Vernales Restaurant

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

Michigan's Award-Winning Steakhouse on M-119

Sitting directly between Petoskey and Harbor Springs on scenic M-119, Vernales has built a reputation as the go-to destination for anyone who takes American steakhouse cooking seriously. MLive readers voted it the number one steakhouse in Michigan — a distinction that reflects both the quality coming out of the scratch kitchen and the kind of consistent hospitality that keeps guests returning across every season.

Multiple Spaces, One Kitchen

What sets Vernales apart is the range it offers under a single roof. The Chophouse and Wine Cellar deliver an elevated experience — the sort of setting where classic steakhouse favorites share the menu with Italian-inspired entrees and the wine list earns real recognition. That list has received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, a mark that speaks to both the depth of the cellar and the care taken in curating it. Alongside the Chophouse, a large Sports Bar with rotating taps, a full patio, and a menu of casual favorites means the room works equally well for a date night or for catching a game with friends.

General Operations Manager Nikki Gray, Executive Chef Kulin Froelich, and owner Joe Guthrie lead a team that describes its philosophy plainly: consistency, constant improvement, and something for everyone. The result is a restaurant where families, couples, and large groups all feel at home, and where the kitchen stays open late enough to mean it.

From Lunch Through Last Call

The American and Italian steakhouse menu spans the full day — lunch service begins at 11:30 a.m., Happy Hour runs from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Sports Bar with $4 drinks and discounted appetizers, and dinner carries through to last call. Banquets and off-site catering round out the operation, with a dedicated events team handling everything from wedding receptions to private parties.

Reservations are welcome but not required — the team's table management makes walk-ins realistic even on busy nights.