Regaled throughout Michigan’s UP (Upper Peninsula), the Lone Wolf Saloon in Gould City is a must for the next time you’re passing through town via US-2. People keep using the same adjectives to describe this dive bar, like: “wow,” “amazing,” “OMG,” and “burp!”
Ask any local about the Lone Wolf Saloon and you will hear a lot of stories about the amazing owner, Jeff. Many dive bar managers lead with a frown (because it’s not an easy gig), but this gentleman actually cares about his patrons and shows it. In a small town like Gould City (pop. 411) everyone old enough to drink has likely visited or frequented the Lone Wolf Saloon over the years.
When newbies enter this joint for the first time, they are often surprised by a carpet emblazoned with flames. It’s an old dive bar trick—you can spill food and drink all day long and it will get lost in the rug’s intricate design. Loud and garish to some and fun and funky to others, the décor at the Lone Wolf Saloon includes red faux leather backed stools, local memorabilia and liquor signs hanging off the walls.
The staff here is mega-friendly and visitors are always welcome. Their motto might as well be “Don’t Punch It Out, Hug it Out!” Every snowboarder or camper (depending on the weather), biker or hiker, student or senior will always be treated like family at the Lone Wolf Saloon. (Which is nice, unless your family is dysfunctional.)
When the sun goes down at this dive bar, patrons start braying at the moon and begin drinking in thirsty packs. The beer is cheap, and the well drinks are strong because the bartenders pour heavy. They feature a wide range of fun drink specials—a combination of shots, for those who want that buzz faster, coupled with classics like Old Fashioneds and Singapore Slings.
While many dive bars push the booze, and the food is simply an afterthought, the Lone Wolf Saloon multi-tasks and shines in both areas. The kitchen here is known for enormous half-pound burgers (The Double Bubba and the Rodeo Burger, for example), homemade pizzas (ask about the BBQ Chicken or Mondo Combo), fresh salads, fresh-cut fries and other tasty treats. The culinary approach at the Lone Wolf Saloon is to make great food without using frozen products and with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
So if you’re in the UP and up for a good time, dive into the Lone Wolf Saloon and hoist a few brews with your newest friends. They’re closed on Wednedays, but any other day ask for Jeff. Don’t trip on the flame carpet, and have a blast.
This dive bar doesn’t have pool tables, dartboards, karaoke machines, video games or other distractions. It’s all about drinking, drinking and more drinking followed by a great meal made from scratch.
Sounds like a howling good time, right?
Located in: Gould City, Michigan
Be sure to try: a 1/2 lb. burger, cooked to perfection, paired with an ice cold beer
