Is there anything better than dining in the sunshine with a fresh breeze? Check out these charming cafés, an iconic waterfront hangout, a sweet food truck and more outdoor dining options near Frankfort, Ludington and beyond.
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THE CHERRY HUT, BEULAH
Opened in 1922 as an orchard-to-table business, The Cherry Hut serves up classic dishes including cherry chicken salad, cherry salsa, cherry preserves and, of course, old-fashioned cherry pie. Enjoy a slice with ice cream out on the patio.
ROADHOUSE MEXICAN BAR & GRILL, BENZONIA
A local favorite for Mexican-inspired cuisine; try the steak fajitas or the Cabo salmon with peach salsa, and don’t forget the freshly made chips and guac. Grab a marg and take a seat in the backyard cantina.
CABBAGE SHED, ELBERTA
This rustic lakefront joint offers a back porch overlooking Betsie Bay, weekly live music and the best fish ’n’ chips around. Also try the buttermilk chicken, burgers and blackened fish tacos, and scope the Irish whiskey collection.
DOS ARBOLES / BIRCH & MAPLE, FRANKFORT
Dos Arboles offers adventurous Mexican cuisine and cocktails served on Frankfort’s first rooftop deck across from Betsie Lake. Next door, Birch & Maple (same owners) is known for its from-scratch brunch (get the chicken and waffles), lunch and dinner.
KETCH 22 FOOD TRUCK, ARCADIA
At this gourmet food truck parked just north of the Arcadia Marsh trailhead, you’ll find elevated street food at its finest—think mahi sandwiches and smoked salmon dip. We suggest pairing a Northwoods soda with the golden-fried Wisconsin cheese curds.
YELLOW DOG CAFÉ, ONEKAMA
This charming café boasts a menu brimming with coffee and espresso drinks, freshly baked pastries (try the scones) and delish sammies. Don’t skip breakfast faves like the burritos and frittatas.
Read Next: The Cherry Hut in Beulah Celebrates 100+ Years of Pie
Photo by Allison Jarrell
THE STONE OVEN, LAKE ANN
Come here for darn good mac ’n’ cheese, pizza and a robust sandwich menu. Place a to-go order and take it next door to Lake Ann Brewing for a lively evening of music and brews.
GENO’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL, THOMPSONVILLE
You’ll find burgers, broasted chicken, pizza and bar food galore at this quintessential Up North tavern. And, unsurprisingly, Geno’s chill neighborhood haunt also has a pool table and a jukebox. Vintage pub perfection.
AFTER 26 DEPOT CAFÉ, CADILLAC
This casual café tucked inside a renovated 1915 railroad depot has a heartwarming mission: to employ developmentally and cognitively impaired adults. Breakfast and lunch selections include staples like build-your-own omelettes, bacon jam burgers and the wildly-popular Cherry Grove salad.
BLUE FISH KITCHEN + BAR, MANISTEE
Soak in the view with front-row seats along the Manistee River. This downtown restaurant with a riverside deck specializes in dishes like hand-cut steaks and Great Lakes whitefish and walleye.
BLU MOON, LUDINGTON
Sushi is the star at this fusion bistro with an open-air deck. Sample some tuna poké or hamachi crudo before ordering up rolls ranging from your basic spicy tuna to creations stuffed with shrimp tempura and eel.
LUDINGTON BAY BREWING CO., LUDINGTON
Enjoy a craft beer brewed on site with your meal—choose from faves like the ‘Kind of a Big Dill’ pizza, house mac ’n’ cheese, shrimp po boy or lobster roll (get the Cajun fries).