Mackinaw Island Restaurants – Which is the Best?

Mike

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Looking for the best Mackinac Island Restaurants? You’re at the right place.

Mackinac Island in Michigan is a great place to travel, but I will leave the planning and sightseeing to other Mackinac posts. Instead, I will focus on the best part of vacationing, the food.

Here are some of my top picks for Mackinac Island. These include everything from fine dining to casual dining and my favorite fudge shops. To help you plan your meals while on the island, I have included a map.

Scroll down for the top 25 Mackinac Island restaurants, and then scroll down for our interactive map.

Mackinac Island Fine Dining

1852 Grill Room

Inside Island House Hotel at 6966 Main St. Mackinac Island MI 49757

The Island House Hotel’s upscale restaurant offers a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. Beautiful harbor views and a live piano will set the tone for a relaxing and refined dining experience. Not only is the atmosphere great, but so is the food. The Chef’s Tower Sampler includes Italian Spring Rolls, Mussels, and Ahi Tuna.

Carriage House

Main St. Mackinac Island MI 49757

The Carriage House is the perfect place to enjoy an elegant dinner you can save for your last night on vacation. Although it’s a little more expensive, the hot fudge sundae is delicious and will make you feel like a child who got her mom to allow you to have ice cream before dinner.

While I dream about the sundae I’m going to make a few of my favorites dishes, including
Seafood Mediterranean Pasta With Shrimp, Scallops and Calamari in White Wine and Herb Concasse; Berkshire Tomahawk Pork Chops with Wild Rice; Veal Piccata and Basil Pesto Fettuccine Alfredo and the incredible Pan Seared Diver Scallops

Last but not least, the American Wagyu 14oz Kansas City Strip. I know. Jaw drop.

Chianti

One Lake Shore Dr. Mackinac Island MI 49757

Mission Point Resort’s farm-to-ferry restaurant is one of the best dining experiences on the island. A 5-course prix-fixe menu with five courses is available. It includes everything you need, from Lake Michigan Walleye to Sunflower Seed Pesto and Elk Tenderloin to Grilled Shitakes. The experience includes a perfect wine pairing.

Grand Hotel Main Dining room

286 Grand Ave. Mackinac Island MI 49757

You will have a memorable dinner in the Grand Hotel’s lavish dining room. The Grand Hotel Orchestra plays the background. The Grand Hotel’s iconic front porch is visible from the dining room. It makes for a stunning view. You will want to take your camera with you. This legendary luncheon buffet features everything you could want, including oysters, smoked fish, cheeses, meats, and desserts. Photo taken at the Pink Pony Restaurant

Casual restaurants on Mackinac Island

The Pink Pony at Chippewa Hotel

7221 Main St #103 Mackinac Island MI 49757

The Pink Pony, located in the Chippewa Hotel is a Mackinac Island must-see. First, you should know that reservations are not accepted at this popular spot. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding a table with their spacious dining rooms, which include a waterfront deck and a second-floor deck with views of the harbor.

The Pink Pony is a low-key island hot-spot. Live music is available almost every day at the Pink Pony. The best thing about this restaurant is the fact that there’s something for everyone, including Whitefish Dip and Burgers; fresh salads and Mackinac Surf-n Turf.

But it’s the breakfasts that keep me coming back. There are many options for breakfast lovers, including a build-your-own omelete and my personal favorite, homestyle french toast with local cinnamon or banana nuts drizzled in warm maple.

Seabiscuit Cafe

733 Main St. Mackinac Island MI 49757

The Seabiscuit Cafe is located right next to Pink Pony. It offers delicious gluten-free options. This restaurant serves Mackinac’s finest cuisine, offering breakfast, lunch, or dinner. A favorite is the fresh Perch taco with fried Michigan perch. The WhItefish reuben is made with locally caught Whitefish.

There are more. You can find some delicious and unusual cocktails at these bars. A Mango Frose? Yes, please! If you prefer to be more classy, the build your Old Fashioned is for you. You can also get your favorite domestic beers or seltzers if you feel basic.

Yankee Rebel Tavern

1493 Astor St. Mackinac Island MI 49757

This is the place to be if you love your food and want to learn more about history. The restaurant is named after Ambrose R. Davenport who was an American soldier and was held prisoner of war during World War I. You can learn a lot from the delicious prime rib. If you want something cheesy, try the smoked Gouda mac and cheese with panko crust.

The Chuckwagon

7400 Main St. Mackinac Island MI 49757

Yeehaw! Chuckwagon has been serving breakfast, lunch and dinner for almost 60 years to both locals and tourists. It is known for its cowboy theme and stylish cowboy decor. The Island’s most popular burger joint is a local favorite. The 1/3-pound burger is served on a pretzel bun and can be customized with anything from Chipotle Aioli to grilled onions and mushrooms. You can also enjoy a delicious cheesecake french toast at this great place for breakfast. Don’t miss it.

The Gate House

1547 Cadotte Ave. Mackinac Island MI 49757

One of my favorite spots on the island is The Gate House. It’s one of many dining options at Grand Hotel. This Mackinac Island favourite is a great place to grab a drink or their famous Trapper Burger.

You can take a short walk to the hotel’s hill and sit on the porch to watch the sunset, or warm up by the fire if it is too autumnal. You can also listen to live music while you are there.

Mary’s Bistro Draught House

Main St. Mackinac Island MI 49757

This is the place to go if you love meat. Mary’s Bistro is well-known for its wood-grilled meats, rotisserie chicken, and a variety of delicious burgers.

Mary’s Bistro Draught House is the reason I bring people to the island. The appetizer menu includes truffle fries and is excellent. They also offer cheese curds and a charcuterie board. They also have 50 craft beers on tap and cocktails!

Bistro on the Greens

One Lake Shore Dr. Mackinac Island MI 49757

Mission Point Resort is my favorite place to stay on Mackinac Island. The wide, inviting patio at Bistro on the Greens is just one reason why. The casual, upscale dining menu features everything from whitefish sandwiches to grilled octopus and roasted chickpeas. But the star of this restaurant is the chocolate mousse with fresh berries, cream and chocolate mascarpone.

Horns Gaslight Bar & Restaurant

7300 Main St. Mackinac Island MI 49757

Another historic restaurant in your hometown? Yes, please! It’s like entering Horns, which is a former saloon with a tin ceiling. It is a great spot for nightlife on Mackinac Island and home to many of Mackinac Island’s most popular mexican/southwestern foods. The white beach and chicken chili are legendary. Don’t miss the sugar-cane shrimp skewers with rice. Live entertainment is also available every night. Photo by Millies on Main

Millies on Main

7294 Main St. Mackinac Island MI 49757

Millies offers lunch and dinner, with a variety of sandwiches, whitefish, pastas, and salads. The Millies savory chicken salad is a great option, with dried Michigan cherries.

Woods Restaurant

85 Cudahy Cir Mackinac Island MI 49757

Woods Restaurant, another dining option at the Grand Hotel is located in an elegant Tudor-style mansion surrounded by woods. You can ride a horse and carriage from the east side of the island to the 1905 Bavarian-style home. Here you will find a delicious meal and dessert. Here you can also play some bowling.

TIP: After you get a strike at America’s oldest duckpin bowling alley, reward yourself with fresh popcorn.

Smokey Jose’s

7263 Main St. Mackinac Island MI 49757

The waterfront restaurant boasts exceptional news to go with its delicious food. You’ll find a variety of Tex-Mex and BBQ dishes on both the indoor and outdoor menus. My favorite dish here is the “Trashcan Nachos”. You know you are in for a good time when you hear the slogan “Where barbeque, bourbon and tacos meet tequila”,

Mustang Lounge

1485 Astor St. Mackinac Island MI 49757

The Mustang Lounge, Michigan’s oldest tavern serves the best hand-tossed pizza and is a must-see Mackinac Island restaurant. This Mackinac Island landmark was built as a fur-trading station in 1780. It is worth a visit. This is a great spot for a quick bite to enjoy a delicious burger or a creative cocktail.

Mackinac Island Coffee Shops & Cafes

Watercolor Cafe

Main St. Mackinac Island MI 49757

Watercolor cafe is a combination of a waterfront art studio and a restaurant/beanery that serves the best coffee on the Island. The bright and pleasant spot is located on Main Street, near the Harbor. This is the place to go if you are looking for fresh baked goods, or a place to improve your painting skills.

Lucky Bean Coffee House

733 Market St. Mackinac Island MI 49757

Drum roll, please…another coffee shop! Lucky Bean Coffee House is where you can enjoy cold brews, teas, or lattes. You’re ready for the day? Grab a Betty White, an original island white mocha with rum syrup. For extra energy, you can also grab breakfast muffins and bagels.

Good Day Cafe

7216 Main St. Mackinac Island MI 49757

Mackinac Island Fudge Shops

Original Murdick’s Fudge

Main St. Mackinac Island MI 49757

Mackinac Island is a must-see for anyone who wants to get fudge. You should at least give it a try, even if you don’t know how to make it. Even if you don’t end up liking the store, the family history is well worth the visit. Mudrick’s Fudge has won the hearts of both tourists and Islanders since 1887. Despite the changes and the different generations, the shop still uses Sarah Mudrick’s original recipe. Talk about a little bit of history!

Rybas Fudge

7314 Main Street Mackinac Island MI 49757

It’s easy to spot it with its pink box and unique fudge flavors like Strawberry Pecan or PIstachio Pecan. Ryba’s Mackinac Island Fudge Tour is a must!

Mackinac Island Fudge Shops

  • Joann’s Fudge
  • Devon’s Mackinac Island Fudge Co.
  • Murray Hotel Fudge
  • Mays Fudge
  • Kilwin’s

Quick Bite on Mackinac Island

Cannonball Oasis

764 British Landing Rd Mackinac Island MI 49757

This cool spot is essential if you plan to bike or walk around the island. This drive-up or walk-up food stands is located at British Landing. It’s a great place to relax after a hard workout. There are cold drinks available. You’ll find cold drinks like hot dogs, chicken strips and pizza, as well as frozen ice cream treats.

Feed Bag

7531 3rd St. Mackinac Island MI 49757

The Surrey Hill Carriage Museum has the Feed Bag. If fresh donuts are appealing to you, then head there. You’ll also find delicious treats such as hotdogs, nachos, and hot pretzels.

Dog House at Windmere Point

Main Street, Mackinac Island MI 49757

Windmere Point is my favorite spot to relax, take in the stunning natural beauty of Mackinac, and sit back. Although it is a hotdog stand it has a unique setting with ice cream and floats that elevates it to a special dining experience.

The Lawn at the Inn in Stonecliffe

Inn At Stonecliffe, 8593 Cudahy Cir. Mackinac Island MI 49575

The Lawn at Stonecliffe is a great place to go for casual, fast outdoor dining. While enjoying small plates, salads, burgers, and pulled pork, you can enjoy stunning views of the Straits of Mackinac.

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