The Bank 1884 Food & Spirits

The Bank 1884 Food & Spirits has been serving up local residents and Port Austin area tourists alike with fine foods and service since 1984. The restaurant's staff of nearly 40 people concentrates on making every guest's dining experience one to be remembered. This state and national historic site has also won praises from The Detroit Free Press, The New York Times, and Zagat's 1997 Survey. The current proprietors puchased the business in 2007 and are the third restaurateurs to own the establishment. Originally the Winsor Snover Bank when the building first opened its doors in 1884, the two-story red brick establishment has also housed the Port Austin State Bank, the Port Austin Township Library, a bicycle repair shop, and a dentist office, among other things, before welcoming hungry diners as a restaurant in 1984. The current owners are continuing the long tradition at The Bank 1884 of providing guests with such popular entrees as Steak Diane and Chicken Wellington, and providing excellent service by the well-trained waitstaff. Additionally, vegetarian entrees and eclectic specials have been added to augment the menu.  The staff of The Bank 1884 has also volunteered its time with various fund-raisers, including the annual dinner theatre put on in conjunction with the Bad Axe Public Schools Drama Department. In the past, the restaurant has also donated free lunches to children taking part in the Thumb Area Charters Association and has donated complementary gift certificates as prizes in area raffles.  The Bank 1884 is a member of the Michigan Restaurant Association and the Greater Port Austin Area Chamber of Commerce.