An iconic Northern Michigan vacation destination, Mackinac Island has some of the most beautiful trails and historical spots you’ll find, as well as classic restaurants that serve Mackinac-famous dishes and drinks. After a day biking around the island, make a stop at one of these fantastic restaurants with outdoor seating.
1. Mary’s Bistro Draught House
7463 Main St. | 906.847.9911
Featuring a dockside view of the Mackinac Straits, Mary’s serves up your favorite local Michigan brews and a lunch and dinner meny filled with classic bar favorites like handmade pizzas, burgers and fresh salads. Come and enjoy real island life and beauty while digging into a delicious meal.
 2. Ice House BBQ
6966 Main St. | 906.847.3347
The Ice House BBQ & Bar serves a deliciously creative selection of classic home-style smoked barbecue favorites casually served at your choice of umbrella table in the carefully curated garden or under the tent on the deck.
3. Round Island Bar & Grill
1 Lake Shore Dr. | 906.847.3000
A family-friendly culinary hub featuring all-day dining with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the Straits of Mackinac, Round Island delivers create your own omelets and daily breakfast buffets in the morning, and burgers, sandwiches, salads and more can be enjoyed throughout the day.
4. 1852 Grill Room
6966 Main St. | 906.847.3347
A gorgeous venue with outdoor and indoor seating, 1851 Grill Room focuses on unconventional fine dinnf options like duck confit flatbread, Scottish Salmon and wild mushroom risotto. Enjoy a signature dish made to your liking with the stunning views of the island.
5. Pink Pony
7221 Main St. | 906.847.3341
A staple of the island, the Pink Pony is a favorite for many visitors due to its extensive drink list and delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner menus that include everything from French toast to burgers to fish and steak dinners. Come get a taste of what Mackinac dining is all about at one of the island’s most iconic restaurants.
6. The Gate House
1547 Grand Ave. | 906.847.3772
Serving a variety of appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, diverse entrees and fresh greens, you’ll find something for everyone. With stunning views of the island and comfortable outdoor seating, the Gate House is the perfect lunch spot for great food and awesome views.
7. Kingston Kitchen at the Village Inn
1384 Hoban St. | 906.847.3542
A Jamaican-cuisine inspired menu with some of the best and biggest dishes on the island, find a taste of the Caribbean right in Michigan with their famous jerk chicken or jerk pork, or dive into the waves and try their whitefish sandwich made with fish caught right from the Straits.
8. Watercolor Café
6939 Main St.
A café by day and an art studio by night, this multitasking breakfast hotspot brings you fresh coffee, sandwiches, baked goods, fresh fruit smoothies, healthy snacks and more. Right on the water, discover your creative side with art classes and a morning cup of joe while taking in the beauty of the Mackinac Straits.
9. Bistro on The Greens
Mission Point Resort, Lake Shore Dr. | 906.847.3000
Overlooking the Greens of Mackinac putting course, Round Island lighthouse and Lake Huron, Bistro on the Greens pairs fresh, Mediterranean-inspired summer dishes with extraordinary views.
10. Fort Mackinac Tea Room Restaurant
7127 Huron Rd. | 906.847.6327
Open for lunch, this Grand Hotel Restaurant offers excellence in dining in a colonial atmosphere. Located inside the walls of Fort Mackinac with a spectacular view of the yacht harbor.
11. Carriage House at Hotel Iroquois
7485 Main St. | 906.847.3321
Directly overlooking the Straits of Mackinac, Carriage House Dining Room is known island-wide for its fine classic American cuisine. Local seafood selections such as Carriage House Whitefish from Lake Superior and Sautéed Perch with fresh salads and soups will delight your taste buds.
12. The Jockey Club at the Grand Stand
1874 Cadotte Ave. | 906.847.9212
With outdoor seating located within the Jewel Golf Course and a magnificent view of the island, The Jockey Cub serves sandwiches, soups and salads, and dinner offers a variety of special entrees featuring steak, seafood and fresh local whitefish that will make you want to keep coming back.
Olivia Fellows was a 2020 intern at MyNorth Media. She will graduate from Grand Valley State University in 2021 with a Communications and Multi-Media Journalism degree, and serves as the News Editor for GVSU’s The Lanthorn.