Big Buck Brewing, Gaylord

January 11, 2008
(Visited 10/2006): Big Buck is right off I-75 in Gaylord, and is impossible to miss thanks to the 2-story beer bottle outside (not sure if that is a year-round attraction). There is plenty of parking in front of the establishment. Inside the atmosphere is like a hunting lodge. Lots of rustic decorations and game animal themes. The chairs even look like they are hand made. The brewing equipment is fully visible in the rear. The beer selection is solid. There are 11 offerings from a Light to Stout. A couple eclectic seasonals are available too like a Honey Rye and even a Grand Cru. All in all the beers are well-made, and samples are available for $1 each. Our service here was pretty good on a Sunday afternoon. Our waiter was attentive and took care to explain all the different beers. As for the food, it is pretty good. I had the Cajun Chicken Salad and it was large and tasted good. My wife’s beer cheese soup was particularly good too. All in all this place probably leans toward the Steakhouse side of things a little more than the Brewery, but the variety and quality of the beers (all were at least average) makes it a worthwhile stop on the interstate in Michigan.

December 20, 2006
Stopped by on the way through to the UP because I knew I’d have trouble finding beer up there. Real nice employees. They have 1/2 growlers, growlers and piggies for package. Didn’t have time or appetite to eat, but definitely looked like it would have been worth it.

August 28, 2006
This place was a surprise; my first thought was "oh no" seeing yet another northwoods/hunting lodge themed brewpub in the upper midwest, even if this one is bigger and more nicely appointed than most (its positively huge). The food and service were both excellent and the beer was surprisingly decent; of 10 samplers I finished all but a couple and wish I could’ve had more of the IPA, Mondello (Mexican premium lager with spices) and stout. Definite recommendation if you’re in the area.

July 13, 2006
First off, fantastic food. I went with a group of four and everybody was very happy with the large portions, good prices. The steak sandwich is gigantic and great. The restaurant is kind of like a giant hunting lodge with smoking only allowed in a very secluded back room. The beers were all above average and are sold by sample, pint, growler or party pig. You can get five, 5oz. samples for $5. A single sample is $1.50. The growlers are $12.98 and $7.99 to refill. The party pigs (2.25 gallon disposable mini keg) are $27.49. When I visited in July 2006 they had eight regular beers and two seasonals on tap. You can’t go wrong stopping here if you find yourself in the middle of nowhere mid-Michigan.

June 26, 2006
Nice place. Clean new looking. Camping / cabin kind of looking place. Beer is okay food was pretty good and what we didnt have looked real good too. Head brewery introduced himself to us while we were sitting at the bar. Real nice guy and answered my questions very well. If you are in the area take a little detour or whatever and stop by. You wont be sorry.

May 31, 2005
interesting place, right off I-75 in gaylord. decor is like a giant cabin, deer/hunting themed with antlers all over the place. beer is decent, but the food is awesome. set up for live entertainment on the weekend. definitely worth a stop if you’re traveling on 75--nothing outstanding but it’s a good stop for craft beer.