From authentic Mexican and Asian cuisine, to homemade Polish dishes, the North is brimming with global eateries serving up delicious fare from abroad. We asked you for your favorite places to get global food in Northern Michigan—here are your Top 7 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 Winner
Amigo Burrito Mexican Grill at Murray Hotel, Mackinac Island
Located in the Murray Hotel, this Mexican grill serves made-to-order burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, salads, pozole (Mexican soup) and bowls with fresh ingredients a la carte. The island fave also offers breakfast, served with eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes and veggies.
View the full list of Above the Bridge Red Hot Best winners to find the best breweries, events and more.
Benzie & Leelanau Winner
The Roadhouse Mexican Bar & Grill, Benzonia
The Roadhouse is your go-to stop for traditional Mexican cuisine in Benzie County. Open year-round for dinner, visitors can start their meal with fresh chips and salsa made daily and enjoy a vast selection of tequila, local craft beers, sangria and homemade margaritas.
View the full list of Benzie and Leelanau Red Hot Best winners to find the best breweries, events and more.
Cadillac, Manistee & Ludington
Nestled in the heart of downtown Ludington, The Thai Mango is owned and operated by locals Panjai and Lupe Rangel. The couple specializes in authentic Thai food made fresh to-order, including dishes like pad thai, drunken noodle, mango sticky rice, curries, stir fries and more.
View the full list of Cadillac, Manistee & Ludington Red Hot Best winners.
Charlevoix & The Chain of Lakes
This casual, European-style bistro serves the classics—simply and with flair. Cafe Santé’s menu features Belgian beers, wood-fired pizzas, mussels and frites, pastas, paninis, unique breakfasts and other fine European cuisine. Be sure to check out the Lake Charlevoix views from their outdoor patio.
View the full list of Charlevoix & Chain of Lakes region Red Hot Best winners to find the best breweries, events and more.
Kalkaska, Gaylord & Grayling
El Rancho Mexican Restaurant, Gaylord
El Rancho in Gaylord offers a wide array of Mexican favorites—from their homemade chicken soup to deep-fried chimichangas, fajitas and enchiladas. Complete your meal with some à la carte sides (tamales and chalupas anyone?) and a refreshing margarita.
View the full list of Gaylord, Kalkaska and Grayling Red Hot Best winners to find the best breweries, events and more.
Petoskey, Harbor Springs & The Straits
The Smolak family specializes in serving up house-made Polish dishes like pierogi (Polish-style dumplings), zurek soup (traditional Polish sour soup), gołąbki (cabbage roll), goulash and smoked Polska kielbasa (Polish sausage) served with homemade sauerkraut.
View the full list of Petoskey, Harbor Springs and The Straits Red Hot Best winners to find the best breweries, events and more.
Traverse City Winner
Spanglish is a delicious marriage of traditional Mexican recipes and fresh Northern Michigan ingredients. Husband-and-wife team Vicente and Anna Serrano serve up made-from-scratch authentic eats like street tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tamales, tortas and tostadas.
View the full Traverse City Red Hot Best winners list to find the best breweries, events and more.
