Shooters Bar & Grill

Nothing all that great.  Everyone knows that the Paddle Bar is where all the action is at!  But we all miss the world famous Ace Place.

Alright, so maybe I'm biased. Maybe I can't give an objective review because I formed an emotional attachment to this place as a child. Maybe I'm partial to it because my aunt is a bartender who gives me special treatment when I stop in. Maybe I'm biased because I've made so many memories in the event room for wedding receptions and other celebrations. But who cares? This is my review and I'm sticking to it.

Let's be perfectly honest here: this place is not my style. You're much more likely to find me someplace with other 20-somethings where everyone's sipping martinis and classic cocktails, Someplace where the entertainment is live jazz and there's not a television in sight. Someplace with a "mixologist" instead of a "bartender." Someplace without casino games, pool tables, and dartboards. Shooters is a classic small-town bar with lots of domestic beer, lots of country music (bleh), lots of pool tables, and lots of cowboy hats...but damnit, I love it anyway.

I haven't eaten here since I was a child (chicken strip basket and a Shirley Temple, please!), but I'm a vegetarian now and I doubt there'd be many options for me. However, I loved the food as a kid (typical bar and grill food), and my grandma often took us here for dinner when we stayed with her. Since turning 21, I've been here a couple times for drinks and was satisfied by my experience. It's much better stocked than most places around it. It has more beer and liquor options than bars in Ortonville, for example. Last night when I stopped in, I asked for a Manhattan. The bartender had to look up how to make it (fine by me!), but she made it perfectly...three times. :) It was also cheap; three Manhattans for $12? Cool.

In summary: friendly people, freakishly kid friendly environment, energetic and competent bartenders (shout-out to my auntie!), tasty food (as long as you're an omnivore!), and a cozy, small-town feel.