America’s favorite summer island is not just a treat when it comes to views and activities, but also when it comes to finger-licking food. With a rich Native American heritage and a hint of European flavor, Mackinac Island invites visitors to explore centuries of history through its stories, myths, attractions and, of course, food! Because after you’ve wandered every path on the island and visited all its mythical spots, there’s no better way to unwind and refuel than with a delightful meal.
The Mackinac Island App will help you unravel all the secrets of this unique island frozen in time, while our delicious list of the best Mackinac Island restaurants satisfies all your cravings. In addition to the six self-guided audio tours that cover the most essential aspects of Mackinac Island, the app also contains a full inventory of the best attractions and restaurants on the island. Before you download the app and get the full directory, here’s a sneak peek of just a few of Mackinac Island’s most tempting restaurants.
Pink Pony
Breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks? At Pink Pony, the Chippewa Hotel’s main restaurant, you don’t have to choose. In fact, Pink Pony brings something more to the table: live music.
Designated a top American restaurant by The Daily Meal, Pink Pony is known for its original cocktails and its stellar whitefish dip. The menu is designed to satisfy every possible craving of its guests. With options such as Pony Power Scramble, Healthy Oatmeal or Belgian Waffles for breakfast and a range of dishes including salads, burgers, pasta, tacos and traditional steaks for dinner, the variety is deliciously satisfying.
Funky, low-key and welcoming, Pink Pony invites visitors to relax after a blissful day wandering around the island. And what a way to relax indeed! The restaurant’s patio sits right above the water and gives way to beautiful sights that span far into the horizon. What could beat the view? Nothing. But it can be made even more enjoyable with a Pink Pony cocktail in hand.
The Chuckwagon
If you’re looking for the best burgers in Michigan, Eat This, Not That! tested the best joints in the state and named The Chuckwagon as the indisputable winner.
Located on the Main Street, right across the Shepler’s Ferry dock, The Chuckwagon is a small joint that has been making burgers for more than 60 years. Created as a family business, it has all the necessary ingredients for success and, of course, crazy-delicious burgers.
The most infamous entry on their menu is the Bleu cheeseburger, made with top quality beef and The Chuckwagon’s secret sauce. Although the burgers are this joint’s Holy Grail, the breakfast here is also something you’ll want to taste. Those who have keep coming back religiously. Expect a casual atmosphere and authentic at-the-counter service. So, if you’re looking for a top Mackinac Island restaurant with a laid-back vibe and no extra fluff, this is it.
Woods Restaurant
Elevating the classical American dining experience to an exquisite spectacle, this particular Mackinac Island restaurant deserves a special place on your itinerary. As one of the many fabulous restaurants operated by The Grand Hotel, the Woods Restaurant upholds the highest standards of quality and refinement.
While you might have guessed it from its name, this charming restaurant is located in the heart of the woods. Quietly nestled into this fairytale setting, the Woods Restaurant has a spectacular ambiance. The venue combines Bavarian architectural notes with an elegant Tudor style. Moreover, it successfully merges rich green tones with bright reds managing to engage all of the senses.
The atmosphere is sophisticated, yet it warmly invites guests to sink into a casual state of mind. And, of course, the dishes are utterly delicious: appetizers, soups, salads, Bavarian-inspired entrees and children’s specials. Oh, and we’ve heard that the Austrian steak soup is not to be missed!
The Gate House
The Gate House is another Grand Hotel restaurant that offers an informal and carefree lunch and dinner experience. Its location is proof enough, inviting guests to taste the beauty of Mackinac Island’s green areas from its gorgeous patio. When the weather temperatures sink to “chilly”, customers can cuddle inside and enjoy the warmth of the cozy fireplace. This is all accompanied by the most select dishes, ranging from appetizers to salads, sandwiches, burgers, entrees, sushi, children’s specials and desserts.
As one of the few Mackinac Island restaurants with a casual yet refined atmosphere, The Gate House is perfect for a relaxed lunch or a special dinner. Whatever you’re craving, you won’t go wrong with this fantastic venue.
Seabiscuit Cafe
This lovely cafe gets its name from a famous real-life horse that made history in 1938. Today, Seabiscuit’s legendary tale is kept alive thanks to this fabulous eatery, which features an authentic horse-themed menu and atmosphere.
The Seabiscuit cafe is located inside an 1800s bank building, renovated to bring out its original architectural details. For example, the brick walls and hardwood floors, that are a hit with many of its visitors. These details, along other ingenious design elements continuously draw customers back.
As a Mackinac Island restaurant that respects its visitors, Seabiscuit Cafe offers a menu with vegetarian and gluten-free alternatives. All its specialities have that distinctive local flavor that will make you fall in love with Mackinac Island. Not that you’ll need extra reasons!
Feeling hungry?
We can’t blame you if all this talk about food has left you hungry. In fact, we’re also craving some treats. We’ll go ahead and download the Mackinac Island App for iPhone or Android. After a great tour, we’ll make a stop at one of the five Mackinac Island restaurants above. Which one? Oh, we can’t decide yet. Which Mackinac Island restaurant would you pick? See you there!
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