For the best in small-town treats, these restaurants deliver in flavor and unique creations to introduce you to new sides of northern Michigan at every turn. Whether you’re a fan of craft brews, a good grilled burger or a cherry-themed dining experience, these Glen Arbor hotspots are sure to impress. After a hike on Sleeping Bear Dunes or a bike ride on the smooth Heritage Trail, these food finds will hit the spot and help contribute to your perfect Up North getaway.
COVID NOTICE: Some restaurants are only open for curbside pickup and delivery during COVID-19. Call ahead or check online before ordering.
1. Art’s Tavern
6487 W. Western Ave. | 231.334.3754
Known for their tavern atmosphere and comfort food packed menu, Art’s Tavern has all of your favorite drinks on tap as well as local favorites to pair with one of their famous burgers or fish dinners. With a bustling street-side outdoor patio and neon-lit indoor tables, come discover the perfect summer bar in Glen Arbor.
2. Blu
5705 S. Lake St. | 231.334.2530
Fine dining meets spectacular view at Blu, sitting just about on the beach with views of Sleeping Bear Bay. The menu, featuring European techniques and local ingredients changes daily, and wines boast local vineyard names as well as those from around the world.
3. Boonedocks
5858 S. Manitou Blvd. | 231.334.6444
When it comes to steaks, fish, soups salads and sandwiches, Boonedocks will curb your appetite no matter what you’re hankering for. With comfortable outdoor and indoor seating, you can indulge in a taste of the Rascal Reuben or their famous Boonedock’s angus burger as you watch the summer bustle of Glen Arbor.
4. Cherry Republic House
6026 A, 5109 S. Lake St. | 231.226 3014
Cherry Republic, long known as the spot for all things cherry including cherry jellies, jams, salsas and candies, now offers a brewery and full dinner menu, featuring everything from ribs to whitefish. Pair it all with Cherry Republic’s own wine or craft beer on the outdoor patio in beautiful Glen Arbor.
5. Western Avenue Grill
6410 W. Western Ave. | 231.334.3362
Western Avenue Grill has flavorful soups, salads, sandwiches, flatbreads, fish and so much more. With spacious outdoor seating on their patio, this is a perfect spot for taking a lovely break in the middle of bustling Glen Arbor and beautiful Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
6. Good Harbor Grill
6584 Western Ave. |231.334.3555
For a delicious meal at any hour of the day, Good Harbor Grill serves up all of your favorites like breakfast hash and eggs any way you like, to delicious hot or cold sandwiches for lunch. Make a stop for dinner to enjoy fresh-caught whitefish dinners or high-quality steaks and seafood on their outdoor patio.
7. Riverfront Pizza & Deli
6281 River Rd. | 231.334.3876
Specializing in deli creations and specialty pizzas, Riverfront delivers the flavor and the serving sizes to feed your imagination. Choose from their unique menu or create your own pie, and enjoy while relaxing on their beautiful outdoor patio.
Bear Paw Pizza & Market
6444 Western Ave. | 231.334.2327
A combination of pizza, sandwiches and essentials, Bear Paw will serve you tasty homemade pizzas and filling hot and cold sandwiches. Stop for lunch and enjoy a hand tossed pie on their outdoor patio fit for the whole family.
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.