15 Michigan Food Stops Worth A Detour On Michigan’s Prettiest Roads
Michigan’s back roads do their best work when your windows are down and the map is dotted with meals worth slowing for. I’ve always found that the wind through the pines has a way of sharpening your appetite for something truly local.
These stops earned their detour status with plates that taste like home, rooms that tell stories, and a knack for leaving you happy. There is a specific kind of joy in finding a world-class meal tucked away at the end of a long, dusty gravel road.
The journey is defined by the winding asphalt of M-22, the dense canopies of the Tunnel of Trees, and the rugged, rocky coastlines. These are the legendary routes where I find myself leaning into every curve, eager to see what sits around the next bend.
You can expect the cooling lake breeze with your burger and jam-slicked pastries to enjoy after a challenging, sandy dune climb. I still remember the first time I tasted a fresh fruit tart while looking out over the turquoise expanse of Lake Michigan.
The coffee here tastes exactly like the north woods smell after a morning rain: crisp, earthy, and undeniably rejuvenating to the soul. It is the perfect fuel for a morning spent exploring hidden trailheads or searching for Petoskey stones along the shore.
Follow the prettiest ribbons of pavement and let your appetite steer the rest of the way through this beautiful and vast Great Lakes state. I have learned that the best travel advice is often to simply follow your nose toward the nearest roadside smokehouse.
Every mile offers a new vista, but these fifteen locations offer the specific, soulful nourishment that turns a trip into a permanent memory. These aren’t just restaurants; they are the landmarks that define my personal history with the Michigan landscape over the years.
This article is designed to be your ultimate companion for the road, providing deep dives into the textures of these essential culinary spots. I wanted to capture the grit and the grace of the kitchens that keep our state’s traveling spirit alive and well.
Prepare to discover the hidden gems that locals guard fiercely and travelers celebrate loudly while navigating the most scenic bypasses. There is a certain thrill in being “in the know” about a tiny shack that serves the best smoked fish in the country.
Each stop is a testament to the Mitten State’s resilience and its incredible bounty, from the cherry orchards to the deep-water whitefish. I hope you find as much peace and satisfaction in these miles as I have throughout my many seasons of wandering.
15. Pennyroyal Cafe And Provisions, Saugatuck
The morning light pools on simple tables at Pennyroyal Cafe and Provisions, and the room hums with quiet conversation and the hiss of steam. You will find it at 3319 Blue Star Hwy, Saugatuck, MI 49453, a low-slung building that fits perfectly among the pines.
The vibe feels careful yet relaxed, with shelves of preserves looking like a pantry you trust for important meals.
This cafe acts as a bridge between the coastal resort energy of Saugatuck and the agricultural richness of the surrounding Allegan County. The interior design reflects this balance, using natural wood and soft tones to create a space that feels grounded.
It is the type of environment that encourages you to slow down and appreciate the craftsmanship of your meal.
Food leans seasonal and bright, featuring buttermilk biscuits with honey butter and a fried chicken sandwich with crisp edges. The kitchen’s technique shows in the warm sourdough, which is soft-centered and crackling on the outside.
Coffee is dialed in, but the charred citrus lemonade steals attention for its unique, smoky brightness.
The lemonade is a masterclass in flavor balancing, using the caramelization of the fruit to cut through the tartness of the juice. It is a refreshing departure from standard fountain drinks, embodying the kitchen’s commitment to scratch-made quality.
Every dish is plated with a clean, rustic aesthetic that honors the integrity of the fresh ingredients used.
My favorite move is to sit outside and let the breeze cool the hot biscuit, then add a swipe of jam and a touch of salt. Weekends get busy, so using the online waitlist saves you valuable time for more sightseeing.
If you are driving the Blue Star for color season, stop early and tuck pastries away for later. It is a place that values the slow pace of the lakeshore.
14. Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant, Holland
Waves tap the seawall while gulls patrol the slips outside Boatwerks Waves tap the seawall while gulls patrol the slips outside Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant at 216 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423. Big windows frame Lake Macatawa, and the dining room blends nautical history with easygoing bustle.
You feel invited to linger as boats idle past, creating a moving mural of maritime life that changes with every single course.
The restaurant serves as a community hub for both tourists visiting the nearby Windmill Island Gardens and locals coming off their boats. The scale of the dining room is impressive, yet the clever layout ensures that every table feels intimate.
It is a prime example of how architecture can enhance the connection between the diner and the landscape.
Food aims classic: lake perch fried just right, cedar plank salmon, and burgers with brioche that holds up to the last bite. A bowl of New England clam chowder arrives steaming, thyme-forward, and accompanied by crisp oyster crackers.
The patio’s the play on a calm evening, with the sunset painting the rigging of the nearby sailboats in shades of gold.
The lake perch is a regional staple, but Boatwerks handles it with a lightness that avoids the heavy grease often found in fried fish. The batter is thin and seasoned to complement the delicate flavor of the fish.
Paired with a glass of Michigan white wine, it becomes a quintessential Great Lakes dining experience that captures the essence of summer.
Founded in a renovated boat building site, the place honors the shipyard past without ever leaning too heavily on kitsch. Here is the tip: ask for a table along the windows to catch the evening glow as the harbor lights begin to flicker.
The walk along the waterfront after dinner tastes almost as good as the perch, which stays crisp even after a squeeze of lemon.
13. Salt Of The Earth, Fennville
Wood smoke drifts gently from the oven at Salt of the Earth, set at 114 East Main St, Fennville, MI 49408. Inside, rough-hewn tables and dim amber light lean cozy, and the soundtrack is conversation against the rhythmic clinks of glass.
It is the sort of place where coats stay on chairs while bread lands hot, creating an atmosphere of immediate, rustic comfort.
Located in the heart of Fennville’s fruit belt, this restaurant operates with a farm-to-table philosophy that is more than just a marketing slogan. The menu changes frequently to reflect the bounty of the neighboring orchards and fields.
It is a celebration of West Michigan’s seasonal cycles, served on a plate with unpretentious, professional care.
Food celebrates the diverse farms around Fennville with blistered pizzas, braised pork, and roasted carrots sweetened by the hearth. The house bread is the headline, with a crackle that reveals a custardy crumb and butter that melts on contact.
Every ingredient feels like it was harvested just a few miles down the road, reflecting the true richness of this region.
The wood-fired oven provides more than just heat; it imparts a specific, earthy character to everything from the appetizers to the main courses. This ancient cooking method creates textures, like the blistered crust of a pizza, that modern electric ovens simply cannot replicate.
It anchors the restaurant’s identity in the fundamental elements of salt, fire, and air.
History here is simple craftsmanship that never went performative. Ask about the daily vegetable board and the seasonal jam list, then plan your dessert around whatever fruit is in season.
If the drive carried you through orchards, it makes sense to end with a fruit crumble. The bar is very friendly to solo diners who want a half pour of a local craft cider.
12. Leelanau Cheese Company, Suttons Bay
A clean dairy scent greets you at Leelanau Cheese Company, housed at 3324 S West Bay Shore Dr, Suttons Bay, MI 49682. The creamery is bright and tidy, with windows into the make-room and a case of wedges that look like small hills.
It feels like a classroom where you get to eat the lesson while learning about the fermentation process from the staff.
The founders brought traditional European cheesemaking techniques to the Leelanau Peninsula, finding that the local climate was ideal for aging wheels. This dedication to old-world standards has made their products a staple in Michigan’s high-end kitchens.
The shop itself is a pilgrimage site for those who appreciate the intersection of biology and culinary art.
Raclette is the star, nutty and supple, ready for melting over potatoes or fresh bread. Fresh cheese curds squeak with every bite, and the aged wheels carry subtle grass notes from the peninsula’s unique terroir.
Samples help you set a perfect picnic with local cherry jam and crackers. It is a mandatory stop for anyone building a charcuterie board for a sunset.
The raclette is particularly famous for its melting quality and its ability to transform a simple meal into something luxurious. When heated, the cheese develops a creamy consistency and a complex aroma that defines the Alpine tradition.
It is a savory, sensory experience that encourages diners to gather around and share a communal, melted feast.
The story spans decades of meticulous cheesemaking. Technique leans heavily on Alpine tradition, coaxing complex textures without any unnecessary showiness.
Tip: call ahead for raclette days or pick up to-go packs, then drive north for a turnout with a breeze. You leave with cheese that actually tastes like the surrounding fields, which is exactly the point.
11. Art’s Tavern, Glen Arbor
License plates line the walls at Art’s Tavern, a compact, friendly spot at 6487 Western Ave, Glen Arbor, MI 49636. The room stays lively with locals, hikers, and families fresh from the dunes.
You get the feeling that time slows after the first basket of fries arrives. It is a place of low ceilings and high spirits where floorboards have seen a century of travel.
Art’s Tavern represents the soul of Glen Arbor, remaining steadfastly local even as the town has grown in popularity. The decor is a chaotic, charming collection of Americana that tells the story of the village’s past.
It is the type of place where a business suit feels out of place, but a sandy pair of flip-flops is perfectly acceptable and expected.
Food is straightforward: an olive burger done right, waffle fries crisp to the edges, and whitefish spread with just enough smoke. Draft beer skews Michigan-heavy, so a pint pairs naturally with whatever is on the griddle.
The kitchen’s steady hand shows in breakfast scrambles that avoid the usual sogginess. It is a place where classics are always exactly right.
The olive burger is a local obsession, featuring a salty, creamy topping that balances the richness of the beef. It is a polarizing but beloved Michigan tradition that Art’s has perfected over many decades.
The waffle fries are the necessary companion, providing a structural crunch that holds up against the hearty portions of the main burger.
Art’s sits near the Sleeping Bear shoreline, and that history comes through in the photos and stories told at the bar. Cash only is the quirk, so plan accordingly before you grab a stool.
Grab a booth if you can, then wander to the beach after. The burger’s briny olive topping works like a wake-up call, and you will think about it on the drive to the next overlook.
10. Glen Arbor Bakery, Glen Arbor
The air outside Glen Arbor Bakery smells like sugar and cinnamon before the sun even breaks the horizon. Find it at 6443 Western Ave, Glen Arbor, MI 49636, where the line starts early and neighbors trade trail tips.
The room is small, the glass cases are full, and the energy is patient and cheerful. It is the morning heartbeat of the entire lakeshore village.
This bakery operates with a sense of urgency that is rare in a vacation town, as the most popular items often sell out by mid-morning. The staff moves with practiced efficiency, filling boxes with glazed treasures for hungry hikers heading to the dunes.
It is a ritual of sweetness that has been a part of the Glen Arbor summer experience for many generations.
Food highlights include oversized cinnamon twists, cherry doughnuts, and croissants with a proper, buttery shatter. Coffee is simple and hot, enough to carry you to the dunes for a morning hike.
Pick up a loaf of farmhouse bread for later and you will be happy at lunch. Every tray that hits the counter is likely still warm from the oven’s steady and radiating heat.
The cherry doughnut is a specific nod to the region’s agricultural claim to fame, using local fruit to provide a tart contrast to the sugar glaze. It is a dense, cake-style doughnut that satisfies without being overly cloying.
Each pastry is a testament to the fact that simple, well-executed baking can be more memorable than any complex, modern dessert.
The bakery has served generations of vacationers, and the ritual of grabbing a warm twist then crossing the street feels essential. Tip: bring cash for faster checkout and order a mix to share with your group.
The sugar dust clings to your fingers like a sweet souvenir. I always bring a napkin stash for the car and never once regret it on the curves of M-22.
9. Boathouse Restaurant, Traverse City
Water practically laps the posts at Boathouse Restaurant, perched on Bowers Harbor at 14039 Peninsula Dr, Traverse City, MI 49686. White linens, big windows, and vineyard-dotted hills set a calm stage.
It reads special without any stiffness, especially at sunset when the light hits the harbor. This is where you go when the beauty of the area demands a meal.
The Boathouse is one of the few places that offers a high-end dining experience literally on the water’s edge. This proximity to the harbor influences everything from the menu to the pace of service, which is professional yet unhurried.
It is a destination restaurant that makes the most of the Old Mission Peninsula’s dramatic and stunning geography.
Food leans polished: seared scallops with sweet corn puree, walleye crisped skin-side, and beef tenderloin with restrained sauce. Oysters arrive cold with a tidy mignonette.
The wine list favors the Old Mission Peninsula, which feels right when the vines are in view. Chef-driven finesse shows in the careful seasoning and cook temperatures that land exactly right.
The walleye is a standout dish, celebrating a Great Lakes native with a level of refinement usually reserved for ocean fish. The skin is seared to a delicate, salty crispness that provides a beautiful contrast to the tender, white flakes of the meat.
It is a dish that respects the ingredient, using minimal accompaniment to highlight the natural flavor of the fish.
Reservations are smart and the drive up the peninsula is part of the pleasure, passing through rows of cherry trees. Ask for a waterside table if the weather allows.
The reaction tends to be a quiet nod across the table after the first bite of scallop. You leave feeling like you have truly tasted the refined side of the Great Lakes’ bounty on a single plate.
8. Roast And Toast, Petoskey
Colorful murals and mismatched mugs make Roast and Toast a cheerful downtown anchor at 309 E Lake St, Petoskey, MI 49770. The hum of laptops blends with the hiss of milk steamers, and the line moves quickly even during the morning rush.
It is the sort of place where you relax into a second cup. The atmosphere is warm and suited for the walkable streets.
Roast and Toast has managed to maintain a neighborhood coffee shop feel despite its popularity with the heavy summer tourist crowds. The staff knows the regulars by name and order, contributing to a sense of community that defines Petoskey’s downtown.
It is a reliable sanctuary for those who need a caffeine boost or a quiet moment of reflection.
Food hits comfort notes: breakfast burritos wrapped tight, tomato basil soup, and big salads that satisfy a hiker’s appetite. Coffee roasts lean balanced, and espresso shots land sweet without any lingering ash.
House-baked goods rotate daily, with blueberry muffins that taste like summer. It is a high-quality sanctuary for those who appreciate a well-crafted cup.
The tomato basil soup is a legendary local favorite, offering a creamy, savory warmth that is perfect for a breezy day by Little Traverse Bay. It is often served with a wedge of grilled sourdough that acts as the perfect delivery vehicle for the rich liquid.
This pairing has become a comfort food standard for anyone passing through the gaslight district.
History runs back decades, and you will hear locals swapping snow stories in the winter. Tip: snag the window bar to watch the sidewalks and the bay light beyond.
The rhythm here rewards a lingering pause between stops. You leave fueled, not overstuffed, and the drive toward Harbor Springs feels cleaner for it.
It is the perfect midpoint for a day of exploring.
7. Famous Polish Kitchen, Harbor Springs
On a cool day, steam fogs the windows at Famous Polish Kitchen, tucked at 1024 State Rd, Harbor Springs, MI 49740. The room is modest and warm, with lace touches and family photos near the register.
You sense the menu means what it says, offering an unapologetic embrace of tradition. It is a place where recipes have been handed down through many years.
The restaurant serves as a cultural lighthouse for the Polish heritage that is deeply woven into the fabric of Northern Michigan. The kitchen operates with a focus on hearty, slow-cooked meals that provide the kind of warmth needed in a snow-belt town.
It is a celebration of grandmother-style cooking that values substance and flavor over modern trends.
Food delivers pierogi browned in butter, cabbage rolls with savory tomato sauce, and kielbasa with a proper snap. Sour cream comes generous, the dill is fresh, and the potatoes taste like they had a great deal of attention.
Portions invite the choice of sharing, or the honest choice of leftovers. It is soul-warming food that provides an anchor for a day on the ski slopes.
The pierogi are the undisputed star, featuring a variety of fillings encased in a dough that is both tender and resilient. Each dumpling is finished on the griddle to achieve a golden, buttery exterior that contrasts with the soft interior.
It is a laborious process that results in a dish that feels like a genuine gift from the kitchen to the customer.
The owners keep service direct and kind, a rhythm that matches the recipes. Technique is straightforward, more careful than cheffy, which fits the genre perfectly.
Tip: go early in ski season to avoid the after-slope crowd that descends when the lifts close. The reaction tends to be a content quiet after the first pierogi.
It is a Harbor Springs treasure of comfort.
6. Good Hart General Store, Good Hart
The red storefront pops against the trees along the Tunnel of Trees, and Good Hart General Store waits at 1075 N Lake Shore Dr, Harbor Springs, MI 49740. Inside, shelves mix groceries with postcards, and the deli case hums.
You join a quiet line of road trippers and locals seeking the legendary hospitality that has defined this stretch of road for many decades.
This store is more than just a deli; it is the physical heart of the tiny Good Hart community. It has served as a post office, grocery, and social hub for generations of residents and vacationers.
Stepping inside is like traveling back in time to an era when the general store was the primary source of news and supplies for the surrounding wilderness.
Food is classic lunch counter: the famous chicken pot pie, beef pasties, and sandwiches layered to the edges. Cherry cookies ride shotgun for the next stretch of your drive.
The pot pie’s flaky lid seals in a rich gravy that tastes like home. It is portable history, designed to be eaten at a picnic table while looking out over the blue expanse of Lake Michigan.
The chicken pot pie is a dense, savory masterpiece that has earned a nationwide reputation. Each pie is packed with tender poultry and vegetables in a sauce that manages to be rich without being heavy.
It is a comforting, handheld meal that provides the perfect caloric boost for navigating the winding, narrow curves of the legendary Tunnel of Trees drive.
History goes back decades as a roadside outpost, and the routine here feels practiced without being tired. The best move is grabbing food to go, then finding a pull-off with a lake view.
I always save a cookie for the last curve into Cross Village. The store’s bell rings as you exit, and the drive somehow feels friendlier.
It is an essential stop on a beautiful drive.
5. Falling Rock Cafe And Bookstore, Munising
Pages rustle like leaves at Falling Rock Cafe and Bookstore, a welcoming space at 104 E Munising Ave, Munising, MI 49862. You can browse used books while a latte comes together, and there is often a local art show on the walls.
The crowd is a mix of hikers and regulars escaping the wind, creating a communal vibe. It is a place for discovery in the stacks.
This hybrid bookstore and cafe provides a necessary cultural center in the gateway town to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The walls are lined with a diverse selection of titles, emphasizing local authors and Great Lakes history.
It is a sanctuary for those who value the tangible experience of physical books and a properly pulled espresso shot.
Food leans wholesome: bagel sandwiches, hearty soups, and ice cream scoops for reward days. Espresso is reliable, drip coffee is smooth, and the chai is spicy enough to wake the afternoon.
The bakery case hides a lemon bar worth hunting. It is a place where furniture is meant to be sat in for hours while you get lost in a new story or plan your next hike.
The lemon bar is a vibrant, citrus-forward treat that offers a bright contrast to the often overcast days of the Upper Peninsula. It features a buttery shortbread crust topped with a layer of tart, smooth lemon curd.
It is a simple joy that perfectly complements a hot cup of tea or a cold glass of milk after a long day of exploring the nearby waterfalls.
History ties to family ownership and community events that anchor the town during the long winter when the falls freeze. Tip: snag a corner table to plot your Pictured Rocks plan and charge your devices.
The reaction is a slow exhale as your shoulders drop and the book takes over. It is a gentle reset before another trail, providing the mental nourishment needed.
4. Dead River Coffee Roasters, Marquette
The roaster’s steady whirr sets the tempo at Dead River Coffee Roasters, located at 119 W Baraga Ave, Marquette, MI 49855. Exposed brick and burlap sacks keep the room honest, focusing your attention on the beans.
You are here for coffee made by people who care more about extraction than slogans. It is a minimalist sanctuary for the serious caffeine enthusiast.
Marquette has a vibrant coffee culture, but Dead River stands out for its uncompromising focus on the roasting process. The staff treats coffee like a craft, carefully selecting beans and adjusting roast profiles to highlight the unique characteristics of each origin.
It is a place where the beverage is the primary focus, and the results are consistently exceptional.
Beans roast in small batches, and the individual brews arrive precise and unpretentious. Try a pour-over to catch the lake air clarity in the cup, or a cortado that lands perfectly balanced.
They talk origin without any pretense, and the sound of the grinders is the sound of intent. It is a place that respects the bean and the person who is drinking it.
A pour-over here is a lesson in patience and precision, allowing the complex notes of the coffee to bloom slowly. Unlike mass-produced coffee, these brews offer a spectrum of flavors ranging from fruit and floral to deep chocolate and nut.
It is a sensory journey that requires you to slow down and truly taste what is in your cup as you plan your day.
History is embedded in the building and the roaster’s long service to the community. Tip: buy a bag for the road and ask about the ideal water temps if you plan to brew while camping in the nearby woods.
The regulars sip quietly, which nudges you toward thoughtful sips. You leave caffeinated and a touch more focused, ready for the rugged Lake Superior shoreline.
3. Keweenaw Coffee Works, Calumet
Sunlight catches motes in the brick-walled space of Keweenaw Coffee Works at 326 5th St, Calumet, MI 49913. The old mining town bones show through the storefront, giving the cafe a grounded, historic feel.
Bikes and snow boots lean by the door depending on the season, signaling that this is a basecamp for local adventurers. It is a bright, airy space in Calumet.
The restoration of this building is a metaphor for the revitalization of Calumet itself, turning an old industrial space into a modern gathering point. The high ceilings and large windows create an environment that feels spacious and welcoming.
It is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Keweenaw Peninsula, where history and progress exist side by side.
Food is light but smart: avocado toast with pickled onion, pastries that favor butter over sugar, and granola cups that travel well. Coffee drinks are expertly tuned, with espresso leaning toward chocolate notes and filter brewing finishing clean.
A seasonal special often nods to local berries, bringing a taste of the peninsula’s wild harvest to your cup.
The avocado toast provides a sophisticated, modern breakfast option that stands out in a region dominated by more traditional fare. Topped with pickled onions and a drizzle of oil, it offers a balanced profile of healthy fats and bright acidity.
It is the kind of thoughtful meal that prepares you for a day of mountain biking or hiking the rugged local trails.
The history of copper mining hangs over Calumet, and the cafe honors that craft without leaning into shallow nostalgia. Here is the move: grab a seat near the window to watch the street’s quiet theater.
Conversation runs respectful and low, the way small towns do. You depart with a bag of beans named for a local trail and a solid plan to find it and explore.
2. Roy’s Pasties And Bakery, Houghton
The display case at Roy’s Pasties and Bakery gleams with rows of golden half-moons. You will find it at 305 W Lakeshore Dr, Houghton, MI 49931, with incredible water views across the street.
Mornings bring a friendly rush of students, workers, and travelers all seeking a taste of the U.P.’s most famous portable meal. It is a bustling, happy space on the waterfront.
Roy’s has perfected the art of the pasty, maintaining the traditional Cornish roots while also experimenting with new flavors. The shop operates with a high volume but never sacrifices the quality that has made it a destination for travelers from all over.
It is a culinary landmark that captures the hardworking, resilient spirit of the Upper Peninsula’s people.
Pasties anchor the menu, with the traditional beef and rutabaga being a local favorite, but the veggie and breakfast versions hold their own. The crust flakes cleanly without crumbling into a mess, and the filling tastes properly peppered and seasoned.
Sweet options range from cherry turnovers to frosted cinnamon rolls that could double as steering wheels.
The traditional pasty is a dense, savory meal that was originally designed to be a handheld lunch for miners working deep underground. At Roy’s, the ratio of meat to vegetables is carefully maintained to ensure every bite is substantial and satisfying.
The rutabaga adds a specific, earthy sweetness that defines the authentic Upper Peninsula style of the dish.
Houghton’s bridge frames the walk if you choose to take your pasty across the street to eat by the water. Tip: ask for gravy or ketchup by preference and grab an extra for the cooler to eat later.
The reaction is the satisfied quiet of something well-built and portable. It is essential fuel for the long drive toward the Keweenaw tip or the long switchback home.
1. Terry’s Place, Charlevoix
Retro signage and a steady breakfast crowd set the tone at Terry’s Place, parked at 101 Antrim St, Charlevoix, MI 49720. The room is compact, polished, and full of the lively chatter of a busy lake town.
Servers move with purpose but always keep the interaction friendly and welcoming. It is the quintessential Charlevoix morning spot where the coffee is hot.
Terry’s Place feels like a time capsule of Charlevoix’s golden age of travel, maintaining a level of classic elegance that is rare in modern diners. The wood finishes and leather booths create an environment that is both comfortable and slightly refined.
It is a place that values the traditions of hospitality, making every customer feel like a long-time regular.
Food is Midwest classic with a subtle lake tilt: whitefish almondine, crisp potato pancakes, and steaks handled with restraint. The perch special when running is worth a detour by itself, offering a light, crispy taste of the Great Lakes.
Cocktails lean simple, the wine list is tidy, and the bread basket does not overpromise. It is reliable, high-quality cooking.
The whitefish almondine is a sophisticated take on a local ingredient, using browned butter and toasted almonds to enhance the fish. It is a delicate preparation that allows the fresh, clean flavor of the whitefish to shine through.
Paired with the house potato pancakes, it creates a meal that is both deeply rooted in the region and impressively executed.
Terry’s has been a local fixture for decades, and the tables turn quickly on busy summer evenings. Tip: arrive early or slide to a late seating to avoid the squeeze of the peak dinner rush.
The reaction lands somewhere between content and planning the next visit, especially after the almondine. You step back into the Charlevoix night air feeling steady and satisfied.