Side Tracks Bar & Grill

We went to Side Tracks with a group of 8 last Friday. The drinks took some time to get out and the waitress seemed annoyed that she was working at 7:15 at night. But the place was busy which is a good sign. The place is very nice and clean inside. It also was bigger than what I expected. The majority of the table got the prime rib and shrimp. It was good but not the best I have had. I like lucky’s and latitude 43, in Bay City, prime rib better, but it was up there. It was a nice cut and good sized. The shrimp was grilled and seasoned nicely. I thought it was very good. There were good portions of food. For my wife and I to eat, have a few drinks and tip 20% it was over $ 80. It was a little pricey for drinks, but not too bad considering we both got prime rib and shrimp. One person at the table got the French onion soup, which I love and didn’t think to try it, so I will go back sometime and give it a shot. It looked very good. If the service was better it would have been a better rating. We even had to ask for our bill after waiting about 20 minutes after the table was cleared. They waitress didn’t even come back to the table to see if we wanted a bill or anymore drinks, it was like she forgot about us.

We came in the TVs were on soap operas asked to change them they change one must be the bartender TVs she must like watching soaps ordered a ceaser salad asked for a sample of dressing the bartender came out with a small container then ask me if needed a straw so I could taste it poor taste the food was good except for the service

I wish I could just leave a comment without a rating since I can’t rate the food or drinks. First time in here, sat for over 10 minutes waiting for a server. They weren’t busy…

Loud, noisy sound system with old farts singing karaōke. UGH! But sandwiches were good, and drinks were very good. Service was good also. Suggest they NIX the karaōke til after the dinner hour!

If you’re a real Railroad buff, this is the place for you. Entire bar and restaurant are decked out in a railroad theme, and the exterior of the restaurant looks very much like an old time train station. Almost all the menu items have a railroad theme to them, and it’s not unusual to hear a train come by on a pretty regular basis as it’s right next to the tracks. If you’re a family with kids who like Thomas the tank, this is definitely the place for you.
I haven’t had a lot of the food here yet, but I did eat the smoked wings and the Cuban Sandwich (special, not a regular menu item) and they were quite good. If you ordered the basket of wings, make sure to order the vinegar-​based coleslaw — it’s more of a southern take on slaw, but I found it to be extremely good.
The wait staff is extremely friendly, and our waitress went out of her way to explain both the menu in the specials if they had that evening. In turn she mentioned the fact that they have a rewards program card like a lot of places do now, and if you think that you will be eating here more than once or twice a month, it would probably be a pretty good deal.

I’m bouncing between 3 and 4 stars.
It’s honestly one of the nicest restaurants/​bars a I’ve been to in Lapeer… not that that is necessarily saying much. But seriosuly, this place could make it in most cities… something that can’t be said for many Lapeer establishments.
The Pros
* they seem to make a lot in house
* building has been redone well in the relatively near past
* the weekend entertainment seems pretty cool and I like the basically second bar they can open up connected to the main space
* they smoke their own meats
* the bartender and cook were very nice… always a wild card on a 330PM Monday visit
* the mustard and cherry bbq sauces
* Pulled pork, mac, slaw
The Cons
x Soooooooo dark. I mean if it’s at night, that’s one thing. But during the day… turn on the lights and show me this beautiful space!
x the other bbq sauces
x Draft beer selection is pretty weak. No microbrews (or anything close!!) In sight
x Ribs. Undercooked and needed more spice rub
x brisket. Not terrible… But a little undercooked and chewy, especially for how thin it was sliced.
x the bbq sauces that are store bought
They get the fourth star because the cook took me out back to show me their smoker and gave me samples of their rub and bacon. I always love anyone willing to talk shop with me!