With some of Michigan’s most stunning hiking trails, beaches and outdoor activities, Benzie County is a hotspot for tourists looking to experience local life in Northern Michigan. In addition to the amazing scenery and things to do, venture into town and find some of the best outdoor eating and drinking hotspots. After spending a day on Betsie Lake, hiking the trails, checking out the Legacy Art Park or the Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre, grabbing a bite at one of these restaurants will surely impress and make your trip that much better.
COVID NOTICE: Some restaurants are only open for curbside pickup and delivery during COVID-19. Call ahead or check online before ordering.
1. Cabbage Shed
198 Frankfort Ave., Elberta | 231.352.9843
Sit on the back porch overlooking Betsie Bay eating classic Fish ‘n Chips and the Buttermilk chicken, burgers and blackened fish tacos. Music and an unbelievable selection of Irish Whiskeys round it all out.
2. The Fusion
300 Main St., Frankfort | 231.352.4114
A fine-dining Asian cuisine restaurant, The Fusion pairs traditional Asian-inspired dishes and innovative small plates packed with flavor. With waterfront views of Betsie Lake, you won’t find a better dinner date location to enjoy well-made food with an unforgettable atmosphere.
3. Stormcloud Brewing Company
303 Main St., Frankfort | 231.352.0118
Stormcloud takes the pub menu to both comfort and creative, featuring pizzas with locally made sausage and goat cheese and sandwiches from a yummy grill cheese to chickpea and artichoke. Pair it all with signature beers like Rainmaker and 2 Shores while sitting on the outdoor patio right downtown. Be sure to check out all the events, including their own curling league, happening year round.
4. Birch and Maple
727 Main St., Frankfort | 231.399-0399
Ribs, seafood, portobello fries, and their Smashburger all paired with classic and creative cocktails to make a warm night out feel even more lovely.
5. Mayfair Tavern
515 Frankfort Ave., Elberta | 231.352.9136
People have been loving the Mayfair since 1933, sitting outdoors with hand-pressed burgers and a cold craft beer.
6. Rocks Landing
1577 Crystal Drive, Frankfort |231.399.0158
Once a part of Chimney Corners Resort, Rocks Landing captures the heart of Benzie County with its stone fireplace and placement on the shores of Crystal Lake, and with its casual atmosphere blended with fine dining. In-season runs through the menu of scallops to steaks.
7. Ursa Major Bistro & Coffee Shop
245 S. Benzie Blvd., Beulah | 231.383.4250
For everything you need in sweets and brunch goods, Ursa Major has all your favorites like breakfast all day, a full coffee bar, lunch, dinner and desserts, Moomers ice cream, gourmet cookies, scones, muffins and Brownies. With comfortable outdoor seating, a visit to Ursa Major will make your brunch plans a delicious reality.
8. Lucky Dog Bar & Tavern
223 S. Benzie Blvd., Beulah | 231.383.4499
With a 17-tap drink lineup and a diverse bar-style menu that includes hot-off-the-grill, hamburgers, hot dogs and many awesome creations including tacos and smoked wing, Lucky Dog will serve you your late-night favorites all day long. With outdoor and indoor seating, enjoy your favorites and get to know what Benzie food and drink is all about.
9. Cold Creek Restaurant
185 S. Benzie Blvd., Beulah | 231.335.1247
To find great live music, outdoor seating and great food, Cold Creek is the place to be. Serving classic breakfast, lunch and dinner favorites, you’ll leave filled up with great food and a beautiful view of downtown Benzie.
10. L’Chayim Delicatessen
274 S. Benzie Blvd., Beulah | 231.882.5221
For the best in handmade diverse bagels and breakfast options, L’Chayim will help you find your perfect bagel. Using only organic and local ingredients, these bagels are inspired by the flavors and foods of Michigan and their unique flavors will delight and surprise you.
11. Five Shores Brewing
163 S. Benzie Blvd., Beulah | 231.383.4400
A fresh face to Benzie, Five Shores Brewing is a craft brewery that does things differently. With unique flavors and drink options for beer lovers everywhere, you’ll find your favorite Five Shores flavor in no time. With a spacious beer garden and rotating food trucks, you can have a handmade craft beer and lunch in the newest chic drinking hotspot in Beulah.
12. The Manitou
4349 N. Scenic Hwy. | 231.882.4761
For a scenic and rustic outdoor dining experience, The Manitou will deliver. Nestled in the woods with a log cabin setting, they serve everything from steaks, seafood options and delicious sandwiches, you can find something on the menu from fresh and salt water, on and off land.
13. Roadhouse Mexican Bar & Grill
1058 Benzie Hwy., Benzonia | 231.882.9631
A local favorite for delicious Mexican-inspired cuisine, Roadhouse has all of your south of the border favorites including tacos, quesadillas and chips and guacamole. With quaint outdoor seating you can enjoy your favorite dishes in the sunshine while taking in beautiful Benzie.
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.
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