Best Places to Eat in Petoskey, Michigan
Looking for the best places to eat in Petoskey? This guide covers it all—breakfast spots, coffee shops, burgers, pizza, steakhouses, seafood, upscale dining, sweet treats, and the hidden gems only locals know about.
This guide covers: Petoskey and the immediate surrounding area
Quick Reference by Category
- Best Breakfast Spots in Petoskey
- Best Coffee Shops in Petoskey
- Best Sandwich Shops & Casual Lunch in Petoskey
- Best Burgers in Petoskey
- Best Pizza in Petoskey
- Best Seafood & Friday Fish Fry in Petoskey
- Best Steakhouses in Petoskey
- Best Buffets & All-You-Can-Eat in Petoskey
- Best Restaurants with Live Music & Entertainment in Petoskey
- Best Upscale Dining in Petoskey
- Best Bucket List & Unique Experiences in Petoskey
- Best Food Trucks in Petoskey
- Fast Food Options in Petoskey
- Best Treats & Desserts in Petoskey
Planning a date night? Check out our guide to Romantic Restaurants in Petoskey
Best Breakfast Spots in Petoskey
JW Filmore’s
Best for: Families or anyone craving a good home-cooked meal
Notes: Family restaurant with a kids’ menu. Vegetarian options available.
The Bistro
Best for: Quick comfort food with healthy options too
Notes: Consistent, great service. Gluten-free and vegetarian options available.
Sam’s Graces
Best for: Handcrafted breakfast and lunch with locally sourced ingredients
Notes: Brick oven pizza, craft cocktails, and everything made from scratch—try the smoked whitefish Benedict.
Maple + Batter
Best for: Beautiful, Instagram-worthy breakfast
Notes: Bay Harbor location. Gluten-free bread options available. Gift cards available
Julienne Tomatoes Deli & Bakery
Best for: Fresh, healthy food with locally grown ingredients
Notes: Housemade soups, fresh baked goods, and service with a smile. A local favorite.
Southwoods
Best for: Big portions, good prices, great coffee in big mugs
Notes: A local favorite. Mimosas and Bloody Marys available.
Bayside Restaurant
Best for: Breakfast with no alcohol served
Notes: A comfortable, relaxed spot near Bay Harbor for those who prefer dining without a bar scene.
Big Apple Bagels
Best for: Quick, affordable breakfast or lunch on the go
Notes: D&W Plaza. Bagels, muffins, and sandwiches.
Grain Train
Best for: Fresh, healthy grab-and-go from the local co-op
Notes: Hot breakfast burritos, soups, roasted chicken, and a huge grab-and-go case with wraps, salads, and house-made meals. Great vegan and vegetarian options. It’s a health food store with seriously good food.
Stafford’s Bay View Inn
Best for: Breakfast with sweeping views of Little Traverse Bay
Notes: Award-winning Sunday brunch (seasonal). Vegetarian and gluten-free options. Great for holiday meals. Gift cards available
Petok Culinary
Best for: 100% gluten-free breakfast and lunch with gourmet flair
Notes: The only certified gluten-free kitchen in the area—everything on the menu is GF. Fresh, local ingredients. Try the cinnamon rolls or avocado toast. Also has amazing pizza and artisan breads for lunch.
HO Rose Room at the Perry Hotel
Best for: Breakfast with panoramic views of Little Traverse Bay
Notes: All-American classics like their famous Cinnamon Bread French Toast. Vegetarian and gluten-free options. Try their homemade jams.
Johan’s Pastry Shop
Best for: The best donuts you’ll ever have—locals swear by them
Notes: Huge variety—donuts, bagels, pies, cinnamon rolls, custom cakes. Try the cream-filled long johns or the apple fritters. A Petoskey must-stop.
Best Coffee Shops in Petoskey
Roast and Toast
Best for: Coffee lovers or smoothie fans who want that cozy local coffee shop feel
Notes: Great coffee and breakfast sandwiches. Gift cards available and work at all four Wineguys restaurants (City Park Grill, Palette Bistro, Jax Northside, and Roast & Toast)—great gift for visitors or locals.
North Perk
Best for: Creative coffee drinks with a cool downtown vibe
Notes: Organic, locally sourced beans. Try the charcoal latte. Light bites available.
The Grove Beverage Cafe
Best for: Healthy drinks, real fruit smoothies, and gluten-free options
Notes: Fresh juices, 30+ organic teas, Onyx Labs coffee, and Asian-inspired noodle bowls for lunch. Most items made from scratch.
Petoskey Coffee Co
Best for: A quality cup of coffee in a cozy spot
Notes: Great lattes and espresso drinks. Dog friendly. Some baked goods available.
Iron Goat Coffee
Best for: Some of the best coffee in Northern Michigan
Notes: Walloon Lake—short drive, worth it. Try the 2:30 latte or Bees Knees. Lakeside vibes, super friendly staff.
Starbucks
Best for: Familiar chain coffee when you know what you want
Notes: Two locations—one in D&W plaza, one on the south side of town. Gift cards available
Biggby
Best for: A Michigan coffee favorite
Notes: Inside Meijer. If you’ve never tried Biggby, now’s your chance.
Best Sandwich Shops & Casual Lunch in Petoskey
Gurney’s
Best for: Legendary deli sandwiches on fresh-baked bread—people drive hours for these
Notes: The Train Wreck is the crowd favorite. Yes, it’s a liquor store in Harbor Springs. Trust us.
Cormack’s Deli
Best for: Quality deli food from a Petoskey staple
Notes: Family-owned since 1976. Homemade soups, huge sandwiches, great desserts. Try the Reuben or cheesecake brownie.
Petoskey Cheese
Best for: Grab-and-go gourmet sandwiches and building your own charcuterie board
Notes: On Conway Rd between Petoskey and Harbor Springs. Cut-to-order artisan cheeses, house-made dips, and rotating sandwich specials. They also do cheese classes.
Jose’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant
Best for: Authentic Mexican from a family-owned spot that’s been here 20 years
Notes: Downtown on Petoskey St. Counter service, small patio in summer. Try the guacamole or chili relleno.
Symons General Store
Best for: Gourmet sandwiches in a downtown Petoskey specialty shop
Notes: Over 60 years in downtown Petoskey. Fresh-made sandwiches, salads, and pizzas. The Shipwreck is loaded. Browse the wine cellar downstairs. Gift cards available and work at all four Symons family restaurants (Chandler’s, Mitchell Street Pub, Pierson’s).
Bill and Carol’s
Best for: The mac salad locals bring to graduation parties
Notes: Family-owned for over 50 years. Fresh deli sandwiches, homemade soups and salads, daily specials.
Gorner Grocer
Best for: A neighborhood favorite you’d never find unless you knew
Notes: Deli sandwiches, chicken salad, and frosted cinnamon bread. Friendly faces every time.
Where to Get the Best Burgers in Petoskey
Southwoods
Best for: Hand-pattied burgers made in house—where the locals go
Notes: Try the Chicago Burger (bleu cheese, bacon, Swiss) or the Olive Burger. Full bar, happy hour specials daily. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Mitchell Street Pub
Best for: Classic pub burgers in a fun, quirky dive bar
Notes: Peanut shells on the floor, walls covered in antiques and Michigan memorabilia, best jukebox north of the 45th. Hand-pattied Pub Burger, famous white chili, killer nachos. Try the French onion soup. 22 beers on tap. Gift cards available—good at all four Symons family restaurants (Chandler’s, Pierson’s, Symons General Store).
Petoskey Brewing Company
Best for: Smash burgers and craft beer in a 115-year-old brewery
Notes: Historic building—beer flowed here in 1898 and again since 2012. Try the Signature Burger, Olive Burger, or Blue Fig. Great beer selection, house-made root beer. Dog-friendly patio with views of the pond. Right on the bike trail.
Tap 30
Best for: Comfort food with a twist and serious craft beer selection
Notes: Downtown Petoskey. 30 rotating taps, inventive menu. Try the Truffle Cheddar Fries or Fried Chicken Sandwich. Dog-friendly patio, great kids menu.
Best Pizza in Petoskey
Not all pizza is created equal. Here’s what each spot does best:
Piper’s Mighty Good Pizza
Best for: Pizzas you won’t find anywhere else
Notes: Harbor Springs. Award-winning, ten years running. Try Brie’s Favorite (spinach-artichoke dip pizza), Crab Rangoon Pizza, or The Monster (6 lb beast). Gluten-free and vegan options. Delivery available. Gift cards available.
Mighty Fine
Best for: Petoskey’s first pizza place—still going strong since 1966
Notes: Tiny storefront, huge flavor. Pickup or delivery only. Homemade everything. Try the Northmen or the Burnt (intentionally crispy!). Delivers to Petoskey, Bay Harbor, Harbor Springs, and more. Gift cards available.
BC Pizza
Best for: Affordable, no-frills pizza the whole family will love
Notes: Fresh dough made daily. Weekday lunch buffet with salad bar—solid deal. Gift cards available.
Jets
Best for: Detroit-style deep dish with crispy, cheesy corners
Notes: The 8-corner pizza is a fan favorite. Great for meat lovers.
Duffy’s Garage & Grille
Best for: Pizza with great gluten-free options
Notes: GF pizza, burgers, bruschetta, and more. Good variety for dietary needs.
Pond Hill Farm
Best for: Pizza, wine, and farm fun all in one spot
Notes: Harbor Springs. Wood-fired pizza, farm-to-table lunches. Winery, brewery, farm animals, seasonal activities. Sunday brunch.
Mancino’s
Best for: Grinders and pizza for the whole family
Notes: Fresh grinders, pizza, pasta, and salads. Family-friendly prices.
Corktown
Best for: Detroit-style square pizza with crispy edges
Notes: Try the Motown Meat Lover or the Randazzo (pepperoni, jalapeños, hot honey). Gluten-free options available.
Full Moon Pizza
Best for: Wood-fired pizza in downtown Petoskey
Notes: Located at The Back Lot. Open seasonally. Simple, affordable, smoky flavor.
Turkey’s Cafe and Pizzeria
Best for: A Harbor Springs tradition since 1975
Notes: Downtown Harbor Springs. Family-owned for nearly 50 years. Breakfast, lunch, and pizza for dinner. A local gathering spot where everyone feels at home.
Best Seafood & Friday Fish Fry in Petoskey
Hoppie’s Landing
Best for: Surprisingly great food inside a tiny airport
Notes: Pellston, inside the airport. Don’t let the location fool you—this is legit. Fish fry, burgers, pizza, and more. Unique atmosphere with taxidermy throughout. Worth the drive.
Moose Jaw Junction
Best for: Fish, burgers, and fajitas in a rustic country setting
Notes: Larks Lake. Named after the old Moose Jaw Lumber Camp. Fresh whitefish, great cod basket, poutine, and fajitas that sizzle. On the snowmobile and ATV trails. Worth the drive.
Northwood Family Restaurant
Best for: Fresh fish and hearty comfort food in Oden
Notes: Right off the bike trail. Great whitefish, legendary fried mushrooms. All-You-Can-Eat Shrimp is a local favorite—call for details.
Scalawags
Best for: Fresh fish and chips—some say the best in northern Michigan
Notes: Petoskey. Whitefish, walleye, perch, cod, even bluegill. Fresh fish daily, house-made tartar sauce. Fast, friendly, and clean. Also in Mackinaw City.
Bob’s Place
Best for: Comfort food and good times at an Alanson landmark
Notes: Alanson. Soup and salad bar, prime rib, fish fry, burgers, wet burritos. Trivia and Singo nights. Full bar. A local favorite since the mid-70s.
Wildwood Lakes Golf Course
Best for: A hidden gem for fresh fish—and golf if you’re into it
Notes: Clubhouse serves up great fish fry, burgers, and daily specials. Worth the drive even if you skip the course.
Crow’s Nest
Best for: Perch on the Porch—some say the best fried perch around
Notes: Known for their perch buffet nights and house-made tartar sauce. Also great steaks and fried chicken. Cozy atmosphere, full bar. They do catering and weddings too.
Best Steakhouses in Petoskey
Luckey’s Steakhouse
Best for: Steakhouse quality at prices that won’t break the bank
Notes: Petoskey. Prime rib, filet mignon, ribeye, surf & turf—big menu with something for everyone. Try the Lucky’s Prime Time (prime rib with mushrooms, onions, melted mozzarella). Seafood options too. Happy hour Monday-Friday. Carryout and delivery available. Gift cards available.
Teddy Griffin’s
Best for: Classic roadhouse steaks with Irish pub charm
Notes: Harbor Springs. Prime rib, ribs, frog legs, fresh Great Lakes fish. Try the Ted Bread and save room for the homemade carrot cake. Pub side for sports and pizza, dining room for a full meal. Red Wings memorabilia everywhere.
Northwood Family Restaurant
Best for: Hearty steaks and comfort food in Oden
Notes: Right off the bike trail. Steaks, country fried steak, liver and onions—classic comfort food. Big portions, family atmosphere.
Vernales
Best for: Award-winning steakhouse with something for everyone
Notes: Between Petoskey and Harbor Springs. Named #1 Steakhouse in Michigan and Top 50 in the Nation. Three dining rooms: Sports Bar for casual, Wine Cellar for intimate, Chophouse for celebrations. Steaks, seafood, pasta. Wine Spectator award-winning wine list. Outdoor patios in summer.
Vintage Chophouse
Best for: A splurge-worthy steak dinner with lakefront views
Notes: Bay Harbor, inside the Inn. Dry-aged ribeye, filet, prime rib. 140+ wine list. Waterfront patio in summer, fireplace in winter. Great for anniversaries.
City Park Grill
Best for: Dining where Hemingway once sat
Notes: Downtown Petoskey, one of the oldest buildings in town (1875). Prime rib, shepherd’s pie, jambalaya. Famous hot biscuits. Voted #1 for live entertainment. Karaoke and trivia nights. Happy hour.
The New York Restaurant
Best for: An elegant yet relaxed dinner in Harbor Springs
Notes: Overlooking Little Traverse Bay in a historic building. Filet, whitefish, lamb shank, sushi nights. Early dining specials. Reservations recommended.
The Side Door Saloon
Best for: Prime rib that locals swear by
Notes: A Michigan tradition. Prime rib served Wednesday-Saturday, Twin Lobster Tails on Tuesday. Also known for the olive burger, meatloaf sandwich, and prime rib quesadilla. Patio seating. Good for large groups.
Douglas Lake Bar
Best for: Some of the best steaks in northern Michigan—worth the drive
Notes: Pellston area, on Douglas Lake. Rustic log building with giant fieldstone fireplaces. Ribeye, filet, fresh walleye, whitefish. Live music on Sundays in summer. Come by car or boat. Seasonal—call ahead or check hours. Reservations recommended.
Michael’s Tavern
Best for: Award-winning steaks in a historic log cabin setting
Notes: Indian River. Best Steakhouse, Best Fine Dining, Best Romantic Restaurant—they’ve won them all. 1938 log building, rustic-chic vibe. 72-hour braised short ribs, hand-cut steaks, sushi, truffle fries. Steakhouse for special occasions, tavern for casual. Live music. Reservations recommended.
Buffets & All-You-Can-Eat
Petoskey Snowmobile & ORV Club
Best for: The locals-only breakfast you won’t find on Google
Notes: Winter Sundays, 8am-12pm. All-you-can-eat breakfast—bacon, eggs, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and more. One price supports the club.
China King Buffet
Best for: All-you-can-eat Chinese buffet with a huge selection
Notes: Petoskey. Buffet keeps getting refilled, staff is friendly. Crab rangoons, honey chicken, dumplings, sushi, and those little donuts. Dine-in or takeout. Families have been coming here for 20+ years.
BC Pizza
Best for: Lunch buffet with pizza and salad bar
Notes: Petoskey. All-you-can-eat pizza and salad buffet at lunch. Buttery breadsticks. Kid-friendly. Check hours for buffet availability.
Little Bay Gourmet
Best for: Build-your-own salad bar by the pound
Notes: Downtown Petoskey. Grab-and-go lunches, heat-and-eat meals, catering.
Best Restaurants with Live Music & Entertainment
Beach’s Up North Tavern
Best for: Smoked BBQ and burgers worth the drive to Pellston
Notes: The brisket, ribs, and wings are incredible. Owner smokes all the meat with homemade rub. Try the B-Train Burger (brisket burger topped with pulled brisket). Live music, dog-friendly beer garden, cornhole. Gift cards available.
Noggin Room Pub
Best for: A hidden basement pub with live entertainment
Notes: Tucked under the Perry Hotel. Try the Beast Burger or the pizza. Free popcorn, Michigan craft beers, happy hour. Live music weekends, trivia Mondays, bingo Wednesdays.
Brandy’s Harbortown
Best for: Casual waterfront hangout with live music and marina views
Notes: Bay Harbor. Lobster quesadilla, fish tacos, smash burgers, bowls, and more. Dog-friendly patio, great happy hour. Gluten-free friendly. Gift cards available—good at Brandy’s, NOMAD, and Maple + Batter.
Northern Lights Recreation
Best for: Bowling, beer, and bar food all under one roof
Notes: Harbor Springs. Louie’s Sports Bar & Grill inside—nominated for best burger, best pizza, best wings. Bowling, arcade, laser tag, VR arena. Rocky’s Beer Garden with outdoor mini golf, fire pits, live music. Great for families or a fun night out.
Best Upscale Dining in Petoskey
Chandler’s
Best for: New American fare and sushi with a 4,000-bottle wine cellar
Notes: Downtown Petoskey, Gaslight District. Intimate dining, seasonal patio, wine cellar seating. Great for date nights and private events.
Palette Bistro
Best for: Mediterranean-inspired dining with bay views
Notes: Downtown Petoskey. Indoor dining, streetside patio, upper deck with Little Traverse Bay views. Known for Petoskey’s best happy hour. Vegan options. Great for events. Part of Wineguys Restaurant Group.
Pierson’s
Best for: Upscale pub fare with après ski vibes
Notes: Harbor Springs. Prime Angus burgers, fall-off-the-bone ribs, walleye, sushi, filet, and wild game bolognese. Dog-friendly patio. Good for large groups. Reservations recommended. Gift cards available—good at all four Symons family restaurants (Chandler’s, Mitchell Street Pub, Symons General Store).
Barrel Back
Best for: Stunning Walloon Lake views and smoked meats
Notes: Walloon Lake. Indoor bar, outdoor patio, seasonal Dock Bar. Fireplace in winter, ice skating rink next door. Great for date night or families.
Walloon Lake Inn
Best for: A special occasion dinner at a Walloon Lake landmark
Notes: Fine dining since 1891. Seasonal menu, lake views, elegant atmosphere. Popular for anniversaries and weddings. Reservations recommended.
Leto’s
Best for: Italian fine dining that people can’t stop raving about
Notes: Downtown Petoskey. House-made pasta, small plates, craft cocktails. Same owners as Tap 30 and The Back Lot. No menu modifications—chef-driven experience. Dog-friendly patio. Reservations recommended.
Spring and Porter
Best for: Modern, globally-inspired fine dining by a talented local chef
Notes: Chef Tommy Kaszubowski’s seasonal menu features filet, halibut, venison, scallops. Wine cellar, craft cocktails. Great for anniversaries and special occasions. Private events for up to 80 guests. Happy hour daily. Reservations recommended.
The Perry Hotel / HO Rose Room
Best for: Breakfast with panoramic Little Traverse Bay views
Notes: Inside the historic Perry Hotel, downtown Petoskey. Famous Cinnamon Bread French Toast, eggs benedict, omelets. Homemade jams, fresh baked goods. Sunday brunch. Open to the public.
Best Bucket List & Unique Experiences in Petoskey
Hiro Sushi & Steak House
Best for: Hibachi dinner and a show—finally in Petoskey!
Notes: Petoskey. Hibachi grill with entertaining chefs, fresh sushi, Japanese steakhouse. Great for date night, groups, or family fun. Sushi side is quieter, hibachi side is lively. New to the area and locals are thrilled.
Pond Hill Farm
Best for: A full day of farm fun, wood-fired pizza, and local wine
Notes: Harbor Springs, on the Tunnel of Trees. Winery, brewery, hard cider—all made on-site. Wood-fired pizza, farm-to-table food. Gnome hunt trail for kids, farm animals, playground, squash cannons. Live music, seasonal festivals. Winter tubing and groomed trails. Dog-friendly. Plan to stay awhile.
Best Food Trucks in Petoskey
The Back Lot
Best for: Food trucks, craft beer, and laid-back vibes
Notes: Downtown Petoskey. Multiple food trucks—tacos, pizza, fish & chips, grilled cheese, Mediterranean, and more. Great beer selection, outdoor seating, pet-friendly. Some trucks seasonal—Happy’s Taco open year-round. Perfect when your group can’t agree on what to eat.
Bear Creek Organic Farm
Best for: Farm-fresh food truck and organic market
Notes: Bear Creek. Food truck serves burgers, sandwiches, soups—all made with farm-grown ingredients. Shop the market for organic produce, local honey, maple syrup, greens. Beautiful grounds, peaceful vibe. Food truck seasonal (late April–November)
Fast Food Options in Petoskey
Sometimes you just need something quick and familiar. Here’s what’s available in the Petoskey area:
- McDonald’s – Download the app for deals.
- Wendy’s – Download the app for deals.
- Burger King – Download the app for deals.
- Taco Bell – Download the app for deals.
- Subway – Download the app for deals.
- Panera – Download the app for deals.
- Arby’s – Download the app for deals.
- Culver’s – Download the app for deals.
- Starbucks – Download the app for deals.
- Kentucky Fried Chicken – Download the app for deals.
Budget hot food:
- Louie’s (Division St.) – hot breakfast and lunch bar
Best Treats & Desserts in Petoskey
Johan’s Pastry Shop
Best for: The best donuts you’ll ever have—locals swear by them
Notes: A Petoskey institution. Donuts, pies, cinnamon rolls, custom cakes, and more. Try the cream-filled long johns or cherry pie.
Kilwins
Best for: Ice cream, fudge, and chocolates—a Petoskey original since 1947
Notes: Downtown location in the Gaslight District for ice cream and fudge. Chocolate Kitchen on the edge of town is the headquarters—watch them make chocolates, free samples, giant chocolate sculptures. Both worth a visit.
Crooked Tree Breadworks
Best for: The smell alone will pull you in
Notes: Petoskey. Artisan sourdough, baguettes, scones, cookies. Locals swear by the Parmesan Pepper rolls and cherry walnut sourdough. They ship if you need a fix back home.
JoJo’s Cookie Co.
Best for: Gourmet cookies that people can’t stop raving about
Notes: Petoskey. Soft-baked, fresh gourmet cookies. Try the Kitchen Sink or Cosmic Brownie. Order online and pick up, or they ship nationwide. Great for gifts.
Pistachio
Best for: Macarons that people say are the best they’ve ever had
Notes: Downtown Petoskey. Family-owned pastry shop. Macarons, cannoli, small desserts. Gluten-free options.
Murdick’s Fudge and Ice Cream
Best for: Old-fashioned fudge from a family in the candy business since 1887
Notes: Downtown Petoskey. Homemade fudge, ice cream, caramel corn, peanut brittle, saltwater taffy. Try the Petoskey Stone ice cream or cherry chocolate fudge. A downtown classic.
Snickerdoodlz Frozen Yogurt
Best for: Self-serve froyo and bubble tea
Notes: Petoskey. Build your own frozen yogurt with rotating flavors and tons of toppings. Bubble tea, Dole Whip, acai bowls. Vegan and dairy-free options. No-Weigh Wednesdays for a flat rate.
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