Black Rock Bar & Grill - Portage, MI

It was a lovely drive across 94. My companion and I had a full day and nothing to do so we drove until Helios demanded more fuel.

As we headed back looking for a place to stop for a drink and a snack. The only reason we stopped here was because a picture on Google showed pretzels and cheese dip, a favorite for us. As we take in the aesthetic and menu we realize we are in for a bigger treat than anticipated.

Black Rock is a chain of steak houses scattered through Michigan. Their big selling point, that I completely overlooked until it was explained to me by our fantastic server, is an interactive experience of cooking your own steak on a 750° stone.




I know, that sounds dangerous.

Honestly? It wasn't nearly as scary as it seemed. The server begins the required sear on the meat while explaining how to cook on the stone before handing it over to an inexperienced customer. Plenty of the best garlic butter I've ever had is provided to add a punch of flavor I still crave while writing this review. And for those concerned, the design of the platter is such that it is never a thought to rest a hand or elbow on the hot stone.




We showed up for pretzels and I didn't even talk about them. They were good! They had a savory appetizer (and a dessert version that I did not try). Best yet, the cheese was served in ceramic on the same stones so it stayed bubbling hot the entire service. Sides came with the meat but I was too enamored by the main event to think too hard about them. I do remember them being very tasty tho.

Prices were reasonable enough to spring for a steak even though we had no intention of sitting down for a full dinner before walking in.
I would definitely consider this place again when I'm back in Michigan.

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Black Rock Bar and Grill
550 Trade Centre Way. Portage, MI 49002