to return. Highly recommend!
My family and I all came in and were able to be seated and have orders placed quickly (party of 9). The food was delicious and ranged most of the menu! The trio appetizer and the saganaki were incredible. We’ll be sure to visit again on the next family vacation!!