This was a very fun experience and made that way completely by the staff. When i rode up there was only 1 bartender waiting on customers, the place was very quiet. She was very quick, polite and fun. Within an hour the place had about 15 customers and maybe 3 or 4 more bartenders and waitresses. Very personable team and great to talk to, I was treated like a regular from the start and appreciated their conversation. Bonus for me was that they had Lethal Weapon on the tv behind the bar. Food prices were a little high but worth it - burger was strongly seasoned and was a nice size. They had a cod special for $17 that i would have ordered but i didn't see the sign till after i ordered. I'm bummed that i've been up this way for 4 years and am only discovering this place now - with it being only 30 minutes away from the cabin i'll be there much more. The items around the place are very interesting to see and read. Thank you, this was a great place to discover!
Overview
Tucked away on the quiet stretch of 7467 E Houghton Lake Rd in Merritt, Michigan, Merritt Auction House Bar And Grill/corner Restaurant carries that small-town magic you don’t find often anymore. Stepping inside feels like entering a warm cabin during winter—wood-paneled walls, vintage memorabilia, and the low hum of laughter coming from the locals who seem to know everyone by name. The place isn’t flashy, and that’s the beauty of it. It’s authentic, rooted in community, and proud of its long-standing tradition as both a bar and a diner-style restaurant.
The menu is a love letter to classic American comfort food. Think thick burgers piled with crisp lettuce and melted cheese, golden fries that stay crunchy until the last bite, and hand-battered fish so fresh it practically flakes apart under your fork. On Fridays, they host prime rib nights, and the aroma alone pulls in travelers passing through Merritt. Portions lean generous, which is perfect after a long drive or a day out on Houghton Lake nearby. It’s the kind of hearty, no-nonsense cooking that locals rave about, and first-timers remember long after they’ve left town.
What stands out even more than the food is the atmosphere. There’s a small bar tucked in one corner, lined with polished stools where regulars gather for cold drafts and conversation that meanders from fishing spots to local high school sports. Families tend to gravitate toward the main dining area, where wide windows let in soft evening light. Reviews often mention how friendly the staff is—quick to offer refills, happy to recommend favorites, and genuinely interested in making you feel at home. That blend of hospitality and consistency is rare, and it’s what keeps people coming back week after week.
The location itself adds to the charm. Surrounded by pine-dotted roads and open sky, it’s the kind of place you stumble on during a weekend drive and instantly bookmark in your mind. Many travelers heading north through Michigan plan their route just to stop here for lunch or dinner. Over the years, this little corner has become more than just a restaurant; it’s a gathering place that ties the community together, a hidden landmark for those who know where to look.
Good to know
Service options
âś“ Dine-in âś“ DeliveryOfferings
âś“ Alcohol âś“ BeerDining options
âś“ Dinner âś“ SeatingAmenities
âś“ Bar on siteCrowd
âś“ Family friendly âś“ LGBTQ+ friendly âś“ Transgender safe spaceChildren
âś“ Good for kids âś“ High chairs âś“ Kids' menuParking
âś“ Free parking lot âś“ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
The food was wonderful! We had two little kids with us and the staff was beyond accommodating. Offered toys for the Lil ones and provided quick and polite service. We will be coming back to try more items. The farmers omelette and chocolate pancakes were delicious.
Hubby and I were traveling up to the yopper, looked for place along Route. I’m Deep South born and raised, husband a native. I loved the laid back atmosphere, where locals were enjoying dinner. We had the garlic parm fries, The cod dinner was great, husband got a pizza. All were a win. Clean and friendly!
Stopped in by chance Saturday Nov 11 around noon. We were a group of 6. There was only one employee cooked and serving. She was incredible. We had such a great time and so so many laughs. The employee created such a fun filled atmosphere and the owners should be so grateful to have this employee.
This is a Cool Place GREAT Food and Service It also has Alot of Older Memorability on the Walls!! Really Neat Stuff!! Their daily specials are wonderful.The last time we went on a Friday night and had their delicious Atlantic cod!!