Whether you’re looking for something quick to grab or you just don’t feel like cleaning up after dinner – takeout is here for you! From drive-in burger joints in St. Ignace to pancakes to-go in Elk Rapids, you voted for Northern Michigan’s Top 7 places to get takeout in each region – here are your winners!

A record-breaking 16,000 people voted in MyNorth’s 2021 Red Hot Best Awards, recognizing winners from across seven regions and 46 different categories in Northern Michigan. The categories include everything from healthcare and frontline workers to takeout and hiking trails. This is how we celebrate Northern Michigan!

Searching for the full winner’s list? Here are the Red Hot Best Winners 2021: The Best of Northern Michigan.

Above the Bridge

Clyde’s Drive-In, St. Ignace

Located just across the bridge in St. Ignace, this bustling vintage drive-in is known for its burgers and various delicious fried entrees. Try their famous Big ‘C’ Burger or order from a variety of American classics like hot dogs, sloppy joes, and shakes! Sit under the classic drive-in canopy or pick up your food and head to a more scenic spot overlooking the Mackinac Bridge – that’s the beauty of takeout Up North!

View the full list of Above the Bridge Red Hot Best winners to find the best outdoor eating spots, beaches and much more.

Benzie & Leelanau 

Village Cheese Shanty, Leland

Walk down into Leland’s collection of old fishing shanties to find one of Northern Michigan’s favorite sandwich shops: the Village Cheese Shanty. Serving fresh, made to order sandwiches using local products, the Cheese Shanty has been delivering deliciousness to the Leelanau peninsula for over 45 years. The Shanty is open from Spring through October every year, and the rest of the year you’ll just spend dreaming about their pretzel bread. 

View the full list of Benzie and Leelanau Red Hot Best winners to find the best breweries, events and more.

 

Village Cheese Shanty specials sign

Photo by Village Cheese Shanty

Cadillac, Manistee & Ludington 

Big Al’s Pizza, Manistee

In the mood for pizza? Head to a local favorite with over 44 years in the business! Big Al’s Pizza is a family-owned pizzeria that has been proud to serve their traditional recipes to Manistee locals and tourists alike for years. Order from their expansive menu including submarine subs, wrap sandwiches, breadsticks and their delicious pizza, available in Chicago style deep dish or a hand-tossed crust. With Big Al’s takeout, you can’t go wrong!  

View the full list of Cadillac, Manistee & Ludington Red Hot Best winners. 

Charlevoix & the Chain of Lakes 

Harbor Cafe, Elk Rapids

Try some of the best pancakes in Northern Michigan at Harbor Cafe in Elk Rapids! This local and family-owned breakfast spot serves unique and scrumptious breakfast dishes using only the best fresh and local ingredients. Stop by in late July to get some of their beloved (and very limited) Cherries and Cream Stuffed French Toast and you’ll be returning for years to come!

View the full list of Charlevoix & Chain of Lakes region Red Hot Best winners.

 

Kalkaska Gaylord and Grayling 

Tinker’s Junction, Grayling

Looking for the perfect spot for late-night takeout? A local staple in Grayling, Tinker’s Junction has mouthwatering food that is sure to satisfy any craving. Order from Philly cheesesteaks, hand-pattied half-pound burgers, homemade soups and salads, pizzas with fresh vegetables and toppings, and more! When your stomach starts to grumble, head to Tinker’s!

View the full list of Gaylord, Kalkaska and Grayling Red Hot Best winners to find the best golf courses, events and more.

Petoskey, Harbor Springs & The Straits

Mim’s Mediterranean Grill, Petoskey

Stop in and enjoy Petoskey’s only authentic Mediterranean food! Mim’s Mediterranean Grill serves fresh, made-to-order gyros and many other Greek-inspired entrees inside the hard-to-miss brightly colored bungalow. Fill up on their ‘Fiery Feta Fries’ or try their chicken gyro served over spinach and rice. Keep up with their Facebook page to check out delectable daily specials and their always-changing specialty desserts.

Looking for the best beaches, breweries and more? View the full list of Petoskey, Harbor Springs and The Straits Red Hot Best winners.

Traverse City 

Slabtown Burgers, Traverse City

Looking for the perfect sloppy, gooey, mouth-watering burger? Slabtown Burgers is just the spot. Famous for their hand-pattied burgers and fresh cut fries, this burger joint is located inside an old Victorian home right off the main drag of downtown Traverse City. With tons of specialty burgers to choose from, including vegetarian and gluten free options, Slabtown is a crowd-pleasing takeout spot. Grab your burgers and sit outside at their many outdoor seating options, or head down the street to take in the views of the Grand Traverse Bay as you dig in! 

Searching for more of Traverse City’s top beaches, breweries and more? View the full Traverse City Red Hot Best winners list.

 

best burger northern michigan

Photo by Jon-Paul Allgaier

Photo(s) by Dave Weidner