Food & Drink
Food & Drink
Hey, if you are anything like me, when you go on vacation, you definitely want to know about some great food options to enjoy. So, I am going to share my personal experiences of places I have eaten at and what delicious meals I had while I was there. I hope this information can help provide you with some useful guidance on where to go for a satisfying dining experience during your trip.
Horn’s Gaslight Bar
Horn's 906-847-6154
For years I always went to Horn’s for not an entree but appetizer. We ordered one night to share that then by the last night we were ordering this for our meal. I am talking the Islander Bean Dip. This is only on the appetizer menu for dinner.
Here is what it is:
Black beans
rice
frijoles
blend of cheeses melted together
topped with lettuce, tomatoes and black olives
served with salsa and corn chips
Other Items I have had at Horn’s Gaslight Bar (which is a Southwest and American fare )
Hard taco basket
Chicken fajita salad
The other thing I love from there is the Top of the World ‘Rita- Margarita
Good Day Cafe
Good Day 906-847-3550
This is on Main Street next to Doud’s
I have mostly just had breakfast items there and coffee. A friend of mine got a breakfast sandwich she said was incredible. I will share that too.
Items I have had:
Mocha Latte (featuring Murdick’s Hot Fudge)
Bagel sandwich with fried egg, American cheese and bacon
Jammin Breakfast Fried egg, bacon jam, sausage on a pretzel bun
Chuckwagon
This infamous 60 year restaurant is known for so much. The famous burger in the state. We went there for breakfast twice in 1 visit to the island. These items are what we got:
Biscuits and Gravy
French Toast
Corned beef hash and eggs
CeCe’s flap jacks
a special I had was bacon, egg and cheese on pretzel bun
Chuckwagon is charming and quick. You most likely will have to wait at certain times. Totally worth it. Plus prices are very good.
Doud’s Market & Deli
America’s oldest family operated grocery store is on Mackinac. I have loved seeing it expand throughout the years.
The Market opened a smaller shop next to Shepler’s Ferry open May-October. The main store is open year round.
Going here to stock up on items I forgot of just a few things I wanted to have in the room. So convenient for this. A couple years ago they opened self checkout areas to help the traffic flow.
I have gotten just quick on the go items for lunch. Great for when you aren’t super hungry but want something.
slice of pizza
cheeseburger
love the cheese section
wine
mixed drinks
chips and crackers
Great Turtle Brewery
Great Turtle Brewery 906-422-3200
This is a charming restaurant located below Lake View Hotel. There are so many areas to eat here which I love. 2 outdoor areas one overlooking Main St and another looking over Hoban St. The inside is large which another bar in the back.
Only went for appetizers and lunch. Here are what we had.
Parmesan Brussel Sprouts
Giant Bavarian Pretzel
No cars allowed fish and chips
Painted turtle flight
Island Slice Pizzeria
Island Slice 906-847-8100
This is such a great nostalgic place to go. With checkered floor and tablecloths on the table- you get a true old school pizza store vibe.
With ordering online to free deliveries downtown- great grab and go slices, subs, pasta and salads. You also can do a full pizza. We weren’t hungry but knew we needed to grab something. So this was perfect.
Large slice of pepperoni pizza and small house salad
Diet Coke
Kingston Kitchen
Kingston Kitchen906-847-3542
This American fare with Jamaican inspiration. I cannot say enough for you to go to this incredible restaurant.
This fusion cuisine is designed and prepared by Chef Shawn of Kingston, Jamaica. Chef Shawn began his American culinary career on Mackinac Island nearly twenty years ago, managing several kitchens through the summers (and winters!) on the island.
Chef Shawn is now fulfilling a dream of preparing dishes that harmonize the flavors of his native Jamaica and his first American home of Mackinac Island.
Here are the food options we had and loved:
Carribbean Calamari
Montego Mushrooms
Coconut Shrimp
Raggae Medley Jamaican Juice
Spiced Bloody Mary paired with a chaser beer
Jamaican Jerk chicken served with rice, beans and fried plantains
Whitefish sandwich with Swiss cheese, avocado aioli and Jamaican slaw on toasted brioche bun
Mackinac Planked Whitefish topped with roasted garlic and capers along with champagne butter. Served with duchess potatoes and seasonal vegetables
Lucky Bean Coffeehouse
Lucky Bean 248-342-2988
Now this is a true gem of a coffeehouse. Located on Market Street more than likely you have gone by and seen the line out the door.
Carolyn May has a love for coffee and making sure it fulfills your needs on the island.
I have not had food here just coffee but it was enough for me:)
Mocha- chocolate sauce + espresso + milk
Caramel Sea-Salt- Carmamel latte, topped with whip, caramel sauce + sea salt
Sugar Loaf- white mocha with brown sugar, topped with caramel drizzle
Bed Head- latte with brown sugar + honey
Betty White- white mocha with rum syrup (non alcoholic)
Mary’s Bistro Draught House
Mackinac Mary's 906-847-9911
CRISPY CHICKEN TENDERS- this deserves a section all on its own. We went here specifically for these tenders. I realize you might think why? They are the bomb!!! Hand battered and fried to golden brown, served with house-made Honey mustard sauce, French fries and coleslaw!!Run immediately to get some. Below is a video sharing our apps and chicken tenders.
Now Mary’s is part of the 906 Rewards Club. A membership that earn you 10% spend like cash when you eat here. Go to link page for more info.
So here is where I have eaten at a lot. Love the cozy feel of the whole restaurant.
Truffle fries- dusted with parmesan cheese and parsley
Draught House soft pretzels
Deep Fried cheese curds- cajun seasoned curds served with Chipotle-Ranch sauce
Pesto Margherita- Mozzarella, plum tomatoes, pesto, and basil
Rotisserie Chicken-Chicken Demi-glaze, grilled asparagus, buttermilk mashed potatoes- served with French fries before 5
The infamous chicken tenders
Mighty Mac Hamburgers
Mighty Mac 906-847-8039
True there are no fast food places on the island but this is one that could compare but so much better. Serving breakfast and lunch. I only have had lunch there. But the decision to pick out what you want is difficult .
The location is downtown with a large indoor seating area or get it to go.
Beer Battered Cod Sandwich add with fries and pop
Millie’s On Main
Millies on Main 906-847-9901
This charming little gem is located on Main Street next to the Mackinac Carriage Tour booth. The homestyle pub offers a great place to have some good ole food and beverage. I have only been here a few times but every time I get the-
Fresh fried Whitefish basket with fries and coleslaw
Yankee Rebel Tavern
Yankee Rebel 906-847-6249
This restaurant is on a side street called Astor. Decided to mix it up one day. So headed in here and checked out the menu. Checked off all the boxes. Below are a list of items I have personally had
Spinach& artichoke dip served with homemade crostinis
Whitefish Bites- Fried in crispy batter and served with tartar sauce
Whitefish basket with French fries and coleslaw
Watercolor Cafe
Watercolor Cafe 906-262-0642
Ok this cafe is truly a gem on Lake Huron. Kate Dupre made this not only a great place to eat and drink but express yourself artistically.
Watercolor is located behind Bay View B&B. They offer breakfast, lunch, smoothies and bakery. Summer hours are 8-4 (art classes after hours) I have taken a jewelry resign class which is under activities.
Here are items I have enjoyed along with some of my friends.
Pesto grilled cheese- provolone, cheddar, spinach, basil pesto on sourdough
The Monet- Turkey, brie, fig preserves, spinach, whole grain mustard on toasted multigrain bread
Peanut butter deluxe- creamy peanut butter, sliced banana and honey
Snickerdoodle latte- spiced brown sugar, cinnamon and vanilla
Toffee Turtle latte-Chocolate, toffee and caramel
Breakfast burrito-chorizo sausage (kinda spicy) eggs, cheddar wrapped in tortilla with with sour cream or salsa
Pancake House
Pancake House 906-847-3929
Another restaurant part of the 906 Rewards club is the Pancake House. Located next to Ryba’s and Chippewa Hotel. Serves breakfast all day. I know that we had a little boy that wanted to go here twice because he loved them so much. Here are the items I enjoyed:
Cinnamon French Toast- Cinnamon swirl bread, vanilla cinnamon batter, powdered sugar, local Maple syrup
Three cheese omelette- American, cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese
Buttermilk Pancakes
White Fish- with fries and coleslaw
Pulled pork grilled cheese- BBQ pork, caramelized onions, provolone cheese, grilled sourdough
Pink Pony
Pink Pony 906-847-3341
To be fair this is the place I have eaten at the most on the island. Mainly because it was a bar that we hung out a lot at. The Pink Pony has many different sections. 2 different indoor areas that offer views of the water and are accessible through Chippewa or from the outdoors. The back patio is visible the minute you come in on the ferry with the pink umbrellas. Known for a huge night life and afternoon musical acts too. It gives you a Carribbean vibe with being on Lake Huron. Here are the items I personally have had:
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner:
breakfast sandwich- English muffin, egg, American cheese and choice of bacon or sausage. served with fruit cup
Whitefish Fingers-beer battered Mackinac whitefish and tartar sauce
Pan Fried Calamari- Cherry peppers and pepperoncinis sautéed with garlic butter and fresh ocean calamari. Served with marinara dipping sauce and topped with parmasan
Soft pretzel sticks
Atlantic Salmon with ginger poison sauce and served with Pina colada rice and grilled asparagus with fresh pineapple salsa
Cannonball Oasis
No doubt in riding the island you get halfway AKA British Landing. There is where you can get off stretch and get some food. I love this little place. Known for its fried pickles (I don’t like pickles so I am not one to try) Here are some things I have had:
Hot dog
root beer float
beef burger and fries
water
906-847-0932
Ice House BBQ
Ice House BBQ 906-847-7223
This fantastic restaurant is another great place to eat and part of the 906 Rewards. Located behind the Island House it is a charming outdoor spot that we loved. Music playing, corn hole, dog friendly and pizza oven outside. The kids really enjoyed this restaurant. Our waiter was very helpful in guiding us what to get.
Sugarloaf stacked nachos- tender smoked beef brisket, pulled pork, or chicken layered (we did pork) fresh tomatoes, scallions, cheddar & cojita cheese, tortilla chips. Pico de Gallo, jalapeños and creamy guacamole
Blanco stone fired pizza- white pizza with ricotta, basil pesto, fresh mozzarella, olive oil, parmesan cheese
Pepperoni-cup char pepperoni with hot honey
Bistro on the Greens
Bistro 906-847-3000
This outdoor restaurant is at Mission Point Resort. Loved letting the kids do miniature golf and I could sit and watch them while enjoying a nice beverage and food. It has been awhile since I ate here but I still remember what I got:
Parmesan Truffle fries- crispy fries, truffle oil & parmesan cheese served with roasted garlic aioli & siracha ketchup
Pesto flatbread-basil pesto, fresh mozzarella, kalamata olives, heirloom tomato, balsamic glaze, fresh basil
All these restaurants are at Mission Point so the link and number are the same.
Boxwood Coffeeshop & Cafe
Located on the lower shops of Mission Point I love to stop in here after my morning walk because I tend to head that way because it is where the sunrises. So far I have only gotten coffee here and it was perfect to warm you up on the way back
Round Island Kitchen
Located inside of Mission Point the round part is a bar that overlooks the great lawn and M185. You also have a large dining room. Sometimes they have entertainment going on too. I have mostly had cocktails here. I will list those then the food:
House margarita
House Red
Sautéed Walleye- walleye, roasted fennel, fregola, grilled lemon creme friache, grape sauce vierge
Cupola Bar
Cupola Bar 906-847-3331
This 360 degree view bar is one of my favorite spots. Part of the Grand Hotel- if you are not a guest there you are required to pay 10.00 to enter. Take the elevator to the top floor. There are 2 parts to the bar- the lower section where the middle is cut out with a chandelier hanging down. Then you can take the star lined stairs up to the top where here I would tell you to have:
Truffle fries
My favorite Gran Margarita- silver tequila mixed with lime juice, sweet and sour then Grand Marnier and splash of orange juice- I had mine over ice
Mackinac Island Pizza Co
Mackinac Island Pizza 906-847-2313
Bringing the Detroit style pizza to the island was something the Grand Hotel wanted to do. Located on Cadotte Ave- this adorable pizza company is delicious and a must for families. We went here on the last night of our visit. We were hungry but not starving. This was perfect:
Pepperoni- tomato sauce , pepperoni and Mozzarella
Feedbag at Surrey Hill
Aunt Mary’s Donuts
906-847- 3593
For years I heard about these donuts on the island. They were at Surrey Hills Museum. Not just any cake donut but the infamous blueberry donut. Yes I have said on the podcast I don’t like fruit in my desserts but this exceeding my thoughts on that. Honestly any donut from there is great but the blueberry are top notch.