A table overlooking the water is a good reason to take your time on Mackinac Island. You might be settling in with a bourbon slush after exploring downtown or choosing a bottle of wine for dinner as the light changes over the harbor.

For waterfront dining on Mackinac Island, two 906 Club locations offer different experiences. Mary’s Bistro Draught House pairs water views with a lively, casual atmosphere. The 1852 Grill Room, inside historic Island House Hotel, offers a more refined setting overlooking the marina, with live piano music accompanying dinner.

Both have indoor dining with water views as well as outdoor seating. Here is how to choose the experience that fits your plans.

Mary’s Bistro Draught House: A lively meal by the water

Mary’s Bistro Draught House is a good choice when you want a waterfront meal with a casual, upbeat atmosphere.

The patio overlooks the Straits of Mackinac, giving you a place to enjoy passing boats while you eat. Water views are also available from the dining room, so sitting outdoors is not the only way to enjoy the setting.

Mary’s works well for lunch during a day of exploring or a relaxed dinner with friends or family. You can arrive with an appetite for something familiar and leave yourself time for another drink and conversation.

What to order at Mary’s

Start with Mary’s famous chicken tenders and a bourbon slush. The combination is a favorite worth making room for in your island plans.

If beer is more your style, explore the extensive draft selection. Mary’s offers the largest draft beer selection on Mackinac Island, with plenty of choices to consider alongside your meal.

Browse Mary’s current menu before your visit.

How seating works

Mary’s accepts reservations for indoor seating. Its waterfront patio is first-come, first-served, and outdoor service depends on the weather.

If a reservation is important to your plans, choose the dining room. If you are hoping to sit outside, allow some flexibility in your schedule and ask about patio availability when you arrive.

Make an indoor reservation at Mary’s.

1852 Grill Room: Dinner overlooking the harbor

The 1852 Grill Room offers waterfront dining inside Island House Hotel, just beyond Marquette Park on Main Street.

Views of the marina are part of the experience in both the dining room and on the terrace. Indoors, the historic hotel setting and live piano music create an inviting atmosphere for an evening meal.

It is a natural choice for a date night or an occasion that calls for a little more time at the table. The feeling is refined but relaxed, with room to enjoy dinner without rushing into the next activity.

What to order at 1852

The planked whitefish is a signature choice for a Mackinac Island dinner. Pair it with a selection from the extensive wine list, or begin the evening with a cocktail made to order.

The terrace offers the same menu and service as the dining room, so you can choose your preferred setting without planning a different meal.

Explore the 1852 Grill Room menus.

Plan ahead for dinner

Dinner reservations are recommended. Terrace reservations are also accepted, with outdoor seating dependent on the weather.

If you are planning around a particular evening or seating preference, contact the restaurant in advance.

Reserve a table at 1852 Grill Room.

Enjoy the harbor view earlier in the day

Dinner is not the only opportunity to enjoy the setting at 1852 Grill Room.

Breakfast offers a quieter way to begin an island morning overlooking the marina. Reservations are accepted, although planning ahead is especially important for dinner and afternoon tea.

For an afternoon gathering, Rose’s Afternoon Tea brings a tiered presentation of savory bites and sweets to the harbor-facing dining room. It is a lovely way to pause between exploring and your evening plans.

Check the current tea schedule and reserve your table in advance. You do not need to be staying at Island House Hotel to attend.

Earn 906 Club rewards while you dine

Mary’s Bistro Draught House and 1852 Grill Room are both 906 Club locations. Members earn 10% back in rewards on eligible dining purchases.

Give the phone number connected to your account when you pay. Rewards are typically added within a few hours and can be used like cash toward eligible purchases at participating locations.

That means a meal at one restaurant can earn rewards to use at another 906 Club location. Membership is free.

Learn how 906 Club works before your visit.

Choose your table with a view

For a casual waterfront meal with a bourbon slush and chicken tenders, make plans for Mary’s. For planked whitefish and an evening overlooking the harbor, reserve a table at 1852 Grill Room.

Both give you a reason to leave a little more time for dining on Mackinac Island.

Looking for more options during your visit? Explore the 906 Club dining guide.