Nestled in the scenic Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Manistique is a hidden gem that offers not only breathtaking natural beauty but also a vibrant culinary scene. If you’re a food lover, you’re in for a treat in Manistique. From charming cafes to waterfront eateries, this town has a variety of dining options to cater to all tastes. If you’re wondering where to satisfy your cravings, look no further. Here are the top 9 must-try restaurants in Manistique Michigan. Whether you’re seeking comfort food, fresh seafood, or local specialties, these restaurants will surely tantalize your taste buds and provide a memorable dining experience in the heart of Manistique. Please join Let’s save Michigan to learn more through this article.
Manistique is a charming town located on the shores of Lake Michigan in the Upper Peninsula. While small in size, Manistique offers several tasty dining options from casual pubs to lakefront fine dining. Here are the best restaurants to check out during your visit to Manistique.
1. Border Grill Restaurant
For excellent Mexican cuisine, Border Grill hits the spot. Their chili verde and chili Colorado burst with tender pork flavor. My personal favorites are the shrimp fajitas sizzling hot in a cast iron skillet and their Yucatan chicken baked with pineapple and spices.
Every dish is packed with freshly made flavors – from the zesty salsa and guacamole to the warm chips and bean dip. I recommend trying a margarita, mojito or Mexican beer to complement your meal.
Border Grill’s inviting atmosphere transports you straight south of the border. String lights and vibrant paintings decorate the space. On warm days we like to sit outside on the back patio under the canopy of trees. Border Grill is our top pick when craving some spice in Manistique.
2. The Village Inn
When craving a homestyle breakfast or diner classics, The Village Inn is a tried and true local favorite. They serve hearty omelets piled high with your choice of fillings along with fluffy pancakes, giant cinnamon rolls and more.
I enjoy their eggs benedict – a toasted English muffin topped with ham, poached eggs and house hollandaise sauce. For lunch their burgers, soups and sandwiches hit the spot. My go-to is their BLT club layered with bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo.
With friendly service and generous portions, The Village Inn will fuel you up for a busy day exploring the area. It’s also a popular late night stop. When we’re out around town and get hungry, we often end up back at The Village Inn for their anytime breakfast.
3. River Rock Bar & Grill
Centrally located downtown, River Rock Bar & Grill cooks up delicious pub grub and pizzas in a lively setting. Their menu has something for everyone – juicy burgers, chicken tenders, reubens, wraps and more.
I always order the River Rock burger with American cheese, sautéed onions and mushrooms for a satisfying meal. Their handcrafted pizzas are cooked crispy in a brick oven. The loaded veggie pizza piled high with toppings is awesome.
They also have a nice selection of appetizers and wings that go great with beer. River Rock has trivia nights on Tuesdays that make for a fun weekly outing.
There are pool tables and arcade games too. With its relaxed atmosphere, River Rock is one of the best places in Manistique to grab a bite and enjoy drinks with friends.
4. The Brownstone Restaurant – Restaurants In Manistique Michigan
Specializing in steak and seafood, The Brownstone Restaurant offers an upscale dining experience on the outskirts of town. They age their steaks a minimum of 28 days resulting in exceptional tenderness and flavor.
I always order my ribeye or filet mignon steak topped with sautéed mushrooms and onions. From fresh caught whitefish to jumbo shrimp and salmon, their seafood options shine as well. Be sure to start your meal with their salad topped with house made croutons and dressing.
For a sweet ending, their chocolate lava cake with ice cream is decadent. With white linen tablecloths and elegant ambiance, The Brownstone is a great spot for a romantic dinner or special occasion while visiting Manistique.
5. Great Lakes Tacos
For fast casual street tacos and burritos with bold flavors, Great Lakes Tacos is a local favorite. Their menu focuses on tacos stuffed with your choice of meat or vegetables along with burritos, nachos, quesadillas and more.
I always get a platter with two or three different tacos – favorites are the Korean beef, honey chipotle chicken and crispy fish. Their burritos packed with rice, beans, cheese and meat are very filling too. Topped with their fresh house salsa, cilantro lime sauce and guacamole, the flavors really pop.
Great Lakes Tacos has a great craft beer selection as well. With its laidback atmosphere and delicious food, this is one of the best spots in Manistique when you’re craving tacos.
6. Giovanni’s Pizza – Restaurants In Manistique Michigan
For oven baked pizza and Italian classics, Giovanni’s is a local staple. Their pizzas are made with a signature crispy thin crust with chunky tomato sauce and lots of cheese.
I love their Margherita with fresh basil and the Mighty Meat packed with pepperoni and Italian sausage. Giovanni’s calzones are excellent too – stuffed with pizza toppings and gooey cheese. Their menu also has subs, pasta dinners, salads and appetizers like cheesy breadsticks and fried ravioli.
With friendly service and reasonable prices, Giovanni’s is our go-to for satisfying pizza in Manistique. Don’t forget to grab some of their house made cannolis for dessert!
7. Pho Town
For excellent Vietnamese cuisine, Pho Town is a hidden gem in Manistique. Their pho noodle soup is incredibly flavorful – a savory broth with your choice of beef, chicken or tofu over rice noodles, topped with herbs and veggies.
It’s the perfect meal on a chilly day. I also love their bánh mì sandwiches layered with pickled carrots, cucumber, cilantro and either pork or chicken. Pho Town’s appetizers like fresh summer rolls and crispy egg rolls make great starters too.
The dining room is small but nicely decorated with lanterns and bamboo accents. Pho Town provides a tasty taste of Vietnam here in the U.P.
8. Karl’s Cuisine & Cocktails
For upscale dining in an intimate setting, Karl’s Cuisine & Cocktails is a must-try spot downtown. The menu changes seasonally, influenced by local ingredients. Dishes you may find include seared scallops with risotto, pan roasted duck breast, braised short ribs and fresh fish specials.
I always start with their creamy wild mushroom soup – so rich and savory. Their Steak Diane featuring beef tenderloin medallions in a brandy mustard sauce is melt-in-your-mouth delicious
From the extensive wine list to specialty cocktails, their drink menu is excellent as well. For a special romantic evening, you can’t beat dinner at Karl’s Cuisine followed by a moonlit stroll downtown.
9. The Dinner Bell Restaurant
Known for huge portions and friendly service, The Dinner Bell Restaurant serves up hearty breakfasts and diner fare. Their giant lumberjack omelets filled with meats, veggies and cheese provide fuel for the rest of the day.
On Sundays they offer an amazing brunch buffet from 9am to 2pm – an endless array of breakfast items, lunch entrees, salad bar, dessert and more! For lunch they have hot beef sandwiches, broasted chicken, soups, burgers and handcrafted sandwiches.
I always opt for their BLT club stacked sky high with bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo.With its cozy, welcoming atmosphere, The Dinner Bell Restaurant is a great local breakfast and lunch spot. The staff makes you feel right at home.
Manistique offers a tasty diversity of locally owned restaurants serving comfort food, Vietnamese, tacos, steak, seafood and more. Downtown Manistique also has several quick bite options for tacos, subs or coffee and sandwiches.
With options from budget-friendly to special occasion fine dining, you’re sure to find flavors to suit your taste in Manistique, Michigan!
