As the hub of the foodie scene in the U.P., Marquette, MI has dozens of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants to tempt your palate.
MORNING
BRUNCH O'CLOCK
BODEGA
Serving breakfast all day, plus lunch and dinner, Bodega can meet all of your foodie needs. With nearly everything made in-house, sourced locally when possible and cooked fresh for your order, you can’t go wrong here with anything on the menu. Try the Spud plate, with grilled potatoes, onions, peppers, mushrooms and spinach with eggs and toast, or the El Zorro Burrito, build your own omelet or dive into a stack of buttermilk pancakes or plate of homemade biscuits and gravy. If you are craving a cocktail with your breakfast, the juice for the mimosas is fresh-squeezed!
231 WEST
Eat-in, on their little balcony, or take your 231 West treats to go at this proper french bakery where every perfectly-crafted goodie looks and tastes divine. Grab a couple of traditional buttery, flaky croissants, or a sweet (chocolate) or savory (prosciutto, white cheddar and bechamel) one, an almond frangipane or try their Tasty Little Biscuit (warm cheddar scallion biscuit with sausage gravy) or a homemade toaster strudel. Don’t forget to pick up a box of macarons for later. You won’t regret it!
STEINHAUS
Steinhaus is an absolute must-stop brunch spot. Country fried Schnitzel, wurst and eggs, heavenly vegetarian hash and handcrafted cocktails — brunch at the Stein will leave your taste buds satisfied and you begging to come back for their dinner service. It’s made from scratch, German-inspired fare with a unique element in every dish. As they say, "it’s the wurst restaurant in town!" Brunch service runs Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
AFTERNOON
LUNCHTIME FAVORITES
DONCKERS
Kids of all ages love this old-fashioned soda fountain candy shop breakfast and lunch stop. Warm up with soup and sammies after a hike. Try the Scarecrow (turkey, bacon, roasted red peppers, smoked gouda and avocado) on locally made bread or house focaccia, one of the many vegetarian options, or an elevated grilled cheese with dried cranberries, grilled onion, bacon and goat cheese. Leave room for a visit to Doncker's candy counter, where cases of homemade chocolates will have your mouth watering for some to take home.
COURTYARD'S SECOND LINE T BOYS AND TAPAS
Enjoy specialty Courtyard's craft cocktails, local brews on tap and wine with your T-boy, shrimp and chips, or whitefish and crispy broken fries at this indoor food truck. Lagniappe's sister cocktail bar/ restaurant wouldn’t be complete without gumbo, poutine fries and jalapeno hush puppies. It’s the perfect spot for a quick bite in a fun, inviting atmosphere.
EVENING
LOCAL CLASSICS
VANGO’S
Discover this local favorite and you’ll see why Vango’s is the oldest pizza parlor in Marquette. Homemade dough, homemade sauce, homemade cudighi and homemade Greek specialties like Spanakopita, Dolmathes, gyros and baklava keep locals coming back. The menu also includes plenty of salads, sandwiches and burgers and delicious waffle fries. Locals also love the Cudighi with the works or the Cudighi pizza. Stop in and you’ll see why Vango’s is a hometown favorite.
PORTSIDE INN
Believe the hype, the breadsticks are that good! Duck into this nautical-themed bar and restaurant with vintage photos on the walls for fantastic pub food or sit outside on their quaint, inviting, dog-friendly deck. Some creative takes and fantastic originals like their famous Baked French Onion soup, crispy onion rings, stacked sandwiches, fire-grilled burgers, homemade soup, pasta and pizzas.
One visit and you’ll know why Portside has been a Marquette tradition for nearly 40 years. The smiles are genuine, the food fresh and delicious and locally sourced when possible, like Huron Mountain Bakery fresh baked bread, hand-cut steaks from Marquette Meats, in-season Farmer’s Market produce and Thill’s Fish House fresh-caught Lake Superior whitefish.
VIERLING & MARQUETTE HARBOR BREWERY
Come for the view, stay for the food in this historic landmark spot. Fresh Lake Superior Whitefish is a specialty. Have it your way in bites, cajun style, piccata, chowder, fish fry or one of their house specials topped with shrimp, onions and green peppers in garlic butter sauce over parmesan linguine. Family-owned for more than 35 years, the Vierling is also Marquette’s first brewery, so you’ll want to try one of their house brews, with a nice selection that includes several light American ales, several fruit beers, a Honey Wheat, as well as porters and an Extra Special English Bitter.
PUB LOVERS
DIGS
Classic comfort food and cocktails with a tasty Digs' twist. Try the Kimchi Rice Balls or the Mac Rolls with pulled pork, sweet heat BBQ and chipotle ranch. Dive into the Big Lake Cakes or Big Lake Tacos or one of their Almost Famous burgers, meaty wings, or a specialty dog. Excellent craft cocktails and a fun outdoor seating area called DIGS’ City Beach make this the perfect summer gathering spot.
STUCKO'S
Famous for their fantastic burgers and homemade bourbon bbq, step into Stucko's sports pub for some wings, rings and baskets. They even have a daily poutine menu, late-night menu and Friday fish fry menu. With nearly a dozen beers on tap and plenty of local ones, try a flight of four to help you find your fave then sit back and dig into some fine pub grub while you watch the game.
LAKE SUPERIOR SMOKEHOUSE BREWPUB
House-made sauces and tender delicious smoked meats will win you over at Lake Superior Smokehouse Brewpub. Pick your portion size with one, two, or three meats and sides like homemade smoked gouda mac and cheese, coleslaw, fries, smoked baked beans, salad or veggies. Share the three and three plate with three meats and three sides or split the Smokehouse Sampler, with BBQ Ribs, Pulled Pork, Brisket, Andouille Sausage and BBQ Chicken for an all-meat extravaganza. Not in the mood for barbecue? Their French Dip is amazing. A half a dozen of their own brews on tap plus guest brews give you plenty to choose from.
PALATE PLEASERS
IRON BAY RESTAURANT & DRINKERY
Dine in this historic former train station steps from the Lower Harbor and the old Ore Dock with Superior views from inside or out. Dine on the outdoor balcony and get a dose of history as you browse the menu, which is full of tasty options. The Superior Whitefish Chowder gets rave reviews, as do their burgers. Vegetarians and vegans won’t be disappointed either. Try Iron Bay's Blueberry Zucchini Panini with or without goat cheese or the quinoa sweet potato veggie burger with red beet hummus. Seasonal house-grown herbs are used to flavor the dishes and their unique craft cocktails, which include interesting takes on the classics. Try a Blueberry Basil Mojito for a refreshing summer drink while you sit, sip, savor and take in the scene.
THE DELFT BISTRO
Choose from a cinematic-themed menu in this old-school movie theatre with a cool vibe, next-level gastronomic creations and elevated cocktails. For your Opening Act, order the cheese curds and slider flight: one beef, one falafel and one pulled pork. Under Special Features, try the poutine, with braised short ribs, caramelized onions, a fried egg and brussel sprouts. The fried brussel sprouts get their own billing—for good reason. For your Main Act, dine on “fall off the bone” pork ribs with sriracha-maple glaze, salmon ratatouille, or one of their delicious vegetarian or vegan options like the Buddha Bowl with roasted sweet potatoes, crispy chickpeas, charred broccolini, kale and maple tahini, or the wild mushroom risotto or pesto pappardelle. Unique flavor combinations, fresh ingredients, in a hip atmosphere where films play silently on a big screen while you dine make The Delft a place you’ll want to return to again and again. Kid-friendly and sophisticated all in one locale.
LAGNIAPPE
Step inside Lagniappe and you'll feel like you have left Marquette and slid right into Louisiana. Discover authentic cajun and creole classics and traditional southern dishes, made from scratch and perfectly seasoned (not all heat!). Boudin Balls, peel-and-eat NOLA Style BBQ Shrimp, jambalaya, gumbo, Crawfish Étouffée, Seafood Risotto and Bayou Bouillabaisse will tantalize your taste buds and have you planning your next visit so you can sample more. Save room for the hot french beignets coated in powdered sugar to make your trip to NOLA in MQT complete.
