5 Must-Try Dishes on Mackinac Island
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Beyond the fudge: Our favorite bites of the season
Whether you’re here for a day trip or a full-on fall getaway, Mackinac Island has more to offer than just sweet treats (though yes, the fudge is still a must). We rounded up our top 5 favorite dishes to dig into while you’re on the island—flavor-packed, photo-worthy, and absolutely worth the ferry ride.
5. Chocolate Chip Pancakes – Pancake House
Three fluffy housemade buttermilk pancakes dotted with semi-sweet chocolate chips, dusted with powdered sugar, and served with local maple syrup. Want to take it up a notch? You can add a scoop of ice cream to any pancake stack for the ultimate breakfast-dessert hybrid.
Why you’ll love it: Classic comfort with a customizable twist.
4. Triple Crown – Seabiscuit Café
Sliced ham, turkey, crispy bacon, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, and chipotle mayo—all stacked between grilled sourdough bread. It’s the kind of sandwich that makes you want to high-five the chef.
Feeling bold? Ask your server for a chambong and turn lunch into a celebration.
Why you’ll love it: Toasty, hearty, and packed with big flavor energy.
3. Baby Back Ribs – Ice House BBQ
Slow-smoked and basted in sweet and smoky house-made BBQ sauce, these fall-off-the-bone ribs come with coleslaw, crispy fries, and cheesy jalapeño cornbread. Pro tip: Pair it with a lavender lemonade for the full backyard-BBQ-meets-garden-patio experience.
Why you’ll love it: Smoky, saucy, and satisfying—no fork required.
2. Rigatoni Alla Vodka – Mary’s Bistro Draught House
This creamy crowd-pleaser is served with grilled chicken cutlet, whipped ricotta, garlic bread, and just the right sprinkle of roasted garlic on top. Mary’s is known for their chicken tenders, but honestly? This pasta dish might be stealing the spotlight.
Why you’ll love it: Warm, rich, and unexpectedly addictive.
1. Planked Whitefish + Carrot Cake – 1852 Grill Room
Locally caught and oven-roasted on a maple plank, this whitefish fillet is served alongside duchesse potatoes and grilled asparagus. Add a martini and a harbor view, and you’ve got yourself a dining experience.
Still have room? Their carrot cake—complete with cream cheese frosting and a drizzle of caramel sauce—is worth every bite.
Why you’ll love it: Elegant, elevated, and full of local flavor.
Ready to Taste the Island?
Now that you’re hungry (sorry, not sorry), it’s time to explore Mackinac Island one bite at a time. From indulgent breakfasts to classic Michigan whitefish, these dishes are just a sampling of what the island has to offer.