Arranged from south (the Manistique River mouth) to north and west.
BIG BOY
Walk up to the door in summer, and you realize this isn't just another chain restaurant. Flowers almost surround the front courtyard, with tables. some play equipment, and a lake view. There's leaded glass on the hardwood doors, and computers for guests' use on the front counter. It and some 2 dozen Michigan Big Boys are wi-fi internet hotspots. A flat-screen TV is in one corner. There's live music on some weekends, especially in summer. Many of the wait staff have been here well over a decade. Local people love the Big Boy. Much of all this is the work of manager Dennis Goldthorp, who sets a high standard.
The generous weekend buffet includes 3 or 4 dinner entrees (fish, beef, chicken and more) with a big salad bar, all for about $10.
Of course, there's the usual Big Boy menu. Big breafasts, any time, with optional fresh fruit. Many sandwiches, any time. The chain was based on burgers with a difference (very big and not so big). Many sides, starting with famous onion rings. Unlimited soup, salad, and fresh fruit bar at dinner. Dinner entrees include pot roast, broiled amd fried fish, Italian pastas. Smoke free. Dinner entrees about $10 and up.
About half a mile south of town on the inland side of U.S. 2, next to the Comfort Inn and across from Lakeview Park. Open 365 days year round. Summer hours 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Off-season 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Closes at 8 p.m. holidays. Wheelchair-accessible.
Marley's Bar and Grill
Marley's is often mentioned as a good place to eat. It's a long, narrow, friendly bar. The menu consists entirely of homemade soups and sandwiches on homemade buns, served with fries. Chili and chili dogs are favorites. There's the Marley burger, distinctive for being boiled. Pie pans instead of plates. When Friday comes around, there's a perch sandwich (about $6), prime rib, and BBQ ribs. Lots of specials. Can be smokey after mid-day,
127 Walnut just west of Cedar (main street), across from the bank. (906) 341-8297. Open daily from 11 to whenever. Food service to near closing. Not really for children. Handicap access: one step. Call for easy wheelchair access from back. No credit cards.
TEDDY'S PUB & BISTRO
(906) 341-8212
Teddy's has evolved over the years from a tavern known for pizza into a fine dining restaurant (a no-smoking bistro) with adjoining pub (smokint permitted) that still serves pizza any time. Service can be leisurely. Pan-fried walleye ($16) is the popular favorite among dinner entrées, followed by New York strip, and BBQ ribs. All come with soup or salad and starch. For most vegetarians, there are pasta dishes, beginning at $7; strict vegans, call ahead. The light menu includes burgers, hot dogs, salads, and specialty sandwiches like Chicken Italiano. Reservations recommended, especially in summer.
Family-friendly. Good wine list.
On the west side of Manistique on M-94 at 100 S. Second, on the way to the state park and Munising. Open daily year-round. Opens at 4:30 Sat and Sun. Mon- Fri open for lunch from 11:30 to 2 p.m., for dinner from 4:30 until 9 p.m. until 10 p.m. daily from (Mem. thru Labor Day) and on Fri and Sat year-round. Pub is open to midnight at least. Handicap accessible: use bistro door. Restrooms are too small. Full bar.
UPPER CRUST CAFE and BOOKSTORE
(906) 341-2253
This pleasant deli/café/bookstore has lots of natural light and a view of the Manistique Rivermouth from its deck. Desserts, cookies, and breads for sandwiches—most everything, in fact—are all prepared on the premises. Local people often mention this as their favorite lunch spot. It serves soups, salads (about $6 and under), and over 40 sandwiches (currently about $4.25 to $6). No smoking.
Saturday-night dinners in summer can be "phenomenal," according to one area resident who eats out a lot. No reservation required.
In the Traders' Point condo/retail complex south south off U.S. 2, just west of the Manistique River mouth. Open year-round. Mem.-Labor Day 10-5, Sat until 8, Sun 10-2 In off season (Labor Day to Mem. Day open Mon-Sat 10-3. Wheelchair-accessible. No alcohol.
THREE MILE SUPPER CLUB
(906) 341-8048
An area innkeeper regularly recommends Three Mile Supper Club for its varied and consistently tasty fare: fresh fish, steaks, chicken, pasta, and shrimp and other seafood, prepared by the owner-chef. Cajun seasonings can spice things up. Most entrées are from $9 to $20, which includes soup and either a salad bar with homemade ingredients or the popular spinach salad with hot bacon dressing.
The place has long catered to both summer people and locals. Service is folksy and friendly. Inside it has a vintage knotty pine interior, going back to when it was a dance destination. It's one large space, so cigarette smoke can be noticeable. No reservations. Come early, especially on weekends.
On CR 442 three miles west of Manistique. From U.S. 2, follow M-94 through town (it is routed on Deer Street for some blocks) but stay straight and go west where M-94 turns north. Open year-round 4-9 weekdays, to 9:30 weekends. Currently closed Mondays. Handicap accessibility: 2 steps. Call. Family friendly. Full bar. No credit cards.
