Mode’s Bum Steer
125 E State St, Traverse City, MI, 49684
Mode’s Bum Steer Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Traverse City for healthy meals suggestion.
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Visit below restaurant in Traverse City for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
125 E State St
Traverse City, MI, 49684 - Phone (231) 947-9832
- Website https://www.modesbumsteer.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 12
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : No
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Average
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : No
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
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randy c.
Mode's seems to have turned a corner, downhill. Preface by stating that I've dined at Mode's probably 50+ times over 20 or so years, you go back for good food and good service...they always delivered. Every place is bound to eventually have an off night that should go without noting but this was beyond ignoring. Our server set the tone with clearly making us feel as we were a burden somehow. The tone and expressions were evident. Should be no surprise that I've never seen this waitress at Mode's before, nor did I recognize any of the staff, something seems to have changed...unfortunately for the worse. The food that followed was sub par to Modes standards, fried to hell miniature perch on a bed of wilted and stinky kale....I'll leave it at that. To bad, really.
(1)Michael B.
Was brought here by a local. My wife and I were pleasantly surprised. Prices are on the high-reasonable end, and the atmosphere is not necessarily up to snuff with the prices, but the food and service is phenomenal. I would highly recommend the rack of lamb.
(4)Jim H.
I was staying overnight on business in Traverse City and asked at my hotel for a recommendation.... The locals suggested Modes and I looked them up on yelp and was somewhat surprised they only had a three star rating and they were riddled with moderate to bad reviews. I asked again and was assured I would not be disappointed. After thinking it over with a cocktail at my hotel bar I decided to give it a try. WOW!!! Good move!!! I have to say that this was a truly enjoyable experience! I rarely eat at the bar but this place looked like an eat at the bar kind of place, since I was alone and most, if not all, of the tables were full on a Monday! Night. The bartender was friendly and the servers were happy to chip in and help if I even looked like I had a question. I looked over the menu, and decided to go with one of the many specials on the chalkboard, the small filet with a lobster tail. I was not disappointed! The wedge salad with blue cheese was awesome and just made me dream about how good the rest of the meal would be! The lobster was cooked perfectly and the small filet, which I ordered medium, was perfectly cooked, pink throughout, and as tender and tasty as you can imagine a filet! The baked potato was extra hot and steamy and had plenty of butter and sour cream served with it.. The portions were plentiful but not obscene! The service, food, and ambiance in this place were first rate and I give it my highest recommendation! Don't opt for the Johnny come lately chains in this town or you will miss this tremendous old world gem, a treasure in the heartland!
(5)Tracy B.
For the prices I'd go to Bourbon's 72 at the casino. WAY too expensive. Service was OK, we decided to sit at the bar after being seated at a small, cramped table against the wall. For ambience, skip it...it's a 1970's windowless bar with nawgahide chairs and if the patrons are any judge of a place it's definitely tailored to the silver set....though how they afford it I'll never know. I had escargot and I could SWEAR they were the canned ones then drowned in butter and garlic to hide the fact. We've lived here 7 years and we haven't missed anything.
(2)M V.
My favorite place to get a steak in TC. Best place to splurge on food and wine. Doesn't look like much from the outside, but this place is a real treat.
(4)Laurie D.
Funky. Great prime rib
(5)Becky O.
My first visit but will definitely go back! Loved "anitas cut", and discovered their lettuce wedge with their own blue cheese dressing was the best I've ever had!
(4)Mike K.
My wife and I went in for an early dinner last evening and were pleasantly surprised. The employees actually smile! A lot! This place pays attention to the details. Our happy server Cathy brought drinks and promptly took our order. The place is older, and a bit crowded, but clean, comfortable and OK. I ordered chicken and ribs and my wife had walleye. Both were generous portions and tasted great. The salad bar was very good with a nice selection of dressings especially the bleu cheese with big chunks at the bottom. The details: Large, thick paper napkins, comfortable seating, attentive service. We both had plain baked potato with sour cream and butter on the table to add as desired. Thick cut Texas toast comes with entrees. Portions were large and we took home lots. The dessert menu was small but adequate. I have a love of Hummer ice cream drinks. They made an excellent one. The only reason I didn't give Mode's 5 stars is that we felt it was a bit pricey, but it is a quality place to dine as evidenced by the full room by the time we left. We asked why the employees were so happy and friendly and she allowed that most had been there a long time, 24 years herself, some longer and they are well taken care of. We'll be back.
(4)Julie S.
Great steak, had the Anita steak 12 oz cut. Melt in your mouth, it was burnt on edges. Just delicious. When your hungry for a good steak this is he place to come. It was packed, it's your old fashion decor. Also had shrimp cocktail it was wonderful, big and plump. Love it it will be a place I will come back too!!
(4)Bob D.
Take step back in time. Red swivel chairs, salad bar, steaks. Booze. Late night menu. Even a waitress named Trixie. For us Mode's is always a stop on our annual trip to TC.
(4)Erin W.
Our wine tour guide recommended this place to us--boy, am I glad we listened! The lettuce wedge with their own blue cheese was so delicious, it was hard not to devour it! I got the filet center cut ordered medium with a side of mushrooms and my bf got the 16 oz prime rib ordered rare. We both thoroughly enjoyed every bite. I should've passed on the mushrooms, as they were ok, but not as fabulous as the rest of the meal and I had plenty to eat. Our server was very friendly and attentive. The owner stopped by our table to see how everything was and seemed genuinely happy that we were happy. It is a small place and a little dark but still a very comfortable atmosphere. If I ever return to Traverse City, I will definitely be stopping in here for a steak cooked to perfection.
(5)Russ A.
Usually stop for a meal while in TC. Food is basic and very good. Varied menu with steak, chicken, sea food, pork, etc. This trip I had the steak and ribs combo. Steak was tasty and tender. Ribs were good although the rib sauce with a touch of cherry (this is TC) was a bit sweet for my taste. I probably won't get the ribs again but that is not a problem as there are so many good choices on the menu. My wife had one of the house specialties, prime rib. The first cut was on the over done and tough side. No problem. Our server immediately brought out another cut with a complimentary side of mushrooms that was perfect. Great service. I will continue to return to the Bum Steer.
(4)Matt B.
You simply will not find a better eating establishment in northern Michigan. Been to Mode's several times over the years and always make it a point to stop in when in town. A little bit of everything but they sure can grill. Steaks and ribs are amazing and rate among the best I've ever tasted. Service is top notch and some of the staff has been there nearly as long as the 40 years they've been open. I cannot recommend modes enough. Weekends you get a salad bar which is fantastic but the wedge salads and home made dressings (bleu cheese, ranch, 1k island are all amazing too). 5 stars for Mode's!
(5)Jacquelynn A.
This place cracks me up. The look of it is not nice but the prime rib is awesome! I have been twice and loved it both times!
(4)Stacy H.
Annual visit to Modes all the way from California Saturday coney dog just the way you want it Would recommend it to anyone
(5)Josh B.
This place never disappoints! I come here knowing what I'm going to get...an old school steak dinner perfectly cooked by people who care more about whether you have a great meal than whether the decor has been updated in the last 40 years! The salad bar is phenomenal...all house-dressings! And the wedge salad is basically just a vehicle for their out-of-this-world blue cheese dressing! The service is always outstanding and the drinks are "healthy pours". I love these kind of hole in the wall places that know what they're good at and they make no attempts to deviate from that model.
(5)Elaf W.
I'm going to split this review in half: the service and the food. The service was terrible. Our waitress walked away while we were in the middle of ordering because we started discussing what we wanted. She came back five minutes later. Our salad bar plates were taken away right after we had our salad. We weren't asked if we were done. Near the end when she noticed a change in our attitude, she started calling my dad honey/hun (I know it's normal in the midwest, but this had a sarcastic/condescending tone). I think she started worrying about her tip, especially since our bill was over $100, so she tried fixing her attitude. Next: the food. It's okay. Wasn't amazing, but the portions were large. Considering how much it cost, I'd say you can get the same meals somewhere else for cheaper, and it may even taste better. The salad bar was tiny, and like I mentioned above, you barely get a chance to enjoy it before your plates are taken away. The jalapeño mozzarella sticks were pretty good, the chicken wings were average, I'd rather have B-Dubs' wings though. The restaurant is cramped, and I definitely wouldn't take kids there, they don't have a child-friendly menu. I saw some people complaining about the decor, I didn't mind it. The chairs were comfy!
(2)Dean K.
I love everything about the place. The atmosphere is nice but not stuffy - love the comfy vinyl seats. I have only ever had, and only will ever had, the strip and wedge. It never disappoints and the price is right. Such a treat whenever I can come here.
(4)Kristen N.
Everyone seems to always rave about Mode's, so I finally had to eat here after living in TC for 12 years. I think the main reason I have never gone here is because the outside reminds you of a local tavern and you don't expect it to be anything special, and honestly it really wasn't. The service was great! No complaints there! We went on a Saturday night at 6pm and it was full, besides one table for us. The decor on the inside is definitely dated and needs to be remodeled. The tables are too close together and hard to walk around too, especially when it started getting busy around 7:30. I was really wanting to get a fish entree, but decided against it since everyone always says Mode's is known for their steaks. I ended up getting the 12oz prime rib (only ate half of it because it was so big). With each meal you get to go to the salad bar, which is tiny and reminded me of Ponderosa - wasn't too please with that, especially for the cost of the meal. I ordered my steak medium-rare and it definitely came out well-done and dry. I was very disappointed! You get a large piece of Texas toast and a starch with your meal, was sort of hoping for some veggies too, but no luck. My friend got the roasted duck. He said it was delicious and it looked like a good portion too. There was a great wine selection and list of specials too. We didn't get dessert bc we were both full from dinner bc it was a large portion. Sadly, I didn't think that Mode's lived up to the hype. Would have been nice to get a steak the way I ordered it, especially for the price. Not sure I will go back here, as there are too many good places in town to eat at, but sadly, not many are known for their steaks.
(3)Kristin F.
Let me just tell you about the salad wedge. It was probably created because you can't drink bleu cheese out of a straw. Simple yet delicious- a wedge of iceberg lettuce complimented by 2 cherry tomatoes and bleu cheese dressing. So we came for a 10PM dinner on a random Thursday night, and I was overwhelmed by the specials on the board. Since I couldn't decide on what I wanted, I opted for a little surf and turf- filet with shrimp. It complimented my wedge and rice well. Oh, and that Texas toast... Definitely not the wisest move on my part considering this was probably the largest meal I have ever eaten at 10PM. C'est la vie. It was delicious.
(4)Ben B.
If your looking for great steak and fish and where the locals go, then head to Mode's. I always get the filet and pearch combo, which isn't in the menu but just ask. Also try the rootbeer that is on tap!
(5)Heather B.
Ok, so, first impressions... Um, this place is stuck in 1970...I can't imagine their food is any good....isn't there some other place nearby? : / AND THEN...my opinion quickly changed. Service? Friendly!! Both Kathy and Amanda (oh yes, we have since returned from our original visit) were fast, efficient, and friendly! Drinks? Cheap and a nice pour! Food? The salad bar is some kind of great! NOT iceberg + homemade dressings. Tons of toppings and comes with every entree. Nice. Now on to the entrees. I got the salmon, she got the blackened tuna. Both were PERFECTLY cooked...the tuna rare, just as ordered, a healthy portion and a nice cut of tuna. The salmon absolutely moist and tender, completely impressed with the flavor, and a perfectly-sized piece. The second visit, someone stuck with the tuna (I don't blame her), I opted for the petite filet and shrimp combo. Again, everything perfectly cooked, served hot, and nicely-portioned. Happy belly. The ONLY reason why I give this gem of a throwback establishment 4-stars is the fact that they are ALL starches. Outside of the super salad bar...all they have for sides are rice, potato, and fries...oh, and every entree comes with a book-sized piece of texas toast. I just want some veggies...that's all I ask....but for the price, and the quality of the dinner...I'll eat starches for a change....but mark my words...veggies or not, we WILL be back!
(4)David P.
I make this place one of my dinner stops on every trip to TC. The Best and as far as I am concerned the only place in town for a steak or prime rib. Add the wedge salad a side of perch and you have a meal to remember
(5)Charlie B.
A great establishment in downtown Traverse to counter the new fancy spots. They have your basic diner food, some great steaks and a wonderful blue cheese dressing! I had the perch plate and it was really good, but also really expensive compared to other spots around town for a perch dinner. It was fun to visit and our server was so sweet.
(3)Ernie M.
I had the onion soup and the Polish sausage platter. Both were very good. My wife had the chicken wrap and said it was excellent. Limited wine list,but adequate
(3)Phil S.
Excellent food, service and atmosphere. You can't go wrong eating at this establishment and you won't leave hungry. A little hard to find. I take Front Street to Union, make a left and when I come to the Union Street Station Bar, (on your left) turn left into the alley just before the bar and Mode's is just ahead on your right
(5)Wendy H.
Lived here 15 years and just had dinner there for the first time, it won't be the last. Good food cold drinks and a wonderful waitress! Salad wedges were good reat but Their homemade dressing were Great! Loved the steak ... Planning my next visit!
(4)Dave S.
Service was slow//we were served 10 minutes after a party who came in after us. Steal was ok but overcooked for med rare. Perch was greasy and tasteless. But at least the pork chops were good. Too pricy for the average fare.
(2)sara k.
After years of walking by this restaurant and salivating at the smell of seared beef each time, I finally sat down for a meal. Thanks to Traverse City Restaurant Week. A movement that has hit a lot of cities nationwide, attempting to get diners out and experiencing good meals en masse. Our $25 per person got us an appetizer, salad or soup, main course, and dessert. I'll comment on each, but first let me say that this was a great deal for the vast amount of food we shoved into our gullets. App: Shrimp cocktail: As Tommy Boy said, these guys were still digesting Thanksgiving dinner. Egg roll: Though I was a bit confused by this item on a steakhouse menu, I really enjoyed it, especially with the house made mustard sauce. Salad: Wedge: Loved the house made bleu cheese dressing. Not too runny, not too creamy. Main: Prime Rib: Nicely seasoned with moist meat. Pleasing. Texas toast: Could have done without. Fries: Yum! Perfect texture; great frying technique Dessert: Bananas Foster: Since when did bananas with caramel sauce served over ice cream constitute a bonafide Bananas Foster? Pass. The meal was tasty, for the most part, but I wouldn't pay regular prices. With the number of retirees in the dining room, I wonder how they're able to pay the high prices on fixed incomes. The old school ambiance paired with the windowless room made me feel like I'd stepped into the 70s, but I dug it.
(3)Bri S.
Not impressed. The waitress is why this place gets even a one star. She was sweet and friendly. However nothing special about this place. My husband ordered the prime rib. Which was flavorless and it just came with rice and a piece of texas toast. no au jus or horseraddish... I Was in hopes for some delicious seafood. So I ordered the perch. It didn't have a bad taste but it was completely bland. Not to mention, it to came with rice and toast. But there was no other flavor component. I had like 20pieces of fried perch on my plate with absolutely no flavor. My rice came to me with a hair in it. I work in restaurants, so i don't get freaked out by hair. I just asked for a new order. I just kept eating my meal because i dropped $20 on my entree, but eventually the lack of flavor just made me gag. I did not express my dissatisfaction the our manager. Infact I boxed up my food, to be nice and then tossed it in the trash at our hotel. I had heard good things about this place but I would never eat there again. The blue cheese dressing on my salad however, was the best part of our whole meal.
(1)Dennis P.
One of our favorites! Blue cheese dressing to die for Duck dinner that is fantastic and a ton of food Service and staff are always friendly A must
(5)Marin C.
Tasty tasty, went here with some family tonight. I had a bite of someone's yellowtail. Yum. I also ate their baked potato, we are excellent at sharing. I pretty much subsisted on baked tater and bread, me so healthy, I know. But, I got there kinda late and didn't want my family waiting on me so I just said I'd share whatever they got. I arrived around 6:30ish, this place was already full to the gills, on a weeknight. That promises good things. Your usual steak, fish, expensive place. I like the atmosphere though, kind service. Plus, my excellent uncle paid for the six of us, he is a scholar and a gentleman.
(3)Vena B.
So I finally made a trip to Modes with my husband to scout some places inTraverse for a friends rehersal dinner. We will not be back....ever. Our server Amanda was AMAZING and we have nothing bad to say about her or about the food itself. We actually had a horrible experience with the owner. My husbands steak was ordered medium rare and came out a bit on the medium side. The owner just happened to walk past as we were cutting into our steaks and he signaled her over. When he explained to her it was a bit too done for him, she shook her head and said that's how they do it there and "sorry". We asked our waitress when she came by if there was anything they could do and she said she didn't think the owner would allow her to do anything. At this point my husband was pretty upset and his friend and I were VERY EMBARRASSED. He finally just asked for it to be taken off our tab. A few moments later Amanda came back and said the owner would not allow her to take the steak off the bill. This all ended with the owner and my husband walking out of the establishment and her laughing in his face reminding him the steak was cooked to their standards. She finally did agree to take it off the bill but still charged us for the salad and baked potato that came with his dinner. I have never been treated like this in my life and cannot believe that an owner of a highly recommended restaurant would not try and please her patrons. It's really sad that she is that worried about a steak and not her customers. Obviously we will not be back ,nor would our friend have his dinner there.
(1)Ray T.
We were going to have dinner somewhere else, but noticed this restaurant from the parking lot. Since we were just looking for a place to eat, we thought, why not! First the bad. It is crowded, noisy, and has tables so close together that you are seated almost to the point where you are sitting in someones lap. To make up for this, or because of this, the service was very good and friendly. The server was very knowledgeable with the menu and gladly responded to questions about menu items. The food: outstanding prime rib, charbroiled, cooked to order, and ACTUALLY delivered the way we ordered, medium and well-done. Compared to many prime ribs we've eaten in the past, these had a minimal amount of inedible fat. You didn't feel cheated because you had to toss away half a prime rib. The meat was really tender.
(4)Lisa R.
If you want an old school steak dinner, this is the place. I always get the Filet, a baked potato and the wedge salad with delicious homemade blue cheese dressing, oh, and don't forget the texas toast. Just throw in a good cocktail, glass of wine, or a beer, and you will be all set! This place is kind of a throwback to another time, but I like that time. I always enjoy my meal here. It is spot on, and relaxing. (Do not confuse this with Ruth's Chris Steakhouse or a high end chop house). But, just expect a very good steak dinner. I always enjoy my meal here, and pick it every time I have a steak craving in Traverse City.
(4)Ranger R.
So, so for the price. Waitress was very nice though. Probably would've gotten higher rating had the prices been in the more appropriate range of 30% less.
(2)Brian N.
It was with low expectations that we tried this place hoping for something good - well we were left hoping. The overall feel of the place was straight out of the 1970's - like some sort of time capsule that was just unearthed. After several big meals over Thanksgiving we opted for burgers instead of steaks to try and get something a bit lighter. The ordering process was bordering on ridiculous - our server asked us each several times to repeat our orders despite the fact that she was writing them down. My wife wanted a baked potato with her burger instead of the chips and coleslaw that game with it - I am thinking that is an easy substition that we may have to pay something extra for, but so what.... Nope - you can't get the baked potato with a burger - they just can't do it. Still no idea why as they clearly sell them with the steaks - but nope can't do it.... Our burgers were decent, not great, but decent and the coleslaw and chips were as expected for the look of this place. They were fairly busy on a Saturday night and many people seemed to be enjoying it - I witnessed people around us with gigantic pieces of prime rib on their plates - and they seemed to be gobbling it up. I think overall the service was pretty poor with the ordering fiasco, ice poured in one of our guests lap and another elbowed by our server, oh and also the server tripping over my foot - and not even an "I'm sorry, or oops" uttered. Overall I wasn't impressed and won't be going back - so maybe not just a good place for me as many others seemed quite happy....
(2)Matt H.
This place is classic chop house (traverse city's only chop house). Dark, smoky, old club chairs, with a soup and salad bar in the back. The smoke can definitely be too much for some, and it's also open late. The steaks here are great. (do they serve anything else?) Always get a salad wedge. And the fries and bbq sandwich are done right. I love how it looks straight out of the 70s. Would I take a date here, probably not. Would I take my family here, probably not. Would I go here if I just wanted some meat and I didn't want anyone to bother me. Yes, I might be a caveman.
(4)Myrna J.
I only gave this three stars because I've only eaten one type of meal in this place but I've had the same one on numerous occasions and only had one not so great experience. The very best thing about this place is that they serve food (dinner) until 11 pm and that's not easy to find in TC. It's an old fashioned looking place on a back street with seasoned wait staff and bar tender. It's a locals place with a lot of people who know each other. I always have a steak sandwich with fries and cole slaw. It's good, filling and inexpensive. Great choice to get in off the street on a hot summer afternoon. Kids would be okay but it's mostly an adult scene... low key, aged 40 to 60s something locals. Oh and it's smokey because TC restaurants still allow smoking.
(3)