casual dining in Petoskey & Charlevoix
 

My husband and I will be visiting Petoskey, Charlevoix, Bay Harbor and Bay View this July. Looking for recommendations for places to eat especially in Petoskey and Charlevoix. Nothing elegant since our 3 year old will be along, but not necessarily fast food either.

In Harbor Springs, we had a great dinner at Teddy Griffen's.

These are all Petoskey suggestions:

Jesperson's restaurant on Howard Street downtown. I don't think they serve dinner, but not 100% sure. They have amazing pie!

Cormack's Deli is on Charlevoix Ave. Here's their web site: http://www.cormacksdeli.com/ I don't know if they offer eat in, but if not you could take a picnic to the Waterfront Park or Pennsylvania Park downtown.

Roast & Toast on Lake Street downtown serves good sandwiches, soups and salads for lunch. Maybe dinner.

City Park Grill is on Pennsylvania Park downtown. It's a bit on the upscale side, but you could call them to check on whether kids are welcome. You can see more, including the menu, here: http://www.cityparkgrill.com/

Mitchell Street Pub is great for lunch (closed Sunday). They do an amazing grilled cheese sandwich. They do have a non-smoking area and should welcome your son during the day.

Original Pancake House in Bay Harbor is great for breakfast. But they don't take credit cards, so take enough cash. They have delicious crepes here!

The restaurant at Perry Hotel may be more elegant than you want with your son, but it's good food. The Noggin' Room there also serves lighter dinner fare and may be a good choice. I don't know what time he starts, but Sean Ryan is a regular performer there and is wonderful to watch. I've been there with children older than your son and had no trouble even though it is a bar.

There's a Japanese restaurant on Petoskey Street, near Lake that I haven't eaten at but have heard good things about.

There's also an Applebees, Pizza Hut, Big Boy if you just want something quick and easy.

For a treat for you and the 3 year old, stop by Scalawag's at the Clock Tower Plaza on M-119 just north of Bay View and pick up some whitefish & chips for a picnic along the shore.

Keith

Everything (practically) is casual. But some are better than others with a child. I have been going up north for 20 years now and can recommend the following:

Charlevoix: Juliarettes (great for breakfast). Open till 2:00pm I believe. I love Terry's for Perch. Taking your son there at 5:00pm would be alright.

Petosky: The Perry Hotel is excellent, but maybe not the best choice with a child. Whitecaps on route 131, and Chandlers downtown

Boyne City: I know that you did not mention this is your posting, but let me suggest Lesters. Great for ribs and extremly kid friendly and not expensive. Schmittys Steak House. Red Mesa Grill.

In case you are interested, Hemingway used to hang out at the City Park Grill.

A good place for sandwiches in Petoskey is the Flat Iron Deli.

FWIW: A great place to find restaurant suggestions is http://roadfood.com/

I happen to live in Petoskey and we do have some great places to it. I don't want to echo everyone else's suggestions, but I concur, they are all great choices. In Bayview, right on US-31, is a great place called the Bob-In. They are famous for their St. Louis style frozen custard, so they are pretty busy in the summers for that alone. But they also serve up great coney (Detroit style) hot dogs, burgers and some great salads...it is a must stop! Its convenient to the bike path that also runs behind it! In Charlevoix, Scovie's deli right on Bridge st (the main drag) is good, as is the Acorn cafe and Juillerets. In Petoskey, my vote is for the Side Door Saloon, on US-31, also Roast and Toast has great sandwiches, homemade soups and great coffees, the Gelato Cafe serves up an eclectic lunch and to-die-for authentic Italian Style Gelato. The City Park Grill is famous for hosting Hemingway on many occasions, but were bought out a few years ago and I haven't had very good meals there. Taparooneys is located on M-119 on your way north of Petoskey to Harbor Springs and has an outdoor deck and fabulous ribs! Have fun and sample the fudge while you are here!

I went up north this weekend and went to Chandlers in Petosky for lunch; for the third time; and love it. It is so good. It is very unusual. But not too different. They have awesome sushi there, only done on the weekends though.