Best Local Eats

There's no doubt that Northern Michigan abounds with spectacular restaurants offering a vast array of food genres.  What you may not find is the local's favorite flavors of delectable cuisine.

From fine dining to dinner cruises, you'll find it all in Northern Michigan, but here's what you may be missing:

Sonny's Ironton Market (pictured left) is known for their homemade specialty foods.  Perfect for a picnic or to take on the boat (and they even deliver to the boat launch at 5th street!), you'll find wonderful eats from their deli.  A true local favorite, the Meat Lover's Pizza, is not to be missed!  Piled high with mouthwatering marinated steak, pepperoni, Italian sausage, smoked bacon, Boars Head ham, and smothered with mozzarella and provolone cheeses, what makes this pizza so delicious is the homemade pizza sauce...mmm!!  3619 North M-66 in Charlevoix.  (231) 547-2444 or (231) 547-2448.

Sweet Water Cafe features signature items made with natural, local products and prepared in-house.  Aside from offering yummy American fare, they also specialize in Vegan, Vegetarian, and Gluten-Free cuisine.  Especially popular with the locals are the hazelnut pancakes with real maple syrup - they're only available on Tuesdays, but so worth the wait!  The local lunch crowd's plate of choice is the burger, made with organic Upper Peninsula beef, real cheese, and served on a homemade whole wheat bun.  With a dinner menu that changes every four weeks, the diners' taste buds never get bored.  One dinner entree that keeps the locals coming back is their ginger stir fry - the sauce is phenomenal!  517 N. Third Street in Marquette. (906) 226-7009.

If you're a huge fan of BBQ like I am, then Buffalo Wild Wings is where you want to eat.  Whether you like it mild or spicy, sweet or tangy, they've got a sauce to fit you perfectly (I'm not kidding - there's 14 to choose from)!  Choose from buffalo tenders or wings, ribs, chicken, sandwiches, wraps and more - then choose a sauce to create your personal masterpiece.  My favorite is the Pulled Pork Sandwich with Sweet BBQ sauce with a side of their lightly battered onion rings - delicious!  2180 Anderson Road in Petoskey.  (231) 439-9153.  Or try their newest location at 2500 US Highway 41 West in Marquette.  (906) 226-0699.

"It's All Good" at Brutus Camp Deli where breakfast and lunch are made-to-order from the freshest ingredients.  What keeps the locals raving about Brutus Camp Deli and coming back for more?  It could be the fact that the food is made from scratch - from breads to jams.  It could also be the "Hunting Camp" atmosphere with big, hearty breakfasts and friendly service.  Their food is so delicious that they've been featured in numerous publications.  You can also check out their "Day in the Life" music video on YouTube!  4086 U.S. 31 in Brutus.  (231) 529-2222.

Suomi's Home Bakery & Restaurant is where the locals go to eat amazing dishes with Finnish flare.  A breakfast favorite by far is their Pannukakku, a Finnish pancake with a custard-like texture that's served with a warm raspberry sauce.  Another favorite is their Finnish French Toast made with homemade Finnish bread.  Bring your appetite, because the servings are large - the pancakes are the size of a platter!  Aside from their phenomenal breakfast fare, Suomi's offers daily lunch specials and homemade soups.  54 Huron St. in Houghton.  (906) 482-3220.

Click here for a complete list of restaurants in Northern Michigan or choose your city.