Northern Michigan is a food-lovers dream! Taste your way across the region, starting with the 2023 Red Hot Best winners for best restaurants and best outdoor dining.
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Best Restaurant Above the Bridge
Esther’s Authentic Mexican Cuisine
29299 E Channel Rd, Drummond, MI 49726 | Esther’s Website
Located on Drummond Island, Esther’s is cooking up authentic Mexican food the whole family can enjoy. Their dishes have consistently been reviewed as best authentic Mexican food north of Southwest Detroit and patrons claim it’s worth a trip to the island alone just to eat here.
Honorable Mentions: Coming in second and third place are Chianti at Mission Point Resort and Pink Pony.
Benzie & Leelanau’s Best Restaurant
The Roadhouse Mexican Bar & Grill
1058 Michigan Ave, Benzonia, MI 49616 | Roadhouse Website
Roadhouse has a diverse menu, fresh daily-made salsa and a seasonal outdoor deck and cantina bar, making it a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Open year-round, patrons review this restaurant as having some of the best service, drinks and food in the area and the outdoor deck as a must-do.
Honorable Mentions: Head to Suttons Bay for the second place winner Hop Lot Brewing Co. or pop over to Lake Ann for third place winner The Stone Oven.
Best Restaurant in Cadillac, Manistee & Ludington
The Glenwood
4604 Main St, Onekama, MI 49675 | Glenwood Website
Known locally as a hidden gem, The Glenwood serves up classic dishes like grilled salmon with fettuccine and a much-loved almond shrimp, along with daily specials. Patrons recommend dining on the deck (and making a reservation ahead of time to lock in your spot). Don’t miss dessert, especially the key lime pie.
Honorable Mentions: Coming in second and third place are 876 Baldwin and Timbers Restaurant.
Photo by Todd Zawistowski
Best Restaurant in Charlevoix & The Chain of Lakes
Cafe Santé
1 Water St, Boyne City, MI 49712 | Café Sante Website
Enjoy a wide range of European classics at this Boyne City bistro. From Belgian beers to pasta and wood-fired pizzas, there’s something for all whether breakfast, lunch or dinner. Patrons highly recommend the whitefish Benedict for breakfast, duck French onion soup for lunch and chicken marsala for dinner.
Honorable Mentions: Head to Elk Rapids for second place winner Pearl’s New Orleans Kitchen or head down the road to third place winner Torch Lake Café.
Kalkaska, Gaylord & Grayling’s Best Restaurant
Trout Town Tavern & Eatery
306 Elm St, Kalkaska, MI 49646 | Trout Town Website
Known for its briskets, sandwiches, seafood and homemade pies, Trout Town is always a favorite in town. Patrons consistently call the coleslaw some of the best they’ve ever had and say not to miss the dirty tots and any dish featuring one of their homemade sauces.
Honorable Mentions: Coming in second and third place are Moose & Stella’s Cafe and Yankee Boy.
Best Restaurant in Petoskey, Harbor Springs & The Straits
Julienne Tomatoes
421 Howard St, Petoskey, MI 49770 | Julienne Tomatoes Website
Walking through the doors at Julienne Tomatoes you can expect great recipes using locally grown ingredients. Patrons don’t want you to miss the homemade soups, unique sandwiches and homemade pastries. Open for both breakfast and dinner service most days of the week.
Honorable Mentions: Head to Pellston for second place winner Douglas Lake Bar & Steakhouse or to Cross Village for third place winner Legs Inn.
Traverse City’s Best Restaurant
Poppycocks
128 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684 | Poppycocks Website
New American cuisine and delicious mixologist-crafted cocktails make Poppycocks a must-stop in Traverse City. Patrons highly recommend the steak, vegetarian dishes (even meat lovers claim they’re the best!), handmade soups and the short ribs. The dessert selection is also highly rated, so come hungry and ready to get a few different treats.
Honorable Mentions: Coming in second and third in Traverse City are J & S Hamburg South and Boathouse Restaurant.
Photo by Andy Wakeman
Northern Michigan’s Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants
Best Outdoor Dining Above the Bridge
Bistro on the Greens, Mission Point Resort
One Lake Shore Dr, Mackinac Island, MI 49757 | Bistro Website
Known for their Mediterranean-inspired menu and craft cocktails, this outdoor dining spot is the ideal way to enjoy island life. Open seasonally from May to September, patrons highly recommend the flavored lemonades (optional: get it spiked!), burgers and fresh vegetarian options.
Honorable Mentions: Coming in second and third place are Esther’s Authentic Mexican Food and Pink Pony.
Benzie & Leelanau’s Best Outdoor Dining
Hop Lot Brewing Co.
658 S W Bay Shore Dr, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 | Hop Lot Website
The outdoor beer garden of your dreams! Featuring a wide variety of beer, cider and wine, this outdoor dining spot is a Suttons Bay favorite. With a menu featuring American dishes, patrons recommend the chicken sandwich, tacos and of course a cold brew. They are also open in winter with outdoor igloo seating.
Honorable Mentions: Head to Lake Ann for second place winner Lake Ann Brewing Co. or to Leland for third place winner The Cove.
Photo by Grant Piering
Best Outdoor Dining in Cadillac, Manistee & Ludington
Blue Fish Kitchen + Bar
312 River St, Manistee, MI 49660 | Blue Fish Website
Open for brunch and lunch, this restaurant’s river view and menu make it a local favorite. From the chicken and risotto to walleye there’s something for everyone on the menu. Patrons highly recommend the Wagyu steak, brunch burger and potato pierogi.
Honorable Mentions: Coming in second and third place are Northern Natural Cider House & Winery and Lakeside Charlies.
Best Outdoor Dining in Charlevoix & The Chain of Lakes
The Landing
10231 Ferry Rd, Charlevoix, MI 49720 |Â Landing Website
Pull your boat up and dine on the dock at The Landing. From coastal cuisine to fresh Great Lakes dishes, this restaurant takes living life on the water seriously. Patrons highly recommend the crab cakes, lobster rolls, lake perch and salmon. Don’t miss grabbing a drink at the outdoor bar!
Honorable Mentions: Head to Bellaire for second and third place winners Dockside Torch Lake and Short’s Brewing Company Bellaire Pub.
Kalkaska, Gaylord & Grayling’s Best Outdoor Dining
Billy Bob’s Boneyard
505 W Mile Rd, Kalkaska, MI 49646 | Billy Bob’s Facebook Page
This local BBQ spot takes quality and quantity seriously. From deliciously smoked meats to handcrafted sides, patrons can’t get enough of the chicken nachos and sliders and they claim this outdoor dining spot has “the best fries in town!”
Honorable Mentions: Coming in second and third place are The Dig’s Food Truck and Ray’s BBQ, Brews & Blues.
Best Outdoor Dining in Petoskey, Harbor Springs & The Straits
Legs Inn
6425 N Lake Shore Dr, Cross Village, MI | Legs Inn Website
Not only is this Polish-American restaurant one of our favorite outdoor dining spots in the state, but it’s also a State of Michigan Historic Site and Landmark. Patrons can’t get enough of the potato pancakes, homemade kielbasa, pierogi or whitefish dinner. Don’t miss the list of Polish beers or platter meals.
Honorable Mentions: Head to Petoskey for second place winner The Back Lot and to Harbor Springs for third place winner Pond Hill Farm.
Photo by Todd Zawistowski
Traverse City’s Best Outdoor Dining
The Little Fleet
448 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49686 | Little Fleet Website
This outdoor food truck lot has a wide variety of options and an incredible bar. The perfect spot for a group outdoor dining experience, patrons can’t get enough of the margaritas and the ability for everyone to order exactly what they want off of multiple menus. The downtown location is a bonus, too.Â
Honorable Mentions: Coming in second and third are The Filling Station Microbrewery and Boone’s Long Lake Inn.