Welcome to Lake Burger Tavern
Nestled in Portage, MI, Lake Burger Tavern is a family-owned gem creating a welcoming atmosphere for burger enthusiasts and food lovers alike. Recently revitalized under new ownership, the tavern showcases a delightful menu that blends classic American comfort food with a unique Mexican twist. Diners rave about the smash burgers, crispy fries, and daily specials like their homemade tacos. The attentive and friendly staff enhance the experience, ensuring every visit feels special. With clean surroundings and reasonable prices, Lake Burger Tavern is the perfect spot for casual dining, making it a must-visit for locals and visitors craving quality and flavor.
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6800 S Westnedge Ave suite f, Portage, MI 49002, United States Hotline: +1 269-365-9998
Welcome to Lake Burger Tavern, a charming culinary gem nestled in Portage, MI, at 6800 S Westnedge Ave suite f. Newly under the ownership of a vibrant family dedicated to quality and service, this establishment has quickly made a name for itself among local food enthusiasts. With the tagline of great burgers and a cozy atmosphere, Lake Burger Tavern offers more than just a meal; it provides a delightful experience that keeps patrons coming back for more.
At Lake Burger Tavern, the menu boasts an impressive variety of mouthwatering options ranging from succulent burgers to crispy fries and fresh salads. Signature items like the Lake Bacon Burger and the unique smash burger are must-tries for any burger aficionado. Each patty is crafted to perfection, boasting a golden sear that locks in the juices, while the toppings add layers of flavor that elevate the experience to new heights. One enthusiastic diner remarked, “From the first bite, it was all flavor, no filler.” This reputation for excellence extends beyond burgers to encompass dishes like flavorful tacos, which diners have raved about as well.
The atmosphere at Lake Burger Tavern is laid-back and welcoming, making it an ideal spot for casual dining. Patrons have noted the clean environment and thoughtful seating arrangements that avoid the crowded feeling found in many other eateries. The attentive and friendly staff, including standout servers like Cristina, contribute to a service experience that is both efficient and truly hospitable. Guests appreciate the personal touches — from sampling margaritas to accommodating special requests, the staff goes above and beyond to ensure satisfaction.
Highlighting the culinary journey here, customers have praised the crispy fries, which are cut in-house and provide that perfect crunch, and the daily specials that showcase creativity and freshness. The ambiance is enhanced by a thoughtfully curated selection of craft beers on tap, complemented by inventive drink options like the famous Moscow Mule.
As a food reviewer, I am continually impressed by Lake Burger Tavern's commitment to quality, flavor, and service. It's not just a restaurant; it’s a community hub that invites you to savor each moment. The family-owned ethos shines through every facet, making it clear that this is a place where both locals and visitors can find joy in sharing a meal.
Whether you're a burger lover, a taco enthusiast, or someone simply looking for a delightful dining experience, Lake Burger Tavern is waiting to welcome you with open arms, delicious food, and a sense of belonging.
Under New owner manager. We visited and this time we had a wonderful service and experience. Food was delicious. The unique taste of the Mexican touch made this to you come back for more.
This is a unique spot for good burgers, fries and a good daily selection of taps. Better yet 5 burger Tuesdays can’t be matched by anyone in the area. The staff is very helpful and attentive (Brayanna was great in our last visit making sure we had the right order). The seating / bar area is right for their staff and does not feel crowded like other places. And... don’t forget 5 Tuesdays
Portobello sandwich and backyard burger was excellent. We throughly enjoyed the casual clean atmosphere and well the owners were a delight, especially Christina who offered margarita sample so I could decide if I wanted and offered samples of dip for our fries. So super friendly. Loved our visit. If we lived in town , would be on a regular rotation. Thank you!
Holy moly, what a great restaurant!! We wanted to try some place new, and they did not disappoint. We ordered their crab fries, chicken wings, Lake Bacon burger, and smash burger. Everything was delicious! The staff was extremely attentive and kind. The food was super fast too! We already planned what we want to try next time
This place is top-notch. The restaurant is owned and operated by an amazing family who hustles and bustles to keep up with the customers. They are so welcoming, you practically feel a part of their family. The service is exceptional and highly accommodating to any modifications or requests (e.g. sauce on the side, swaping out sides, drink modifications, choices from the secret menu, etc.). The restaurant itself is very clean, has a nice bar, and sufficient seating for parties of all sizes. The food is delicious. There's a good amount of options ranging from salads to burgers to steak or chicken. Their secret menu includes tacos. They often have creative and yummy specials, too. Their brussle sprouts are always cooked to perfection with a nice crisp to them. The fries are cut in-house and crunchy. Everything is fresh and made to order. You can't go wrong with anything. The prices are fair. The portions are great. It is conveniently located on Westnedge in Portage, and there is plenty of parking in the lot. This is a place I'll return to over and over again. You can't pass it up!
Our server was fabulous, Cristina, and our food and drinks came quickly. Our burgers and fries were really good and the fries were crispy. I like that there was still skin on part of the fries, that helps add that delightful crispiness. We had a really nice lunch in a fun, casual atmosphere and the prices were very reasonable. The Moscow Mule was a really good blend of flavorful and strong but not too strong! The staff was attentive and friendly.
Ownership of the restaurant changed in December 2024. The new owners are great, and they brought their family in to support! The original cooks and other staff were retained as well. We all had the special of the day, Tavern tacos. We shared the salsa and queso dips. They make their tortilla chips fresh. The wings were very good as well as I had to try them. I took a bite of my taco before taking pics, sorry, not sorry. I was too excited. The carnitas tacos were wonderful. My wife had the chicken taco and beef taco as well, which she thoroughly enjoyed. They had a good crowd most of Friday night. And from what I saw, all smiles around the tables. Give them a try, and support the locally family owned business!
Smash Burger Review Just had a smash burger, and wow—this thing slapped. From the first bite, it was all flavor, no filler. The patty was thin, crispy-edged, and juicy in the center—exactly how a real smash burger should be. That golden sear gave it this deep, savory crust that hit different. The melted cheese? Perfectly oozy, blanketing the patty like a warm hug. Add in the toasted bun that held its own without getting soggy, the crisp lettuce, pickles for that tangy bite, and a sauce that brought everything together? Chef’s kiss. This wasn’t just a burger—it was an experience. I’m still thinking about it. Smash burger cravings officially unlocked.