17 Best Places to Eat in Mackinaw City in 2024
Looking for the best places to eat in Mackinaw City? Look no further! This post has it all
covered, from the best casual restaurants, seafood joints, pizzerias, fine dining restaurants, and more in Mackinaw City.
Mackinaw City has a large variety of food options, including American food, seafood, pizza, Mexican food, Thai food, Chinese food, and much more. There is sure to be something for everyone in Mackinaw City.
Best Places to Eat in Mackinaw City
Below you will find a comprehensive list of the best places to eat in Mackinaw City. This list
includes everything from casual restaurants to fine dining establishments.
1. Darrows Family Restaurant
RATING: 4.6/5 | CUISINE? American | BUDGET? $$ | RESERVATION? No
Darrows is a family restaurant that has been open since 1957. The restaurant has been passed down through four different generations and has a strong focus on creating a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere.
The food at Darrows is homemade American-style food and the menu includes a large variety of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Some of the menu highlights include freshly baked bread, homemade soup, salad, fresh fish, burgers, and homemade meatloaf. There are also a variety of daily specials available, as well as senior portions and kids meals.
Darrows Family Restaurant is open seasonally, from the start of spring until the end of fall each year.
2. Scalawags Whitefish & Chips
RATING: 4.5/5 | CUISINE? Seafood | BUDGET? $$ | RESERVATION? No
Scalawags Whitefish & Chips is a locally owned, casual seafood restaurant in Mackinaw City. They serve fresh whitefish, perch, and walleye that have come directly from the Great Lakes.
The restaurant is most famous for its whitefish and tartar sauce, but other popular items include its whitefish chowder and hush puppies.
This casual seafood joint is perfect for eating lunch or dinner at the restaurant, eating on their outside patio, or taking your food to go and enjoying a picnic along the lakefront.
Scalawags Whitefish & Chips is open for most of the year, from April 1st until mid-December.
3. Audies Family Restaurant
RATING: 4.3/5 | CUISINE? American | BUDGET? $$ | RESERVATION? No
This family-friendly restaurant is locally owned and has been in business since 1974. They
specialize in creating a warm atmosphere that serves tasty home-cooked meals.
Audies Family Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Menu specialties include hot sandwiches, house-ground burgers, fresh whitefish, and more. They also serve a selection of beer, wine, and cocktails.
The focus at this restaurant is home-cooked meals and a family-friendly atmosphere. If you come for breakfast, be sure to try some of their delicious homemade jam.
4. Chippewa Room
RATING: 4.6/5 | CUISINE? Fine Dining | BUDGET? $$$ | RESERVATION? Yes
The Chippewa Room is a fine dining experience in Mackinaw City. It is a perfect choice for
celebrating special occasions like anniversaries or birthday dinners. The restaurant has a Native American theme and features traditional decor in a relaxed, fine dining atmosphere.
The menu includes a variety of specialties, such as specialties such as rack of lamb, hand-cut steaks, Elk, fresh seafood, and more. For dessert, you will want to try one of their delicious homemade specialties.
Additionally, they offer a comprehensive wine selection and the restaurant has won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in previous years.
The Chippewa Room is attached to Audies Restaurant but focuses on fine dining rather than the family-style atmosphere of Audies. Reservations are recommended for the Chippewa Room and can be made by calling directly at (231) 436-5744.
5. Hunt’s Mackinaw Pastie and Cookie Co.
RATING: 4.5/5 | CUISINE? Pasties | BUDGET? $$ | RESERVATION? No
If you are looking for a unique restaurant in Mackinaw City, look no further than Hunt’s
Mackinaw Pastie and Cookie Co. This restaurant specializes in making yummy pasties, which is a must-try food item in Northern Michigan.
Pasties consist of a filling of either chicken, beef, or vegetables and cheese. Surrounding the filling is a pastry circle that is folded and crimped on one edge. Then, the pastie is baked to create a delicious yet filling meal.
Pasties originated from Finland but have been very popular in Northern Michigan since around 1864. This was because it was an easy lunch for the miners and lumberjacks who worked in Northern Michigan.
Today, you can visit the highly rated Hunt’s Mackinaw Pastie and Cookie Co. to try one of their famous pasties. Options include chicken, beef, vegetable, cheese, and breakfast pasties.
6. Zachariahs Smash Sandwiches
RATING: 4.9/5 | CUISINE? Sandwiches | BUDGET? $$ | RESERVATION? No
For a tasty lunch, look no further than Zachariahs Smash Sandwiches. This small cafe serves up some delicious hot and cold sandwiches, coffee, salads, and sweet treats like ice cream, fudge, and milkshakes.
They are best known for their smash sandwiches, which can be served hot or cold. You also have the option for your sandwich to be served on fresh deli bread, a wrap, or a panini.
There are a few different specialty sandwiches available. One of the most popular is their Up North Sandwich consisting of Honey Ham, Applewood Bacon, Cheddar, Sliced Apple,
Tomatoes, Fresh Greens, and Caribbean Mango Mayo.
7. Bière de Mac Brew Works – Restaurant & Beer Garden
RATING: 4.6/5 | CUISINE? Brewery | BUDGET? $$ | RESERVATION? No
Bière de Mac Brew Works is a brewery-style restaurant serving a variety of craft beers and a selection of sandwiches. The restaurant has a cool, industrial-style decor and is a great place to relax with friends and family.
In the warmer months, you can check out their outdoor beer garden which consists of picnic tables, and Adirondack chairs that are placed around firepits. It is the perfect place to enjoy some sun or cozy up by the fire in the evening while enjoying a drink.
Besides a variety of drinks and craft beers, there are also small-sharing plates, sandwiches, and paninis on the menu.
8. Keyhole Bar & Grill
RATING: 4.6/5 | CUISINE? American | BUDGET? $$ | RESERVATION? No
This traditional American diner and bar is perfect for a low-key, casual dinner and drinks in Mackinaw City. The friendly atmosphere makes you feel like a local, and there are plenty of great food and drink options to choose from.
Some of the menu highlights include fresh whitefish, shrimp, perch, and BBQ ribs. They also offer a variety of appetizers, sides, salads, burgers, and sandwiches.
Keyhole Bar & Grill is a great place to relax after a day of exploring and enjoy some good food and drinks. It is also a popular spot amongst locals.
9. B.C. Pizza
RATING: 4.4/5 | CUISINE? Pizza | BUDGET? $$ | RESERVATION? No
For a pizza night in Mackinaw City, B.C. Pizza is a great choice. This pizzeria focuses on
making handmade gourmet pizzas with fresh ingredients and toppings.
On the menu is a variety of appetizers such as breadsticks, nachos, cheese bread, and salads. They have a variety of specialty pizzas, like their Hawaiian Delight Pizza, Taco Pizza, BBQ Chicken Pizza, Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza, and several more. You can also choose to create your own pizza and decide on your toppings.
B.C. Pizza has a dine-in area, or you can choose to do take-out or delivery. Either way, you
can’t go wrong with a pizza night.
10. Pancake Chef
RATING: 4.2/5 | CUISINE? American | BUDGET? $$ | RESERVATION? No
Pancake Chef is the place to go for breakfast in Mackinaw City. This family diner has been open since 1964 and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
They are most famous for their breakfast options, specifically their variety of pancakes. Some of the popular pancake flavors include pumpkin pancakes, blueberry pancakes, potato pancakes, strawberry pancakes, and more.
Pancake Chef is open seasonally and is closed during the winter months. They typically open again for the season in May.
11. El Zarape
RATING: 4.8/5 | CUISINE? Mexican | BUDGET? $$ | RESERVATION? No
El Zarape is a new-style Taqueria that serves fast and fresh food. They offer a variety of options from a build-your-own taco bar to authentic Mexican dishes. It is a perfect choice for a quick, yet tasty meal.
Some of the most popular menu items include burritos, fajitas, street tacos, nachos, and
quesadillas. There is a large variety of items to choose from, so there is sure to be something for everyone at El Zarape.
12. The White Buffalo Bar & Grille
RATING: 4.3/5 | CUISINE? American | BUDGET? $$$ | RESERVATION? No
The White Buffalo Bar & Grille serves a variety of fresh, local, and healthy food. The menu features bison raised at a local farm and fish that is caught daily.
House specialties include Boursin Chicken, Shrimp Creole Pasta, Herb Encrusted Salmon,
Teriyaki Fettuccine Stir Fry, Bridge Burger, Carmelized BBQ Ribs, and Bacon Wrapped Pork
Tenderloin.
Other menu items include salads, fresh fish, steak, and more. Additionally, there is a variety of beers on tap as well as specialty cocktails.
The White Buffalo Bar & Grille is open seasonally and is closed during the winter months.
13. Mama Mia’s Pizza
RATING: 4.3/5 | CUISINE? Pizza | BUDGET? $$ | RESERVATION? No
Mama Mia’s Pizza is a family-friendly pizzeria that also is home to a small local history museum and an arcade. It is a great place to take the family for a laid-back pizza dinner in Mackinaw City.
The menu features a variety of pizza options, as well as breadsticks, salads, pasta, and subs.
Mama Mia’s Pizza is open seasonally and is closed during the winter months.
14. Taste of Di Island Eatery
RATING: 4.6/5 | CUISINE? Jamaican | BUDGET? $$ | RESERVATION? No
Taste of Di Island Eatery is a casual, tropical-inspired restaurant. They serve authentic
Jamaican dishes, sides, and sodas. This highly-rated restaurant is the perfect option for some Caribbean food in Mackinaw City.
Highlighted menu items include honey jerk wings, curry chicken, jerk chicken, jerk pork, oxtail and beans, jerk chicken salad, and more. They also offer tropical juices, coconut water, herbal tea, and other drinks.
Taste Di Island Eatery is open seasonally. It typically opens in late May and closes at the end of September each year.
15. Taste of Asia
RATING: 4/5 | CUISINE? Chinese and Thai | BUDGET? $$ | RESERVATION? No
If you are craving some Chinese or Thai food, Taste of Asia is a great choice. This small,
take-out restaurant is family-owned and creates authentic and delicious Chinese and Thai food.
The menu features a variety of items, including fried rice dishes, lightly breaded chicken, noodle dishes, coconut curry dishes, stir-fry, and other specialties.
Taste of Asia is open seasonally, typically from May to October each year.
16. Mackinac Island Brewhouse
RATING: 4.2/5 | CUISINE? Brewery | BUDGET? $$ | RESERVATION? No
Mackinac Island Brewhouse is a grain-to-glass brewery, meaning they create and bottle their own beers. They have 37 craft beers on tap, so there are plenty of options for everyone. It is also possible to purchase a growler to take home.
The brewery also features a selection of food items. The most popular is their stone wood-fired pizzas. In the warmer months, they also have a back patio which is perfect for sitting outside and enjoying the sunshine.
17. Dixie Saloon
RATING: 3.5/5 | CUISINE? American | BUDGET? $$ | RESERVATION? No
Dixie Saloon is a popular restaurant in downtown Mackinaw City. The restaurant has a rustic design featuring a lot of woodwork and wood furniture. Dixie Saloon is an iconic Mackinaw City restaurant and also one of the oldest restaurants in the area. It first opened its doors in 1890 as the Dixie Tavern.
Dixie Saloon serves a variety of American-style favorites, including classic burgers and fries, sandwiches, steaks, fresh fish, mac and cheese, and more. They also have a large variety of craft beers and drinks available.
Best Places to Eat in Mackinaw City: Other Notable Mentions
Here are a few other places to check out when visiting Mackinaw City:
Nonna Lisa’s Italian Restaurant: If you are craving Italian food, you may decide to check out this Italian restaurant that serves a variety of pizza and pasta dishes.
O’Reilly’s Irish Pub: This Irish Pub serves a variety of drinks and American pub-style food.
They also have live music and karaoke nights, especially during the summertime.
Murdicks Fudge: While fudge isn’t a meal, it is a delicious treat and a specialty in Mackinaw City. Murdicks has some of the best fudge in town, and it’s a perfect place to stop by if you’re visiting Mackinaw City with kids, so make sure to try some during your visit!
Eating in Mackinaw City: Top Tips
Tip 1: If you go to Mackinac Island but are on a budget, try to avoid eating at one of the
restaurants on the island. Food on the island tends to be more expensive compared to in
Mackinaw City. So, it may be better to pack a lunch and then do dinner at one of the Mackinaw City restaurants.
Tip 2: Several restaurants in Mackinaw City are open seasonally, usually from April/May until October/November. They close in the winter months as most tourists visit the city in the summer when the weather is warm.
Tip 3: Mackinaw City has some beautiful parks and lakefront areas, which make it a perfect place for a picnic with views. Many of the restaurants in Mackinaw City offer to-go options, which makes it easy to get food for a picnic by the lake.
Best Places to Eat in Mackinaw City: FAQ
Many of the restaurants aimed at tourists close during the winter, so many of the locals in Mackinaw City eat at the places that are open year-round. Some of the popular local places include Audies Family Restaurant, Keyhole Bar & Grille, and B.C. Pizza. For special occasions, local people may decide on the Chippewa Room which is a fine dining restaurant.
The average meal in Mackinaw City typically costs around $10-$20 per person. This can vary depending on whether you choose a more casual restaurant versus a fine dining sit-down establishment. This price can also vary depending on what type of food you choose, for example, sandwiches and burgers tend to be cheaper than fresh seafood or steak.
You can eat on Mackinac Island and there are plenty of restaurants to choose from on the island. However, it is good to note that food prices on Mackinac Island tend to be slightly higher than compared to Mackinaw City, so if you are on a budget it is best to eat on the mainland.
Conclusion: Best Places to Eat in Mackinaw City
There are plenty of great restaurants in this area, and the above lists the best places to eat in Mackinaw City. While some of these restaurants are open seasonally and closed in the winter, you still have lots of options to choose from year-round.
Whether you are looking for a fine dining experience like the Chippewa Room or a
family-friendly diner like Darrows, there is sure to be a great option for everyone in Mackinaw City.
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