Taste some of the unique flavors that have found their way up north.

From traditional pasties to Southern food to Thai, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has a wide variety of places to try a new dish or dig into a favorite. These 10 dining locations are just a sliver of the available options. 

  1. Joe's Pasty Shop - Ironwood: Stop in and have a traditional pasty, the quintessential U.P. staple that consists of baked pastry shells stuffed with ground beef and root vegetables. Joe’s has been serving them since 1946 and claims to be the first pasty shop established in the Upper Peninsula.
  2. Four Suns Fish & Chips - Hancock: You will not be disappointed by this local favorite which is considered to have some of the best fish and chips around. Their fresh Lake Superior whitefish is served either fried or baked, and in dishes like their delectable whitefish tacos, tostadas and smoked fish chowder.
  3. Suomi Home Bakery & Restaurant - Houghton: The Finnish-inspired breakfasts and fresh-baked pastries from Suomi will keep you coming back for more. Enjoy unique treats like Finnish-style French toast or pannukakku (a custardy baked pancake) and American classics like omelets or biscuits and gravy.
  4. Fitzgerald’s Restaurant - Eagle River: Well known for its Southern BBQ and view of Lake Superior, you can’t go wrong with a stop at the Fitz.
  5. Rice Paddy - Marquette: This family-owned Thai restaurant is loved by locals and known for its friendly staff, welcoming atmosphere and generous-sized, fresh-to-order portions.
  6. Lagniappe Cajun Creole Eatery - Marquette: The flavors and decor at Lagniappe will transport you from northern Michigan to America’s South. Try tastes from the Carolinas, Tennessee, Louisiana and more.
  7. Steinhaus - Marquette: The Steinhaus’ menu features classic German- and European-inspired dishes and seasonal specials. Everything is made from scratch using local ingredients.
  8. Swedish Pantry Inc - Escanaba: The Swedish Pantry has a cute, funky decor and their dishes and baked goods taste just like Old World, homemade food. Guests can enjoy potato pancakes, kottbullar (Swedish meatballs with a lingonberries side), patatiskorv (potato sausage), cardamon bread pudding and much more. Stopping to see the collection of clocks is worth the drive into downtown.
  9. Antlers Restaurant - Sault Ste. Marie: Located across from the south end of the Soo Locks, The Antlers provides guests with a unique and memorable dining experience. Enjoy Up North cuisine like poutine, Michigan cherry chicken or whitefish while taking in the immense collection of taxidermy, antlers, antiques and memorabilia.
  10. Esther's Authentic Mexican Cuisine - Drummond Island: Esther’s uses fresh ingredients to make its amazing salsa and an extensive selection of traditional Mexican dishes and Americanized favorites.

Start planning your U.P. food fest now!