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Where is Mackinac Island located?
- Nestled between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas in Lake Huron, Mackinac Island is a popular vacation spot known for its scenic beauty and unique charm.
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What makes Mackinac Island special?
- The island is famous for its beautiful natural scenery, awe-inspiring sunrises and unforgettable sunsets—and no cars!
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What are some top attractions on Mackinac Island?
- Visitors can explore Mackinac Island State Park, featuring the striking limestone Arch Rock formation and several hiking trails.
- History buffs can visit the walled Fort Mackinac, which dates back to 1780.
- Art lovers can enjoy the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum, which showcases Native American art and 19th-century photos.
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Are there romantic dining options on Mackinac Island?
- Yes! The island features several charming restaurants perfect for romantic dining and special celebrations.
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1. 1852 Grill Room
Savor upscale cuisine and enjoy a romantic dinner with lake views.
Perched high on a hill in the historic Island House Hotel, the 1852 Grill Room is a casual restaurant next to the Mackinac Island Yacht Club that features a beautiful glass-enclosed dining room and spectacular ocean views. The casually sophisticated restaurant features an airy and spacious dining room with large windows that embrace breathtaking Haldimand Bay views and an outdoor terrace for alfresco dining in the summer. The culinary team creates seasonal menus of locally-sourced cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring fresh seafood options, prime steaks and pasta dishes and fresh salads, along with omelets, eggs, and other breakfast plates. This is an excellent spot for watching the Chicago to Mackinac and Port Huron yacht races.
6966 Main St, Mackinac Island, MI 49757, Phone: 906-847-7222
2. Carriage House
Dine on fresh seafood and admire elegant summer waterfront sights.
Overlooking the Straits of Mackinac from the Iroquois Hotel, the Carriage House is a charming eatery with a glass-enclosed dining room, floor-to-ceiling windows, and spectacular ocean views. Surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens on the western corner of the harbor with breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Island Passage Lighthouse and the Straits, the restaurant is quiet and intimate with elegant décor and a romantic ambiance. Chef Greg Murphy and Executive Sous Chef James Stevenson present menus of fine classic American cuisine featuring of dishes of local seafood selections such as whitefish from Lake Superior, naturally-raised prime steaks, fresh salads, homemade soups and decadent desserts topped with signature Iroquois Hot Fudge. A full-service piano bar offers a variety of libations, including fine wines from around the world, craft and draft beers, and classic cocktails made with top-shelf spirits, and nightly entertainment.
7485 Main St, Mackinac Island, MI 49757, Phone: 906-847-3321
3. Chianti
Enjoy Italian flavors and savor a cozy evening perfect for couples.
Set within the Mission Point Resort, Chianti is an upscale Italian restaurant that brings the taste and flavors of the sun-kissed nation to the shores of Mackinac Island. The restaurant has an elegantly appointed dining room with contemporary décor and a lovely terrace overlooking Lake Huron, which is the perfect place for alfresco dining in the summer. The menu features seasonal authentic Italian such as traditional house-made plates of pasta and from-scratch sauces, fresh seafood and naturally-raised beef, veal and chicken, crisp salads and sides, and mouthwatering desserts. A martini bar just outside of the dining room serves signature martinis, along with other classic cocktails and casual wines, and live piano entertainment is hosted on the patio nightly. Chianti is open for dinner, nightly.
One Lake Shore Dr, Mackinac Island, MI 49757, Phone: 906-847-3000
4. Pink Pony
Grab drinks, enjoy casual bites, and see exciting waterfront attractions.
Located in the Chippewa Hotel Waterfront, the famous Pink Pony is one of the island’s most popular entertainment venues, offering great food and drinks and live entertainment. Located right on the shoreline of Lake Huron with spectacular water views from a large shady patio, the restaurant and bar are a fantastic spot to kick back and sip cocktails while soaking up the panoramic views. The venue features an indoor dining room, a casual bar, a protected freighter-view upper outdoor deck, and the lakeside marina patio, all of which have comfortable décor and friendly service. The menu features classic New American fare such as burgers, steaks, seafood, salads, soups, and sandwiches, along with craft and draft beers, fine wines from around the world, and classic cocktails made with top-shelf spirits. The Pink Pony is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, daily.
7221 Main St, Mackinac Island, MI 49757, Phone: 906-847-3341
5. The Chippewa Room
Taste wild game dishes and explore this unusual dining experience.
Based inside Audie’s Restaurant, the Chippewa Room is a Native American-themed fine-dining restaurant with local artworks and artifacts on the walls relaxed, elegant atmosphere with world-class service. Chef Nick creates a creative menu of contemporary cuisine with signature dishes like hand-cut steaks, whitefish, a rack of lamb, filet mignon, fresh seafood platters, and elk stew, and an award-winning wine list features fine wines from around the world, craft and draft beers by the bottle and on tap, and creative cocktails. The Chippewa Room is open for dinner, seven nights a week.
314 N Nicolet St, Mackinaw City, MI 49701, Phone: 231-436-5744
6. The Jockey Club
Dine in style and enjoy an easy, scenic weekend meal.
Located on the first tee of the Grand Hotel’s 18-hole golf course known as The Jewel, one of the unique golf courses in Northern Michigan, the Jockey Club is an award-winning restaurant that serves lunch and dinner in a spectacular setting. The genteel restaurant has a stylish dining room with contemporary jockey-themed décor and a stunning patio with beautiful views of the Grand Avenue leading down to the city, as well as an intimate clubhouse with cozy seating. Seasonal lunch menus feature homemade soups, fresh salads, and gourmet sandwiches, and dinner offerings include prime steaks, fresh seafood, and local whitefish, and pasta dishes. The cuisine is accompanied by a variety of libations, including fine wines from around the world, craft and draft beers, and classic cocktails made with top-shelf spirits, and the restaurant serves lunch and dinner every day.
1874 Cadotte Ave, Mackinac Island, MI 49757, Phone: 906-847-9212
7. The Woods Restaurant
Walk along a wooded path and savor a romantic, secluded meal.
Nestled in an opulent Tudor mansion with Bavarian charm in the center of the island and accessed by a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride, Woods Restaurant is an award-winning fine dining restaurant that promises an unrivaled dining experience. Set in a historic 1905 Bavarian-style mansion, the restaurant is decorated in deep red hues and has large windows with small panes that create a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Seasonal menus feature contemporary dishes of fresh seafood, prime USDA steaks and chops, fresh salads, and soups, and homemade desserts. Bobby’s Bar serves a variety of libations, including fine wines from around the world, craft and draft beers, and classic cocktails made with top-shelf spirits, and features a 19th-century duckpin bowling alley for after-dinner entertainment.
8655 Cudahy Cir, Mackinac Island, MI 49757, Phone: 906-847-3699
8. Fort Mackinac Tea Room Restaurant
Enjoy lunch with historic views on a quick summer trip.
Located inside the walls of Fort Mackinac, the Fort Mackinac Tea Room Restaurant is a traditional tearoom at the Grand Hotel located with spectacular views of the yacht harbor. The popular lunch spot boasts one of the most beautiful settings on Mackinac Island with a quaint colonial atmosphere and indoor and outdoor seating and serves gourmet sandwiches, fresh salads, and soups, fresh seafood, and homemade desserts. Guests to the restaurant can enjoy a self-guided tour of the military landmark and watch 1780s soldiers demonstrate a cannon salute and rifle firing over the harbor. Sip fine wines from around the world, craft and draft beers, and classic cocktails made with top-shelf spirits. The Fort Mackinac Tea Room Restaurant is open for lunch only, seven days a night.
7127 Huron Rd, Mackinac Island, MI 49757, Phone: 906-847-6327
9. Millie's on Main
Savor comfort food and enjoy an affordable meal with the family.
Located next to Carriage Tours on Main Street, Millie's on Main is a seasonal eatery conveniently situated in the center of downtown Mackinac that serves an inventive menu of comfort fare in cozy, charming space. The family-owned and operated tavern-style restaurant serves lunch and dinner with a menu of popular Northern Michigan dishes such as homemade soups, fresh salads, gourmet sandwiches, and entrées of fresh seafood, prime steaks and chicken dishes, housemade pasta and sauces, and decadent desserts. The cuisine is accompanied by a variety of libations, including fine wines from around the world, craft and draft beers, and classic cocktails made with top-shelf spirits. Millie's on Main is open for lunch and dinner, daily.
7294 Main St, Mackinac Island, MI 49757, Phone: 906-847-9901
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