Torch Bar & Grill
522 Buckham Aly, Flint, MI, 48502
Torch Bar & Grill Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Flint for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Flint for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Flint for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
522 Buckham Aly
Flint, MI, 48502 - Phone (810) 232-0626
- Website https://torchbar.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 2:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : No
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Average
Music : Background
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : No
Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : No
Caters : No
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Lance S.
Hey, what the hell do you expect in the middle of downtown Flint! But, none the less, if you want one of those "Food Network" off the beaten path bars, this is the place for you. The Torch Burger is the way to go. If you're looking for health, then go somewhere else. This place is where you go when you need a bar food fix - and there's NOTHING healthy about that! The bar has a long history in Flint Town and for those of us who have left Flint, we pay homage when we're in the area. If you get less than par service, stop being cheap and tip!
(4)jess e.
i love the torch. maybe it's the burgers (served with a fork), maybe it's the dangerous (when you're drunk) staircase to the bathrooms, maybe it's because it's the only place where i can order a pitcher of guinness and not feel like i'm committing a crime. i spent years worth of mondays huddled in the corner booth with one of my best friends, drinking down pitchers of guinness and polishing off baskets of fries. it's tiny, it's dim, it's one of the best places to be in flint.
(5)Sandra D.
This pub has managed to incorporate nostalgic and trending, in a small quaint off the beaten path room. All service is rendered with down home family hospitality. The bartenders knowledge of beer, liquor, food items, and the Michigan history. I thought this was absolutely impressive. This spot will always be first on my agenda, when visiting the Flint area. Thanks guys....for getting it right!!
(5)Lady D.
Small bar located in the alley and up a flight of stairs of the main strip in flint... Staff was very friendly. Food and drinks were reasonably priced. Voted best burger in the state by mlive.... The burger was good, but typical of a bar burger. Imo there was nothing to set it apart from the rest.
(4)Virginia C.
Torch is a great place for a burger and a drink. I came with my mom to grab a cheap greasy dinner and that's what we got. The burgers here are consistently tender and juicy and have pretty good flavor. The original torch burger is quite large, enough to satisfy a large hungry man. My mom was full after eating half. The Jr. Torch burger would've been a better size for a smaller appetite especially with wedge fries and onion rings on the side. I've never had anything else there, but they do serve sandwiches and even breakfast in the mornings. The atmosphere and service is far from stunning, but that's just what this kind of place is... Kind of dark, cramped, and old. When you walk up the stairs into the bar, just seat yourself and order as soon as you can if you're hungry because the burgers take a long time to come out. Also their ginger beer is so yummy but I'm a ginger beer fanatic.
(4)Daniel H.
The Torch is a Flint classic. The place is so small you have to go outside to change your mind. The burgers are probably the best in the city. No need to mention anything else most people go to the Torch for burgers and to drink. They offer specialty cocktails that will impress most. I had a torch burger and wedge cut fries. The fries a big and they keep the skin on them. The beer selection will impress the most serious beer snob.
(5)Sarah S.
Best burgers, coke, and mozzarella sticks around. You have to try a Torch burger! I loved coming here in between or after classes. Such a cool feel and the staff is always attentive and friendly.
(5)Rebecca H.
I love The Torch so much that I had my rehearsal dinner here - lest you think, "Ew, trashy", it was the perfect counterpoint to a rather formal wedding at the FIA the next day. The location down an alley and up a flight of stairs is a bit scary at first, but you will absolutely grow to love that, and my highly pretentious family ended up thinking it was so cool. The Torch is everything one seeks in a local (classy divey) bar: Everyone is welcome, young and old, every demographic, and there is good service, unlimited popcorn, and an amazing beer list and bartenders who know what they're doing regarding cocktails. The food is good - they are known for their burgers, but everything on the menu is at least decent. They have a few veggie options (veggie burgers, mozzarella sticks), but nothing vegan, I don't think. I live in Illinois now, and God, I miss The Torch.
(5)Kara K.
For a "hidden dive bar", their burgers and apps are bomb! It's a little small, but the good food and cheaper drinks make up for it!
(4)Stacey Z.
Great burgers. Great drinks. Cozy, laid back atmosphere with attentive service. The Torch is the best bar & grill in Flint by far. They become an institution as they've been around for over 60 years. It's great to see this small business survive the rock bottom years and offer solace and reprieve for those that have stuck around Vehicle City.
(4)juston m.
i love a good hole in the wall dive and this place delivers. on the second floor with a balcony view of the alley, nothing says dive more. there is a pretty good tap beer menu and a really good, and cheap food menu. deep fried tater tots and pizza rolls and perfect as a beer side. and the bar burger was delicious with the addition of green olives and swiss cheese. i will for sure be back when visiting my friend who lives near. love, juston
(4)David B.
This bar is in Buckham Alley in downtown Flint. I discovered this place a few years ago because it was on Restaurant.com . After using the certificate with a friend for lunch, I felt guilty because everything was so cheap Don't expect appetizer plates or a hostess to greet you, but you will get good service, good food, cold beer, and good drinks. Did I mention it's in an alley?? The only food I've ordered here are the burgers, onion rings, fries, and chicken wings. They have a full menu but I love the burgers. This is a place where you can get a burger and fry, a few drinks, and catch a game all for under $20. Bottom line, I love this place.
(4)Connie L.
Rated one of the top burger joints in Michigan! The Torch Burger was surprisingly delicious. I broke my health streak just to get a taste of their burger, and I didn't regret it one bit. Made to order, fresh and hot. You can add on any toppings for a small fee. I added mushrooms in mine and loved it so much! My friend and I did a half and half of the fries and onion rings. You gotta try them! Crispy and delicious! I couldn't stop eating the onion rings when they came out. The fries were wedges. Very thick and starchy, gotta love it. I 've been there one other time to try one of their sandwhiches, which was also really good. They have a good selection of craft beers if you enjoy a good brew. Small place, right in Downtown Flint. It's a great place to grab lunch in you 're in the area. Friendly service. It's quite a unique place in terms of the way the place is structured. I can definitely see myself going there again for a bite to eat, especially for burger craving, rather than a fast food chain place.
(4)John H.
Per my Flintite friends, this is the quintessential downtown bar. Of my three stops on this particular misty autumn night, this place offered the best experience. The bartender saw us coming, and set us up quickly with drinks and menu. There was not a grimace or even a raised eyebrow about splitting a burger and order of wedge fries. As we sampled our Michigan micro-brews, we noticed the diversity of the clientele. Behind us were a group of college guys and a group of coats and ties. Above us was a TV with the Tigers in a playoff game. Great Michigan beers (and good-looking selection of liquors at the bar) great burgers, GREAT service. Hey, if right outside my alley window, I can imagine the dumpster where Will Farrell was found by Woody Harrelson (think film: "Semi-Pro"), how much better can my Flint experience get?
(5)John L.
Burgers are excellent. Atmosphere...not so much. It's really cramped and really small. Bathrooms are also questionable and offer very little privacy when you've gotta go. Good place to have a beer and a burger, though. I wish they'd move to a larger venue. It's also a bit hidden behind downtown in its own little alley, which makes this place rather special despite the building's flaws.
(4)Brian B.
This place is Hipster Flint. If you're planning on having more than 3 or 4 people - go somewhere else. I was planning a birthday outing with about 8 people and was told I could NOT move the tables because the bartender could not service everyone if I moved the tables. (I wonder how the other restaurants do it). The curious thing was he never actually walked out into the dining room after I asked - after about 40 minutes with no service at all - we left. Sure the burgers are good and yes it IS the Hipster place - but NO its not worth the attitude. You're in Flint Michigan dude - be happy I took a chance parking downtown to stop into your burger joint.
(2)Sarah B.
The Torch is revered as a classic for reasons too many to count. It's a staple of Buckham Alley in downtown Flint and any Flintoid who's anybody has hung out here probably more times than they can count. I've been going to the Torch for so long that I remember back when they started charging for water prices (by the glass and pitcher) and they were a cash only establishment that was closed on Sundays. You could say it's a quintessential dive bar.The place has reached iconic status even though the kitchen can't really be called a kitchen (thereby making the "grill" part of the bar name a little dubious), it's just a flat top along the side of the bar with a refrigerator across from it, basically in the way of the back door. People walk in and out through that same back door while there's cooking going on. The limited menu is just basic bar fare, burgers, fries and sandwiches. In general, the fries need to cool off a LONG time before eating, otherwise you will burn the roof of your mouth and tongue pretty badly. I ordered a veggie burger the last time (I'm a vegetarian) and the bartender just snorted at my order and proceeded to make my veggie burger in the same grease as regular burgers, right alongside my husband's Torch Burger. Yikes. Still, I'm somewhat surprised that I can even order a veggie burger here, because years ago, I couldn't. However, the drinks are strong, not to mention cheap and they have Killian's on tap, which I love. They have a nice, rotating selection of beers and the prices are dirt cheap. The atmosphere is what we've all come to know and expect at the Torch, including the semi-snarky attitudes of some of the staff. At least you can't smoke inside anymore, but it still smells intensely of cigarette smoke since everyone just smokes right outside of the doors, which are always swinging open. Suffice it to say, the place dark, dated and kinda dingy, but it's still the same Torch that we've all come to love and expect. They have a TV for watching sports, etc and photos of long-time Torch regulars still adorn the walls. As for the bathrooms- well, they are not good, let's just say that, although I think we've all probably seen worse. And don't let me get started on the narrow as heck staircase leading down to them- vertigo anyone???The place is tiny and gets crowded fast. Don't go if you suffer from claustrophobia.
(3)Rachel B.
A dive bar done excellently. Great rotating selection of Michigan beers, enough televisions to enjoy a game, and foods fried to perfection. The burger is one of the best in Flint.
(4)Hugh J.
Great burgers and a strong selection of craft beers but the last few times I went here the place had a very funky odor. Smells like an old locker room. That knocks it down to 3 stars.
(3)Christine S.
I have been here numerous times now. As soon as I gave my 2 week notice to my work, we have been celebrating here pretty much on a daily basis. I absolutely love coming here. I finally tried the Torch burger. Outstanding! I've sampled the steak fries, the onion rings, and the BLT. All were really good. This is definitely my new hang out spot.
(5)Brad H.
When I started dating my wife a few years ago, she took me to the Torch as a dare, to see if I ever had "the best burgers around". I lived in metro Detroit all my life and travelled a lot, so I was up to the challenge. I lost :) - this place is a heaven. Now having lived in the area, my wife and I have made the Torch our typical mid-week treat. The beef they get is local (as well as most of their stuff)- all from the Farmers Market or local ranchers. To the burgers you can add anything- fried egg, sour cream, whatever. I'm a bacon guy myself, and they don't disappoint. Every single time, our food has been amazing. I recommend throwing some tots with your original, which itself should not be cooked above medium for optimal awesomeness. The bar itself is a character- it is the epitome of a dive bar... old stairway, in a back alley, small seating area with low ceilings, old bar smell, and even a often-hilarious display of public art on the bathroom walls. It's pure Flint- gritty yet welcoming, old-style yet humble. And probably the best support for this place I can give- my dad raves about this place and begs us to bring him here whenever he's in town. He's a native of Dearborn who was pretty much raised at Miller's Bar.
(5)Shea M.
Best burger downtown. I went here once in the day as it's infamous and I didn't get what the big deal was. Then I went back and had the burger and was like, oh, I get it now. Don't let the alley location fool ya, this place is worth checking out. Great beer selection, burgers rated top 50 in the U.S. and always friendly service. Great dive bar.
(5)Steven J.
Burgers are great, the beer selection is even better. Service is always friendly. This is my go to dive bar when I am in downtown flint.
(4)Dick E.
Pretty good burger but the place needs to be updated. the place is somewhat small but thats ok. I did like that they had free popcorn for everyone.
(3)B N.
This is the secret gem of downtown Flint. General impression from street is this place is a dive with low expectations but dont let that keep you from entering. It is amazing. Personal recommendation is to order the torch burger! It is hands down the best burger in town! Be prepared to spend time waiting for food, give yourself at least 45-60 mins from entering to receiving the bill. Beer selection is awesome with even better prices. Some many choices on tap and in the cooler. This place is a hidden treasure!
(4)Chad E.
Short and sweet: Awesome local atmosphere. I was greeted by the bartender not even two minutes after sitting down, got my drink two minutes after that. No loud music, just happy people that are loud. Definitely suggested for groups of family or friends.
(5)Felicia C.
I went here because everybody act like this is the best burger place in town.....I was very disappointed with my visit. my husband and I both ordered burgers and cocktails, are drinks tasted like acetone with a splash of juice in them, and our burgers just weren't good... I think I'm probably the only person in this town who doesn't like this place.
(1)Kristin M.
The Torch. First time here. Being an outsider, I am beholden to no one in this review (which means it's unbiased for those of you unfamiliar with research). The bar is located in an alley off the main downtown drag. I went late at night but am so dedicated to Yelp and giving you all accurate information about local spots that I risked my safety to visit. Or maybe I just had heard of the legendary cheeseburgers and my life no longer seemed so important. Definitely the second. My companion and I both ordered beers (no specials to speak of on a Wednesday night) - I got an Atwater Vanilla Java Porter (can't mess that up) and he got a Dark Horse Crooked Tree IPA. Both delish. Both uncomplicated. Out waitress seemed easy going and laid back. Not in the I-don't-care-about-you-as-a-customer, but more as an I'm-a-hipster type of behavior. She was pleasant but didn't kiss our feet, which may have worried me more in a dive bar like this. We both order Jr. Torch burgers, his with fries, mine with onion rings. Onion rings were the frozen, mass produced kind. Meh. His French fries were like potato wedges. Good potato-y flavor, not enough salt (but I'm the type that's begging for my high blood pressure club membership card). The burgers, however, were out of this world. So simple, so good. I love that the menu doesn't guarantee them if you order them more done than "medium-well." So true. My companion and I agreed that their preference of medium was even better. The burgers were juicy, tender, had amazing flavor, and will certainly not be our last here.
(4)Jonathan C.
Nice combination of dive bar and and local craft spot. Best burger in town, get it with a fried egg! Great selection of craft Beer and prices are perfect. Hidden in a little alley offs the main drag. You must try it out!
(5)Chad B.
Great food and beer selection. I try to get in a couple times a month. Good staff and fun after work place.
(4)Andrew K.
I don't know much about the Flint area, but by the looks of it Torch fits in just right. You get to it by walking up this creepy stair case in a creepy alley.. Oh and the entrance door is equally creepy. The place is pretty dark and not very big. Our waiter was very nice, and treated us very well. The food was pretty good; about as good as you would expect from a decent bar. The french fries were very very good, and probably more memorable than the burger to me. What's cool about the burgers is that you can customize them anyway you want. I'd probably eat here again if I was in the Flint area.
(3)Rachel S.
Burgers are delicious. Everything else I have tried here has been horribly fried and bland. Not impressed with their ranch either. The bartenders are fun to talk to though and its one of my favorite places to get super cheap drinks with friends. Bathrooms are disgusting though and the stall is 2 person which is awkward. Lets go get drunk together and hold hands while we pee!
(3)Ken L.
Of course The Torch is a great place in downtown Flint. A quaint, dive alley bar that has been around since the dawn of time. Known for the great burgers and an ever-updating beer menu. There is a reason people always come back to The Torch when they are in town.
(5)Monica D.
Not for the faint of heart, the Torch is basically a blackened pit with sticky carpet, wobbly tables, potent Long Island Iced Tea and bathrooms at the base of a staircase so steep even the sober have trouble navigating them. But it also has the best atmosphere, the friendliest/most efficient staff and the most incredible burger in town. I have no idea how they produce such a fabulous burger from a dorm room fridge and a flattop that is nothing more than a glorified hot plate. I started going to the Torch while performing in plays next door and in 15 years since, I've never had a bad burger or anything less than a good time here.
(4)M T.
BEST BURGER AROUND! It's the Torch, c'mon, a Flint tradition that has been consistently THE best place for a burger and beer in downtown Flint for years (or at least since the Sports Coupe left Brush Ally back in the 90's). All types of people, artsie, lawyers, street freaks, hipsters, upscale Grande Blancians, low scale Mt. Morrisians, South siders, North enders, East siders, GM workers, UAW reps, old and young. This is the dive bar that set the bar high for all other dive bars. In fact it is so cool that it has carved out its own new genre. "Classy Dive Bar"
(5)Ha L.
Great "hole in the wall" restaurant for Flint!
(5)Adam L.
The Torch is one of the best things Flint has to offer. What I love most about it is that they have something for everyone. If you're just looking for a cheap beer they've got it, if you want an obscure beer chances are they've got it. Want a carefully handcrafted cocktail? Ask for Kenny and if the sight of you doesn't offend him he'll make you a great one! And yes I'll join the masses and sing the praises of the almighty Torch Burger. I would recommend this place to everyone even my 80 year old grandfather.
(4)Kenneth T.
Love The Torch. Used to go there after band practice at the local and get thwasted. Yea, the Torch Burger is legendary and its the place that introduced me to an everlasting love affair with Newcastle. And its on tap! The bathroom is a helluva trip if you cant walk straight. Hold onto the railing going downstairs if needed. Dammit, I wanna go there now
(5)Jamie S.
Burgers are bangin' and they got Oberon on tap. Do I really need to continue with this review? I never really went here much when I was growing up in Flint but after moving away whenever I come back this is where I find my friends at. Good call, fellas.
(5)roxanne b.
this place stinks! the atmosphere is good, the drinks are okay, but the staff sucks. our group was enjoying ourselves until the grouchy fat black-haired bartender with tattoos totally killed our buzz with his bad attitude. with a better staff this place could be great, but as it is, you'd be better off skipping it for one of the other cool bars in the area.
(2)Jason B.
Andrew L. Is 100% correct about the Torch. Torch has decent beer, damn good cheeseburger, fries so hot they sizzle on your tongue and a really nice wait staff (-1, there is one lady there that meaner than a hornet's nest) The Torch isn't just that though and Andrew talks a little about it. What first made me a Torch regular was what awesome people I would find there. There were shop rats and lawyers hanging out, college kids talking to professors, theater kids hanging out with homeless dudes (or vice versa), Cartoonist talking with local band promoters, bookstore people hanging out with tattoo artists and everyone getting along having beers. I thought it was great. When you walk in that bar you shake a dozen hands slap a dozen more high fives before you can make it to your table. When I was in college that was the first Flint Bar I went too and I got spoiled. I made new friends there, I chatted with strangers, I got a few mispours. I love that bar. The torch isn't the greatest bar in the world but its a benchmark. sometimes the music is too loud.
(4)Jason L.
Don't know why I love this place so much! I guess it's the threat of getting stabbed in the alley at night...
(4)Laura S.
Great Place to hang out and get the best burger in town period!
(5)Maggie W.
The Torch makes me happy. Whenever I get home for a long weekend, I always try to make one quick stop. There is nothing like a Torch Burger and great beer. The place is actually kind of charming.
(5)Jesse A.
I went in for a quick bite during lunch, and had the lunch special burger which consists of a burger and fries. Although cheap, the burger was nothing special. It could be compared to a whopper junior at Burger King. I will not be going back for lunch.
(2)Lisa W.
I went to Torch to watch Game 6 of the NBA Eastern Conference finals. It is a dive bar with a couple of widescreens and that's all I need. I love the atmosphere. You walk in through the red door and you are greeted with random decorations, a bar that has liquor randomly displayed behind the counter, a deep fryer at one end, and a refrigerator just chillin' out in the open at the other side of the bar. There is a cigarette machine and a popcorn maker living side-by-side next to the fridge. The bartender poured me a shot the size of a double and expertly poured me a two-finger head Guinness. They serve food here that would probably give you a heart attack. I highly recommend the mini tacos because they are basically just beef and cheese deep fried in a tortilla chip. There are many tables and some seats at the bar. You can hear everone else's conversation if you really wanted to. I thought I would hate this place but I love it. I love how it just doesn't care.
(4)Claire M.
I still can't get over that the burger grill is the size of my home stovetop, and all of the magical food came out of the regulation-size fridge sitting right next to our table. This place is such a gem, and the exact reason why we try to venture far, far away from nondescript chains when we travel. The Torch burger is yummy, they have a great beer selection, and the service was efficient. Diverse crowd, too. Love!
(4)Brian C.
If you want a burger and fries, this will fix everything. The burgers here are so good that you will forget about those overdue bills, the ex-lover who burned all your possessions, or the stalker that likes everything you post on FB. Drink it in, baby. The burgers are so good that I question if they may be made with human flesh or the meat of a mythical animal that nobody knows about that is only found roaming in the Second St area of downtown Flint. The Torch has a rotating selection of beer including microbrews on tap and a liquor selection that plays the hits. It may be hard to park in the area but chances are by the time you've recovered from your haze you will have somehow found a way to leave your car, eat and return to it. And as far as getting shanked in the alley, I don't even think there's enough people in Flint anymore for anyone to want to shank you downtown. It just doesn't turn a profit these days.
(4)Roy R.
Great as always. They are in the process of finally paving the alley next door.
(4)Wanda L.
I can't say this is a true to form review as we didn't get to experience any of the food or drinks at Torch Bar and Grill. My +1 and I arrived a little around 8pm on a Friday night. We wanted to grab something to eat somewhere new and well-rated on Yelp prior to a metal show at The Machine Shop nearby while in Flint. We surveyed the dining room/bar and saw that there was nowhere for us to sit, not even at the bar. Hating to stand there looking like dummies, we turned, we turned around and walked out to find somewhere else to eat (ended up at Wize Guys Pizza again around the corner). This was very disappointing as I had gotten a Restaurant.com certificate for $10 off on a $20 purchase excluding alcohol for $5 (send me a message and I will mail it to the first interested Yelper). We were definitely gung ho and ready to eat, drink and review The Torch. So the real purpose of this review is to let the masses know that finding a seat on a busy weekend night may not be a possibility. The establishment is definitely down an alley off a side street. There was still sufficient daylight when we arrived, but I can see how one would need to keep your wits about you in the dark of night. Especially if you had to park on a side street like we did because the alley was full with cars. When you reach The Torch you have to walk up a flight of stairs where there are 2 doors with no windows at the top of the landing. The door to enter being on your right. As a first time visitor, I felt slightly apprehensive and excited not knowing what lay beyond. The place is nice and dark and divey. The crowd was mixed. It really looks like a cool place to chill and toss some back or discuss the details of some cloak and dagger, diabolical plan with relative comfort.
(3)Andrew L.
The Torch is the quintessential Flint bar. Located in scenic downtown Flint, it is a back alley gem surrounded by the blighted wasteland that is Flint's nightclub scene. It may not be the nicest bar in Flint, or have the best parking, or be "safe" (insert sarcastic sneer), but any bar in Flint that thinks they have a one up on the torch is deluding themselves. The basics: Comfy seating, decent beer selection, weird bathroom setup ( If it's anything but a piss I wouldn't even bother, which is a problem because there are few fully operational late-night crappers downtown ). The Torch is a black hole from which no light can escape. Perfect for that regrettable hookup or doomed blind date. It also makes every gathering of friends a private affair since you can't really see the next table. This next point cannot be understated. The Torch Burger is the best burger in Genessee County hands down. There is no reason that the tiny grill next to the back door, manned by the waitress/bartender/cook should be able to produce such impeccable burger magic. Sometimes I eat them even when I'm not drinking! The only reason The Torch isn't getting 5 stars is because of the likelihood you'll get shanked in the parking lot.
(4)