The Brass has a great food selection and ambiance. They have a Tapas night that is just killer. The desserts are phenomenal and the beers are good too. They have a very seasonal menu so the food is always fresh and tasty. The crowd here tends to be a bit more classy than some of the neighboring spots which makes it a great place for a first or special date. It's also a great place to take someone as a thank you.
(5)
Ben B.
Good food, drinks, service and always a good time.
(4)
Sarah S.
This cafe was very cute and welcoming. I am visiting in the area and to be honest, this small town is a bit of a culture shock compared to most places I've lived. We were in search of a local restaurant, not a chain, and came across The Brass and its lunch menu. Their lunch menu was much bigger than expected! There was a wide selection of sandwiches, salads, and flatbreads. I ordered a chicken and prosciutto sandwich with tomato, spinach, herb cheese, asparagus, and mayo. This sandwich came with a side of one of their soups (or salad, chips, fries, or an apple) and I chose the turkey chili. Overall everything tasted wonderful and it was the perfect serving size. We were dressed very casual but I could see this cafe being more of a fancy date place for a dinner. Our server was very kind and attentive.
(5)
Caitlin T.
Delicious! After reading the reviews for this place since we have gotten here about 2 months ago, I have been wanting to try it. Tonight was that lucky night. We started off with the Honeyed Goat Cheese as an appetizer. It had goat cheese that was spread on like butter and chunks of goat cheese on it. The slices of roasted red pepper and the toasted almonds made this simple appetizer a prize-winner in my book. Our waitress offered us some regular bread with olive oil as well, but I chose not to engulf myself on bread when I knew other deliciousness would be coming shortly. I also decided two months ago, that I was going to order the Sweet Potato Rissoto and the Petite Lamb Chops off the Appetizer menu as my entree. The Risotto was unlike any risotto I have ever had. It was subtly sweet with chunks of goat cheese and toasted pepitas (which tasted just like sunflower seeds). It wasn't over or under cooked, it was just right. The Lamb Chops were coated with herbs and spices. Brown and beautiful on the outside, pink and moist on the inside. The pickled carrot that it came with was also very good, just hard to eat. My husband had the Braised Boneless Beef Short Ribs. This big hunk of meat was so tender a toothless person could eat it. It was so tasty and juicy. This came on top of a bed of Mashed potatoes. I am a big fan of mashed potatoes so it saddened me when I got too full on my meal to eat more of this goodness. As if the delicious food wasn't enough, they also had Lindeman's Framboise. I LOVE this beer, if you can even call it a beer. It is a raspberry Lambic beer "that is crisp with a very sweet, tart, berry flavor". This drink is hard to find in any liquor store in the city, and yet they have bottles of it here. This was definitely the best food we have had here and I am sure it will stay that way.
(5)
Melody H.
Old fashioned trendy. Felt as though my grandfather would love this place. Food was good, highly recommend the sweet potato fries. Staff comes off as snobby.
(3)
Darvid S.
Mediocre at best. Attractive menu poor execution
(1)
Andrea H.
The best place to eat in Michigan as far as my husband and I are concerned. Thursday night is Tapas style as chef Emma and her crew put together 8 or 9 dishes of the freshest items available in unique combinations delighting their regular customers. It's a good place for vegetarian food, as well as excellent salmon. Service is sweet, atmosphere quiet on the dining side. We highly recommend The Brass.
(5)
Linda K.
This place is awesome! A must try for the area if you haven't already. Fresh local ingredients, nice fun atmosphere, attentive staff. The menu is creative but they should reduce the amount of items offered and simplify the dishes, too much isn't always better, sometimes letting the wonderful fresh food speak for itself says it all. Loved it!
(5)
L. E. N.
Superb! The food is crafted with attention to every detail right down to the sliced tomato. The employees offered excellent customer service. The price was very reasonable. I have paid twice as much at other places not near as good as this one. The atmosphere was historic elegance at its best. We will be back!
(5)
Sharon O.
Very pleasant atmosphere, wonderful Kentucky Brown!!!! Can't wait to visit again. Oh yeah, and about that unearthly beer????
(5)
Lesley K.
Had lunch there today. Really good food, nice decor and ambiance, and excellent service from Amber. Looking forward to trying it for dinner.
(4)
Timothy C.
I travel a good deal to New York City and have dined in fine restaurants there. The Brass Cafe & Saloon is in the same category as some of the well-known restaurants I have found in NYC. I have dined at the "Brass" (the local nickname) frequently for several years, and have never been disappointed with their imaginative and nicely-presented dishes. Highly recommended.
(5)
Ellen P.
This is our absolute favorite restaurant, bar none. The food is always fresh, inventive and tasty, and we also appreciate the emphasis on local/regional foods. Small Dishes Night, on Thursdays, is always great fun. The desserts are outstanding, especially the homemade ice creams and sorbets. We've enjoyed the featured beers/wines of the day as well. We are also impressed with the professionalism and knowledge of the waitstaff -- a rare thing around here.
(5)
Mr. T.
We had a surprisingly good meal here after an event elsewhere in the area (we were in from out of town). I had searched online for promising sounding restaurants in the area and this was one of the few options that intrigued me. We were not disappointed. Excellent food, coupled with polite, attentive, and swift service. The dinner specials were excellent, the appetizers terrific, and the wine list more than sufficient. This restaurant is also quite accommodating for vegetarians, which is ultimately why I chose to try it (my companion doesn't eat meat). We both thoroughly enjoyed our food and overall experience here. I don't know when I'll be in Mt. Pleasant next, but I plan to return here when I am.
(5)
Jim C.
Very classy and moderately upscale restaurant, though it's certainly fine to walk in wearing jeans. The menu is constantly changing, with a big focus on seasonal ingredients. If you're not in the mood for dinner, this is also easily one of the best places to stop for coffee and a dessert later at night. This is an ideal location to take a date you wish to impress, or simply to celebrate a special occasion. Take note that the restaurant can be extremely busy during major weekends for Central Michigan University (such as homecoming or graduation), so plan accordingly.
(5)
Jeff W.
One of the best restaurants in mount pleasant, hands down.
(5)
Warren W.
My girlfriend and I decided to try something different other than Mountain Town and decided to see what other restaurants Mount Pleasant had to offer. I did call ahead seating as it was Valentine's Day weekend and I didn't want to get left in the cold. When we got there, they seated us promptly at a nice quaint table. We were met with very polite and attentive service. The waitress was quite familiar with the menu (as she should be) but she was also able to offer me a wonderful pairing of beer with my food. We started off with an appetizer of lobster risotto. It was the perfect tone to start off the meal. It was creamy, flavorful and done to perfection. For our main entree, I ordered the duck confit while my girlfriend had the panko crusted chicken breast. Both were plated very beautifully and tasted just as good. The meal was finished off with a raspberry brownie which was not too big and not too small. It was perfect for two and not too overbearing. Needless to say the Brass Cafe has provided us with a memorable and pleasurable dining experience. We definitely will be back for more.
(5)
Kayla B.
pretty upscale place! You can fit in with dress clothes on or with jeans on. The bar is separated from the cafe part of it. When I went they had a magician going around to all the tables showing off tricks which was really cool! Their menu is a little expensive and the food is alright for the price
(4)
Rebecca E.
their food is soooooo delicious...i'd give them five stars but i can rarely afford to eat there. but they are the best in town!
(4)
Tom L.
This is a really great to hangout at in downtown Mt. Pleasant. It's a very nice change from the typical bars around the city. The atmosphere is very classy and stylish. They have great food and a very good selection at the bar including seasonal microbrews. The restaurant and bar are seperated by a wall, so if you're looking for a nice relaxing place to take a date, check out The Brass Saloon.
(4)
Pete V.
This is easily the best place to eat in Mount Pleasant. The food is varied, is fairly modern (no foams), and is surprisingly inexpensive. The space is not large, however, so it really makes sense to get a reservation for a weekend night.
(5)
Sarah C.
Good gravy what a great place!! My boyfriend and I stopped in on our way around the UP back to Chicago and I am SO happy we stopped. First of all, let's just talk service. A+. Seriously. The bartender was amazing. She kept us laughing, kept our drinks full, and she knew the full lunch menu (and there's A LOT to know) so she really nailed it. Aside from that we probably got to talk to three or four other ladies who work there who were all absolutely wonderful. I don't know what they do to get such great staff, but whatever it is, please keep it up. We talked about coming back just to see the staff. Really, we will come back anyway because the food was really good. He got the burger and I got the turkey sandwich. Doesn't really sound like a big deal right? Totally was though. That burger was cooked so well and with such good ingredients that we just sat there in silence chewing. My turkey on a croissant was delicious, but I'll be honest...I was super jealous I didn't get the burger. For apps we got the spring rolls and ate them in about 10 seconds flat they were so tasty. Really wonderful food all around. The beer selection is really great. Not only that, but their amazing staff could tell us all about it. I'm such a baby when it comes to beers - really, I shouldn't be so fussy because it's embarrassing - but they 100% nailed a recommendation. When I told them I wanted to make sure it went with the meal they were completely on board and pushed me away from a couple beers and ended up finding me one that I'm in love with. Oh if only I could find it in Chicago! Over all, this place was fantastic. I can't wait to come back!
(5)
Alex K.
This place COULD BE great. It screams "Jon Taffer help us!" The service was ok, but meals coming out after an hour is unacceptable, especially when my lamb shank comes out fully cooked, but cold. If you're about to die of starvation and drive by this place, keep it movin'. Cold lamb shank isn't worth $27 bucks to me.
(2)
Bob J.
We really like their beer selections and food (especially their tapas night), but there are two issues: 1) They are a bit pricey; 2) Their trivia desperately needs a microphone/speakerphone. We can hear only half the selections
(4)
Jake N.
This place is fancy! Well not too fancy, but they have some very fancy dinner menu choices and the prices to match. Lunch time is much more reasonably priced with a much more lunch like menu. I only ate lunch here, and I ordered a fantastic bacon cheeseburger to boot, so I can't comment on dinner selections but the dinner menu is way above anything else in this city I've seen. I would describe it as upscale casual. Definite thumbs up for me. In fact I may go there again since there were so many intriguing items on the menu.
(5)
Rochelle S.
I think the food here is pretty good--I like Pasta nights on Wednesday, when you can build your own pasta bowl. For the most part, we've had pretty good service. The decor leaves a bit to be desired (in my opinion), but having moved here from a region where there's a lot of variety and choices for food, this makes life in Mt. Pleasant a little better.
(4)
Martin L.
I stopped here looking for some good local fare and I found it. I was surprised looking at the menu, it read like a fine restaurant rather than a local pub. I decided to go with the servers recommendation and try the Brassy, which is their specialty burger featuring a poached egg, bacon, Gorgonzola cheese, and a pretzel roll. It came with a bowl of chicken chili. First of all the chili was perfect, not the kind of canned stuff they give you at skyline chili. Beans and no pasta, the way chili should be. Then the burger: the first one in my entire life that I ate with a knife and fork instead of picking it up. This beast was messy, elaborate, and delicious. I'm ashamed to say I ate the whole thing. The steak fries that came with it were also perfectly seasoned. To top it off the local beer that the waitress recommended was out of this world. I am only in town for a couple days but I will eat here again rather than venture out and try any other restaurants, there is a lot on the menu that looks worth having! Not to mention top-notch friendly service.
(5)
Kristin L.
This place is great! I love the specials and the variety is wonderful. I like to bring visitors to The Brass because I know the quality is high and it's a lovely atmosphere. The dining area is well decorated and the bar has a wide selection. I'd recommend The Brass for a nice dinner or a nice lunch, if you're meeting someone from out of town.
(5)
Carolyn E.
I'm so glad I strayed away from the Casino and drove the 10 minutes to downtown Mt. Pleasant. Thank you, Yelpers, for reviewing this restaurant! I checked it out because of you, and I'm so glad I did. First, it's very old school in a good way - white tablecloths, brass fixtures, classic food. The service was excellent. I came in a bit early by myself, and the server was friendly and fast. Everything I consumed was top-notch, even the coffee. It seriously was some of the best coffee I've ever had. It's served with these little cookies and a tiny pitcher of cream...heaven. The roasted tomato soup was STUPID good; served steaming hot and oh so savory. The server brought a little side of parmesan cheese because that's the way he likes to eat it, and he was spot on. I told him that if I worked there, I'd eat that soup every day for lunch, and I wasn't kidding. This is one of those soups that you know they've been making forever. The flavor was so highly developed, and though it's "just" tomato soup, it was like, the best version ever. I also ordered the blue cheese and nut flatbread, and it was perfect. Cheesy with sweet dried cherries and apples and just enough blue cheese...delicious. If I lived in Mt. Pleasant, this would be my go-to place for lunch. The prices were a little higher for dinner, but I bet the food is amazing. If you're headed to Soaring Eagle for a conference or mini-vacation, definitely drive the 10 minutes to check this place out. It's so much better than casino food.
All I have to say is WOW! Best burger in a long time. Pretzel bun, 1/2 lb. Angus beef, Fried Egg, Pan roasted tomatoes, provolone, sweet and spicy bbq saucet and topped off with honey mustard. Yowza!
(5)
Carah D.
Unbelievable experience!!!! I've traveled all over the US for business and this restaurant gets *5* stars not just for Michigan restaurants but the whole US! The serves was fast and wonderful, and Food spectacular! I got the Spicy Veggie Burger YUM! They make it homemade with a homemade sauce I added cheddar cheese and beacon. Trust me you shall not be disappointed! And the House Salad. The greens were fresh and they have their own spin for it that I loved! Ps sorry I didn't take a picture of the burger as soon as I saw the food it was over! For Dessert lemon cake!!!! Wow And the Zeppole!!! Never would have chosen something like that but we loved our waitress and she strongly suggested it, we were very please!!! Normally it's chocolate and or chocolate! But not this time! Ask for Meghan! She's the best!
(5)
Todd K.
I've eaten at the Brass Cafe perhaps half a dozen times. Every town has its version of a "classy" place, and for Mt Pleasant, they think it's the Brass Cafe. This is a place you are supposed to adore if you're a local. Unfortunately, my experiences there have never lead to much adoration. The Brass Cafe is a bit classy, in a way that grandparents would probably like (very dated). I find the place to be over-crowded, cramped, loud, and dark. I understand if you are a restaurant owner, the more tables you have available in your place, the more profit potential it has. However there has to be some consideration for the public who are squished into those tables. When you are eating at the Brass Cafe, strangers sit about 1-2 feet from you. You can clearly hear their conversations, and they can clearly hear yours. You often have to lean out of their way if they are going to or from the restrooms. For all intents and purposes, you are eating with strangers, face-to-face. If you want to hear a stranger drone on and on about her bunion surgery, this is the place for you. When you arrive, you'll realize that the Brass Cafe has no parking lot, so be prepared to hoof-it from a downtown lot, or park on the street (if you're lucky). Not a huge deal in decent weather, but less than fun during a -10 degree night in the winter. The main thing I notice about this place is that it is LOUD. And I'm talking airport loud, Irish pub loud, just too damn loud. The fact that they pack in as many tables as fire codes allow, means that this place gets as full as legally possible with people. Many people in a limited space = loud! On top of this, they often have solo or duo guitarists/instrumentalists performing. In most cases I would love this, but at the Brass Cafe it only adds to the deafening roar. As for the food, I have never eaten a tasty meal at the Brass Cafe. Everything I've ordered there tastes odd. There is a funny taste/aftertaste to everything that I have a difficult time describing. Imagine if your grandmother used some strange "old world" cooking sauce that she slathers on everything, giving it a slightly off taste. The service runs from average to sub-par. The extreme number of tables packed into this place means that the waitstaff are simply stretched too thin. This is one of the few places in town where it is difficult to flag down a waiter or waitress. I really think the only reason people eat at the Brass Cafe is because the decor (though quite dated) is a step above the myriad of fast food and strip mall restaurants available in town. In any population there is a certain subset who have a desperate need to feel that their lives are "upscale" compared to the masses. Those people in Mt Pleasant eat at the Brass Cafe, regardless of its glaring drawbacks. I eat there only when out-voted by the rest of my party. I'm sure someone will consider revoking my "locals" card after reading this review (because loving the Brass Cafe is mandatory if you live here), but I call them like I see them. BOTTOM LINE: Off-tasting food served in a classy but cramped, crowded, dark, loud environment.
(2)
Rhonda S.
Food is great! Good service. Wonderful atmosphere. Emma the chef always comes to talk to us and she has a Scottish spin to her stories! Delightful. We love Wednesday night build your own pasta dish (the red pepper cream sauce is to die for). Thursday night Small Plates are different each week and we attend for a cocktail and three plates. Love the change. Very intimate setting and most of the college profs are seen there. This is one of the best restaurants in town. Do not pass this up!
(5)
Michael S.
What an unexpected find in Mt. Pleasant! Definitely more a gastropub than a typical bar & grill. Don't let the street view or the decor fool you - what the Brass Cafe lacks in curb appeal it more than makes up for with the offerings within. Begin with a very broad selection of wine, beer, and liquors - the drinks section of the menu is huge, and to my eye, very well chosen. There are many good wine choices in the $25 - 40 range, with plenty of "special event" wines priced above that. The wine, beer, and scotch lists would have been good in a big city restaurant, and were amazing to find in Mount Pleasant. The menu is quite broad, and all the dishes our party tried were delicious. We had the bone-in Michigan pork chop, Otto's Farms panko crusted chicken breast, Duck salad, and chili-rubbed ribeye. All the dishes very good, even against a Chicago restaurant scale. Portions were generous, and the prices extremely reasonable - every entree was in the low- to mid-$20 range. Desserts did not disappoint either. The flourless chocolate cake was rich and decadent, perfectly accompanied by the whipped coconut milk and toasted coconut. The zeppoles drew raves, but disappeared before I could try one. The Brass Cafe will be my go-to place whenever I'm visiting my son at CMU. For the same price a chain restaurant like Outback or Red Lobster, we received a truly memorable meal!
(4)
Duane A.
It's been a good 3 years since I've actually been to the Brass Cafe. While going through my reviews, I couldn't believe that I had never written a review for it. What a wonderful, pleasant, great suprise to find in the middle of the mitten! Food that is perfectly prepared, uses fresh and in-season ingredients as much as possible, AND (wait for it) uses spice. I know, a rarity for dining out in the Midwest. When my sweetie was teaching at Alma College, we'd try to get there every other time I visited from Chicago. We looked forward to it that much. Brass Cafe is an oasis, and if you are anywhere even close to Mount Pleasant and want a good meal, punch it into your GPS and get going. What are you waiting for? Stop reading and go.
(4)
Benjamin T.
Amazing menu that's always changing. Great staff that know their menu and their drinks. The lunch menu has some great deals and the hot brown sandwich is amazing.
(5)
Cee B.
I have been to the Brass cafe many times, and never walked out disappointed. Good wine, cocktail, and beer selection (no sparkling wine by the glass). Variety of appetizers to please everybody. bread is always very fresh and special. Love their soup, but it's always a struggle to choose between soup or salad since both are very homemade. Entree is excellent at this price level. Recently had their five-spice pork shoulder and I thought the spice level was just right. After eating at Brass mutiple times I prefer Brass cafe much than Molly's in midland mi. Should call ahead on nights when there is a show in Soaring Eagle Casino.
(4)
Adam W.
Downtown Mt. Pleasant is not really the first place that springs to mind when you think of places to get some food that toes the line between gourmet and casual. As a matter of fact, with places like the Bird and Blackstones nearby, it's really not even close to the first place that should spring to your mind (not that there's anything wrong with those places). Yet, somehow, the Brass Cafe & Saloon manages to pull it off. In a stylistic manner even. Although the food (and prices) do seem to be a bit on the upscale side, there's no pressure to wear a coat and tie in this place. All the food here seems to be very fresh and especially unique. From every aspect of the dining experience, this place has it together. Food is plated very well, the flavors all seemed to be balanced, and there are definitely a lot of items on this menu you won't get anywhere else. At least, not nearby. This menu is sporting flavors like duck, lamb, mixed with spicy black beans, mojo reduction (read: delicious), and all sorts of great flavors. Stuff you think you might be tired of, like chicken breast, is given a fresh face here and prepared a new way you probably haven't had before AND will enjoy. If I had to guess, I'd place the average price for dinner around $15 a person for an entree. Drinks, dessert, and any appetizers will certainly be extra. Your dinner entree does come with choice of soup or salad (not a super salad much to my dismay... that's what I thought she said, I swear!) and the obligatory basket of bread. Compared to other ho-hum restaurants, I'd say this is a pretty good value for your money. What more could you want? Well, maybe better parking. It's either the street (yeah right) or the nearby lot by the old-ass theater which has seen better days and often fills up. No worries though, it's worth it once you get in. I give this place major props for having unique entrees, great flavors, awesome presentation, and fair prices. Why not five stars? I think it's because I wish it WAS more of an upscale experience. Everything else is in place... it just needs that final touch. Maybe it doesn't deserve the docked star, but I just can't give it 5 for some reason... This place is awesome and I'll definitely be returning. ASAP.
(4)
Michael O.
The Brass is a mystery to me. It provides inventive, original, quality fusion food, fresh local ingredients, a kick-ass room (dig the vintage linear ceiling fan!), live music. It's a fine-dingin experience for less than all the chain "casual dining" establishments Mount Pleasant has too many of. And it is right downtown, so you can walk to it and then to (or from) the park or a bar or the Broadway. Long beer-list, featuring Michigan craft beers and Belgian imports. Great small-plates. Fresh fish. Home-made ice-cream, with inventive flavors like lavender-vanilla, or sweet corn. My favorite entrees: the hangar-steak salad (a full meal on its own); the near-raw Ahi tuna in summer, and in winter, the sinfully rich macaroni and cheese with pork-belly and sun-dried tomato chutney. Not everything is wonderful. The "charcuterie plate" is a travesty: a sad slice of prosciutto, two or three olives, a single gherkin pickle sliced paper-thin. But most menu items are genuine keepers, the wait-staff is friendly, and the beer cool but not cold, like it should be.
(4)
Matt S.
Disappointing. My wife and I were visiting the area and wanted to try something a little more upscale and opted for The Brass. We were immediately confused when told by the hostess that they were full but they had tables available in the bar area and dining room. We were seated right away and things seemed to be heading in the right direction. Our waitress was prompt to take our drink order and gave us appropriate time to review the menu. The crab cake appetizer was tasty and the salads arrived not long after we finished the app. Then things got hairy. Our entrees (fried walleye & med.-med. rare ribeye) were nothing that should have been too complicated. However, we waited at least 30 mins between the time our server picked up our salad plates and the delivery of our main dishes. In fact, we didn't even see our server during that wait to ask about the delay. Because of the delay, my first thought was the steak would be over cooked. It was. And beyond that it was also cold. It had obviously sat at the pass while the fish was being cooked because the walleye was perfect. The steak was re fired and came out closer to rare this time. At this point we had been there for nearly 1.5 hrs and were ready to go so I powered through it. The manager did visit our table and we shared our experience with her. We expected an explanation after she consulted with her staff but we never saw her again. The server informed us that the steak was removed from the tab so we paid our bill and were happy to get out of there. Prospective diners, I hope your experience is better than ours was.
We arrived on time for our reservation only to be told that it would be a 10-15 minute wait. Usually that wouldn't be a big deal however we needed to be somewhere in an hour and half and thought we might be cutting it close, hence the need for the reservation. While we waited I had a glass of their house red wine... for $7.95. Really? Wow. We finally were seated and noticed that none of the tables around us even had salads....again, with the time crunch it wasn't going to work so we ended up getting up and leaving. I will say the hostess was extremely sweet and busting her butt running around. The bartender however seemed to be inconvenienced by my request for the wine. I also don't understand why there are several reviews that say it has a lot of vegetarian options, obviously those people are not vegetarians. I believe I only saw 2 vegetarian entrees and both were pasta, of course. I would like to come back and give it another try, but for now it's only 2 stars.
(2)
Gayle B.
Meals were very good but very pricey should be three dollars not two on your rating. Very loud bar area could not hear anybody across the table.
(3)
Lesley H.
The menu is up to date and fresh and the staff are very accommodating to dietary needs. Definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Mount Pleasant.
(5)
Stacey T.
Very good food!! The goat cheese bruschetta was amazing! I also had a Caesar salad with my meal which was ok, my friend got a soup that looked a lot more appetizing. I order the portabella mushroom and it was very good. I was stuff from our appetizer, the bread and the salad so it was hard finishing my meal but it was so good so I overstuffed myself. We sat in the bar area and the guy playing the keyboard was playing it TOO LOUD, it would have been nicer if we could talk to each other without having to yell.
(4)
Peter G.
Food is very good. Creative and changed to reflect the season. Ambience is nice. Bar area is welcoming and dining room cozy. Service is terrible. You will feel like the goal is to turn the table. If you are looking for a place to catch up with friends or family, go somewhere else.
(3)
Will N.
Excellent service and perfectly prepared food makes this my and my girlfriend's favorite spot in Mt. Pleasant. Try the specials! A bit pricey but well worth it.
(5)
Anne H.
One of, if not the best restaurant in Mount Pleasant. The Brass is locally owned (and I believe that the owners have a direct hand in managing, which really shows in the quality of food and service) which sets it apart from nearly every other restaurant in town. The food is always excellent and the portions are very reasonable (not the gigantic overeater sizes that many restaurants seem to use to try to compensate for lesser quality). They have a number of vegetarian options and specials which vary per the day. The lunch and dinner menus are different and both include a great selection. The Brass also features live music in the bar area (which is much nicer and retains the cozy but elegant atmosphere that the restaurant seating area also has) some nights and they have a higher grade of "bar food" than most places. The wine and beer selection is also top-notch. A definite must-visit when in Mount P, the Brass is right in the heart of downtown.
(5)
Brad C.
Probably 3.5 stars. The food is good, maybe too ambitious, but better than 99% of places in the area. The service is the real downfall here. It starts from the awkward seating process, and ends with servers who are really poorly trained and inattentive. On 3 of my 4 visits here, the chef was out walking around chatting with diners. This is nice, but also sends a message to the staff that wandering away from their primary tasks is okay. It is not. There is little to no pace to the experience, little attention to details (such as clean plates and silverware between courses), etc. Servers just disappear for 10-15 mins at a time. They should close down for a day, and head over to Zinc in Midland for a benchmarking trip on how to properly provide dinner service. The menu is still too large.
(3)
Will S.
Very good overall experience here. Fantastic service with great recommendations and attentive attitude. Food was great, though the bar was set low as I only had a sandwich.
(4)
Leslie S.
Hmmm... Traveling through town decided to stop for sandwich and beer. Ambience was pinky up. Friday nights an obvious after work rendezvous crowd - very loud even though it was only 6 pm. Disappointed with draft beer choices- no reds or ambers- disappointed with cost of overall meal which was expensive in terms of value- probably won't be back even though we travel through often and stop somewhere in for dinner in Mt. Pleasant quite often!
(2)
JoAnna L.
I miss this place! My favorite restaurant when I was in college. I live in Miami now :( I loved the create your own pasta night! the mussels were also good. We went here for dinner after I graduated :)
(5)
Suzanne M.
I did not expect the menu options this place offered. Fingerlings, rosotto, walleye, but there is a whole other menu with classic bar food for the more picky types. I ordered a ribeye with a chili sauce, grilled asparagus, and fingerling potatos. A friend got the walleye with tomato soup and another friend got a bacon cheese burger with steak-cut fries. The fish and steak came out stacked on our "sides." The side salad had fresh greens - NO ICEBERG - pears, pecans, red onion, and a citrus vinegarette. The steak was the most juicy and tender hunk of meat I have ever had. They use all grass fed, local, meat. Zero complaints. We went in at 8 on a Friday night, were quickly seated, service was good, food was amazing, and the tab wasn't bad either. The ribeye, two sides, side salad, and fresh baked bread was $26 after tax (drank water).
(5)
Andrew H.
Food was great, atmosphere is great. Service was terrible and it wasnt busy. Waitress forgot appetizer entirely, walked by empty glasses numerous times etc. The woman behind me must have had a nervous disorder because she beat the crap out of my back in the adjoining booth. Was hoping for more. Might have been an off night.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Average Music : Live Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Kelly B.
The Brass has a great food selection and ambiance. They have a Tapas night that is just killer. The desserts are phenomenal and the beers are good too. They have a very seasonal menu so the food is always fresh and tasty. The crowd here tends to be a bit more classy than some of the neighboring spots which makes it a great place for a first or special date. It's also a great place to take someone as a thank you.
(5)Ben B.
Good food, drinks, service and always a good time.
(4)Sarah S.
This cafe was very cute and welcoming. I am visiting in the area and to be honest, this small town is a bit of a culture shock compared to most places I've lived. We were in search of a local restaurant, not a chain, and came across The Brass and its lunch menu. Their lunch menu was much bigger than expected! There was a wide selection of sandwiches, salads, and flatbreads. I ordered a chicken and prosciutto sandwich with tomato, spinach, herb cheese, asparagus, and mayo. This sandwich came with a side of one of their soups (or salad, chips, fries, or an apple) and I chose the turkey chili. Overall everything tasted wonderful and it was the perfect serving size. We were dressed very casual but I could see this cafe being more of a fancy date place for a dinner. Our server was very kind and attentive.
(5)Caitlin T.
Delicious! After reading the reviews for this place since we have gotten here about 2 months ago, I have been wanting to try it. Tonight was that lucky night. We started off with the Honeyed Goat Cheese as an appetizer. It had goat cheese that was spread on like butter and chunks of goat cheese on it. The slices of roasted red pepper and the toasted almonds made this simple appetizer a prize-winner in my book. Our waitress offered us some regular bread with olive oil as well, but I chose not to engulf myself on bread when I knew other deliciousness would be coming shortly. I also decided two months ago, that I was going to order the Sweet Potato Rissoto and the Petite Lamb Chops off the Appetizer menu as my entree. The Risotto was unlike any risotto I have ever had. It was subtly sweet with chunks of goat cheese and toasted pepitas (which tasted just like sunflower seeds). It wasn't over or under cooked, it was just right. The Lamb Chops were coated with herbs and spices. Brown and beautiful on the outside, pink and moist on the inside. The pickled carrot that it came with was also very good, just hard to eat. My husband had the Braised Boneless Beef Short Ribs. This big hunk of meat was so tender a toothless person could eat it. It was so tasty and juicy. This came on top of a bed of Mashed potatoes. I am a big fan of mashed potatoes so it saddened me when I got too full on my meal to eat more of this goodness. As if the delicious food wasn't enough, they also had Lindeman's Framboise. I LOVE this beer, if you can even call it a beer. It is a raspberry Lambic beer "that is crisp with a very sweet, tart, berry flavor". This drink is hard to find in any liquor store in the city, and yet they have bottles of it here. This was definitely the best food we have had here and I am sure it will stay that way.
(5)Melody H.
Old fashioned trendy. Felt as though my grandfather would love this place. Food was good, highly recommend the sweet potato fries. Staff comes off as snobby.
(3)Darvid S.
Mediocre at best. Attractive menu poor execution
(1)Andrea H.
The best place to eat in Michigan as far as my husband and I are concerned. Thursday night is Tapas style as chef Emma and her crew put together 8 or 9 dishes of the freshest items available in unique combinations delighting their regular customers. It's a good place for vegetarian food, as well as excellent salmon. Service is sweet, atmosphere quiet on the dining side. We highly recommend The Brass.
(5)Linda K.
This place is awesome! A must try for the area if you haven't already. Fresh local ingredients, nice fun atmosphere, attentive staff. The menu is creative but they should reduce the amount of items offered and simplify the dishes, too much isn't always better, sometimes letting the wonderful fresh food speak for itself says it all. Loved it!
(5)L. E. N.
Superb! The food is crafted with attention to every detail right down to the sliced tomato. The employees offered excellent customer service. The price was very reasonable. I have paid twice as much at other places not near as good as this one. The atmosphere was historic elegance at its best. We will be back!
(5)Sharon O.
Very pleasant atmosphere, wonderful Kentucky Brown!!!! Can't wait to visit again. Oh yeah, and about that unearthly beer????
(5)Lesley K.
Had lunch there today. Really good food, nice decor and ambiance, and excellent service from Amber. Looking forward to trying it for dinner.
(4)Timothy C.
I travel a good deal to New York City and have dined in fine restaurants there. The Brass Cafe & Saloon is in the same category as some of the well-known restaurants I have found in NYC. I have dined at the "Brass" (the local nickname) frequently for several years, and have never been disappointed with their imaginative and nicely-presented dishes. Highly recommended.
(5)Ellen P.
This is our absolute favorite restaurant, bar none. The food is always fresh, inventive and tasty, and we also appreciate the emphasis on local/regional foods. Small Dishes Night, on Thursdays, is always great fun. The desserts are outstanding, especially the homemade ice creams and sorbets. We've enjoyed the featured beers/wines of the day as well. We are also impressed with the professionalism and knowledge of the waitstaff -- a rare thing around here.
(5)Mr. T.
We had a surprisingly good meal here after an event elsewhere in the area (we were in from out of town). I had searched online for promising sounding restaurants in the area and this was one of the few options that intrigued me. We were not disappointed. Excellent food, coupled with polite, attentive, and swift service. The dinner specials were excellent, the appetizers terrific, and the wine list more than sufficient. This restaurant is also quite accommodating for vegetarians, which is ultimately why I chose to try it (my companion doesn't eat meat). We both thoroughly enjoyed our food and overall experience here. I don't know when I'll be in Mt. Pleasant next, but I plan to return here when I am.
(5)Jim C.
Very classy and moderately upscale restaurant, though it's certainly fine to walk in wearing jeans. The menu is constantly changing, with a big focus on seasonal ingredients. If you're not in the mood for dinner, this is also easily one of the best places to stop for coffee and a dessert later at night. This is an ideal location to take a date you wish to impress, or simply to celebrate a special occasion. Take note that the restaurant can be extremely busy during major weekends for Central Michigan University (such as homecoming or graduation), so plan accordingly.
(5)Jeff W.
One of the best restaurants in mount pleasant, hands down.
(5)Warren W.
My girlfriend and I decided to try something different other than Mountain Town and decided to see what other restaurants Mount Pleasant had to offer. I did call ahead seating as it was Valentine's Day weekend and I didn't want to get left in the cold. When we got there, they seated us promptly at a nice quaint table. We were met with very polite and attentive service. The waitress was quite familiar with the menu (as she should be) but she was also able to offer me a wonderful pairing of beer with my food. We started off with an appetizer of lobster risotto. It was the perfect tone to start off the meal. It was creamy, flavorful and done to perfection. For our main entree, I ordered the duck confit while my girlfriend had the panko crusted chicken breast. Both were plated very beautifully and tasted just as good. The meal was finished off with a raspberry brownie which was not too big and not too small. It was perfect for two and not too overbearing. Needless to say the Brass Cafe has provided us with a memorable and pleasurable dining experience. We definitely will be back for more.
(5)Kayla B.
pretty upscale place! You can fit in with dress clothes on or with jeans on. The bar is separated from the cafe part of it. When I went they had a magician going around to all the tables showing off tricks which was really cool! Their menu is a little expensive and the food is alright for the price
(4)Rebecca E.
their food is soooooo delicious...i'd give them five stars but i can rarely afford to eat there. but they are the best in town!
(4)Tom L.
This is a really great to hangout at in downtown Mt. Pleasant. It's a very nice change from the typical bars around the city. The atmosphere is very classy and stylish. They have great food and a very good selection at the bar including seasonal microbrews. The restaurant and bar are seperated by a wall, so if you're looking for a nice relaxing place to take a date, check out The Brass Saloon.
(4)Pete V.
This is easily the best place to eat in Mount Pleasant. The food is varied, is fairly modern (no foams), and is surprisingly inexpensive. The space is not large, however, so it really makes sense to get a reservation for a weekend night.
(5)Sarah C.
Good gravy what a great place!! My boyfriend and I stopped in on our way around the UP back to Chicago and I am SO happy we stopped. First of all, let's just talk service. A+. Seriously. The bartender was amazing. She kept us laughing, kept our drinks full, and she knew the full lunch menu (and there's A LOT to know) so she really nailed it. Aside from that we probably got to talk to three or four other ladies who work there who were all absolutely wonderful. I don't know what they do to get such great staff, but whatever it is, please keep it up. We talked about coming back just to see the staff. Really, we will come back anyway because the food was really good. He got the burger and I got the turkey sandwich. Doesn't really sound like a big deal right? Totally was though. That burger was cooked so well and with such good ingredients that we just sat there in silence chewing. My turkey on a croissant was delicious, but I'll be honest...I was super jealous I didn't get the burger. For apps we got the spring rolls and ate them in about 10 seconds flat they were so tasty. Really wonderful food all around. The beer selection is really great. Not only that, but their amazing staff could tell us all about it. I'm such a baby when it comes to beers - really, I shouldn't be so fussy because it's embarrassing - but they 100% nailed a recommendation. When I told them I wanted to make sure it went with the meal they were completely on board and pushed me away from a couple beers and ended up finding me one that I'm in love with. Oh if only I could find it in Chicago! Over all, this place was fantastic. I can't wait to come back!
(5)Alex K.
This place COULD BE great. It screams "Jon Taffer help us!" The service was ok, but meals coming out after an hour is unacceptable, especially when my lamb shank comes out fully cooked, but cold. If you're about to die of starvation and drive by this place, keep it movin'. Cold lamb shank isn't worth $27 bucks to me.
(2)Bob J.
We really like their beer selections and food (especially their tapas night), but there are two issues: 1) They are a bit pricey; 2) Their trivia desperately needs a microphone/speakerphone. We can hear only half the selections
(4)Jake N.
This place is fancy! Well not too fancy, but they have some very fancy dinner menu choices and the prices to match. Lunch time is much more reasonably priced with a much more lunch like menu. I only ate lunch here, and I ordered a fantastic bacon cheeseburger to boot, so I can't comment on dinner selections but the dinner menu is way above anything else in this city I've seen. I would describe it as upscale casual. Definite thumbs up for me. In fact I may go there again since there were so many intriguing items on the menu.
(5)Rochelle S.
I think the food here is pretty good--I like Pasta nights on Wednesday, when you can build your own pasta bowl. For the most part, we've had pretty good service. The decor leaves a bit to be desired (in my opinion), but having moved here from a region where there's a lot of variety and choices for food, this makes life in Mt. Pleasant a little better.
(4)Martin L.
I stopped here looking for some good local fare and I found it. I was surprised looking at the menu, it read like a fine restaurant rather than a local pub. I decided to go with the servers recommendation and try the Brassy, which is their specialty burger featuring a poached egg, bacon, Gorgonzola cheese, and a pretzel roll. It came with a bowl of chicken chili. First of all the chili was perfect, not the kind of canned stuff they give you at skyline chili. Beans and no pasta, the way chili should be. Then the burger: the first one in my entire life that I ate with a knife and fork instead of picking it up. This beast was messy, elaborate, and delicious. I'm ashamed to say I ate the whole thing. The steak fries that came with it were also perfectly seasoned. To top it off the local beer that the waitress recommended was out of this world. I am only in town for a couple days but I will eat here again rather than venture out and try any other restaurants, there is a lot on the menu that looks worth having! Not to mention top-notch friendly service.
(5)Kristin L.
This place is great! I love the specials and the variety is wonderful. I like to bring visitors to The Brass because I know the quality is high and it's a lovely atmosphere. The dining area is well decorated and the bar has a wide selection. I'd recommend The Brass for a nice dinner or a nice lunch, if you're meeting someone from out of town.
(5)Carolyn E.
I'm so glad I strayed away from the Casino and drove the 10 minutes to downtown Mt. Pleasant. Thank you, Yelpers, for reviewing this restaurant! I checked it out because of you, and I'm so glad I did. First, it's very old school in a good way - white tablecloths, brass fixtures, classic food. The service was excellent. I came in a bit early by myself, and the server was friendly and fast. Everything I consumed was top-notch, even the coffee. It seriously was some of the best coffee I've ever had. It's served with these little cookies and a tiny pitcher of cream...heaven. The roasted tomato soup was STUPID good; served steaming hot and oh so savory. The server brought a little side of parmesan cheese because that's the way he likes to eat it, and he was spot on. I told him that if I worked there, I'd eat that soup every day for lunch, and I wasn't kidding. This is one of those soups that you know they've been making forever. The flavor was so highly developed, and though it's "just" tomato soup, it was like, the best version ever. I also ordered the blue cheese and nut flatbread, and it was perfect. Cheesy with sweet dried cherries and apples and just enough blue cheese...delicious. If I lived in Mt. Pleasant, this would be my go-to place for lunch. The prices were a little higher for dinner, but I bet the food is amazing. If you're headed to Soaring Eagle for a conference or mini-vacation, definitely drive the 10 minutes to check this place out. It's so much better than casino food.
(5)Ben C.
Great house salad and the employees were all very good. I had the fillet and thought it didn't have much if any kind of a crust on the outside. Also seemed to need more salt and pepper. But fillet is a fairly tasteless cut so it could just be me. The potatoes that came with it were decent, but mashed or something else might have been better. Great décor and Wednesday was trivia night.
(3)Jeremy L.
All I have to say is WOW! Best burger in a long time. Pretzel bun, 1/2 lb. Angus beef, Fried Egg, Pan roasted tomatoes, provolone, sweet and spicy bbq saucet and topped off with honey mustard. Yowza!
(5)Carah D.
Unbelievable experience!!!! I've traveled all over the US for business and this restaurant gets *5* stars not just for Michigan restaurants but the whole US! The serves was fast and wonderful, and Food spectacular! I got the Spicy Veggie Burger YUM! They make it homemade with a homemade sauce I added cheddar cheese and beacon. Trust me you shall not be disappointed! And the House Salad. The greens were fresh and they have their own spin for it that I loved! Ps sorry I didn't take a picture of the burger as soon as I saw the food it was over! For Dessert lemon cake!!!! Wow And the Zeppole!!! Never would have chosen something like that but we loved our waitress and she strongly suggested it, we were very please!!! Normally it's chocolate and or chocolate! But not this time! Ask for Meghan! She's the best!
(5)Todd K.
I've eaten at the Brass Cafe perhaps half a dozen times. Every town has its version of a "classy" place, and for Mt Pleasant, they think it's the Brass Cafe. This is a place you are supposed to adore if you're a local. Unfortunately, my experiences there have never lead to much adoration. The Brass Cafe is a bit classy, in a way that grandparents would probably like (very dated). I find the place to be over-crowded, cramped, loud, and dark. I understand if you are a restaurant owner, the more tables you have available in your place, the more profit potential it has. However there has to be some consideration for the public who are squished into those tables. When you are eating at the Brass Cafe, strangers sit about 1-2 feet from you. You can clearly hear their conversations, and they can clearly hear yours. You often have to lean out of their way if they are going to or from the restrooms. For all intents and purposes, you are eating with strangers, face-to-face. If you want to hear a stranger drone on and on about her bunion surgery, this is the place for you. When you arrive, you'll realize that the Brass Cafe has no parking lot, so be prepared to hoof-it from a downtown lot, or park on the street (if you're lucky). Not a huge deal in decent weather, but less than fun during a -10 degree night in the winter. The main thing I notice about this place is that it is LOUD. And I'm talking airport loud, Irish pub loud, just too damn loud. The fact that they pack in as many tables as fire codes allow, means that this place gets as full as legally possible with people. Many people in a limited space = loud! On top of this, they often have solo or duo guitarists/instrumentalists performing. In most cases I would love this, but at the Brass Cafe it only adds to the deafening roar. As for the food, I have never eaten a tasty meal at the Brass Cafe. Everything I've ordered there tastes odd. There is a funny taste/aftertaste to everything that I have a difficult time describing. Imagine if your grandmother used some strange "old world" cooking sauce that she slathers on everything, giving it a slightly off taste. The service runs from average to sub-par. The extreme number of tables packed into this place means that the waitstaff are simply stretched too thin. This is one of the few places in town where it is difficult to flag down a waiter or waitress. I really think the only reason people eat at the Brass Cafe is because the decor (though quite dated) is a step above the myriad of fast food and strip mall restaurants available in town. In any population there is a certain subset who have a desperate need to feel that their lives are "upscale" compared to the masses. Those people in Mt Pleasant eat at the Brass Cafe, regardless of its glaring drawbacks. I eat there only when out-voted by the rest of my party. I'm sure someone will consider revoking my "locals" card after reading this review (because loving the Brass Cafe is mandatory if you live here), but I call them like I see them. BOTTOM LINE: Off-tasting food served in a classy but cramped, crowded, dark, loud environment.
(2)Rhonda S.
Food is great! Good service. Wonderful atmosphere. Emma the chef always comes to talk to us and she has a Scottish spin to her stories! Delightful. We love Wednesday night build your own pasta dish (the red pepper cream sauce is to die for). Thursday night Small Plates are different each week and we attend for a cocktail and three plates. Love the change. Very intimate setting and most of the college profs are seen there. This is one of the best restaurants in town. Do not pass this up!
(5)Michael S.
What an unexpected find in Mt. Pleasant! Definitely more a gastropub than a typical bar & grill. Don't let the street view or the decor fool you - what the Brass Cafe lacks in curb appeal it more than makes up for with the offerings within. Begin with a very broad selection of wine, beer, and liquors - the drinks section of the menu is huge, and to my eye, very well chosen. There are many good wine choices in the $25 - 40 range, with plenty of "special event" wines priced above that. The wine, beer, and scotch lists would have been good in a big city restaurant, and were amazing to find in Mount Pleasant. The menu is quite broad, and all the dishes our party tried were delicious. We had the bone-in Michigan pork chop, Otto's Farms panko crusted chicken breast, Duck salad, and chili-rubbed ribeye. All the dishes very good, even against a Chicago restaurant scale. Portions were generous, and the prices extremely reasonable - every entree was in the low- to mid-$20 range. Desserts did not disappoint either. The flourless chocolate cake was rich and decadent, perfectly accompanied by the whipped coconut milk and toasted coconut. The zeppoles drew raves, but disappeared before I could try one. The Brass Cafe will be my go-to place whenever I'm visiting my son at CMU. For the same price a chain restaurant like Outback or Red Lobster, we received a truly memorable meal!
(4)Duane A.
It's been a good 3 years since I've actually been to the Brass Cafe. While going through my reviews, I couldn't believe that I had never written a review for it. What a wonderful, pleasant, great suprise to find in the middle of the mitten! Food that is perfectly prepared, uses fresh and in-season ingredients as much as possible, AND (wait for it) uses spice. I know, a rarity for dining out in the Midwest. When my sweetie was teaching at Alma College, we'd try to get there every other time I visited from Chicago. We looked forward to it that much. Brass Cafe is an oasis, and if you are anywhere even close to Mount Pleasant and want a good meal, punch it into your GPS and get going. What are you waiting for? Stop reading and go.
(4)Benjamin T.
Amazing menu that's always changing. Great staff that know their menu and their drinks. The lunch menu has some great deals and the hot brown sandwich is amazing.
(5)Cee B.
I have been to the Brass cafe many times, and never walked out disappointed. Good wine, cocktail, and beer selection (no sparkling wine by the glass). Variety of appetizers to please everybody. bread is always very fresh and special. Love their soup, but it's always a struggle to choose between soup or salad since both are very homemade. Entree is excellent at this price level. Recently had their five-spice pork shoulder and I thought the spice level was just right. After eating at Brass mutiple times I prefer Brass cafe much than Molly's in midland mi. Should call ahead on nights when there is a show in Soaring Eagle Casino.
(4)Adam W.
Downtown Mt. Pleasant is not really the first place that springs to mind when you think of places to get some food that toes the line between gourmet and casual. As a matter of fact, with places like the Bird and Blackstones nearby, it's really not even close to the first place that should spring to your mind (not that there's anything wrong with those places). Yet, somehow, the Brass Cafe & Saloon manages to pull it off. In a stylistic manner even. Although the food (and prices) do seem to be a bit on the upscale side, there's no pressure to wear a coat and tie in this place. All the food here seems to be very fresh and especially unique. From every aspect of the dining experience, this place has it together. Food is plated very well, the flavors all seemed to be balanced, and there are definitely a lot of items on this menu you won't get anywhere else. At least, not nearby. This menu is sporting flavors like duck, lamb, mixed with spicy black beans, mojo reduction (read: delicious), and all sorts of great flavors. Stuff you think you might be tired of, like chicken breast, is given a fresh face here and prepared a new way you probably haven't had before AND will enjoy. If I had to guess, I'd place the average price for dinner around $15 a person for an entree. Drinks, dessert, and any appetizers will certainly be extra. Your dinner entree does come with choice of soup or salad (not a super salad much to my dismay... that's what I thought she said, I swear!) and the obligatory basket of bread. Compared to other ho-hum restaurants, I'd say this is a pretty good value for your money. What more could you want? Well, maybe better parking. It's either the street (yeah right) or the nearby lot by the old-ass theater which has seen better days and often fills up. No worries though, it's worth it once you get in. I give this place major props for having unique entrees, great flavors, awesome presentation, and fair prices. Why not five stars? I think it's because I wish it WAS more of an upscale experience. Everything else is in place... it just needs that final touch. Maybe it doesn't deserve the docked star, but I just can't give it 5 for some reason... This place is awesome and I'll definitely be returning. ASAP.
(4)Michael O.
The Brass is a mystery to me. It provides inventive, original, quality fusion food, fresh local ingredients, a kick-ass room (dig the vintage linear ceiling fan!), live music. It's a fine-dingin experience for less than all the chain "casual dining" establishments Mount Pleasant has too many of. And it is right downtown, so you can walk to it and then to (or from) the park or a bar or the Broadway. Long beer-list, featuring Michigan craft beers and Belgian imports. Great small-plates. Fresh fish. Home-made ice-cream, with inventive flavors like lavender-vanilla, or sweet corn. My favorite entrees: the hangar-steak salad (a full meal on its own); the near-raw Ahi tuna in summer, and in winter, the sinfully rich macaroni and cheese with pork-belly and sun-dried tomato chutney. Not everything is wonderful. The "charcuterie plate" is a travesty: a sad slice of prosciutto, two or three olives, a single gherkin pickle sliced paper-thin. But most menu items are genuine keepers, the wait-staff is friendly, and the beer cool but not cold, like it should be.
(4)Matt S.
Disappointing. My wife and I were visiting the area and wanted to try something a little more upscale and opted for The Brass. We were immediately confused when told by the hostess that they were full but they had tables available in the bar area and dining room. We were seated right away and things seemed to be heading in the right direction. Our waitress was prompt to take our drink order and gave us appropriate time to review the menu. The crab cake appetizer was tasty and the salads arrived not long after we finished the app. Then things got hairy. Our entrees (fried walleye & med.-med. rare ribeye) were nothing that should have been too complicated. However, we waited at least 30 mins between the time our server picked up our salad plates and the delivery of our main dishes. In fact, we didn't even see our server during that wait to ask about the delay. Because of the delay, my first thought was the steak would be over cooked. It was. And beyond that it was also cold. It had obviously sat at the pass while the fish was being cooked because the walleye was perfect. The steak was re fired and came out closer to rare this time. At this point we had been there for nearly 1.5 hrs and were ready to go so I powered through it. The manager did visit our table and we shared our experience with her. We expected an explanation after she consulted with her staff but we never saw her again. The server informed us that the steak was removed from the tab so we paid our bill and were happy to get out of there. Prospective diners, I hope your experience is better than ours was.
(2)Rita M.
Stopped in for a glass of wine with my colleague because it had been recommended. Kind of stuck in a bygone era as far as décor but it was pleasant, service was good, the menu looked reasonable ,if not inspired. Would probably dine if here again.
(3)Shannon M.
We arrived on time for our reservation only to be told that it would be a 10-15 minute wait. Usually that wouldn't be a big deal however we needed to be somewhere in an hour and half and thought we might be cutting it close, hence the need for the reservation. While we waited I had a glass of their house red wine... for $7.95. Really? Wow. We finally were seated and noticed that none of the tables around us even had salads....again, with the time crunch it wasn't going to work so we ended up getting up and leaving. I will say the hostess was extremely sweet and busting her butt running around. The bartender however seemed to be inconvenienced by my request for the wine. I also don't understand why there are several reviews that say it has a lot of vegetarian options, obviously those people are not vegetarians. I believe I only saw 2 vegetarian entrees and both were pasta, of course. I would like to come back and give it another try, but for now it's only 2 stars.
(2)Gayle B.
Meals were very good but very pricey should be three dollars not two on your rating. Very loud bar area could not hear anybody across the table.
(3)Lesley H.
The menu is up to date and fresh and the staff are very accommodating to dietary needs. Definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Mount Pleasant.
(5)Stacey T.
Very good food!! The goat cheese bruschetta was amazing! I also had a Caesar salad with my meal which was ok, my friend got a soup that looked a lot more appetizing. I order the portabella mushroom and it was very good. I was stuff from our appetizer, the bread and the salad so it was hard finishing my meal but it was so good so I overstuffed myself. We sat in the bar area and the guy playing the keyboard was playing it TOO LOUD, it would have been nicer if we could talk to each other without having to yell.
(4)Peter G.
Food is very good. Creative and changed to reflect the season. Ambience is nice. Bar area is welcoming and dining room cozy. Service is terrible. You will feel like the goal is to turn the table. If you are looking for a place to catch up with friends or family, go somewhere else.
(3)Will N.
Excellent service and perfectly prepared food makes this my and my girlfriend's favorite spot in Mt. Pleasant. Try the specials! A bit pricey but well worth it.
(5)Anne H.
One of, if not the best restaurant in Mount Pleasant. The Brass is locally owned (and I believe that the owners have a direct hand in managing, which really shows in the quality of food and service) which sets it apart from nearly every other restaurant in town. The food is always excellent and the portions are very reasonable (not the gigantic overeater sizes that many restaurants seem to use to try to compensate for lesser quality). They have a number of vegetarian options and specials which vary per the day. The lunch and dinner menus are different and both include a great selection. The Brass also features live music in the bar area (which is much nicer and retains the cozy but elegant atmosphere that the restaurant seating area also has) some nights and they have a higher grade of "bar food" than most places. The wine and beer selection is also top-notch. A definite must-visit when in Mount P, the Brass is right in the heart of downtown.
(5)Brad C.
Probably 3.5 stars. The food is good, maybe too ambitious, but better than 99% of places in the area. The service is the real downfall here. It starts from the awkward seating process, and ends with servers who are really poorly trained and inattentive. On 3 of my 4 visits here, the chef was out walking around chatting with diners. This is nice, but also sends a message to the staff that wandering away from their primary tasks is okay. It is not. There is little to no pace to the experience, little attention to details (such as clean plates and silverware between courses), etc. Servers just disappear for 10-15 mins at a time. They should close down for a day, and head over to Zinc in Midland for a benchmarking trip on how to properly provide dinner service. The menu is still too large.
(3)Will S.
Very good overall experience here. Fantastic service with great recommendations and attentive attitude. Food was great, though the bar was set low as I only had a sandwich.
(4)Leslie S.
Hmmm... Traveling through town decided to stop for sandwich and beer. Ambience was pinky up. Friday nights an obvious after work rendezvous crowd - very loud even though it was only 6 pm. Disappointed with draft beer choices- no reds or ambers- disappointed with cost of overall meal which was expensive in terms of value- probably won't be back even though we travel through often and stop somewhere in for dinner in Mt. Pleasant quite often!
(2)JoAnna L.
I miss this place! My favorite restaurant when I was in college. I live in Miami now :( I loved the create your own pasta night! the mussels were also good. We went here for dinner after I graduated :)
(5)Suzanne M.
I did not expect the menu options this place offered. Fingerlings, rosotto, walleye, but there is a whole other menu with classic bar food for the more picky types. I ordered a ribeye with a chili sauce, grilled asparagus, and fingerling potatos. A friend got the walleye with tomato soup and another friend got a bacon cheese burger with steak-cut fries. The fish and steak came out stacked on our "sides." The side salad had fresh greens - NO ICEBERG - pears, pecans, red onion, and a citrus vinegarette. The steak was the most juicy and tender hunk of meat I have ever had. They use all grass fed, local, meat. Zero complaints. We went in at 8 on a Friday night, were quickly seated, service was good, food was amazing, and the tab wasn't bad either. The ribeye, two sides, side salad, and fresh baked bread was $26 after tax (drank water).
(5)Andrew H.
Food was great, atmosphere is great. Service was terrible and it wasnt busy. Waitress forgot appetizer entirely, walked by empty glasses numerous times etc. The woman behind me must have had a nervous disorder because she beat the crap out of my back in the adjoining booth. Was hoping for more. Might have been an off night.
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