Minervas Restaurant & Bar

GREAT PERCH!

I'm always on the lookout for good freshwater fish, and Minerva's delivered two of the largest and most excellently prepared pieces of fried perch I've ever had.  These things were the size of large bananas, a welcome change from the emaciated, edamame-sized things that pass for perch further south on the Lakes.  The breading wasn't overpowering, in amount or flavor, and the fresh fish taste came right through, indicating the kitchen didn't skimp on the frying fat.  Sitting at a bar table, I didn't encounter any attitude from the bartender(s) others have noted - and which I delight in countering - but would have cut it short, as they and others might, with a dismissive, "Here, now!" or "Yes, yes, thank you then!" if I'd overheard, let alone gotten any.  Nice brewpub type atmosphere, and lots of flat-screens for watching sports; decent calamari, too.  Kudos to the desk clerk at the Best Western who recommended Minerva's to me - I'll be back ... and I'll be listening!

Try the smoked whitefish appetizer - wonderful.  Cherry margarita was good too! Good service - I'd go back.

While enjoying a chance to walk around Traverse City during the weekend, we stopped by Minerva's because it was one of the restaurants that piqued our interest during one of our previous trips to the city.  Unfortunately, the service was lackluster at best. While waiting for seating, we cozied up to the bar for a drink.  As we walked up to the bar, we overheard the bartender bad-mouthing previous customers to other patrons who obviously felt awkward being placed in this position.  Before even sitting down, the bartender treated us more as a inconvenience rather than a customer.  He had a strangely aggressive demeanor and was rude as we were looking over the drink menu, making passively aggressive comments.  If we didn't make a conscious effort to avoid it ruining an otherwise beautiful night in Traverse City, it was the type of service that could easily cast a cloud over a great night.  My suggestion to the management would be to take some time to emphasize customer service to their employees or find a way to weed out the bad apples that can ruin a business regardless of the great location