The Mackinac Island area is a popular tourist destination for those visiting Michigan. It’s known as the “Island in Time” because so many of the buildings and homes were made during an earlier era, including Victorian-era cottages, summer homes from the turn of the century, and even older structures such as Fort Mackinac.
Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the island, so visitors must walk or ride bikes around town. The town itself is famously small, about three square miles in total. Only about half of that area is developed into homes and businesses.
As such, a lot of tourists visit the island. This distinction also means that there are plenty of restaurants to choose from if you’re looking for a great meal while you’re here.
Some of the best Mackinac Island restaurants include Boxwood, The Gate House, Woods, Pink Pony, and Chuck Wagon. Additionally, there are many restaurants on the water including 1852 Grill Room that offer a superb dining experience.
Mackinac Island is one of the best michigan vacations for families because of so many great things to do. We advise you to call ahead as some of these restaurants are closed during the off-season and winter months. Additionally, some restaurants have also shuttered due to Covid-19.
However, many of our local picks are open. Here are some of our best Mackinac Island restaurant favorites.
Mission Point Mackinac Island Restaurants
Some of the restaurants at Mission Point on Mackinac Island include:
Chianti
Considered fine dining, Chianti is a local favorite among those looking to enjoy a fantastic meal. In northern Michigan, or on Mackinac Island, you won’t discover any other culinary adventure like Chianti. From their farm-to-ferry cuisine to the wine used exclusively for Mission Point, every element on the menu is essential. Every aspect of our menu, from the grapes chosen just for Mission Point to the seasonal sampling of the region’s produce, is taken care of.
There is no children’s menu, and they serve an unpretentious but delicious 5-course fixed-price menu at $125.00 per person. Reservations are required. Contact the concierge at 906.847.3007.
Address: One Lakeshore Drive, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Website: Chianti
Phone Number: 906-847-3007
Boxwood Coffeeshop & Cafe
At Boxwood Coffeeshop & Cafe, you’ll find great food options on Mackinac Island. Boxwood Coffeeshop & Cafe is a few minutes’ walk from M-185 and the Great Lawn, where you’ll find a selection of to-go items like specialty coffees, teas, beer and wine, snacks, gelato, and hot and cold breakfast and lunch selections.
Address: One Lake Shore Dr, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Website: Boxwood Coffeeshop & Cafe
Phone Number: 906-847-3000
Bistro on the Greens
The vibrant Bistro on the Greens is an excellent example of island life. They’ve traded the glassy seas of the Mediterranean for the magnificent backdrop of the Straits of Mackinac, best known for our handcrafted cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine.
Address: One Lake Shore Dr, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Website: Bistro on the Greens
Phone Number: 906-847-3000
Round Island Kitchen
Round Island Kitchen is a gathering place for family, friends, and couples on Mackinac Island. You can enjoy the view of the harbor and marina while you dine on some of the freshest seafood around. They serve lunch daily, as well as Sunday brunch, and they offer a wide variety of homemade items like soups, sandwiches, salads, desserts, and more.
Features include:
- Outdoors Seating, Televisions, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Table Service, Reservations, Wheelchair Accessible Waterfront
Address: One Lake Shore Dr, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Website: Round Island Kitchen
Phone Number: 906-847-3016
Best Mackinac Island Restaurants at Grand Hotel
Some of the restaurants at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island include:
The Gate House
This family-friendly restaurant is a must-visit for Mackinac Island visitors. Enjoy lunch or dinner with a choice of appetizers, entrees, and the area-renowned Trapper Burger. Enjoy an evening of local live entertainment every week and seasonal bar discounts on the outdoor patio or warm up next to the crackling fireplace when the weather gets chilly.
Address: 1547 Cadotte Ave, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Website: The Gate House
Phone Number: 906-847-3772
The Jockey Club at the Grand Stand
The famous Jockey Club at the Grand Stand is a fantastic dining alternative for Mackinac Island visitors. It overlooks the first tee of The Jewel. Take in the view from a covered outdoor table as you watch golfers and horse-drawn carriages go by or relax indoors in a lovely and comfortable atmosphere. Soups, sandwiches, and salads are available at this modest eatery. Steak, seafood, and fresh local whitefish are among the dinner selections, including Jockey Club specialties. Don’t forget dessert!
They have a wide selectoin of options, including the Grand Pecan Ball – a popular choice among our visitors. Adults can enjoy a three-course meal, which includes sides and dessert. A children’s menu with specialty drinks, fine wine choices, and Michigan craft beers is also available.
Address: 1874 Cadotte Avenue, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Website: The Jockey Club at the Grand Stand
Phone Number: 906-847-9212
Woods Restaurant
Mackinac Island’s stunning and rural interior is home to the historic and romantic Woods Restaurant. A horse-drawn carriage ride to this Tudor mansion with Bavarian charm is available. It’s a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience for Mackinac Island visitors.
Enjoy available popcorn, play on America’s oldest operating duckpin bowling alley, or have a drink at Bobby’s Bar. The dinner selections cover appetizers, soups, salads, and entrees with a Bavarian flair. (The Austrian Steak soup is legendary!) Delectable sweets and a children’s menu are also available.Address: 8655 Cudahy Circle, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Website: Woods Restaurant
Phone Number: 906-847-3699
Fort Mackinac Tea Room
You can grab lunch at the Fort Mackinac Tea room and take in a picturesque view of the city, harbor, and Mackinac Bridge. Be sure to take a tour of the historic fort while you’re on the island. Admission to Fort Mackinac Tea Room is required for dining.
A self-paced tour of the fort, with 1780s troops demonstrating rifle firings and a cannon salute over the harbor, is included in your admission. For more details: Fort Mackinac – Mackinac State Historic Parks | Mackinac State Historic Parks (mackinacparks.com)
Address: 7127 Huron Road, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Website: Fort Mackinac Tea Room
Phone Number: 906-847-6327
Esther Williams Pool Bar
The Esther Williams Swimming Pool is named for the actress and competitive swimmer who played the lead in This Time for Keeps (1947), shot at Grand Hotel. The pool has recently been renovated and looks as lovely as ever.
You can get food and beverage service from the pool bar.
Their outdoor grill provides the Pool Bar & Grill’s signature luncheon meals, such as salads and sandwiches. Poolside, you may enjoy salads, burgers, snacks, and a comprehensive beverage list.
Address: 286 Grand Avenue, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Website: Esther Williams Pool Bar
Phone Number: 906-847-3331
Grand Hotel Main Dining Room
Summing up, dining at the Grant Hotel Main Dining Room is to dine like royalty. It is considered one of the best mackinac island restaurants on the island. The Grand Hotel’s Main Dining Room is one of the most breathtaking dining spots in the world, with its sweeping balcony overlooking the Mackinac Bridge and surrounding countryside. Few dining locations on the Island are more picturesque than Grand Hotel’s Main Dining Room, which features a 180-foot-long patio overlooking the world’s longest porch and the sparkling Straits of Mackinac.
The Grand Hotel offers a great 5-star restaurant that serves classic French cuisine and American cuisine, as well as renowned local specialties. It also has a vast wine cellar with many domestic and international selections, including Michigan vintages and its award-winning Grand Hotel wine.
Sit down to dinner while listening to music by the Grand Hotel Orchestra. Keep an eye out for the bellmen who come down with the flags for the day, which is a sunset ritual. Appropriate dress required.
Address: 286 Grand Avenue, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Website: Grand Hotel Main Dining Room
Phone Number: 906-847-3331
Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor
When it’s a hot day on the Island, be sure to check out Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor. They offer banana splits, milkshakes, chocolate hand-dipped cones, sundaes, mini Grand Pecan balls on a stick, and a special Mackinac island favorite dubbed “Grand Sundae,” which is shareable. Guernsey Farms Dairy (a Michigan company located in Northville, MI) provides ice cream for Sadie’s.
The Parlor is located on the hotel’s eastern side and offers indoor sitting with café tables and seats and outdoor benches. It’s available to everyone visiting Mackinac Island, and there is no extra charge to enter.
Address: 1891 Cadotte Avenue, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Website: Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor
Phone Number: 906-847-3331
Grand Coffee & Provisions
If you are looking for a grab-n-go option, Grand Coffee & Provisions is an attractive option. They offer pastries, coffee, tea, and ice cream.
Located on the lower level inside Grand Hotel, Grand Coffee & Provisions is a casual dining option. They have food and beverage offerings to help plan a fun-filled day of adventure. Grab a quick sandwich or salad on your way to family adventures. Stop by for an afternoon pick-me-up, wine, coffee, or Grand Signature European Hot Chocolate, even if you’re just relaxing. It’s a guaranteed pleasure for all!
Address: 286 Grand Avenue, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Website: Grand Coffee & Provisions
Phone Number: 906-847-3331
Best Family Restaurants on Mackinac Island
There are also family restaurants on Mackinac Island that are great for families to enjoy together. A lot of these are geared towards casual, laid-back dining. See below!
Millie’s on Main
Check out this local homestyle pub conveniently located in the center of downtown Mackinac. It’s near Mackinac Island Carriage Tours, making it an excellent spot to eat before beginning horse-drawn carriage excursions. Enjoy all Millie’s homestyle entrees in this welcoming family-run pub.
Address: 7294 Main St., Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Website: Millie’s on Main
Phone Number: 906-847-9901
Yankee Rebel Tavern
The Yankee rebel restaurant is in the center of Mackinac Island. The Yankee Rebel is open daily for lunch and dinner and is only a short walk from the Grand Hotel and boat lines. The Rebel Tavern is a unique stop on your way to or from downtown Mackinac Island to anywhere else. They offer various regional specialties, including appetizers, soups, main dishes, and desserts, for your dining pleasure. Additionally, they offer a children’s menu for both lunch and dinner.
Address: 1493 Astor St., Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Website: Yankee Rebel Tavern
Phone Number: 906-847-6249
Mama LaRosa’s Pizza Buffet and Salad Bar
This restaurant is perfect for families and is located at the Murry Hotel. They have a buffet of pizza, salad, breadsticks, and ice cream. One of the best deals on the island for food!
Address: 7260 Main Street, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Website: Mama LaRosa’s Pizza Buffet and Salad Bar
Phone Number: 906-696-8772
The Doghouse at Windermere Point
If you’re a connoisseur of hot dogs, you need to check out The Dog House at Windemere Point, located across the street from the Windermere Hotel. They have the best hot dogs on Mackinac Island!
Menu items include:
- Hot Dogs, Polish Sausage, Chili Dogs, Brats w/ Kraut, Chips, Soft-serve Ice Cream, Hot Fudge, Black Cows, Soft Drinks, Coffee, Hot Tea, Hot Chocolate
Address: 7498 Main Street, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Website: The Doghouse at Windermere Point
Phone Number: 906-847-3301
The Lawn at The Inn at Stonecliffe
The Lawn at Stonecliffe is a beautiful outdoor eating area with outstanding views of the Straits of Mackinac. Its western island location makes it a perfect spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Mackinac Island.
Address: 8593 Cudahy Circle, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Website: The Lawn at The Inn at Stonecliffe
Phone Number: 906-847-3355
Feedbag at Surrey Hills
Feedbag is located on the Carriage Tour route at the Surrey Hill Carriage Museum. Freshly baked doughnuts are served on a regular basis. Nathan’s hot dogs, popcorn, warm pretzels, bratwurst, and ice cream goodies are available. Take a seat on the green and eat your lunch while viewing the off-duty horses cavort in the meadow.
Address: 7531 3rd St, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Website: Feedbag at Surrey Hills
Phone Number: 906-847-3593
Cheap Places To Eat on Mackinac Island
There are a lot of restaurants on Mackinac Island, but there are also plenty of places to eat if you are on a budget. No matter what kind of food you’re in the mood for, it’s hard to go wrong with any one of these great cheap eats!
Chuck Wagon of Mackinac
The Chuckwagon, one of Mackinac Island’s most popular eateries, has been serving locals and tourists for almost 60 years. Both tables and countertop dining options available. They use the finest ingredients to ensure that their food is fresh and delicious. They are located across from the Shepler Ferry dock on main street.
Address: 7400 Main Street, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Website: Chuck Wagon of Mackinac
Phone Number: 906-847-0019
Doud’s Market
Since its founding in 1884, Doud’s Market has been a family-owned grocery store. Pick up wine, beer, or spirits here and enjoy the fantastic view! Doud’s has a great deli with sandwiches, soups, and salads available.
Address: 7200 Main Street, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Website: Doud’s Market
Phone Number: 906-847-3444
Lucky Bean Coffee House
Lucky Bean Coffee House is located on Market Street. Fresh coffee, island pastries, and drink specials are offered every day. Great selection of local coffee, tea, soda, and water. They also sell apparel, coffee, and mugs.
Address: 7383 Market Street, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Website: Lucky Bean Coffee House
Island Slice Pizzeria
Island Slice is your one-stop shop for pizza cravings on Mackinac Island, conveniently located on Main Street, near the Chippewa Hotel/Pink Pony. Specialties include pasta, fresh salads, ultra-thin pizzas, round pizzas, oven-baked subs, dough made daily.
Address: 7248 Main Street, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Website: Island Slice Pizzeria
Phone Number: 906-847-8100
Watercolor Café
A locally operated and owned company with a passion for delectable breakfasts, Watercolor Cafe has lunch items, baked goods, fresh fruit smoothies, healthy goodies, and more.
Address: 6939 Main Street, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Website: Watercolor Café
Phone Number: 906-262-0642
Mighty Mac Hamburgers
Located right on main street, Mighty Mac Hamburgers is reasonably priced. With such a diverse menu, it’s easy to find something for everyone on the planet. Burgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, fish sandwiches, salads, soups, french fries, and other dishes are all available.
Address: Main Street, Mackinac Islad, MI 49757
Website: Mighty Mac Hamburgers
Phone Number: 906-847-8039
Good Day Café
Located across from the Chippewa Hotel, Good Day Cafe offers some of the best coffee on the island. They also serve specialty sandwiches which are sure to please. Lunch and dinner wraps are also available, including moomers and baked goods.
Address: 7216 Main Street, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Website: Good Day Café
Phone Number: 906-847-3550
Best Mackinac Island Restaurants On The Water
Mackinac Island has a lot of restaurants on the water. If you are looking for a water view, be sure to check out these locations.
Smokey Joe’s
Waterfront restaurant with fantastic cuisine and ambiance, featuring tacos and Tequila. Restaurant on the Star Line Dock #1 with a combination of BBQ, Bourbon, and Tacos.
Address: 7263 Main Street, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Website: Smokey Joe’s
Phone Number: 906-847-4066
Pink Pony
The Pink Pony, located within the Chippewa Hotel, is one of Mackinac Island’s most popular dining spots, bars, and music venues, offering a diverse range of unusual drinks. The Whitefish Dip and Burger are two of the restaurant’s most well-known dishes.
Burgers and sandwiches are offered for lunch and dinner, with seafood and other dishes, some of which are gluten-free, available at dinner.
Take in waterfront views of the lake while you dine at the Pink Pony. The restaurant requires reservations for large parties during peak dining hours, so be sure to call ahead!
Address: 7221-105 Main Street, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Website: Pink Pony
Phone Number: 906-241-3341
Carriage House at Hotel Iroquois
The Carriage House Restaurant, with one of the greatest waterfront sites just overlooking the Straits of Mackinac, is a local favorite.
The restaurant’s classic American dishes, such as chef Greg Murphy’s farm-to-table classics, feature the best of the region’s freshest, locally sourced ingredients, including whitefish and lake trout from Michigan. In our open-air dining room or one of our glass-enclosed rooms, you’ll receive attentive service both in and out.
Address: 7485 Main Street Hotel Iroquois on the Beach, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Website: Carriage House at Hotel Iroquois
Phone Number: 906-847-3321
Mary’s Bistro Draught House
This restaurant offers 50 craft beer and cocktails on tap, with appetizers and entrees to please everyone’s palate. Located on the Straits of Mackinac, customers dine inside at tables or on the outdoor deck facing the straits.
Address: 7463 Main St, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Website: Mary’s Bistro Draught House
Phone Number: 906-847-9911
1852 Grill Room at Island House Hotel
Considering Mackinac Island’s fine dining, the 1852 Grill Room offers modern American cuisine. There are many reasons people choose this restaurant for their refined fine dining experience. A live pianist creates an exquisite evening with breathtaking harbor views from the elegant dining room or waterfront patio.
The menu will include all of your favorites from the chophouse, including locally sourced fresh fish and gourmet desserts. A truly unforgettable evening out may be what you find yourself enjoying at the 1852 Grill Room.
Address: 6966 Main Street, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Website: 1852 Grill Room at Island House Hotel
Phone Number: 906-847-7222
What Are the Best Mackinac Island Restaurants with Outdoor Seating?
I’ve been to several of these establishments below and recommend any of them. There are a number of great restaurants on Mackinac Island that offer outdoor seating. Some of those places include:
- Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor
- Lucky Bean Coffee House
- 1852 Grill Room
- Pink Pony
- Carriage House at Hotel Iroquois
- The Gate House
- Fort Mackinac Tea Room
Best Mackinac Island Restaurants with Live Music or A DJ?
Some of the best restaurants on Mackinac Island that have live music, or a DJ include:
- The Pink Pony
- 1852 Grill Room – Island House Hotel
- The Gate House
- Horn’s Gaslight Bar and Restaurant
Can You Drink on Mackinac Island?
Yes. There are over 27 bars, restaurants, and other establishments that have a liquor license on Mackinac Island. Mackinac Island has more liquor sales than any other Michigan county per capita. Many of the best Mackinac Island restaurants have a liquor license.
What Food is Mackinac Island Known For?
Mackinac Island is known for its fudge, ice cream, whitefish, and other locally sourced foods. The history of Mackinac Island food is long and storied. Mackinac Island fudge was first made in the 1880s by Agnes Marshall, who had learned how to make candy on Mackinac Island at her aunt’s shop.
Do Mackinac Island Restaurants Allow Dogs?
Yes. There are restaurants on Mackinac Island that allow dogs if they have an outdoor area. Some restaurants will not allow dogs inside their establishment but will allow them outside on a patio with a water bowl. You just need to call ahead to check if an establishment allows dogs or not.
