Faint Praise: The best restaurant in Ludington
So, I've eaten at Jamesport at least a dozen times since it opened. It's a handsome, well-run bar and restaurant. They have a half-dozen in-house beers and another half dozen guest brews on top. I'm not much of a beer drinker, but I'd say their beer is all good or very good. (Since I cannot abide sweet drinks, I stick with the Extra Special Bitter.) I've never considered their wines, since the list is pretty limited. But the bartenders are likeable and competent, and the bar is well stocked.

About the food: First, like many restaurants in regional resort areas (like Ludington, on L. Michigan), Jamesport tries to please everyone: On the menu, you'll find Italian, American Bistro, Tex-Mex, bar fare, seafood, and (incongruously) Thai. Of course, this overly ambitious menu means that nothing is exceptionally good or interesting. The appetizers are fine -- mostly deep-fried, but the fryer's hot and the oil is fresh. The cheese soup is probably the best thing on the menu. Salads and sandwiches are competent, particularly the tenderloin salad. The main courses are all ho-hum and a bit overpriced (nothing much under $15, but that's in line with the competitors in town). I tend to stick with the burgers and salads, since I don't care to spend $18 on a bland and overcooked chicken breast with watery rice on the side.

My main complaint about JBC (and all the other local restaurants): Why is there NOTHING local on the menu at a restaurant located in an agricultural area like Ludington? We were there at the end of June, when there was still fresh asparagus, sweet cherries, and strawberries in the markets? There's Amber Elk Farm five miles away that produces lean and tasty grass-fed elk. (I just panfried a t-bone -- excellent flavor and tender.) There are local dairy farms, local farm markets, local orchards, local bee keepers, local maple syrup producers, incredibly rich salmon beds, etc. Yet no restaurants in the area take advantage of this bounty!

Still, JBC is the best restaurant and bar in town.    [02 Jul 2006 18:13:02]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Tenderloin salad, burger, appetizers, beer

     ­Anonymous   

Great beers and good food
Being a frequent visitor from the Northwest, (famous for microbrews) JBC does a credible job on their in-house beers. I especially like their Altbier, but all are good.

The food is good, better than average, pub fare with a number of specialty entrée items thrown in. I've eaten at JBC at least a dozen times with never a bad meal or bad service.

A good place to catch a beer after work and enjoy a decent meal.    [22 Nov 2006 23:59:10]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Cajun Chicken Pasta (spicy!)

     ­Chaz   chrlssnyder at yahoo dot com