Michigan’s Best Local Eats: A bacon-infused bun tops this decadent burger at Duck Lake Tavern

SPRINGPORT, MI – Driving through the area near Springport, motorists will typically see nothing but farmland.

But if they look a little closer, they can find a surprise hole-in-the-wall tavern known for its great eats. The Duck Lake Tavern is owned by Martha Smeyers and Frank Rock, who bought the building from Darb’s Country Tavern in 2021.

Through the years, the tavern has had several different owners and names, but Smeyers and Rock are trying to make their own mark with a revamped menu, Rock said.

“The biggest thing that has been working well for us, is we have seasonal menus now, too,” Rock said. “Prior to (our) ownership, it was mainly just burgers and some other things, but we’ve expanded it with some unique things.”

One of the favorites on the recently launched summer seasonal menu is the Loaded Cheddar Bacon Brisket Burger, which is made with a freshly made burger patty, brisket, bacon, cheddar cheese and homemade barbecue sauce. This is all stacked together in a bacon-fat infused bun, Smeyers said.

“Everything is always better with bacon,” Rock said.

The Kale Crunch Salad, a kale and lettuce mix, dried cherries, walnuts, parmesan cheese and a choice of protein, also is on the summer menu. The most popular protein option is shrimp, Smeyers said.

The Dockside Platter of baked whitefish, a shrimp skewer and crab cakes provides a healthier option, compared to other typical fish plates, Smeyers said.

“Not everybody has the whitefish like that, most places have it fried and breaded,” Smeyers said. “It’s healthier, a little bit lighter.”

Other regular menu options include, sandwiches, salads and wet burritos. Breakfast is also served on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

One thing Rock is also passionate about is offering gluten-free menu options, as he has celiac disease himself and knows others in the area may have gluten intolerance as well.

Aside from its large menu, Duck Lake Tavern loves being involved in the village of Springport and Calhoun County communities. They regularly donate to local schools, and host community events for veterans, including one coming up at 5 p.m. Saturday, July 29.

Duck Lake Tavern, 20985 27 1/2 Mile Road, is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight Friday, 10:30 a.m. to midnight Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.

More information can be found on its Facebook page and website.

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