This is by no means an exhaustive list. There are a few foods and places I’d like to share. Feel free to add your own suggestions.
Cops and Doughnuts, Clare, Michigan
When this historic bakery, which had been in operation since 1890, was going to close, the local police force rallied to the cause. They bought the bakery, and it seems to be larger and busier each time I have visited.
The novelty of cops owning a doughnut shop has brought in loads of publicity, and people come from all over. If you are passing through, why not stop? And while you are getting some doughnuts, why not buy a T shirt, mug, frisbee or key chain?
In fact, why not stop and buy something at one of the local stores? This bakery seems to be the anchor of main street and an engine of development. I have visited Clare at least five times, and each time I visit, the town looks more prosperous.
Let’s hear it for the boys in blue!
Spike’s Keg O’ Nails, Grayling, Michigan
The old neon sign is what drew me in. Well, that and the name. It was an atmospheric place – dark pine paneling and wooden booths that were carved with people’s names. Before I could whip out my Swiss Army knife, though, I noticed that there were signs all over that said that carving was prohibited by the health department. Violators would be thrown out and barred for life.
Since I am the law-abiding sort and I was getting hungry, I decided to skip the woodworking and just order dinner. To my everlasting disappointment, I didn’t order the famous SPIKEBURGER that was advertised on the sign. I had a hankering for a patty melt, and so that is what I got. With a side of deep fried macaroni and cheese. It’s a good thing that they had the music turned up, because it was almost drowned out by the sound of my arteries slamming shut. What was I thinking when I ordered that?
I tried to read the history of the place that was printed on the menu, but the restaurant was heavy on the atmosphere and light on the light. I did managed to pick out that Spike opened the bar the day after prohibition ended. It burned down several times, changed locations and owners, but seems to be chugging along just fine.
So, if you decide to have dinner in Grayling, why not head to Spike’s Keg O’ Nails? After all, it is the “Meeting Place of the North” – is says so on the sign. You might want to consider skipping the deep fried macaroni and cheese.
Lock VIEW Restaurant, Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan
It has a view of the lock. The view is better than the food.
Palace Restaurant and Saloon, Sault Saint Marie, Michigan
If you are looking for a place to eat that is near the locks, and you don’t need a view, you might just amble down the street a block or two to Palace Restaurant and Saloon.
This restaurant is a fixture in the Soo. It opened in 1903 was a hotel and restaurant. As with Spike’s Keg O’ Nails in Grayling, it has changed hands many times. I assume that the Mexican theme came with one of the later changes. My burrito was good, and I’d gladly eat there again.
McDonald’s, Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan
I know, not terribly exciting, but in a nod to the tastes of their neighbors to the north, I was pleased to see that they provide vinegar for the french fries.
The Gay Bar, Gay, Michigan
My friends, Linda and Tim were in the UP when I was, so they came to take me to The Gay Bar.
Linda tells me that this is THE most photographed bar sign in the UP. I have no reason to doubt her.
The menu leans strongly toward hot dogs. In fact, I think I counted about 30 different ways you can get your hot dog.
If you like, they have a wide variety of souvenirs you can buy. They will even sell them to you on line, so you don’t even need to go to the UP to buy Gay Bar swag.
The Berry Patch, Paradise, Michigan
If you haven’t had a pasty by the time you get to Tahquamenon Falls, by all means head to the Berry Patch in Paradise, Michigan. I had never had my pasties with gravy. I would recommend spending the extra buck and getting a side of gravy.
Hilltop Restaurant, L’Anse, Michigan
This was another one of Linda and Tim’s suggestions. They said that I must get one of their cinnamon rolls when I came back through. I did. This puppy must have weighted three pounds!
I sliced it up and ate it for breakfast for several days.
Copper Country Strawberries from a Roadside Stand
Delicious!
Trenary Toast
After seeing the familiar brown bag in several stores, I decided to see just what Trenary Toast was. It is toasted bread that has toppings baked into it. It was an interesting and crunchy little snack.
Suomi Home Bakery and Restaurant, Houghton, Michigan
A Finnish restaurant in Houghton, Michigan, one block off the main drag and one block from the water. The food was good, and how often do you have the opportunity to try Finnish food?
I made a return visit because the people working there had such wonderful positive energy – and I liked the food.
Gemignani’s Italian Specialties, Hancock, Michigan
An Italian restaurant in the Finnish part of town. It’s right across the street from Finlandia, University.
I wonder what the ratio of K’s is to other letters of the Finnish vocabulary?
I love tomato caprese, but I’d never had it baked before. It was delightful, as was the bruschetta. This is definitely a place I would recommend.
And that is the end of my gustatory tour of Michigan. Just wait until I get to the fish boil in Wisconsin!