I Explored Michigan’s Great Lakes Coast To Visit 11 Fish-And-Chips Spots (6 Had Stunning Lakeside Views)
Michigan’s Great Lakes coastline stretches over 3,200 miles, making it the longest freshwater coastline in the United States.
With all that water comes a rich fishing tradition and some seriously delicious fish-and-chips spots scattered along the shores.
I set out on a tasty adventure to find the best places serving up crispy, golden fish with perfectly seasoned chips, and discovered that half of them come with breathtaking waterfront views that make every bite even better.
1. The Cove – Leland (Lake Michigan)
Perched right on the shores of Lake Michigan, The Cove serves up fish-and-chips that taste even better with a side of spectacular water views. Fresh whitefish gets the star treatment here, breaded to perfection and fried until the coating shatters with every bite.
Watching sailboats drift by while munching on hot, crispy fish is basically the Michigan dream come true. Leland’s charming Fishtown district provides the perfect backdrop for your meal, with historic fishing shanties lining the waterfront.
The chips arrive piping hot and generously salted, making them impossible to stop eating. Whether you dine inside or grab a spot on the outdoor patio, you’re guaranteed a front-row seat to one of Lake Michigan’s most picturesque harbors that’ll have your camera working overtime.
2. Snug Harbor – Grand Haven (Lake Michigan Channel)
Boat traffic and beautiful sunsets make Snug Harbor a fish-and-chips destination worth writing home about. Positioned along the Grand River channel leading to Lake Michigan, this spot offers a ringside view of yachts, sailboats, and the occasional freighter gliding past your table.
Battered cod is their specialty, arriving golden-brown and steaming hot with a satisfying crunch that rivals any British chippy. Grand Haven’s famous musical fountain shows happen nearby, adding entertainment to your dining experience during summer evenings.
The fries are thick-cut and crispy on the outside while staying fluffy inside, exactly how they should be. Between bites, you can watch drawbridge openings and wave to boaters—making this meal feel like a mini vacation even if you’re just passing through town on a weekend getaway.
3. The Hook Lakeside Grill – Mackinaw City (Lake Huron)
Mackinaw City gets all the tourist attention, but The Hook Lakeside Grill earns it honestly with lake views that’ll make you forget about the Mackinac Bridge for a hot minute. Their fish-and-chips feature fresh Great Lakes whitefish that’s served in several styles, rather than guaranteed to be “locally caught” that same morning. Crispy panko breading adds an extra crunch factor that elevates this classic dish beyond ordinary.
Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure every table gets a piece of the Lake Huron action, whether it’s stormy waves or calm blue waters. The hand-cut fries come perfectly seasoned, and they’re generous with the portions—you definitely won’t leave hungry. Ferries heading to Mackinac Island chug past regularly, and if you time it right, you might catch the sunset painting the sky pink while you polish off your last delicious bite.
4. Freighters Eatery & Taproom – Port Huron (St. Clair River / Lake Huron Gateway)
Massive freighters passing within shouting distance make Freighters Eatery & Taproom an unforgettable place to enjoy fish-and-chips. Sitting at the junction where Lake Huron meets the St. Clair River, this restaurant offers front-row seats to international shipping traffic that’s mesmerizing to watch.
Their battered cod comes with a light, crispy coating that doesn’t overwhelm the tender fish inside. Ship-watching becomes a full-contact sport here as enormous vessels glide past so close you can practically read the crew’s name tags.
The seasoned fries are addictive, and the tartar sauce is tangy with just the right amount of dill and pickle. Between the parade of international freighters and the delicious food, you’ll find yourself lingering long after your plate is clean, maybe ordering another round just to catch one more ship passing by.
5. Cabana Blue Lakefront Sports Bar & Grill – Clay Township / Algonac (Lake St. Clair)
Lake St. Clair sparkles like a hidden gem, and Cabana Blue takes full advantage with a waterfront location that feels like a tropical escape—minus the plane ticket. Their fish-and-chips balance perfectly between casual bar food and quality seafood, with flaky white fish that practically melts in your mouth.
The breading stays crispy even as you work through the generous portion, which is no small accomplishment. Pontoon boats and speedboats zip past constantly during summer, creating an energetic atmosphere that matches the lively sports bar vibe inside.
Hand-cut fries arrive hot and salty, perfect for dipping in their homemade remoulade sauce. The outdoor deck gets packed on sunny weekends, so arrive early to snag a prime spot where you can soak up the sun, enjoy the water views, and maybe catch a boater showing off.
6. The Landing Restaurant – Charlevoix (Lake Charlevoix)
Charlevoix’s reputation as a summer playground is well-deserved, and The Landing Restaurant proves why with stunning Lake Charlevoix views and fish-and-chips worth the drive. Perch gets the spotlight here, lightly breaded and fried to achieve that perfect golden color that promises deliciousness before you even take a bite.
The fish stays moist and tender inside while the outside delivers a satisfying crunch. Watching sunset colors reflect off Lake Charlevoix while eating dinner feels like living in a postcard, especially from their waterfront patio. The fries come seasoned with a special blend that keeps you guessing at the ingredients between bites.
Sailboats moored nearby bob gently in the water, and the whole scene radiates that relaxed Michigan summer vibe that makes you want to extend your vacation by at least a week or maybe move here permanently.
7. Cap’n Ron’s Fish ‘N’ Chips – Munising (Lake Superior Region)
Munising serves as the gateway to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and Cap’n Ron’s provides the perfect fuel for your Lake Superior adventures. This no-frills spot focuses on what matters most: incredibly fresh fish fried to crispy perfection with a light, golden batter that doesn’t compete with the delicate whitefish flavor. Paper-lined baskets arrive overflowing with both fish and chips, ensuring nobody leaves hungry or disappointed. The casual atmosphere means you can walk in wearing your hiking boots and nobody bats an eye—this is pure Michigan comfort food at its finest. Thick-cut fries come hot and crunchy, perfect for soaking up the tangy malt vinegar available at every table.
After a day kayaking around sea caves or photographing waterfalls, sinking your teeth into this satisfying meal feels like the reward your tired muscles deserve, and the generous portions mean leftovers for tomorrow’s adventure.
8. Brownstone Inn – Au Train (Lake Superior Shoreline)
Au Train might be tiny, but the Brownstone Inn punches way above its weight class when it comes to delicious fish-and-chips. Nestled along Lake Superior’s shoreline, this cozy spot serves up fresh Great Lakes whitefish sourced from local fisheries. The breading achieves that elusive perfect texture—crispy enough to crackle but light enough to let the fish shine through beautifully.
Small-town charm radiates from every corner of this establishment, where locals and tourists mingle over shared appreciation for good food. The hand-cut fries arrive golden and properly salted, making them dangerously addictive as you polish off one after another.
Between the friendly service, reasonable prices, and proximity to hiking trails and beaches, the Brownstone Inn represents everything great about Michigan’s Upper Peninsula dining scene—unpretentious, delicious, and genuinely welcoming to everyone who walks through the door.
9. Four Suns Fish & Chips (Peterson’s Fish Market) – Hancock (Lake Superior Region)
When a fish market decides to serve fish-and-chips, you know it’s going to be fresh—and Four Suns at Peterson’s Fish Market delivers on that promise spectacularly. Located on US-41 at the top of Quincy Hill above Hancock, this spot sources its fish directly from Lake Superior, ensuring quality that supermarket frozen fillets can only dream about. The light, crispy coating lets the natural sweetness of the whitefish shine through with every satisfying bite.
Copper Country heritage surrounds you in Hancock, adding historical flavor to your meal experience beyond just the food. The chips come perfectly fried with just enough seasoning to enhance rather than overpower their potato goodness.
Eating fish-and-chips from an actual fish market feels authentically connected to Michigan’s fishing traditions, and the reasonable prices mean you can afford to come back tomorrow to try their smoked fish too, which would be the smart move honestly.
10. Rock Skipper’s Fish ‘n Chips – Calumet (Keweenaw Peninsula)
Calumet’s mining history runs deep, and Rock Skipper’s Fish ‘n Chips adds delicious flavor to this historic Keweenaw Peninsula town. Their fish-and-chips arrive steaming hot with a perfectly seasoned batter that achieves maximum crunch without any greasiness—a true accomplishment in the fried food world.
Generous portions mean you’re definitely getting your money’s worth, with enough fish to satisfy even the heartiest appetite after exploring copper mines.
The casual, friendly atmosphere makes everyone feel welcome, whether you’re a local regular or a tourist discovering this hidden gem for the first time. Hand-cut fries complement the fish beautifully, crispy on the outside and fluffy inside like they should be.
Calumet might seem off the beaten path, but Rock Skipper’s proves that some of Michigan’s best food hides in unexpected places, waiting to reward adventurous eaters willing to explore beyond the typical tourist destinations and discover authentic local favorites.
11. Scalawags Whitefish & Chips – Mackinaw City (Straits Area)
Mackinaw City offers no shortage of dining options, but Scalawags Whitefish & Chips stands out by specializing in what Michigan does best—fresh Great Lakes whitefish, lightly coated and fried to shattering crispness with each bite while keeping the fish moist and flaky inside.
The name might suggest pirate mischief, but there’s nothing sneaky about the quality here—it’s obviously excellent from first taste to last.
Located in the busy Straits area where Lakes Michigan and Huron meet, Scalawags provides convenient dining between tourist attractions and ferry rides. The fries arrive hot and generously portioned, seasoned just right to complement without competing with the star of the show.
Whether you’re fueling up before exploring Fort Mackinac or unwinding after a day of sightseeing, this spot delivers consistent quality that keeps visitors and locals returning season after season for another delicious serving.