If you want a cheap drink and a small, “up north Michigan bar” feel, head on over to the Mushroom Bar and Grill in Mesick, Michigan. Mesick??!??!  Yeah... Mesick.  Map it, it's a city in Michigan - trust me.

Though I wasn’t feeling adventurous enough for their more unusual items such as duck, their bar food served up just fine- and what’s more, they had wi-fi! This is not a small compliment in Mesick. It really is cheap eats with a lot of food.  A couple dollars gets you nice and full.  It's basically greasy foodie heaven.

One plus is that they are located smack dab between Traverse City and Frankfort, so the location lends itself to up north vacation commuters. You’ll get a smile, a $3 glass of wine/ draft beer, and a game of pool if you so desire. And the bonus is the people watching- listen to some local gossip while you watch sports or hang out at the bar.  

I spent every summer in Mesick and remember the good ole days of Fish Fry Fridays and fried chicken.  It's been totally remodeled, but every time I walk in I still can smell the same fry grease, wood, and hint of smoke that you just can't remodel out of a place.  It's a place that reminds me of my childhood and though I don't think its the best bar I have ever been to they will definitely see me every time I stop up.  

Alllllright.  Union Woodshop has a million reviews and has had a lot of media hype, but I'm going to review it anyway. It's definitely worth a stop in, (I'm probably going to get stoned for this), but in comparison to Slows BBQ I would say it's still second best.  There! I said it! Phew.  It's really just a preference of how one likes BBQ.  Their meats are smoky and they linger with you.  If you are really looking for that deep smoky flavor and quality meat then you'll love Union Wood Shop. So your thinking, "uhhhhh, yeah...why wouldn't I love smoky delicious quality BBQ?" Well... You make a good point.  Since I'm only evaluating the pork I can only talk about the pork. 
     First, I'm a texture and consistency person.  I just don't like the finely shredded pork. I like taking a huge bite of chunky bits of delicious goodness.  True, the smokiness at Union Woodshop sticks with you a tad longer, but I'm an in the moment person.  I want the flavor now and in the moment. Swish those thick chunks of deliciousness in that Apple BBQ and I'm in foodie BBQ heaven! Ok back to Union...