Waterfront restaurants, bluff-top hangouts, a family-friendly farm—these are some of our favorite outdoor dining spots in Petoskey, Harbor Springs and the Mackinac Straits.
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NOMAD, BAY HARBOR
This industrial-chic restaurant on a picturesque waterfront offers shareable plates like grilled snap peas with kimchi and Korean braised beef bao, a sophisticated wine list and inspired house cocktails.
PIER M33, CHEBOYGAN
This upscale tavern sits right on the slo-mo and lovely Cheboygan River—a part of the 40-mile Inland Waterway—so it’s perfect for boating to. Or come by car. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, Pier M33’s full menu and bar make this a destination.
LEGS INN, CROSS VILLAGE
Be on the lush grounds of Legs Inn when the sun is sinking into the vast Lake Michigan horizon that spreads from this bluff-top perch and you’ll never forget it. The cuisine revolves around robust Polish dishes—a tribute to the Polish immigrant who built this restaurant of stone, wood and old stove legs trimming the roof.
STAFFORD’S PIER RESTAURANT, HARBOR SPRINGS
To really soak up the vibe of this harbor town on Little Traverse Bay, take a table on the deck—which is so close to the pier you’ll feel like you’re on it. As boats of all shapes and styles slide in and out of the harbor, linger over house specialties like seafood chowder, planked whitefish and lobster carbonara.
POND HILL FARM, HARBOR SPRINGS
Bring the fam and make it a day at this combination farm, brewery and cafe. After fueling up on a wood-fired pizza on the patio, kids can clamor up the climbing wall and feed the farm animals.
Photo by Kelly Hofman
PINK PONY, MACKINAC ISLAND
For 75 years and counting, the Pink Pony has been the place to hang out on Mackinac Island. Snag a harborside table under a pink umbrella and watch the ferries come and go as you graze on upscale tavern fare. May we suggest starting with the Famous Island Rum Runner cocktail.
BEARDS BREWERY, PETOSKEY
Feel the buzz of beautiful downtown Petoskey while you’re lounging on Beard’s deck with deep blue Little Traverse Bay splayed out on the horizon.
CAFE SANTÉ, BOYNE CITY
Scoring a table on a summer evening here is a vacation-maker. The view of Lake Charlevoix (just feet away) is stunning, a glass half-wall protects from the breeze and a fire ring adds warmth and ambiance. The superb bistro fare ranges from wood-fired pizzas to moules-frites, and the beer, wine and cocktails are distinctly European.
THE GANGPLANK, ST. IGNACE
Sip a fish bowl (an actual fish bowl filled with rum, vodka, blue Curacao and other yummies) on the covered porch as you watch the ferries come and go from Mackinac Island across the Straits.
BARREL BACK RESTAURANT, WALLOON LAKE
Beginning Memorial Day, Barrel Back opens up the dock bar on the water overlooking Walloon Lake—and steps away from the Barrel Back Food Truck. Fuel up at the truck then hit the dock bar for beverages. Find more open-air dining on the side patio.
Read Next: The Full Guide to Outdoor Dining in Petoskey, Harbor Springs & The Straits