Great food and drinks. The only place of it's kind in the area, it seems! I crave their Kale salad on a daily basis. I wish I could afford carry out every day! I have enjoyed every meal in this restaurant, either dining in or carrying out. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
(5)
Yvonne S.
Great food! Atmosphere is mixed, inside dive bar and outside hipster patio. Not as loud as I though being off of busy Woodward Ave. I did build your own buger, chalet on brioche with yellow cheddar, grilled onions and bacon. It was big and delicious. I also ordered the sweet potato fries which came with a good HONEY mustard.
(4)
Chris M.
It has been what feels like a million years since I've been here. It looks exactly the same as it did when I was fresh out of college. We were seated very fast and I had to immediately ask "where is the mean old lady? Is she still alive? Working?" She is alive and does not work anymore. I had heard rumors a long time ago that she is very wealthy and simply liked waiting tables. The crowd seems the same, although last night seemed to be a bit older crowd. This is good for me. We just had a few apps and drinks - chicken wings and pretzel rolls with cheese. The wings looked decent. Nice size and lots of sauce. I don't think the bread is house made. It's the same pretzel bread they have a Dragonmeade. This isn't a bad thing but for 8 bucks it would have bee a nice thing to see. Great beer selection (about 15 - 20 taps), including my summer favorite Hacker Pschorr. Our server was very friendly and really fast without making us feel that we were bothering her or that she wanted us gone. Overall, an expected good experience.
(4)
Derek F.
Mt. Chalet is great, usually busy kind of noisy but the crowd is usually a nice mix, the wait staff is A+ (hot) but usually pretty good, the food is always good, New favorite is the Thai spicy ribs, great drink selection, nice little patio w heat. Never been disappointed at Mt. Chalet. Only going 4 stars cus prices are a little high.
(4)
Chef R.
This is often my watering hole. I use to frequent it daily, but management/bartender has changed and well, I just don't sit at the bar anymore. Better than average bar food. But let's be honest, we are there for a reasonably priced stiff cocktail. And they deliver.
(4)
Mark P.
First timer and not a last! The burgers where on point n juicy! Service was excellent and the atmosphere was chillaxful. I will b back lol
(5)
Joe V.
Came in here on Monday for lunch. It was my first time ever coming here. Service was prompt. The girl wasn't all that friendly, but she was fast, so there's that. Tried the chili. It was standard chili, but good flavor nonetheless. We split the parmesan garlic fries. Very good, but a lot to handle. We were both glad that we split an order instead of getting our own. One is enough for two people. I ordered the tuna melt. It was solid. Luscious, buttery bread. Very good. My girlfriend ordered the philly steak. The quality of meat left a lot to be desired. Pretty much steak-ums. The one issue I had is that the sandwiches (I thought) were slightly over-priced. My tuna melt was 9 bucks...that didn't include any side at all...just the sandwich. That was pretty much the standard here.
(3)
Colette N.
I was super excited to learn that Mt Chalet had Maurice Salad on their menu. Literally went there within two weeks of hearing this, as I am on a never-ending search for the best Maurice Salad in the area. Well, I know where it's not - Mt Chalet. I've been going to Mt Chalet for over 20 years. It's a pretty good place to meet up with friends, food is good and prices are fair. Entertainment on weekends are fun (but it gets SUPER crowded). 4 stars probably overall. I'd suggest just taking the Maurice off the menu. It was probably one of the worst I can remember (just a notch above the places that ask what kind of dressing I'd like with my Maurice Salad). Tasted and smelled like the shredded lettuce was day old. I feel fairly confident the chicken was left over, and there was very little turkey or swiss cheese. Dressing was decent, pickles already in it. Total: $11. OUCH. NEXT!
(3)
Greg R.
Horrible. Live 2 miles from here and this last experience forced me to place a review. 35 min wait for food, over cooked, and slow service. The excuse was a 10 top when there was empty seats!! This place has gone down hill, drive a fee more miles and go to the Vinsetta garage where they actually care about service and reviews.
(1)
Jim S.
I actually had to create a yelp account because I was so put off with the service from the bartender last night that I had to share my experience so that hopefully others can avoid him. I'm not sure what his name was, tall bald middle aged guy, but this is my second time having him for a bartender and most definitely will be my last, because I refuse to give someone like that my business anymore. He is the most negative bartender I've ever had serve me. The guy never smiled once to anyone in the hour or so I was there, and I wouldn't say he was necessarily rude to me, but he was not even close to friendly. Had the attitude of pretty much "What do you want? Here. Next." Not even a "Hi how are you today?" Just unfriendly to everyone around him from what I saw, and it wasn't even busy, so I'm not sure what the deal was. He actually put me in a worse mood, and that's hard to do when I have a drink in my hand! Maybe I should have just avoided the bar...? The waitresses didn't seem so bad. Smiled at their tables, tables smiled back. Seemed like normal friendly interaction. I don't think a place would be in business as long as Mt. Chalet if everyone had the level of customer service as the bartender. Maybe I should contact the manager to ask when he won't be there. The food is great, so I would hate to write it off, but next time I see him there, I'm turning right around and walking out. I don't spend my hard earned money to have the joy sucked out of me.
(2)
Lisa H.
I have been going to The Chalet for close to 20 years. It has changed since the old days of the closet bathroom and Frida. It was redone a few years back and Frida has since retired but we still love it. It's a favorite hangout for our neighbors. They even have a nice patio now. The food is a step up from standard bar food. Burgers are good, fish tacos are my favorite. It is crowded on weekend evenings but if you're looking for a good dinner in the 14 and woodward area, this is the place. Lunch on the patio is fun too.
(4)
Eowyn K.
While looking at restaurants this was listed as a dive bar. I'm really not sure why, though I heard it may have been remodeled. We noticed it was very loud and yes, I know it's a bar, but disproportionately so. The food was good. I tried their piedamontese burger, which was solid, but no Redcoat burger. I ordered it on a pretzel bun, points for that. I was not sure how to feel about the garlic fries, they had a strong flavor that was interesting at first but after a few it became too much. They do a build-your-own burger that includes a black bean burger. The cocktail I ordered was, nothing special. They had a decent wine list for a low key bar and my friend had the gumbo and was happy with what she ordered.
(3)
Rachel W.
I love to come here after a long work day and devour the Mac and cheese! Definitely my all time favorite, plus the pretzel stick you get with it is amazing! Service is always so friendly!!
(5)
B J.
This place is outstanding, no matter what you are looking for. Great food, for a bar. Obviously, it's not Big Rock Chophouse, but it's also much better than most of the bigger bars in the area like Bailey's or CJ Mahoney's. Excellent service. Everyone is very friendly and helpful, even though the place is often jammed on weekends. They make you feel like a regular even if you only stop by a couple times a year. Very nice bar atmosphere inside. Not too loud, not too quiet. The place is very clean and there's a wide range of customer demographics inside. They have a very nice patio too. They usually have a few beers on tap, including something from Bell's or Founder's. Drinks and food are all reasonably priced. The ONLY problem is sometimes getting a table on a Friday or Saturday night. Also, they sometimes have live entertainment, which is more annoying than anything bc the place is small and it can just be overbearing.
(5)
Amanda M.
Update: my husband wrote the previous review after a very rare bad experience (what was served was not exactly as he order it). But here's the real deal: the food here is stellar, and the service is great. Servers now actually take your order either by pen and paper or iPad, so no missed requests (makes my husband very happy). You can't go wrong with anything on the menu! I have no idea how they knock out such great good in that tiny kitchen--magic elves and fairies? Perhaps. Perhaps.
(5)
Neil Y.
I give this place three stars for the food but one star for service. First the good. The Piedmontese burger is well worth a trip and the price is right for this quality burger $9.00ish. If this is your first visit then don't muck it up with all the toppings. After all, you've come for quality beef. Save the condiments and bacon for Wendy's. Now the slide begins. The Parmesan or garlic fries are not worth the up charge as they have very little added to them to make them worth it. Enjoy them as simple as possible. Trust me on this as the regular fries are quite good. They are coated giving them a crunch. Now the bad. This hurts me to write this but my server was this extremely attractive, tall, leggy, brunette doll in yoga pants. She was gorgeous. This isn't the bad part. Unfortunately, as Amanda noted in a previous review, she didn't write anything down and forgot several things throughout the service which lessened the experience. Pencil and paper go a long way my dear. This place draws lots of regulars at the bar, so expect some boisterous activity at the bar. The servers all like to congregate there and BS with the regulars. Come for the burger with high expectations and accept mediocrity from the staff. On food alone, it's worth a trip.
(3)
Cookie W.
This used to be a great secret, but word got out on this little gem. Excellent cuisine, no matter what you order. I personally like the steak salad. And always order the bacon wrapped, stuffed jalepenos even if we are just drinking. Great staff. Great place to catch a game, lots of TV's. We even attended their super bowl party one year.
(5)
Nikki B.
I will not be back to Mt. Chalet. The food was no bueno. It took forever to come out... We ordered chili first. It was cold. not lukewarm...COLD! The burger tasted like an ordinary burger. except it was over cooked. I asked for it medium... it was well... and beyond that. I ate 2 bites. The waitress was so obsessed with talking with this drunk guy at the bar... and barely paid any attention to us. When we left, we realized she was outside smoking a cigarette with the drunk guy. Oh well... too bad this business has employees that don't care about the customers...
(1)
Kristin C.
Looks are deceiving! This place looks like a dive bar from the outside, but it's pretty cute on the inside. Felt like I'd just finished up a day on the slopes. The food was pretty good. We all got piedmontese burgers and split an order of fries. The burgers were good, but I'd choose a Red Coat burger over this one any day. The fries were kind of Burger King-ish (with a coating) - not bad. The service was not great. The waitress just didn't seem that interested. She asked to take our order and then half way thru decided she needed paper to write it down. She still missed the pickles on my burger (no biggie). She walked away without asking if we wanted anything to drink. We had to flag her down (it took several tries) to get her to come back so that we could order drinks. She also didn't ask how we wanted out burgers done and mine was medium well. I'd go back, but when there are so many other places to try ... it might be a while.
(3)
Rola S.
Came here a few times for trivia night, and I must say I had a great time. Place was jam-packed. Drinks were cheap and food was normal. Not exceptional but good bar food. The waitresses were attentive and very nice. In the summer, the patio is really nice to sit and kick back.
(4)
Libby T.
After years of frequenting Mt Chalet for the cheap drinks with friends, I recently tried the food. We shared a totally decent piedmontese burger and some decent fries with an awful garlic parmesan shake on them. Go for the beers, sober up with a burger, but skip the spuds.
(3)
Jeni D.
This unassuming bar and restaurant is easy to miss, but that would be a big mistake! Everything on the menu is prepared to order and (mostly) from scratch. Do NOT miss the Fish & Chips--super crispy outside, tender flakey inside and NO mushy batter! The parm-garlic fries are amazing: fried potatoes, shredded parm and grated garlic. Drinks are strong and reasonably priced. The staff is friendly, but don't expect to be coddled. The place can get packed in the evenings, and a little loud,but it's perfect for a lunch time slip-away!
(5)
Korina M.
Garlic alioli - to die for and so are the sweet potato fries and my build your own burger. Server from Australia-so sweet!
(5)
Noelle V.
Always a great place to eat & drink. Best bar food EVER!!! The service is phenomenal!
(5)
Ashley H.
Our food was delicious and they have a decent beer selection. I like that they offer Piedmontese beef. I just didn't think their prices were all that good for being a "dive bar". There wasn't much dive to it. It's actually the opposite in my opinion. We will probably return but it won't be in the regular rotation.
(4)
Kevin L.
Mt. Chalet II is a typical townie bar. It kinda reminds me of the bar on Cheers. It is definitely not a fern bar. The staff adds to the uniqueness. It is trendy in its own way. Perhaps, based on the looks of the dimly lit interior, I did not expect much from the food. However, I am pleasantly surprised. The food exceeds my expectations. It is a step above typical bar food. Their Maurice salad is enjoyable. Their wings are breaded. I prefer naked wings, but they are tasty nonetheless. Their burgers and fries are above par. The portion sizes are bountiful. Ultimately, I would give Mt. Chalet II 3 1/2 stars. However, 1/2 stars cannot be awarded, so, I rounded up because this place has character. As we all know, character (and good food) goes along way.
(4)
Pam L.
I have lived within 2 miles of this place my entire life and never went in until 2 months ago. Can't believe I have missed this place all that time! Very casual and friendly atmosphere, great staff and terrific service and best burgers in town. I am now a regular!
(5)
Cyndi J.
Ok, so I've been here several times since my first review. The food is really good and the beer is always cold. Even went here on St. Patricks day and had a really good experience. I went there today and our drink order was taken right away but then we literally sat there for 30 minutes before I was able to catch the eye of the waitress to ask for our bill. We paid for our drinks and left. We were sitting right by the waitress station and the 2 girls working did not even acknowledge us. another couple had walked in after us and was served their drinks and appetizers before our order could ever get placed. They were not even busy. Who knows how much longer we would've had to wait had I not said anything. Its sad because I really like the place. It might be awhile before I go back.
(3)
Rebecca B.
I, like Kristin, have been going to Mt. Chalet since before I could consume alcohol. Actually since they closed Lemon Peel - so what is that, 20 years? The food is very tasty - not at all what you would expect from something classified as a "dive bar". I get the same thing every time - Tommy Tomato and fries, though I have tried the salads and the mac n cheese. It is all tasty and filling. There are several beers on tap - which I like. And the prices are just right. Unlike other posters, I try to avoid Frida. She is nice and she is like a grandma. But I prefer listening to long winded Kathy/Diane antics. The owner is kind of a witch - she doesn't come out of the basement. But that is my only complaint. Mt. Chalet is my cheers.
(5)
Dana S.
One of those restaurant experiences when everything goes well. Service... (Mandy) was friendly, fast & efficient. Food was exactly how we ordered it & everything tasted really good! Between 3 of us we each ordered a varied entree (Cod Sliders, Turkey Burger w/side of Green Beans & Gumbo.) and we all really enjoyed our dishes. We have decided to make this a regular spot and will be returning very soon! PS. Mandy if you ever read this I meant to say we loved "everything" and instead I said I loved you. AWKWARD!!! :) I'm sure you are extremely lovable but that was a bit embarrassing.
(4)
Natalie M.
Burgers on pretzel rolls with garlic aioli and bacon. Do it. Also, they serve Stella in Stella glasses. Nice touch.
(4)
Dan M.
I decided to drop by based on the reviews heaping praise on this place. The interior is alright, but when we walked in there was an odor inside. Maybe the mats behind the bar weren't cleaned or something? A not altogether pleasant smell. Anyways, to address another reviewer who said that the burgers are better than at Red Coat. In a single word, No. The burgers are seasoned properly and you get a choice from a bevy of toppings. However my largest beef with the beef was asking for a medium burger and getting something that's completely well done. That shouldn't happen if you ask how you would like your burger to be cooked. Another plus, the iced tea was pretty good and the service was pretty decent. Food came out a little slow for what was ordered, but I don't expect quick cooking out of every kitchen. If you're looking for a bar atmosphere with better than average bar food, I'd suggest you give Mt. Chalet II a shot.
(3)
C B.
This is a bar with a lively atmosphere, very friendly waitresses and lots of TVs. But the #1 feature, by far, is the food, which is among the best tavern food anywhere. My compliments to the chef. You don't normally think of a place like this as having a "chef," but there is clearly vision and guidance and thought behind everything the kitchen turns out, even if it's nothing more exciting than a burger or a grilled cheese sandwich. The pride is evident. Until the other night, I had consumed nothing more than sandwiches and salads during many lunch visits. They are all excellent. But then I tried an entree -- the ribs. You could probably go to a lot of places that "specialize" in barbecue and not find a better rack of ribs. I plan to take the family back and sample the other dinner items. I'm sure they will all be as good as everything else I've tried. If I have any criticism of the place at all, it might be the cleanliness, especially of the bathrooms. You might say that, after all, it is a bar, and where people drink, people pee. But other places have figured it out, and I would gladly pay an extra few dollars each visit if it meant a higher level of cleanliness throughout. I'm just sayin...
(5)
Wendy S.
I love this place. It's where we go when just want to hang and have a beer and a snack or dinner. No hassle. No attitude. I give it 4 stars only because the wait staff can be a bit...slow.
(4)
Elizabeth H.
Chose this place for a late lunch because of the reviews it received on yelp and I am sooooo glad we did!!! This bar/restaurant was exactly what we were looking for. The place is the perfect size, not too big or small. The patio outside looked nice, but it was raining when we were there so that wasn't exactly an option... Food: very resonably priced and delicious! They have piedmontese beef! Both the burger and fries were VERY, VERY good! Drinks: Pretty good beer selection and awesome bartender! Definitely will be back and hoping to sit outside next time :).
(5)
Matt H.
"Top spot. New menu, Freda is retired, but still have great staff, new patio, good prices and "watering hole" atmosphere. They used to have MotorCity Trivia on Wednesdays...not sure if they still do."
(4)
Sarah M. B.
Oh the Chalet...the bhams favorite dive. One prior warning thou-if you are a non-smoker or a non-smoker that is the type that won't even eat in a smoking section of a large bar that has no smoking going on, do not step foot in this place. As a former full time smoker and now a 'drinking' smoker...ugh, my last trip there was early Friday evening and it was already pretty gross-you can smoke everywhere here-great for when you are already wasted-but not for dinner. However, the food here is surprisingly awesome and cheap. I refused to eat anything here for a long time because of the appearance of the place, but am I glad I got over that fear....the queso dip is unreal, as is the homemade mac and cheese. I usually get the 'Tommy Tomato' which is grilled rye, swiss and american cheese, coleslaw and russian dressing...I get it without tomato and with lettuce instead...fabulous. Also the 'skinny fries' are also the perfect combination of grease, flavor and crisp-a large sandwhich and fries for 8 bucks? I'm sold. Salads are huge and good too. They also have excellent ranch dressing-what else do you need? Now the best part-the prices of your drinks...even liquor is reasonably priced here...2 dollar pints, and they will always have whatever Bell's beer is in season. Can get quite packed late night around the holiday season and summer time, but that is what makes a dive a great time.
(3)
Jo G.
I drive by the Chalet every single day heading to work...my husband has, on numerous occasions, made suggestions to stop for a drink and I very loudly said--NO. I don't know why I was so put off by the looks of this place? I am not against going to small neighborhood bars for a beer and a bite to eat. So, I finally decided we should go...primarly after reading some of the reviews here! It was great! We sat outside and enjoyed everything about the place...the service was great, the food was very fresh and hot; great french fries. Overall...it was very good and we would go again. Why not a five stars...my burger was not all that...I got the peidmontese (sp?) burger for $2 more and well, it was not as juicy and flavorful as I expected.
(4)
Al B.
Great place to hang out with friends and get some good food and drink.
(4)
Suzanne S.
this place has gone to hell in a handbasket. -burger was good - fries sucked - service went to who know where? some kid at the bar had a job - was a surprise to him what to do NOW OTHER THAN CHEF TOTAL RANK AMATEURS - NO REASON TO KEEP THE PLACE OPEN
(2)
danielle b.
I live very close and used to stop in frequently for a beer and/or dinner. However, until last week, hadn't been there for over a year. I have to say that the smoking ban has greatly improved the overall atmosphere...no longer super smoky and stinky. Another improvement is the addition of an outdoor deck (wasn't quite done when I was there, but looks to be open now) and a wall of windows on one wall that brightens up the place. Service was pretty good. Great beer selection, and reasonable prices. Delicious spinach and artichoke dip, salads were OK. Will definitley be heading back soon to check out the outdoor seating.
(4)
M D.
Food and service are great. My wife and I are definetly going back. Great draft beer.
(5)
kelly w.
Is it weird that this place is called Mt. Chalet and looks like a little German/Swiss cottage near the Alps and the longest standing employee's name is Frida? She looks like a Frida too. And she is absolutely AMAZING... that is, if you are on her good side. If not, oh boy, have you got your work cut out for you. You see, I am one of those that have crossed over. Once a foe, now a friend. When you are a foe, you CANNOT add a chair to your table (watch your knuckles, she may lash them). when you are friend, you can move around tables to your little heart's content. when you are foe, you simply CANNOT split the bill (at least w/o getting an earful). when you are friend, the bill is already split up for you. In conclusion, it helps to be a friend of Frida's. How do you achieve this status? Don't f*#k with her. Make sure your first few times you follow the golden rules, (don't move chairs, ask for separate bills AHEAD of time, etc), and of course, tip well. You also need to be a semi-regular for her to remember you. Remember, she has been around since the dawn of time, she has met a lot of people, you need to stand out as a good one. Now that you have friended the infamous Frida, make sure you go with Labatt Light pints. They are only $1.50. Also remember, this is a dive bar, you don't need to get all scenestered out or wear your sunday's best. Auf Wiedersehen.
(3)
Moira G.
When my fiance suggested we go to Mt Chalet on Woodward I said "HUH?" The place is so non-discript, I never noticed it in 10 months driving by the place! But inside it is a different story. Loud, interesting, busy & fun. Our waitress was tall, stunningly beautiful, NICE and very, very good. Seemingly out of nowhere she would show up when we thought we might want something. We had wings, poppers, sliders and fries. Sounds like typical bar food, but oh so much better than typical. YUM! I expect we will be back soon and often.
(5)
Dan D.
I have a couple gripes about this place: They don't have beer menus right at the tables like in other bars/restraurants. It's like they want me to blindly order a drink without looking at the prices. They don't have more than 4 microbrews. How about something from the Royal Oak brewery? or maybe something from the Atwater Brewing Co.? Help the local mirobreweries around the area is what i'm saying. It feels humiliating to be ID'ed when I was born in april 1974. That's not a very skilled waitress to ID a 37 year old. That means she suspects i'm 20? I have boyish looks, but that's no excuss in my book anymore. I mean comon...17 years?! She had nice legs though. The atmosphere is fine exept the tea party biased FOX News on 2 of the monitors. Is this a tea party bar?" were my first thoughts.
(3)
Liz L.
This bar has good food and a reasonably priced drink selection. The best on the menu is, IMO, the Maurice Salad, which was a JL Hudson's tea room salad that remains a fan favorite of Detroiters. Mt. Chalet isn't much to look at, but it's MUCH improved now that Michigan restaurants and bars are non-smoking. My biggest beef is that the acoustics are horrible. You literally have to yell across the table to your table mates to be heard. Still, it's a fun place and worth a visit.
(4)
Jason R.
It is a wee bit smokey at times, great juke box, small and crowded. I like to stop in for lunch or to start off the night before it gets packed. They have specials running for the Red Wings playoffs as well. They have a new site too: MtChaletRoyalOak.com they have a new paint job, so the photo below is not as current as it could be.
(4)
c s.
Anyplace can have the occasional bad experience but I have been to Mt Chalet at least 10 times a year for more than 10 years and can't thing of a bad time. It's not pricey. Food is very good if not wildly fancy. Service is nearly always great except perhaps for the occasional new waitress or very busy times. Just a real stalwart, dependable, and fun place you can go and either enjoys some beers or a real good lunch or dinner. There is a reason they have stayed open and busy for many many many years, but they have not aged...just stayed with the times. Well recommended.
(4)
Otis M.
This is a very good neighborhood bar, not a fancy place by any stretch. Don't go here looking for a large wine selection or a gourmet meal. BUT the beers are great and drinks are fairly priced. My food experience has been surprisingly good, tasty burgers and fries. It's a million times better since the smoking ban... Unless you're a smoker I suppose. Very friendly staff.
(4)
jack w.
Horrible exterior hides B'Hams best dive bar. It's the place of last resort for those who didn't make up there minds. Don't forget to ask what happend to Mt Chalet I.
(3)
Josh A.
I love Freeta... That is the best 75 year old waitress there has ever been. Ofter she cannot hear your order but she is incredible. Awesome place, good food, i like it.
(5)
Mindy W.
my hat is off to fellow yelp user 'kelly w.' for her poignant analysis of the conundrum that is frieda. if you are a virgin of the chalet, you'll recognize her as soon as you see her...there is no mistaking frieda. imagine if amy winehouse bleached her beehive a distinctive shade of strawberry blonde and lived for another eighty years. voila! now you and frieda are well acquainted. firstly, i must say she probably deserves congressional medal of honor or something of the sort for putting up with the antics of spoiled suburbanites year after year. i'm sure her job isn't easy and i commend her for fighting the good fight. may the lord bless you and keep you, frieda. you are an incredible woman. with that said, i love this bar.............................but the truth is frieda can make or break your night. think dr. jekyll and mr. hyde. when she brings her A game, she is a hoot. my friends & i went there after the kid rock concert on superbowl weekend and pretty much had the place to ourselves with the exception of a handful of other people. nothing but the kid played on the jukebox & nearly everyone was standing on their chairs singing along into our respective empty-beer-bottle-microphones. frieda didn't flinch. in fact, i would venture to say she had a good time. then there is the other extreme. i affectionately call this her 'vulture mode.' on more than one occasion, she has cut me off without mercy if i exceed three beers in my first hour...and i'm not an out of control patron by any means. i rarely venture away from the group i'm with & keep things pretty tame. is twenty minutes per beer really not that outrageous or am i a complete lush? it is amazes me that she can keep such close tabs no matter how busy the night is! if you think you can wait it out and resume your booze cruise after some time has passed, you can't. frieda won't budge. when she says you are cut off, she means for the entire evening. her word is final. when this happens, you have no choice but to fold. insulting frieda would be sacrilegious. there are a precisely three ways to escape the frieda doctrine, but you have to be clever. she has the eyes of a hawk. 1) you may sneak up to the bar and order from a different server. it is best to consume your drink at the bar, not back in frieda's territory. this has proven to be mildly successful in the past. remember- tip the other bartender well, they'll know what's up your sleeve. 2) have your DD order on your behalf. 3) head to the bathroom. change your clothes. slap on a wig, sunglasses and a smile and hope for the best. good luck and tread carefully!
(4)
Frank W.
This gritty imitation chalet has antique wooden skis on the door, a good selection of cheap beers on tap (e.g. labatt's light, hacker pschorr, guinness), and a menu that's a good mix of traditional bar food and relatively high falutin bar fare like the crab cake aoili I had. My bro had some very homemade and reportedly tasty soup o the day, and some really delicious salad that looked like a mound of cole slaw mixed with ham, but I have no idea what it actually was.
(4)
Atom G.
What happened to the Mt. Chalet 1 (visit 7 mile). Mt. Chalet II is a local favorite bar and restaurant. Gets very crowded on the weekends and the drunks will get upset with the moose once in a while. The staff is very lively and the crowd gets very social. Good place for last call.
(5)
Jeff A.
WOW This burger rocks, I do not give 5 star reviews easily but you know what Mt Chalet deserves this one for sure! I eat a lot of burgers all over the country and you know what this may be the best one I have ever had, now this should not surprise me because the burger competition in Detroit is crazy many of the best burgers in America in my opinion are served right here in the D... Detroits burger scene is worthy of a Food network special! back to the burger right huuurrrr!!! Buttery bun, OMG, melt in my mouth with a smile bun! Perfectly cooked meat, perfect texture, just wonderful! grilled mushrooms and onions perfect again! and all congealed with the perfect amount of fresh toppings lettuce tomato onion ketchup and a moment of mayo, it was all divine, and of course cheese! This was all with a ridiculous pitcher plus 2 pints deal... The service was amazing as well! and I do mean amazing! I forgot my sunglasses which were not cheap, and two days later I called up thinking, there is no way they have them, and you know what they did and they were just as nice on the phone, and in person, when I was picking them up, as they were, when I was dining and drinking in the bar, this place is a class act! As good as it gets!
(5)
Staxx D.
Frida! Where did she go?
(4)
Renata R.
On a recent Thursday night at 8:30 we couldn't get into Red Coat Tavern or Vinsetta Garage--45 minute wait at both. We drove by Mt. Chalet... Hadn't been there in years, but decided to give it a try. We were both totally really pleased with the Piedmontese burgers and the Parmesan fries! Honestly liked mine better than Red Coat's burger. The place was busy but there was no wait, it was cute inside, and the staff was attentive and fast! We will definitely be back.
(5)
Chris T.
Food is great and drinks are reasonably priced. I really like this place during the summer when I can sit outside and watch cars cruising Woodward, while consuming my favorite beverage. Service is ok, I've never been wow'd by the waitstaff. Some (tall blonde) are def better than the others though. Overall, this is one of my favorite places to grab a quick bite to eat and have a drink. A little hidden gem.
(4)
Joe B.
I'm somewhat of a regular at the Chalet and what you can be certain of is the great service from the waitstaff, and it being busy on most any night. Seating is a little tight once you get inside but it's cozy - almost like a real chalet. Bordering Birmingham but still in Royal Oak, the Chalet pulls from all over the area - Ferndale, Clawson, Berkley, Troy and Mad Heights included. It's a nice oasis on the Woodward corridor offering safe haven from the cold in the winter. They have a little patio for the warmer months but I haven't had the chance to enjoy it as of yet. I get the impression that alot of patrons come after work and hang out for dinner and drinks and then leave before the later crowds arrive around 7 or 8. While some of the menu offerings stand out more than others others I'll walk you through what I've had there. Their fries are pretty solid. I know what you're thinking, that any french fry is probably a sure thing and that they're all created equal but theirs are not the standard fry. They're like gigantic Burger King fries - the ones with a little crispy type breading on them. They were hot and fresh, tender in the middle and super crispy outside....just a really nice french fry. The Calamari was just alright. The breading was a little oily and it kind of falls off the meat into a pile. The chili sauce served with it had a hint of chili flake for some heat and on it's own is delicious but it's not my favorite sauce for calamari - but that's just me. My friend really liked the Mac and Cheese which I have been waiting to try myself. The Beef Tips appetizer with demi glace was really good. The meat was tender and the demi was rich and full of flavor. Their stuffed jalapenos are filled with chorizo and wrapped around a decent sized shrimp - these were the JAM and they're addictive so be warned. They're served alongside a blue cheese pepper chutney...really really tasty stuff. Their burger was pretty standard with a good grade meat and sesame bun that was of the typical variety. It was cooked properly though, and it was pretty good. On another night we tried the Garlic Parmesan fries which had a lot of promise but the small heaps of RAW garlic overpower the parm so if you don't LOVE raw garlic you'll wanna pass on these, a great concept though. I think I'd crave these fries if the garlic was roasted to a sweeter flavor rather than raw. My only serious complaint is the parking - it really blows. If you get there during the busy hours you'll be parking, on the side street and hiking in, or illegally at Pearl Vision next door. All in all a great little watering hole to frequent though.
(3)
Kristin G.
Ah, the Chalet. The name itself is completely misleading. The outside looks like a sad attempt at a Swiss Skiing Chalet, the inside...well now that's more like it. Wood paneled walls and floors, thick cut wood tables, it's got this warm, clean feeling without being at all fancy. This is laid back at it's very best. It's a dark atmosphere, with a great small bar feel. This is where the true reunions happen now-a-days. Friends come back home from out of town, it's always "Destination: Chalet!" It has it's certain small bar charm. So onto my own long winded disclaimer about the place. I have avoided reviewing the Chalet for some time, due to my extreme bias. This has been my local watering hole since I've been old enough to spend endless weekend and week day nights drinking away with my friends. I keep coming back, not solely because of location's sake, but because it's one of those great bars that does bar and does it perfectly. For me, this place is not only a great bar, but it's "classic bar" topped with a bit of nostalgia. The food: Amazingly delicious bar food. By bar food standards, I think it could quite possibly qualify as 5 star dining. In fact, I'd say on all accounts that it's "finer than your average bar." Burgers- fantastic. Turkey Rueben- delicious! The salads are all pretty tasty too. I haven't tried it but have heard that the Filets are great. Yep, a filet in a bar. After trying endless good eats at this bar, I believe it. The service: As mentioned in other Yelp reviews, try to get Frida. You cannot miss her! She's the one that looks like she's been there since the place opened, that's because she IS! Treat her well and you will have a pleasant experience. If you get all huffy with her, then you will see a not so pretty service experience unfold. She really is great when treated with respect, so be advised. It's wise to treat this woman as if she were your own grandma...serving you...in a bar... I do miss the days of the peanut barrel. There was a big barrel of peanuts when you walked in with baskets and could just throw the shells on the floor. I loved that about the place. Don't know what happened, I guess it's a liability?
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Loud Music : Juke Box Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Drive-Thru : No Caters : No
Burger or Hamburger is savored as the most desired fast food meal in the United States. A hamburger is basically a sandwich prepared by stuffing ground meat patty, generally beef, between two slices of a bun cut in half. Hamburger is also famous for its seasoning. Most popular condiments used in hamburgers in the United States are mustard, mayonnaise, and ketchup. Besides ground meat patty, hamburgers are also stuffed with lettuce, onions, tomato slices, pickles, and cheese.
Hamburgers are also categorized into two types in the United States. Fast food hamburger and individual hamburgers served at restaurants are two basic types of burgers served in the United States. The individual hamburgers served at restaurants are prepared using everything including lettuce, onion, tomato, and sliced pickles as well as melted cheese on the patty or crumbled on top. American restaurants also serve veggie burgers for those who don't relish meat. Cheeseburgers are also hot favorite in the United States.
McDonalds is the most popular fast food burger restaurant serving different types of burgers in the United States. On the other hand, there are several restaurants such as Burger King are famous for serving the best hamburgers in the United States. Most burger restaurants in the United States often serve hamburgers with French fries and other condiments. If you have a liking for burgers in the United States, then you won't be disappointed. You can easily find the best burger restaurants in your city on our Restaurants Listings directory. Check the reviews and ratings of the top burger restaurants and savor yourself with the best hamburger in the city.
Emily M.
Great food and drinks. The only place of it's kind in the area, it seems! I crave their Kale salad on a daily basis. I wish I could afford carry out every day! I have enjoyed every meal in this restaurant, either dining in or carrying out. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
(5)Yvonne S.
Great food! Atmosphere is mixed, inside dive bar and outside hipster patio. Not as loud as I though being off of busy Woodward Ave. I did build your own buger, chalet on brioche with yellow cheddar, grilled onions and bacon. It was big and delicious. I also ordered the sweet potato fries which came with a good HONEY mustard.
(4)Chris M.
It has been what feels like a million years since I've been here. It looks exactly the same as it did when I was fresh out of college. We were seated very fast and I had to immediately ask "where is the mean old lady? Is she still alive? Working?" She is alive and does not work anymore. I had heard rumors a long time ago that she is very wealthy and simply liked waiting tables. The crowd seems the same, although last night seemed to be a bit older crowd. This is good for me. We just had a few apps and drinks - chicken wings and pretzel rolls with cheese. The wings looked decent. Nice size and lots of sauce. I don't think the bread is house made. It's the same pretzel bread they have a Dragonmeade. This isn't a bad thing but for 8 bucks it would have bee a nice thing to see. Great beer selection (about 15 - 20 taps), including my summer favorite Hacker Pschorr. Our server was very friendly and really fast without making us feel that we were bothering her or that she wanted us gone. Overall, an expected good experience.
(4)Derek F.
Mt. Chalet is great, usually busy kind of noisy but the crowd is usually a nice mix, the wait staff is A+ (hot) but usually pretty good, the food is always good, New favorite is the Thai spicy ribs, great drink selection, nice little patio w heat. Never been disappointed at Mt. Chalet. Only going 4 stars cus prices are a little high.
(4)Chef R.
This is often my watering hole. I use to frequent it daily, but management/bartender has changed and well, I just don't sit at the bar anymore. Better than average bar food. But let's be honest, we are there for a reasonably priced stiff cocktail. And they deliver.
(4)Mark P.
First timer and not a last! The burgers where on point n juicy! Service was excellent and the atmosphere was chillaxful. I will b back lol
(5)Joe V.
Came in here on Monday for lunch. It was my first time ever coming here. Service was prompt. The girl wasn't all that friendly, but she was fast, so there's that. Tried the chili. It was standard chili, but good flavor nonetheless. We split the parmesan garlic fries. Very good, but a lot to handle. We were both glad that we split an order instead of getting our own. One is enough for two people. I ordered the tuna melt. It was solid. Luscious, buttery bread. Very good. My girlfriend ordered the philly steak. The quality of meat left a lot to be desired. Pretty much steak-ums. The one issue I had is that the sandwiches (I thought) were slightly over-priced. My tuna melt was 9 bucks...that didn't include any side at all...just the sandwich. That was pretty much the standard here.
(3)Colette N.
I was super excited to learn that Mt Chalet had Maurice Salad on their menu. Literally went there within two weeks of hearing this, as I am on a never-ending search for the best Maurice Salad in the area. Well, I know where it's not - Mt Chalet. I've been going to Mt Chalet for over 20 years. It's a pretty good place to meet up with friends, food is good and prices are fair. Entertainment on weekends are fun (but it gets SUPER crowded). 4 stars probably overall. I'd suggest just taking the Maurice off the menu. It was probably one of the worst I can remember (just a notch above the places that ask what kind of dressing I'd like with my Maurice Salad). Tasted and smelled like the shredded lettuce was day old. I feel fairly confident the chicken was left over, and there was very little turkey or swiss cheese. Dressing was decent, pickles already in it. Total: $11. OUCH. NEXT!
(3)Greg R.
Horrible. Live 2 miles from here and this last experience forced me to place a review. 35 min wait for food, over cooked, and slow service. The excuse was a 10 top when there was empty seats!! This place has gone down hill, drive a fee more miles and go to the Vinsetta garage where they actually care about service and reviews.
(1)Jim S.
I actually had to create a yelp account because I was so put off with the service from the bartender last night that I had to share my experience so that hopefully others can avoid him. I'm not sure what his name was, tall bald middle aged guy, but this is my second time having him for a bartender and most definitely will be my last, because I refuse to give someone like that my business anymore. He is the most negative bartender I've ever had serve me. The guy never smiled once to anyone in the hour or so I was there, and I wouldn't say he was necessarily rude to me, but he was not even close to friendly. Had the attitude of pretty much "What do you want? Here. Next." Not even a "Hi how are you today?" Just unfriendly to everyone around him from what I saw, and it wasn't even busy, so I'm not sure what the deal was. He actually put me in a worse mood, and that's hard to do when I have a drink in my hand! Maybe I should have just avoided the bar...? The waitresses didn't seem so bad. Smiled at their tables, tables smiled back. Seemed like normal friendly interaction. I don't think a place would be in business as long as Mt. Chalet if everyone had the level of customer service as the bartender. Maybe I should contact the manager to ask when he won't be there. The food is great, so I would hate to write it off, but next time I see him there, I'm turning right around and walking out. I don't spend my hard earned money to have the joy sucked out of me.
(2)Lisa H.
I have been going to The Chalet for close to 20 years. It has changed since the old days of the closet bathroom and Frida. It was redone a few years back and Frida has since retired but we still love it. It's a favorite hangout for our neighbors. They even have a nice patio now. The food is a step up from standard bar food. Burgers are good, fish tacos are my favorite. It is crowded on weekend evenings but if you're looking for a good dinner in the 14 and woodward area, this is the place. Lunch on the patio is fun too.
(4)Eowyn K.
While looking at restaurants this was listed as a dive bar. I'm really not sure why, though I heard it may have been remodeled. We noticed it was very loud and yes, I know it's a bar, but disproportionately so. The food was good. I tried their piedamontese burger, which was solid, but no Redcoat burger. I ordered it on a pretzel bun, points for that. I was not sure how to feel about the garlic fries, they had a strong flavor that was interesting at first but after a few it became too much. They do a build-your-own burger that includes a black bean burger. The cocktail I ordered was, nothing special. They had a decent wine list for a low key bar and my friend had the gumbo and was happy with what she ordered.
(3)Rachel W.
I love to come here after a long work day and devour the Mac and cheese! Definitely my all time favorite, plus the pretzel stick you get with it is amazing! Service is always so friendly!!
(5)B J.
This place is outstanding, no matter what you are looking for. Great food, for a bar. Obviously, it's not Big Rock Chophouse, but it's also much better than most of the bigger bars in the area like Bailey's or CJ Mahoney's. Excellent service. Everyone is very friendly and helpful, even though the place is often jammed on weekends. They make you feel like a regular even if you only stop by a couple times a year. Very nice bar atmosphere inside. Not too loud, not too quiet. The place is very clean and there's a wide range of customer demographics inside. They have a very nice patio too. They usually have a few beers on tap, including something from Bell's or Founder's. Drinks and food are all reasonably priced. The ONLY problem is sometimes getting a table on a Friday or Saturday night. Also, they sometimes have live entertainment, which is more annoying than anything bc the place is small and it can just be overbearing.
(5)Amanda M.
Update: my husband wrote the previous review after a very rare bad experience (what was served was not exactly as he order it). But here's the real deal: the food here is stellar, and the service is great. Servers now actually take your order either by pen and paper or iPad, so no missed requests (makes my husband very happy). You can't go wrong with anything on the menu! I have no idea how they knock out such great good in that tiny kitchen--magic elves and fairies? Perhaps. Perhaps.
(5)Neil Y.
I give this place three stars for the food but one star for service. First the good. The Piedmontese burger is well worth a trip and the price is right for this quality burger $9.00ish. If this is your first visit then don't muck it up with all the toppings. After all, you've come for quality beef. Save the condiments and bacon for Wendy's. Now the slide begins. The Parmesan or garlic fries are not worth the up charge as they have very little added to them to make them worth it. Enjoy them as simple as possible. Trust me on this as the regular fries are quite good. They are coated giving them a crunch. Now the bad. This hurts me to write this but my server was this extremely attractive, tall, leggy, brunette doll in yoga pants. She was gorgeous. This isn't the bad part. Unfortunately, as Amanda noted in a previous review, she didn't write anything down and forgot several things throughout the service which lessened the experience. Pencil and paper go a long way my dear. This place draws lots of regulars at the bar, so expect some boisterous activity at the bar. The servers all like to congregate there and BS with the regulars. Come for the burger with high expectations and accept mediocrity from the staff. On food alone, it's worth a trip.
(3)Cookie W.
This used to be a great secret, but word got out on this little gem. Excellent cuisine, no matter what you order. I personally like the steak salad. And always order the bacon wrapped, stuffed jalepenos even if we are just drinking. Great staff. Great place to catch a game, lots of TV's. We even attended their super bowl party one year.
(5)Nikki B.
I will not be back to Mt. Chalet. The food was no bueno. It took forever to come out... We ordered chili first. It was cold. not lukewarm...COLD! The burger tasted like an ordinary burger. except it was over cooked. I asked for it medium... it was well... and beyond that. I ate 2 bites. The waitress was so obsessed with talking with this drunk guy at the bar... and barely paid any attention to us. When we left, we realized she was outside smoking a cigarette with the drunk guy. Oh well... too bad this business has employees that don't care about the customers...
(1)Kristin C.
Looks are deceiving! This place looks like a dive bar from the outside, but it's pretty cute on the inside. Felt like I'd just finished up a day on the slopes. The food was pretty good. We all got piedmontese burgers and split an order of fries. The burgers were good, but I'd choose a Red Coat burger over this one any day. The fries were kind of Burger King-ish (with a coating) - not bad. The service was not great. The waitress just didn't seem that interested. She asked to take our order and then half way thru decided she needed paper to write it down. She still missed the pickles on my burger (no biggie). She walked away without asking if we wanted anything to drink. We had to flag her down (it took several tries) to get her to come back so that we could order drinks. She also didn't ask how we wanted out burgers done and mine was medium well. I'd go back, but when there are so many other places to try ... it might be a while.
(3)Rola S.
Came here a few times for trivia night, and I must say I had a great time. Place was jam-packed. Drinks were cheap and food was normal. Not exceptional but good bar food. The waitresses were attentive and very nice. In the summer, the patio is really nice to sit and kick back.
(4)Libby T.
After years of frequenting Mt Chalet for the cheap drinks with friends, I recently tried the food. We shared a totally decent piedmontese burger and some decent fries with an awful garlic parmesan shake on them. Go for the beers, sober up with a burger, but skip the spuds.
(3)Jeni D.
This unassuming bar and restaurant is easy to miss, but that would be a big mistake! Everything on the menu is prepared to order and (mostly) from scratch. Do NOT miss the Fish & Chips--super crispy outside, tender flakey inside and NO mushy batter! The parm-garlic fries are amazing: fried potatoes, shredded parm and grated garlic. Drinks are strong and reasonably priced. The staff is friendly, but don't expect to be coddled. The place can get packed in the evenings, and a little loud,but it's perfect for a lunch time slip-away!
(5)Korina M.
Garlic alioli - to die for and so are the sweet potato fries and my build your own burger. Server from Australia-so sweet!
(5)Noelle V.
Always a great place to eat & drink. Best bar food EVER!!! The service is phenomenal!
(5)Ashley H.
Our food was delicious and they have a decent beer selection. I like that they offer Piedmontese beef. I just didn't think their prices were all that good for being a "dive bar". There wasn't much dive to it. It's actually the opposite in my opinion. We will probably return but it won't be in the regular rotation.
(4)Kevin L.
Mt. Chalet II is a typical townie bar. It kinda reminds me of the bar on Cheers. It is definitely not a fern bar. The staff adds to the uniqueness. It is trendy in its own way. Perhaps, based on the looks of the dimly lit interior, I did not expect much from the food. However, I am pleasantly surprised. The food exceeds my expectations. It is a step above typical bar food. Their Maurice salad is enjoyable. Their wings are breaded. I prefer naked wings, but they are tasty nonetheless. Their burgers and fries are above par. The portion sizes are bountiful. Ultimately, I would give Mt. Chalet II 3 1/2 stars. However, 1/2 stars cannot be awarded, so, I rounded up because this place has character. As we all know, character (and good food) goes along way.
(4)Pam L.
I have lived within 2 miles of this place my entire life and never went in until 2 months ago. Can't believe I have missed this place all that time! Very casual and friendly atmosphere, great staff and terrific service and best burgers in town. I am now a regular!
(5)Cyndi J.
Ok, so I've been here several times since my first review. The food is really good and the beer is always cold. Even went here on St. Patricks day and had a really good experience. I went there today and our drink order was taken right away but then we literally sat there for 30 minutes before I was able to catch the eye of the waitress to ask for our bill. We paid for our drinks and left. We were sitting right by the waitress station and the 2 girls working did not even acknowledge us. another couple had walked in after us and was served their drinks and appetizers before our order could ever get placed. They were not even busy. Who knows how much longer we would've had to wait had I not said anything. Its sad because I really like the place. It might be awhile before I go back.
(3)Rebecca B.
I, like Kristin, have been going to Mt. Chalet since before I could consume alcohol. Actually since they closed Lemon Peel - so what is that, 20 years? The food is very tasty - not at all what you would expect from something classified as a "dive bar". I get the same thing every time - Tommy Tomato and fries, though I have tried the salads and the mac n cheese. It is all tasty and filling. There are several beers on tap - which I like. And the prices are just right. Unlike other posters, I try to avoid Frida. She is nice and she is like a grandma. But I prefer listening to long winded Kathy/Diane antics. The owner is kind of a witch - she doesn't come out of the basement. But that is my only complaint. Mt. Chalet is my cheers.
(5)Dana S.
One of those restaurant experiences when everything goes well. Service... (Mandy) was friendly, fast & efficient. Food was exactly how we ordered it & everything tasted really good! Between 3 of us we each ordered a varied entree (Cod Sliders, Turkey Burger w/side of Green Beans & Gumbo.) and we all really enjoyed our dishes. We have decided to make this a regular spot and will be returning very soon! PS. Mandy if you ever read this I meant to say we loved "everything" and instead I said I loved you. AWKWARD!!! :) I'm sure you are extremely lovable but that was a bit embarrassing.
(4)Natalie M.
Burgers on pretzel rolls with garlic aioli and bacon. Do it. Also, they serve Stella in Stella glasses. Nice touch.
(4)Dan M.
I decided to drop by based on the reviews heaping praise on this place. The interior is alright, but when we walked in there was an odor inside. Maybe the mats behind the bar weren't cleaned or something? A not altogether pleasant smell. Anyways, to address another reviewer who said that the burgers are better than at Red Coat. In a single word, No. The burgers are seasoned properly and you get a choice from a bevy of toppings. However my largest beef with the beef was asking for a medium burger and getting something that's completely well done. That shouldn't happen if you ask how you would like your burger to be cooked. Another plus, the iced tea was pretty good and the service was pretty decent. Food came out a little slow for what was ordered, but I don't expect quick cooking out of every kitchen. If you're looking for a bar atmosphere with better than average bar food, I'd suggest you give Mt. Chalet II a shot.
(3)C B.
This is a bar with a lively atmosphere, very friendly waitresses and lots of TVs. But the #1 feature, by far, is the food, which is among the best tavern food anywhere. My compliments to the chef. You don't normally think of a place like this as having a "chef," but there is clearly vision and guidance and thought behind everything the kitchen turns out, even if it's nothing more exciting than a burger or a grilled cheese sandwich. The pride is evident. Until the other night, I had consumed nothing more than sandwiches and salads during many lunch visits. They are all excellent. But then I tried an entree -- the ribs. You could probably go to a lot of places that "specialize" in barbecue and not find a better rack of ribs. I plan to take the family back and sample the other dinner items. I'm sure they will all be as good as everything else I've tried. If I have any criticism of the place at all, it might be the cleanliness, especially of the bathrooms. You might say that, after all, it is a bar, and where people drink, people pee. But other places have figured it out, and I would gladly pay an extra few dollars each visit if it meant a higher level of cleanliness throughout. I'm just sayin...
(5)Wendy S.
I love this place. It's where we go when just want to hang and have a beer and a snack or dinner. No hassle. No attitude. I give it 4 stars only because the wait staff can be a bit...slow.
(4)Elizabeth H.
Chose this place for a late lunch because of the reviews it received on yelp and I am sooooo glad we did!!! This bar/restaurant was exactly what we were looking for. The place is the perfect size, not too big or small. The patio outside looked nice, but it was raining when we were there so that wasn't exactly an option... Food: very resonably priced and delicious! They have piedmontese beef! Both the burger and fries were VERY, VERY good! Drinks: Pretty good beer selection and awesome bartender! Definitely will be back and hoping to sit outside next time :).
(5)Matt H.
"Top spot. New menu, Freda is retired, but still have great staff, new patio, good prices and "watering hole" atmosphere. They used to have MotorCity Trivia on Wednesdays...not sure if they still do."
(4)Sarah M. B.
Oh the Chalet...the bhams favorite dive. One prior warning thou-if you are a non-smoker or a non-smoker that is the type that won't even eat in a smoking section of a large bar that has no smoking going on, do not step foot in this place. As a former full time smoker and now a 'drinking' smoker...ugh, my last trip there was early Friday evening and it was already pretty gross-you can smoke everywhere here-great for when you are already wasted-but not for dinner. However, the food here is surprisingly awesome and cheap. I refused to eat anything here for a long time because of the appearance of the place, but am I glad I got over that fear....the queso dip is unreal, as is the homemade mac and cheese. I usually get the 'Tommy Tomato' which is grilled rye, swiss and american cheese, coleslaw and russian dressing...I get it without tomato and with lettuce instead...fabulous. Also the 'skinny fries' are also the perfect combination of grease, flavor and crisp-a large sandwhich and fries for 8 bucks? I'm sold. Salads are huge and good too. They also have excellent ranch dressing-what else do you need? Now the best part-the prices of your drinks...even liquor is reasonably priced here...2 dollar pints, and they will always have whatever Bell's beer is in season. Can get quite packed late night around the holiday season and summer time, but that is what makes a dive a great time.
(3)Jo G.
I drive by the Chalet every single day heading to work...my husband has, on numerous occasions, made suggestions to stop for a drink and I very loudly said--NO. I don't know why I was so put off by the looks of this place? I am not against going to small neighborhood bars for a beer and a bite to eat. So, I finally decided we should go...primarly after reading some of the reviews here! It was great! We sat outside and enjoyed everything about the place...the service was great, the food was very fresh and hot; great french fries. Overall...it was very good and we would go again. Why not a five stars...my burger was not all that...I got the peidmontese (sp?) burger for $2 more and well, it was not as juicy and flavorful as I expected.
(4)Al B.
Great place to hang out with friends and get some good food and drink.
(4)Suzanne S.
this place has gone to hell in a handbasket. -burger was good - fries sucked - service went to who know where? some kid at the bar had a job - was a surprise to him what to do NOW OTHER THAN CHEF TOTAL RANK AMATEURS - NO REASON TO KEEP THE PLACE OPEN
(2)danielle b.
I live very close and used to stop in frequently for a beer and/or dinner. However, until last week, hadn't been there for over a year. I have to say that the smoking ban has greatly improved the overall atmosphere...no longer super smoky and stinky. Another improvement is the addition of an outdoor deck (wasn't quite done when I was there, but looks to be open now) and a wall of windows on one wall that brightens up the place. Service was pretty good. Great beer selection, and reasonable prices. Delicious spinach and artichoke dip, salads were OK. Will definitley be heading back soon to check out the outdoor seating.
(4)M D.
Food and service are great. My wife and I are definetly going back. Great draft beer.
(5)kelly w.
Is it weird that this place is called Mt. Chalet and looks like a little German/Swiss cottage near the Alps and the longest standing employee's name is Frida? She looks like a Frida too. And she is absolutely AMAZING... that is, if you are on her good side. If not, oh boy, have you got your work cut out for you. You see, I am one of those that have crossed over. Once a foe, now a friend. When you are a foe, you CANNOT add a chair to your table (watch your knuckles, she may lash them). when you are friend, you can move around tables to your little heart's content. when you are foe, you simply CANNOT split the bill (at least w/o getting an earful). when you are friend, the bill is already split up for you. In conclusion, it helps to be a friend of Frida's. How do you achieve this status? Don't f*#k with her. Make sure your first few times you follow the golden rules, (don't move chairs, ask for separate bills AHEAD of time, etc), and of course, tip well. You also need to be a semi-regular for her to remember you. Remember, she has been around since the dawn of time, she has met a lot of people, you need to stand out as a good one. Now that you have friended the infamous Frida, make sure you go with Labatt Light pints. They are only $1.50. Also remember, this is a dive bar, you don't need to get all scenestered out or wear your sunday's best. Auf Wiedersehen.
(3)Moira G.
When my fiance suggested we go to Mt Chalet on Woodward I said "HUH?" The place is so non-discript, I never noticed it in 10 months driving by the place! But inside it is a different story. Loud, interesting, busy & fun. Our waitress was tall, stunningly beautiful, NICE and very, very good. Seemingly out of nowhere she would show up when we thought we might want something. We had wings, poppers, sliders and fries. Sounds like typical bar food, but oh so much better than typical. YUM! I expect we will be back soon and often.
(5)Dan D.
I have a couple gripes about this place: They don't have beer menus right at the tables like in other bars/restraurants. It's like they want me to blindly order a drink without looking at the prices. They don't have more than 4 microbrews. How about something from the Royal Oak brewery? or maybe something from the Atwater Brewing Co.? Help the local mirobreweries around the area is what i'm saying. It feels humiliating to be ID'ed when I was born in april 1974. That's not a very skilled waitress to ID a 37 year old. That means she suspects i'm 20? I have boyish looks, but that's no excuss in my book anymore. I mean comon...17 years?! She had nice legs though. The atmosphere is fine exept the tea party biased FOX News on 2 of the monitors. Is this a tea party bar?" were my first thoughts.
(3)Liz L.
This bar has good food and a reasonably priced drink selection. The best on the menu is, IMO, the Maurice Salad, which was a JL Hudson's tea room salad that remains a fan favorite of Detroiters. Mt. Chalet isn't much to look at, but it's MUCH improved now that Michigan restaurants and bars are non-smoking. My biggest beef is that the acoustics are horrible. You literally have to yell across the table to your table mates to be heard. Still, it's a fun place and worth a visit.
(4)Jason R.
It is a wee bit smokey at times, great juke box, small and crowded. I like to stop in for lunch or to start off the night before it gets packed. They have specials running for the Red Wings playoffs as well. They have a new site too: MtChaletRoyalOak.com they have a new paint job, so the photo below is not as current as it could be.
(4)c s.
Anyplace can have the occasional bad experience but I have been to Mt Chalet at least 10 times a year for more than 10 years and can't thing of a bad time. It's not pricey. Food is very good if not wildly fancy. Service is nearly always great except perhaps for the occasional new waitress or very busy times. Just a real stalwart, dependable, and fun place you can go and either enjoys some beers or a real good lunch or dinner. There is a reason they have stayed open and busy for many many many years, but they have not aged...just stayed with the times. Well recommended.
(4)Otis M.
This is a very good neighborhood bar, not a fancy place by any stretch. Don't go here looking for a large wine selection or a gourmet meal. BUT the beers are great and drinks are fairly priced. My food experience has been surprisingly good, tasty burgers and fries. It's a million times better since the smoking ban... Unless you're a smoker I suppose. Very friendly staff.
(4)jack w.
Horrible exterior hides B'Hams best dive bar. It's the place of last resort for those who didn't make up there minds. Don't forget to ask what happend to Mt Chalet I.
(3)Josh A.
I love Freeta... That is the best 75 year old waitress there has ever been. Ofter she cannot hear your order but she is incredible. Awesome place, good food, i like it.
(5)Mindy W.
my hat is off to fellow yelp user 'kelly w.' for her poignant analysis of the conundrum that is frieda. if you are a virgin of the chalet, you'll recognize her as soon as you see her...there is no mistaking frieda. imagine if amy winehouse bleached her beehive a distinctive shade of strawberry blonde and lived for another eighty years. voila! now you and frieda are well acquainted. firstly, i must say she probably deserves congressional medal of honor or something of the sort for putting up with the antics of spoiled suburbanites year after year. i'm sure her job isn't easy and i commend her for fighting the good fight. may the lord bless you and keep you, frieda. you are an incredible woman. with that said, i love this bar.............................but the truth is frieda can make or break your night. think dr. jekyll and mr. hyde. when she brings her A game, she is a hoot. my friends & i went there after the kid rock concert on superbowl weekend and pretty much had the place to ourselves with the exception of a handful of other people. nothing but the kid played on the jukebox & nearly everyone was standing on their chairs singing along into our respective empty-beer-bottle-microphones. frieda didn't flinch. in fact, i would venture to say she had a good time. then there is the other extreme. i affectionately call this her 'vulture mode.' on more than one occasion, she has cut me off without mercy if i exceed three beers in my first hour...and i'm not an out of control patron by any means. i rarely venture away from the group i'm with & keep things pretty tame. is twenty minutes per beer really not that outrageous or am i a complete lush? it is amazes me that she can keep such close tabs no matter how busy the night is! if you think you can wait it out and resume your booze cruise after some time has passed, you can't. frieda won't budge. when she says you are cut off, she means for the entire evening. her word is final. when this happens, you have no choice but to fold. insulting frieda would be sacrilegious. there are a precisely three ways to escape the frieda doctrine, but you have to be clever. she has the eyes of a hawk. 1) you may sneak up to the bar and order from a different server. it is best to consume your drink at the bar, not back in frieda's territory. this has proven to be mildly successful in the past. remember- tip the other bartender well, they'll know what's up your sleeve. 2) have your DD order on your behalf. 3) head to the bathroom. change your clothes. slap on a wig, sunglasses and a smile and hope for the best. good luck and tread carefully!
(4)Frank W.
This gritty imitation chalet has antique wooden skis on the door, a good selection of cheap beers on tap (e.g. labatt's light, hacker pschorr, guinness), and a menu that's a good mix of traditional bar food and relatively high falutin bar fare like the crab cake aoili I had. My bro had some very homemade and reportedly tasty soup o the day, and some really delicious salad that looked like a mound of cole slaw mixed with ham, but I have no idea what it actually was.
(4)Atom G.
What happened to the Mt. Chalet 1 (visit 7 mile). Mt. Chalet II is a local favorite bar and restaurant. Gets very crowded on the weekends and the drunks will get upset with the moose once in a while. The staff is very lively and the crowd gets very social. Good place for last call.
(5)Jeff A.
WOW This burger rocks, I do not give 5 star reviews easily but you know what Mt Chalet deserves this one for sure! I eat a lot of burgers all over the country and you know what this may be the best one I have ever had, now this should not surprise me because the burger competition in Detroit is crazy many of the best burgers in America in my opinion are served right here in the D... Detroits burger scene is worthy of a Food network special! back to the burger right huuurrrr!!! Buttery bun, OMG, melt in my mouth with a smile bun! Perfectly cooked meat, perfect texture, just wonderful! grilled mushrooms and onions perfect again! and all congealed with the perfect amount of fresh toppings lettuce tomato onion ketchup and a moment of mayo, it was all divine, and of course cheese! This was all with a ridiculous pitcher plus 2 pints deal... The service was amazing as well! and I do mean amazing! I forgot my sunglasses which were not cheap, and two days later I called up thinking, there is no way they have them, and you know what they did and they were just as nice on the phone, and in person, when I was picking them up, as they were, when I was dining and drinking in the bar, this place is a class act! As good as it gets!
(5)Staxx D.
Frida! Where did she go?
(4)Renata R.
On a recent Thursday night at 8:30 we couldn't get into Red Coat Tavern or Vinsetta Garage--45 minute wait at both. We drove by Mt. Chalet... Hadn't been there in years, but decided to give it a try. We were both totally really pleased with the Piedmontese burgers and the Parmesan fries! Honestly liked mine better than Red Coat's burger. The place was busy but there was no wait, it was cute inside, and the staff was attentive and fast! We will definitely be back.
(5)Chris T.
Food is great and drinks are reasonably priced. I really like this place during the summer when I can sit outside and watch cars cruising Woodward, while consuming my favorite beverage. Service is ok, I've never been wow'd by the waitstaff. Some (tall blonde) are def better than the others though. Overall, this is one of my favorite places to grab a quick bite to eat and have a drink. A little hidden gem.
(4)Joe B.
I'm somewhat of a regular at the Chalet and what you can be certain of is the great service from the waitstaff, and it being busy on most any night. Seating is a little tight once you get inside but it's cozy - almost like a real chalet. Bordering Birmingham but still in Royal Oak, the Chalet pulls from all over the area - Ferndale, Clawson, Berkley, Troy and Mad Heights included. It's a nice oasis on the Woodward corridor offering safe haven from the cold in the winter. They have a little patio for the warmer months but I haven't had the chance to enjoy it as of yet. I get the impression that alot of patrons come after work and hang out for dinner and drinks and then leave before the later crowds arrive around 7 or 8. While some of the menu offerings stand out more than others others I'll walk you through what I've had there. Their fries are pretty solid. I know what you're thinking, that any french fry is probably a sure thing and that they're all created equal but theirs are not the standard fry. They're like gigantic Burger King fries - the ones with a little crispy type breading on them. They were hot and fresh, tender in the middle and super crispy outside....just a really nice french fry. The Calamari was just alright. The breading was a little oily and it kind of falls off the meat into a pile. The chili sauce served with it had a hint of chili flake for some heat and on it's own is delicious but it's not my favorite sauce for calamari - but that's just me. My friend really liked the Mac and Cheese which I have been waiting to try myself. The Beef Tips appetizer with demi glace was really good. The meat was tender and the demi was rich and full of flavor. Their stuffed jalapenos are filled with chorizo and wrapped around a decent sized shrimp - these were the JAM and they're addictive so be warned. They're served alongside a blue cheese pepper chutney...really really tasty stuff. Their burger was pretty standard with a good grade meat and sesame bun that was of the typical variety. It was cooked properly though, and it was pretty good. On another night we tried the Garlic Parmesan fries which had a lot of promise but the small heaps of RAW garlic overpower the parm so if you don't LOVE raw garlic you'll wanna pass on these, a great concept though. I think I'd crave these fries if the garlic was roasted to a sweeter flavor rather than raw. My only serious complaint is the parking - it really blows. If you get there during the busy hours you'll be parking, on the side street and hiking in, or illegally at Pearl Vision next door. All in all a great little watering hole to frequent though.
(3)Kristin G.
Ah, the Chalet. The name itself is completely misleading. The outside looks like a sad attempt at a Swiss Skiing Chalet, the inside...well now that's more like it. Wood paneled walls and floors, thick cut wood tables, it's got this warm, clean feeling without being at all fancy. This is laid back at it's very best. It's a dark atmosphere, with a great small bar feel. This is where the true reunions happen now-a-days. Friends come back home from out of town, it's always "Destination: Chalet!" It has it's certain small bar charm. So onto my own long winded disclaimer about the place. I have avoided reviewing the Chalet for some time, due to my extreme bias. This has been my local watering hole since I've been old enough to spend endless weekend and week day nights drinking away with my friends. I keep coming back, not solely because of location's sake, but because it's one of those great bars that does bar and does it perfectly. For me, this place is not only a great bar, but it's "classic bar" topped with a bit of nostalgia. The food: Amazingly delicious bar food. By bar food standards, I think it could quite possibly qualify as 5 star dining. In fact, I'd say on all accounts that it's "finer than your average bar." Burgers- fantastic. Turkey Rueben- delicious! The salads are all pretty tasty too. I haven't tried it but have heard that the Filets are great. Yep, a filet in a bar. After trying endless good eats at this bar, I believe it. The service: As mentioned in other Yelp reviews, try to get Frida. You cannot miss her! She's the one that looks like she's been there since the place opened, that's because she IS! Treat her well and you will have a pleasant experience. If you get all huffy with her, then you will see a not so pretty service experience unfold. She really is great when treated with respect, so be advised. It's wise to treat this woman as if she were your own grandma...serving you...in a bar... I do miss the days of the peanut barrel. There was a big barrel of peanuts when you walked in with baskets and could just throw the shells on the floor. I loved that about the place. Don't know what happened, I guess it's a liability?
(5)