When you think of the Upper Peninsula, the first few things that come to mind are unlikely to be UP cuisine or restaurants. The collection of tiny communities is more renowned for Lake Superior, the pristine nature, and small-town residents who wrap up for winter nine months out of the year.
But, believe it or not, the Northern Upper Peninsula has several must-try eateries and pubs. From east to west, here are some spots to visit on your next road trip.
Visiting other Michigan cities? Check out our gastronomy guides to the cities listed below:
- 7 Best Restaurants & Things To Do In Ludington
- 5 Must Try-Restaurants In Holland Michigan & 10 Fun Things To Do In Holland
- 7 Must-Try Lansing Restaurants
- 7 Best Traverse City Restaurants
- 15 Michigan Dishes You Must-Try
- 10 Must-Try Grand Rapids Restaurants
- Best Mexican Food In Holland MI
- Best Sushi In Holland MI
- Best Thai Food In Holland MI
Contents
- 1 11 Upper Peninsula Restaurants and Bars You Must Visit
- 2 11 Upper Peninsula Restaurants and Bars You Must Try
11 Upper Peninsula Restaurants and Bars You Must Visit
11 Upper Peninsula Restaurants and Bars You Must Try
Restaurants in Houghton, Michigan You Must Try
Mr. Ambassador
Shelden Avenue (906) 482-5054126 Shelden Ave
Let’s start our Upper Peninsula restaurant trip with the ever-popular Ambassador. It seems to be constantly crowded, and if you have their pizza and drink a fishbowl, you’ll understand why!
The atmosphere is dark and somber, with an old-school feel and paintings on the walls. Seating in the rear provides views of Lake Superior and the Portage Lake Lift Bridge.
Greek meals, Taco, BLT, and Lobster Pizzas, all with a thin, crispy crust, are on the menu. Both the Garlic Chicken and Greek pizzas are highly recommended.
They also provide a variety of specialized sandwiches, pasta dishes, and snacks. Don’t forget about the 25-ounce fishbowls, which are guaranteed to get you buzzed! A terrific location in Houghton for pizza, food, and drinks!
Keweenaw Brewing Company is a Michigan brewery.
Shelden Ave. (906) 482-5596408 Shelden Ave.
You may argue that it should not be on the list of finest Upper Peninsula restaurants since it is not a Houghton restaurant and does not serve food (though many local eateries will deliver). But you will find some excellent beer!
Keweenaw Brewing Company beer is made fresh on-site, and the rates are unbeatable ($3 for a pint, what!?). They include a rear porch with a view of the lake that is ideal for summer, as well as a comfortable brick-walled interior with a fireplace that is ideal for winter.
Swing in here before or after you go to the Ambassador (go put your name on the list there first!) for a nightcap.
I like Pick Axe Blonde or Red Jacket Amber as a light beer. Nonetheless, you should try the Widow Maker Black, which is a popular favorite.
Marquette, Michigan Restaurants
Stuckos
906) 226-1112900 N 3rd St.
If you find yourself in Marquette, stop by this classic American diner where you may have a burger and a drink. Stuckos is a relaxed sports pub with an outside terrace and dependable service. They also offer Marquette’s #1 burger, The Hangover!
If burgers aren’t your thing, they offer a selection of fish alternatives that are fried in handmade beer batter and cooked to perfection. On the Upper Peninsula, whitefish should never be avoided.
Don’t forget to try the Brussels Sprouts appetizer. They are flavored with Parmesan cheese, dried cherries, and honey and explode with taste.
Top Restaurants in Munising, Michigan
Pasties, Muldoons, and Presents
(906) 387-58801246 M-28
The Pasty. A Upper Peninsula institution. A pastie is a must-have if you’re visiting the region. Muldoons is one of the greatest locations to find a nice (award-winning) one.
For those who are wondering, what is a pastie? It’s a cross between a pot pie and a hot pocket. Pasties are constructed with homemade crusts filled with beef, chicken, or veggie and topped with potatoes, onions, carrots, and rutabaga.
It’s pass-tee, not pay-stee, by the way. Not to mention the ketchup.
There are two sites in Munising, Michigan, and if the first one (just off M-28) is too crowded, simply go to the second one on Elm St. Similar recipe, so make a point of visiting one of Munising’s two must-visit eateries.
Eh! Burger
101 Munising Ave. W.
Eh! Burgers may be ordered at the counter-style restaurant, which has both indoor and outdoor seating. It’s the ideal place to visit before or after a tour of the Pictured Rocks. It’s just a 42-second walk away and makes for a fast, handy supper.
Their burgers are 100% fresh grind Angus beef patties served on a garlic butter toasted brioche bun, which you can top with one of their menu items or choose your own toppings. For those who don’t want a burger, they also serve chicken and fish (100% wild-caught whitefish).
And who is the true winner here? Tots on the side. Don’t pass them up! They’re crisp and tasty.
If you’re seeking for traditional American cuisine in Munising, this is the place to go.
Smoked Fish & Sausage from Captain Ron’s
202-00251326-1344 Commercial St.
This smoked fish shack is not strictly a restaurant, but it is one I will never miss while travelling through. It has been passed down through five generations, and the rates are unbeatable! It is situated on Commercial Street, just inside M-28, directly on the water.
Trout is a tasty fish if you like fish. If you’re looking for a gentler fish taste, the smoked whitefish is the finest I’ve ever eaten!
A must-try for seafood lovers in the Upper Peninsula.
Restaurants in Paradise, Michigan You Must Try
The Fish House at Brown Fisheries
(906) 492-390132520 W M-123
This may be the finest restaurant suggestion on the list.
Fresh fish (caught that morning) is cooked and served with homemade tartar sauce. That makes me want to drool.
I suggest visiting for lunch since they shut for the day as soon as they run out of fish, which may happen as early as 3:00 PM. And, although the prices aren’t inexpensive, you certainly get what you pay for.
If you even remotely enjoy fish, Brown Fisheries is a must-see! And stick to the menu’s Entrees Whitefish section. You’ll want to fill your stomach with fish rather than appetizers or chicken tenders!
Please keep in mind that they are closed every Sunday and throughout the winter.
Gastropub and Restaurant The Inn
(906) 492-35298112 M-123
TheInn is popular with both residents and visitors. As you drive by, it seems to be constantly bustling! They create everything in-house, even down to the ketchup, so come here for a fresh salad, sandwich, or burger.
Begin with smoked wings and Yooper Poutine, then go on to one of their smoked meat sandwiches, followed by The Best Damn Carrot Cake You’ll Have All Day. You can’t beat homemade cuisine, and this business will prove it!
You’ve already discovered Paradise, MI, and you’ll really find paradise when you dine at this traditional Upper Peninsula establishment.
Please keep in mind that this is another one that shuts for the season, so check their Facebook page before you go.
Restaurants in Grand Marais, Michigan
Tavern Grand Marais
906-494-2141260 Lake Ave.
This is my favorite restaurant in Northern Upper Michigan. Not just because of their fantastic cuisine (a whitefish plate to die for), but also because the ambience is upbeat and welcoming.
bars, or choose an outside terrace. Michigan beers are on tap in this modern-rustic interior with lake views. They have good music and pleasant bartenders. You may sit at one of the tables inside.
Grand Marais Tavern is an excellent place to dine, party, or do both after a day at Agate Beach or visiting Grand Marais’ waterfalls.
Lake Superior Brewing Company is a brewery near Lake Superior, Minnesota.
Lake Ave (906) 494-2337
Lake Superior Brewing Company is a terrific visit if breweries are your thing. The restaurant is inconspicuous at first glance, yet it will pleasantly surprise you with its great cuisine and drinks.
Enjoy their outside terrace and a wide selection of specialty brews. And don’t forget about their garlic butter popcorn, which is the ideal snack in between gulps!
They are most well-known for their pizza, which I highly suggest. Satisfy your tummy with a thick, fluffy crust and a tasty sauce topped with your favorite toppings. The Deluxe is an excellent option.
You can’t go wrong with beer and pizza, and this is your finest option for pizza in Grand Marais.
The Sherpa Shack
494-290014263 Lake Ave (906) 494-29001
The Sherpa Shack is a generalist! They provide a small breakfast menu and have picnic tables out front for a quick and easy lunch. Get yourself a cup of coffee or tea and a breakfast sandwich. Make it a lunch stop by getting a sandwich or flatbread pizza. The biggest reason to visit Sherpa Shack, though, is
Dessert. They provide a delicacy from The Chocolate Store. And it’s ideal after a meal at one of the places mentioned above, since it’s only a few steps away from both. Don’t skip out on the Vanilla Bean waffle cone!
Try this Upper Peninsula dessert eatery to satisfy your sweet craving.
Restaurants and bars in the Northern Upper Peninsula
While you may not think of the Upper Peninsula as a destination to get great cuisine, there are a few spots that will alter your opinion. Don’t forget to get a pastie. Be sure to sample some of the fresh whitefish. And because we know Yoopers can down a few, make sure to sample some brews. If you’re still not convinced, check out 12 Reasons to Visit Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.