Chef Shack Bay City is one of those rare restaurants people plan their weekend around. Opened in 2012, this intimate dining room—anchored by a beautifully preserved 1920s vintage bar—offers a kind of casual elegance that feels both timeless and deeply personal.

The experience centers around a weekend tasting menu, served just once each Friday and Saturday evening, with seating limited to 25 guests. The three-course menu ($75 per person) includes a welcome apéritif and dessert, and showcases intricate, nuanced flavors built from luxury ingredients and a deep respect for seasonality. A local pro tip: reserve a bar seat for your first visit—it’s the best introduction to the rhythm and craft of the kitchen.

Behind the menu are three-time James Beard Foundation semifinalist chef-operators, creating food and beverages that feel like a direct expression of their point of view. Expect chef-made cocktails, thoughtful wines, and French patisserie that quietly elevates the entire experience.

More than a restaurant, Chef Shack Bay City feels like a true third space—a place where conversation flows, the pace is intentional, and every detail has been considered. It’s refined without being formal, special without being precious, and exactly the kind of place locals love sharing with friends they really want to impress.