Suttons Bay’s culinary scene doesn’t take a day off—even when the weekend crowds have packed up. That’s good news for you, because whether you’re squeezing in a midweek escape or planning a leisurely Friday feast, we’ve scoured the shores and backroads to bring you the 17 spots that make this lakeside town a true dining destination.
Wren
$$$ | (231) 271-1175 | WEBSITE
There are people who go to Wren religiously in the fall, because it’s the only time they serve a velvety roasted white pumpkin soup that’s one of Suttons Bay’s very best dishes. But if you miss it, it’s not the end of the world. We can list 47 other reasons you should be coming here, including fabulous Bonded Pear cocktails, inventive wagyu steak, and the crunchiest butterscotch mousse you’ll ever encounter. If you’re here for the soup, make a reservation early. They can run out.
Taqueria Las Lagunas
$ | (231) 943-1101 | WEBSITE
This spot is a Northern Michigan classic that always makes us fall back in love with the area a little. As the reviews imply, Taqueria Las Lagunas is home to the best Mexican food in Suttons Bay. They have a variety of options like steak and al pastor tacos on freshly made corn tortillas, as well as favorites like enchiladas and barbacoa enchiladas.
But we prefer to keep it simple with the original: a steak burrito with hot salsa, barbacoa, and enough fresh ingredients to create a tiny replica of flavor perfection. Add a birria quesadilla to your order, and end with the homemade enchilada sauce. The friendly and fast service, pleasant atmosphere with outdoor tables and outlets, and reasonably priced dishes make it a must-visit.
Bay Burrito Co
$ | (231) 866-4082 | WEBSITE
The straightforward Mexican dishes at this Suttons Bay spot aren’t needlessly complicated, but still taste like every ingredient in the bowl has been carefully considered. They make some of the area’s best versions of the pork burrito bowl and loaded nachos, and walk that tricky tightrope between quick-service and quality. If you’re grabbing a fresh lunch, looking for something that’ll make the trip to the marina worth it, or just want incredible burritos, this is where you should end up.
Willow Winery & Vineyard
$$ | (231) 271-4810 | WEBSITE
Willow Winery & Vineyard is a great little winery in northern Michigan, and almost always the right answer for a laidback afternoon involving wine, scenic views, and the warm hospitality of owners Tracy and Harry. Willow Winery has indoor seating, beautiful grapevines to stroll through, and the most breathtaking views of West Bay within the region. The bottles of wine are highly reasonable too.
Start off with their exceptional Pinot Noir, a tasting flight of their solid offerings, and—if you’re not in the mood for just wine—some time soaking in the very pleasant and relaxing environment with the welcoming staff.
Norm & Irv’s Ice Cream Shop
$ | (616) 430-7155 | WEBSITE
For some delightful reason, the best time to visit Norm & Irv’s Ice Cream Shop is when you’ve promised your kids a treat after a long day of errands. So forget the chores and spend your afternoon hunting for that hidden $100 bill while enjoying a double scoop of their creamy ice cream with all the other families who come here on weekends to do the same. And if you can only make it in the evening, worry not, the dairy-free options are just as satisfying under the warm shop lights.
Gilchrist Farm Winery
$$ | (231) 916-3902 | WEBSITE
Gilchrist Farm Winery is a revived gem with great food, excellent wines, and friendly staff who know the region inside out. It’s the kind of place where you can order a burrata salad with a glass of local rosé and settle into the cozy tea house vibe. And you can do all that for lunch, brunch, or a tasting without needing a reservation.
Ciccone Vineyard & Winery
$$ | (231) 271-5553 | WEBSITE
Ciccone Vineyard & Winery, with its beautiful views and attentive staff, makes for a very lovely wine-focused afternoon—in case you’re treating friends who are visiting. You can also sit at the bar, enjoy a flight or two, and savor a delicious charcuterie board. The best way to do Ciccone, though, is to go sweet. This place’s stellar dessert wines should be reserved for a special toast or to cap off a perfect day.
They’ll give you the same level of attention as the group on the tour sitting next to you.
Roman Wheel Pizza & Subs
$ | (231) 271-4176 | WEBSITE
What do a perfect Friday night, a family tradition, and Roman Wheel Pizza & Subs have in common? They’re reliable. This beloved local spot in Suttons Bay is probably where your neighbors pick up their weekly pizza, so if you’re looking for a trendy new eatery, this isn’t it. But if you like nostalgia, generous slices of BLT pizza, or that phenomenal garlic Parmesan crust, look no further.
Bistro Polaris at Black Star Farms
$$ | (231) 944-1297 | WEBSITE
The most magical time to visit Bistro Polaris is, surprisingly, Sunday. Or, rather, every Sunday. That’s when they host a brunch celebration and feature live music inside the beautiful dining room. But even if there is no live music playing, this hidden gem is a dependable, moderately priced place to enjoy Italian pizza and generous portions.
Martha’s Leelanau Table
$$$ | (231) 271-2344 | WEBSITE
Surprise, surprise. One of the best restaurants in Suttons Bay (with the most enviable patio) is incredible any evening of the week. Plus, tables are easier to snag early in the week. Even if you can’t get in on a Monday, you can order from the entire menu at the bar and spend the whole evening trying to befriend the very personable bartenders who work here.
A glass of wine, an order of the monk fish risotto special, and that fork-tender steak is the way to get over the fact that it’s only Tuesday and you have three more days of meetings and people “piggy backing” off your vacation plans.
Chimoski Bakery
$ | (231) 271-2207 | WEBSITE
Just like its sister bakeries in the area, Chimoski Bakery is another delightful morning spot. It’s a charming establishment offering a menu that defies categorization but does not defy deliciousness. The selection includes some very creative muffin varieties, donuts, and a cherry pie that is basically one big, flaky masterpiece.
They run an early morning special that includes $3 muffins and $2 coffee refills—a deal so satisfying, you won’t find yourself staring out the window at other bakeries like some kind of jealous regular.
Hawkins Farm Cellars
$$ | (231) 271-2221 | WEBSITE
Hawkins Farm Cellars has always drawn enough wine enthusiasts to justify a tasting room bigger than a farm shed. You come here for generous pours, one of Suttons Bay’s best peach and honey wines, and a selection of vintages the entire group, no matter how varied their palates may be, can enjoy. This is all still true now that Hawkins Farm Cellars has settled into its cozy spot right off M-22. But a few things have stood out (for the better).
There’s a welcoming atmosphere, a surprisingly good Thai food menu, and a brand new cider and beer offering, which includes refreshing local brews.
Black Star Farms Suttons Bay
$$ | (231) 944-1270 | WEBSITE
Black Star Farms Suttons Bay is our favorite wine destination north of Traverse City. If you’re coming here for a weekend getaway, order the Sirius raspberry dessert wine. The tasting flight comes with three pours (Sirius, gamay noir, spirit of apple & maple), as well as a cheese plate. It’s under $25, too. Service is exceptional and warmer than the beautiful scenery you can enjoy from their patio overlooking the vineyards.
22 Vines And Wines
$$ | (231) 271-2221 | WEBSITE
22 Vines And Wines isn’t your typical Thai spot, so it’s learned how to be the perfect neighborhood restaurant: welcoming, reasonably priced, shareable, and reliably tasty. Come by on a Thursday evening, split a Thai pizza, and forget about your week’s to-do list for an hour.
V.I. Grill
$ | (231) 271-3300 | WEBSITE
V.I. Grill on a Tuesday evening really messes with our usual routine. But the side effects of a fish feast so early in the week do not outweigh the benefits of dinner at V.I. Grill. Tables are also much easier to snag on a Tuesday. If you forget to plan ahead, the patio during sunset is a more relaxed alternative to a formal meal. You can enjoy walleye and perch and listen to the lively atmosphere from the outdoor seating.
The Vineyard Inn
$$$ | (231) 941-7060 | WEBSITE
The Vineyard Inn’s cozy accommodations and stunning lakefront setting are the perfect solution for a relaxing getaway with you and your favorite travel companion. Every pizza and drink you order at the on-site Bistro will have you eagerly returning to the outdoor seating area so you can soak in more of those breathtaking lake views. The only day you can’t experience chef Josh’s perfect drink pairings is Tuesday.
North Country Kitchen and Bar
$$ | (231) 271-5000 | WEBSITE
North Country Kitchen and Bar is still the best restaurant in Suttons Bay. The prime rib is a seamless execution of classic comfort. The Cajun Walleye uses a local catch, the white chicken chili has rustic charm in its broth, and so many of the best dishes showcase ingredients from the peninsula. This is American fare done North Country style.