Eat and drink your way around the Keweenaw Peninsula like a local with our personal recommendations at these off-the-beaten-path spots.
During the Keweenaw’s busy months, our favorite go-to restaurants like The Fitz and Harbor Haus are coveted spots, making them hard to sneak into (but still very much worth it). Taking a page from Anthony Bordain, sometimes we want to shake things up by visiting the hidden gems that aren’t on everyone’s radar. Our Fresh Coast Cabins Keweenaw foodie tour will take you to off-the-beaten-path places you might not see in typical guidebooks.
We all know how to open up Yelp or Trip Advisor in hopes of finding the best places for local fare and drinks when we’re traveling. But to take your foodie adventures to the next level by connecting with the regional culture, you gotta talk to the locals and eat where the locals eat.
We’ve already done the hard work of trying all the food to give you only the best recommendations and locals’ secrets. Just pack your stretchy pants and show up!
Breakfast at Slim’s Cafe
The bustling atmosphere, super friendly staff, and quick service make this one of our favorite spots for breakfast any time of day.
What we love: The first thing you notice when you walk in is the decadent scent of their famous cinnamon buns baking, which are a must-try. You can’t go wrong with the cinna-mini breakfast!
Price point: $2 for a cup of coffee, $5-11 for breakfast
When to go: All-day breakfast from 6-2 daily; 6-3 on Sundays
Menu & info: poorrockabbey.com
Location: 6500 M-26, Eagle Harbor, MI 49950
Baked Goods to Go at Jampot
Stop at Jampot before they close to get breakfast for the next day.
What we love: Their homemade preserves made from local berries are to die for and pair wonderfully with their baked goods. We highly recommend the Abbey Bread—”moistened” with bourbon and made by monks!
Price point: $25 for a jar of wild thimbleberry jam, Abbey Bread is $$$
When to go: Go early before all the baked goods sell out! Open Tues-Saturday from 10-5pm
Menu & info: poorrockabbey.com
Location: 6500 M-26, Eagle Harbor, MI 49950
Lunch at Rock Skipper’s Fish ‘n’ Chips
Don’t bother Googling this place, you won’t find it. Just trust us when we tell you you have to go to this food truck for the best fish tacos of your life. Fresh Lake Superior whitefish served al fresco has given the Fish Truck a cult following.
What we love: The fish they use in their breaded fish tacos are caught that same morning! The whitefish is nice and flakey, served on a flour tortilla with guacamole, mango/ginger/habanero sauce, chipotle/garlic crema, and a carrot and red cabbage slaw. Plus, you can eat your fish while sipping a beer on the outdoor patio of neighboring Brickside Brewery.
When to go: Opens at Noon but sells out quickly! Get there before 2:00 at the latest to be safe.
Price point: $14 for two fish tacos
Location: Downtown Copper Harbor, one block west of the Minnetonka/blinking light on US 41
Note: FKA Matt’s Fish ‘n’ Chips, locally known as Fish Truck, but its new name is Rock Skipper’s
Dinner at Glacia Tavern
Glacia’s full bar and lively dinner crowd make this Mohawk local’s spot a place we love to stay and linger.
What we love: The buttermilk chicken sandwich is always a winner here. The super crispy chicken, aioli sauce, and perfectly-cooked fries never disappoint.
Price point: $14.50 for the buttermilk fried chicken—costs range from $12-$20
When to go: open every day 3pm-9pm, except Tuesdays
Menu & info: glaciatavernkeweenaw.com/menu
Location: 3607 U.S. HWY 41, Mohawk, MI 49950
Wet Your Whistle at Cliff View Bar
Don’t just drive by on your way to the Harbor. 👀
This Keweenaw institution is a well-known sledding (snowmobile) pit stop along the ATV trails. Regardless of what time of year you stop in, the local vibe, killer view, and screaming good deals make this a mandatory foodie tour destination.
What we love: Order the pudding shots from Marjie! She makes them fresh every day. Their foot-long hot dog is also very well loved.
Price point: $6 hot dogs, $2 pudding shots
When to go: Weekday happy hour is 4-7pm, but their prices can’t be beaten no matter when you go
Menu & info: cliffviewbar.com
Location: 5014 US-41, Cliff Dr, MI 49950
Snacks at Offshore Fish & Chips
Tucked into Calumet, find baskets of fish big enough to feed an entire family.
Conspicuously tucked away in a historic building inside the Keweenaw National Historical Park, this unassuming cafe will draw you in with the smell of fresh fish and keep you around for the fried baskets.
What we love: The baskets! Fried pickles, fried mushrooms, fish ‘n’ chips, and more. You do you.
Price point: $7-15
When to go: Open Tues-Saturday, 12-8pm
Menu & info: Website
Location: 431 5th St, Calumet, MI 49913
More to come…
We’ll keep adding to this list so drop us a line if you’ve found something in the Keweenaw that we should check out!