Whitlow’s Forerunner

My first time in… The staff was very friendly. I thought the atmosphere was cool with the display of stuffed animals and it was pretty cozy. Once I sat down I started to realize how unsanitary the place was. Their creamers were in a bowl with «clean» teaspoons for self serve but it had a long piece of hair in it. I told the server and she switched it out from the table next to us. But she left the bowl with hair in it on the table she switched. Coffee mugs are already on the table upside down but there were tiny little beetles or bugs crawling on the table. The food came and found 2 pieces of hair in my eggs. At this point I was disgusted. When a server came by to refill my coffee I was about to tell her and as the coffee was pouring into my cup I saw a black foreign object in my coffee mug that still had some creamer in it hence I was able to see it. At that point I was so disturbed I went to pay our bill to just leave. I was still polite to my server and still got a 20% tip. Sure, I should have said something when I was there but being an employee in the service industry myself at that time I didn’t want to seem so knit picky or petty. Nor was I looking for free food. This review is just to inform you the standards of cleanliness needs to step it up a notch. When I went into work that evening and told a few people, some that had been there explained to me their experience there as well and apparently cleanliness is not your forte. That’s not the best reputation.

I stop by almost every time I get back to the area. I love the Cole Slaw, macaroni Salad, LOVE the garlic toast and cheese and really like the perch!

Nice menu, cost effective, quality and quantity is good.

First off, I’ve only been to Whitlow’s for breakfast, so can’t speak to any other meal. But since I’ve had breakfast here more times than I can count, I whole-​heartedly recommend it for that. The food is almost always cooked perfectly (once, and only once, my over-​easy eggs were over cooked; the «wild style» potatoes with onions are consistently outstanding, though), and the staff is so friendly and welcoming.
The breakfast clientele is definitely a bit of an odd hodge-​podge of locals (present company included, of course), which adds to the old school, neighborhood feel. The taxidermy collection and painted red ceiling are the cherries on top of this quirky, off the beaten path diner.

Disgusting food and horrible service.
Everything tastes frozen then deep fried. Even the bread rolls were gross!
I had been told the perch was amazing. It was not! The breaking was soggy and the fish tasted off.
I will not return.

Sadly small and lackluster bar. Kids there after 9 with odd clientele. Remnant of an older, less glamorous era. For older ppl.

I was on a two week motorcycle ride from California. Continental breakfasts are quick and convenient… and FREE. But, after leaving some of the group to catch the ferry back across the lake we were hungry and wanting something quick and easy off the freeway. We stopped here and had the best tasting breakfast of the whole trip. Service was spot on and friendly without crowding us. When we got the check the cost was far more than reasonable. Breakfast should be the cheapest meal of the day, quick, and an easy stop. In over the $ 13 omelette places that serve packaged hashbrowns and overpriced coffee. I would come back if ever in the neighborhood on or off the bike!

The best perch in Muskegon & they have a very good salad bar as well. If you require snob appeal, pass on Whitlows but if you are looking for hot, delicious food & friendly home town service give it a try. Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday special: 2 complete meals for $ 13.99 includes salad bar.

I went to this place after reading the rave reviews on here and on google. For the prices to be honest, I cannot rate this 5 stars, or 4. The food is average, the prices a bit high. It is better to hit this place for lunch, or breakfast, I don’t really recommend dinner. As so many restaurants advertise, their ‘best perch in town’ did taste very fresh, but I’ve paid less for just as good of perch at other restaurants, though none very nearby (which may be why this place is still popular). The rest of the food is average — garlic bread which appeared to literally be dried bread brushed w/​butter instead of toasted, packaged rolls and cheese dip that looks like frosting, not something your grandma would make.
Felt I needed to review for those who are visiting and unfamiliar with the area. I can see how this is still a descent place as the taxidurmy is pretty fascinating and the service is very friendly and professional. For good home cooked dinners at descent prices, I’m not so sure this is the place. To be fair breakfast and lunch could be another story.