Mackinaw City/Mackinac Island Restaurants
 

Does anyone have any restaurant recommendations for Mackinaw City/Mackinac Island? My husband and I will be staying in Mackinaw City for a few days and are looking for suggestions on places to eat. We are pretty casual people and prefer meals around $10-15 per person for an entree, but would consider a nicer restaurant for our Anniversary dinner.
Thank you!

We always enjot the Dixie Saloon when we are in that area (http://www.dixiesaloon.com/). I have also been told that MaMa Mia's Pizzeria and Restaurant is good too.

Other than your anniversary dinner, there are lots of places where you can stay in that budget or less.

I second the recommendation for the Dixie Tavern. In addition to the food, I like its atmosphere.

For good, simple food (great fish, good soups and homemade pies), try Darrow's Restaurant on the west side of town. The fish is also good at Scalawag's Whitefish & Chips. Neither place offers much atmosphere.

For a treat, go to Goldie's Cafe, in Carp Lake, about 6 miles south of Mackinaw. There is a nice outside dining area on the lake and the quiet is a nice contrast with the bustle of the Straits.

Lesser recommendations - but with several days, you might also consider the Key Hole Bar, the Historic Depot Restaurant, and Squealy Downing's Family Restaurant in Mackinaw. Or Legg's Inn in Cross Village for atmosphere more than the food.

On the other side of the bridge in St. Ignace, try Clyde's Drive In, and Little Bob's.

For your anniversary I would suggest going out of town. My strong first choice would be The Pier in Harbor Springs, about 45 minutes away. A shorter drive would be the Dam Site Inn by Pellston.

In Mackinaw City the nicer choices would be 'Neath the Birches, or the Chippewa Room at Audie's Restaurant. It has been too long since I have been to Audie's to rely on my recommendation, but I still hear good things.

As to 'Neath the Birches, I was there 4 weeks ago. The food was good, but I was unhappy with the service. But that was also their first night open in the new season, so it could well be better by the time you are there.

Keith

Keith always has the scoop on the area. We have not had a bad meal at Dixie Saloon. We discovered Cunningham's for pasties last year - great pie too. Can't wait to try more menu items this year. Nothing fancy, just home cooked food.

Hey, Keith - isn't there a restaurant in the Pellston airport? Any reviews?

Hi Smokey,

The restaurant in the airport managed to stay open through the winter, so it has to be doing fairly well. But I was unimpressed the one time I ate there.

It is really a beautiful little airport, but there are many flight delays and cancelations.

I don't think I have ever had a trip through it where my arrival and departure were both on the days scheduled.

Keith