The culinary choices in the Petoskey Area are growing as new food related businesses have opened all over the place. Plus, a new tap room is soon to be on the scene in Boyne City, and a winery is popping up in Petoskey. Check out our list of some of the newer and yet-to-be opened restaurants and such in the area. The flavors are delicious and the delightful towns are worth a visit.
Vintage Chophouse | Wine Bar – Bay Harbor
One stop here and you’ll understand why Vintage was the winner of Open Table’s Diner’s Choice Award. Classic elegance combined with trendy styling set the backdrop for fabulous meals like bloody mary bison pot roast, shrimp linguini (made with squid ink pasta) and an awesome burger topped with Vidalia onion jam. Desserts are decadent and the drink menu interesting (try the Moscow mule.) Mother Nature is the perfect hostess offering breathtaking views of Little Traverse Bay.
7 Monks Taproom – Coming to Boyne City 2016
Already known in northern Michigan, 7 Monks Taproom is opening a second location this summer – this time in Boyne City. Guests will want to stop and blow the froth off a couple, but will also be able to get a juicy burger, sandwich or pizza to go with your favorite beverage. Added bonus? Al fresco dining.
Boyne City Bakery – Boyne City
The breeze off Lake Charlevoix sends the aromas wafting through the streets of this tiny town where life meets lake. French baker Gildas Berrou rolls out scones, croissants and a variety of breads. Sundays are special with crepes on the menu that also includes fresh made soups. The bakery is a nice accent to an area growing its culinary options. Boyne Appetit – Check it out!
Friggy’s SoBo Pub – Boyne City
Ultra casual – think paper plates and plastic utensils – helps keep prices low in this bar/restaurant where a burger and a beer are $8 every day and nothing on the menu is more than $10. Tasty options like Coney dogs, wings and tacos are served seven days a week from 11 am to 2 am. There are 68 different beers in the fridge, including a couple of retro choices like Blatz, Schlitz and Hams. Play a game or two of pool to work up an appetite.
Fustini’s – Boyne City
These vinegars and oils are so popular that having one shop in the Petoskey Area wasn’t enough. Fustini’s opened a new store in Boyne City to go along with the established Petoskey location. Give yourself some time to ask questions when you visit this food lovers’ destination as the friendly staff has great ideas on pairings that you may never have thought of.
Stiggs Brewery and Gastro Pub – Coming to Boyne City Summer 2016
Hand crafted Stiggs beer and other Michigan craft beers make up Stiggs’ 30 tap lineup. Local wines, spirits, meads, ciders, and sodas are also served at the full bar. If you’re looking to pair your beverages with a meal, locally sourced ingredients are used to create unique and delicious cuisine, with an emphasis on quality. Craft beer deserves craft food and craft food deserves Stiggs beer.
Forty Acres Tavern at Boyne Mountain – Boyne Falls at Boyne Mountain
Forty Acres Tavern offers forty beers – a great start to Boyne Mountain’s newest endeavor. Lunch and dinner is available seven days a week and includes terrific options like Guinness French onion soup, great lakes whitefish (an area favorite), loaded grilled cheese made with three different cheeses, and bacon-wrapped ground bison and beef for a great tasting meatloaf. Make sure to ask about the history of the tavern; it’s as interesting as the beer is cold.
Georgina’s – Coming to Harbor Springs Summer 2016
Another planned addition to the culinary scene in Harbor Springs this year is a new endeavor by Chef Anthony Craig who has already made a name for himself in Traverse City. Bringing family cultures ranging from Cuban to Chinese, Chef Anthony is looking forward to a new dream in an old venue – the former Juilleret’s which has been closed for the last several years. Steeped in tradition, Harbor Springs is seeing a new vitality in town and this Latin-Asian fusion restaurant is sure to help the process. Watch for updates!
Mustang Wendy’s – Harbor Springs
It was a sad, sad day when Mustang Wendy’s closed, but it was all worth waiting for when this popular eatery reopened last fall in a new, bigger location and expanded their original menu. With a salute to the name, Mustang Wendy’s offers the wild west burger, but not everything is that tame. Try the alligator wings, buffalo alligator, buttermilk dressing, and Amish blue cheese crumbles for a new sensation. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all taste-bud-exploding experiences. Fresh décor and entertainment can be found, along with a well-stocked bar to round up this unique restaurant.
The Paper Station – Harbor Springs
A favorite for years, Mary Ellen’s Place in Harbor Springs has been redecorated and redefined. No longer a breakfast and lunch diner, The Paper Station expanded the old restaurant and newspaper stand – thus the name The Paper Station – and replaced breakfast with dinner. Five options of burgers including a sweet pea and chick pea burger await you along with parmesan and panko crusted great lakes whitefish, gyro egg rolls and delightful truffle fries with parmesan and garlic aioli. Dine in or out at this former hot spot that just got hotter.
The Pier – Harbor Springs
Stafford’s Pier Restaurant in Harbor Springs has been a longtime favorite in the area. Known for consistently hospitable service, good food and stellar views from Dudley’s Deck, The Pier is shaking things up for 2016. The Pointer Room has been gutted, windows are gone and Dudley’s Deck demolished. The good news – it’s all being remodeled to bring visitors a fantastic new concept in this historic location which was once a speakeasy. Expect a new menu as the summer season unfolds as Stafford’s keep to the tradition of “Always fresh, always fabulous!”
Sam’s Graces Café & Bakery – Harbor Springs
Rustic sandwiches and brick oven pizzas are just a small part of this tiny restaurant whose fantastic food flavors pack a big punch. Fresh, artisanal breads will leave your mouth watering and be sure to stop in for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights (seasonally). Recently added: beer and wine.
The Pasty Place – Petoskey
The Pasty Place in Petoskey opened last fall and serves up more than the famous Upper Peninsula treat. With biscuits and sausage for breakfast and homemade soups and sandwiches, this Mitchell Street business has been hopping. When you go for the first time though, you really need to try a pasty. Flaky golden brown crust blankets a variety of options from vegetarian, to chicken, to the house pasty made with beef and the traditional rutabaga – all delectable and all served with gravy and freshly made coleslaw.
Petoskey Cheese – Petoskey
Not to sound cheesy, but we love this place! Katie Potts takes pate, piave mezzano, pepper jack, and prosciutto to create perfection. Going out on a boat or a picnic in nearby Pennsylvania Park? Specialty cheeses paired with the appropriate pickles, nuts, dried fruits and meats will bring you back to the cutting board for another slice.
Rudbekia Farm and Winery | Burnt Marshmallow Brewing – Coming to Petoskey 2016
Success is going to their heads as breweries and wineries continue to crop up in the Petoskey Area. The latest in Petoskey is set to open this spring – Rudbekia Farm Winery and Burnt Marshmallow Brewing join the ranks of the new kids on the block and promise some amazing offerings like “Peach Buzz” – a vintage mead with fresh peaches added.
Simply Sweet by Jessica – Coming to Petoskey 2016
Simply Sweet by Jessica has tempted the most die-hard dieters since 2012 with her wonderfully delicious cakes and cupcakes. Owner Jess is opening a retail location in downtown Petoskey and will serve her tasty cupcakes, coffees, teas and sodas.
With all of these tasty choices, this is an ideal time to stop by to treat yourself to some up north hospitality. A long weekend will put a smile on your face, just visit PetoskeyArea.com for more information on activities and lodging, or call 800.845.2828.
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About the author
Diane Dakins is passionate about all of the communities that comprise the Petoskey Area of Michigan: Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Bay Harbor and Boyne City. As assistant director of the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau, she has “been there – seen that” when it comes to virtually every area attraction. She strives to create informative content that gives potential visitors the scoop on planning a northern Michigan vacation.