Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been visiting Frankfort, MI. My aunt Jeanne would take me hiking at Greenpoint Dunes, and we would swim in the pristine waters of Lake Michigan.
Fast-forward 30 years, and I finally made the move to Benzie County. As a result, I visit Frankfort almost daily, and I’ve become fond of several restaurants in the area. I’d like to share a few of my favorites with anyone looking for the best options near Betsie Bay.
There’s enough influencer content on the “best restaurants in Frankfort, MI” from non-local tourists who happen to visit hotspots, like the obvious Stormcloud Brewing in downtown Frankfort or the iconic Cabbage Shed in neighboring Elberta.
But, if you’re looking for Frankfort’s best places to eat, I think you’ll enjoy these top three favorites for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with my recommendations for what to eat when you visit.
Where to get breakfast
While Frankfort doesn’t offer as many breakfast options as it does lunch or dinner, the area does host a few awesome spots.
Crescent Bakery
If you’re a sucker for a good bakery, the Crescent Bakery in downtown Frankfort is a must-stop. They have a massive assortment of donuts, breads, and pastries, and you can spend a lot of time taking it all in. They sell their inventory quickly throughout the morning, so don’t sleep in too late.
What to get: The classic bacon, egg, & cheese sandwich hits the spot. It’s perfectly panini-pressed with scrambled eggs, bacon, mozzarella, and asiago cheese. I also highly recommend a cherry (or apple) fritter. They’re next level.
Visit Crescent Bakery’s Website
Birch & Maple
A quaint restaurant on the outskirts of Main Street in downtown Frankfort, Birch & Maple offers big flavors with its “prepared from scratch” kitchen. They offer creative cuisine and a wide range of it, from fried chicken and waffles to flavorful omelets.
What to get: I loved the veggie omelette (with bacon) for a flavorful, hearty breakfast. The breakfast potatoes that came with my wife’s boatman’s breakfast were nostalgically good.
Lighthouse Cafe
The Lighthouse Cafe is a gem of a breakfast/lunch restaurant located across Betsie Bay in Elberta, MI. A class act of a greasy spoon, Lighthouse Cafe offers a healthy balance of quality and quantity at a great price, along with a huge selection of options. This place can get insanely busy during the summer, so arrive early or be ready.
What to get: The specialty hash browns are an abundant, comforting option if you like cheese. The breakfast burrito and omelettes are top tier, as are the pancakes (which I would recommend over the toast).
Find Lighthouse Cafe on Facebook
Best places to grab Lunch
There’s no shortage of lunch stops in and around Frankfort, even during the off-season. Here are a few of my go-tos.
Off The Hook Tacos
Off the Hook has become my favorite taco fix in all of northern Michigan. The people who run this food truck are awesome, and their tacos are just as incredible. Literally every taco they offer is a slam dunk. While the shrimp taco is the most popular choice, I personally prefer the fish taco if you’re looking for a seafood option.
What to get: My favorite is the beef taco. It’s a simple ground beef taco in a flour tortilla shell with standard fixings. The chicken is also fantastic. Ask for “hot” hot sauce if you like a spicy kick.
The Eatery at Up North Fields
This outdoor establishment tops the podium for freshness, flavors, and healthy lunch options. Open in the late morning and afternoons during the warmer months, The Eatery offers big tasting rice bowls, salads, hummus plates, and other fixings.
What to get: You must try the chicken rice bowl. The tzatziki-style sauce with pickled onions, cucumbers, tender chicken, and rice is a combination that slaps. Chris, the owner, bakes his rice, which makes it uniquely flavorful and fluffy.
Visit Up North Field’s Website
Stormcloud Brewing
Probably the most popular downtown restaurant in Frankfort, this Main Street icon is a vibrant place to grab lunch or just a beer. They offer you usual lunch fare like soups, salads, and sandwiches, along with flatbread pizzas and various shareables- all with the Stormcloud Brewery twist.
What to get: BBQ pork nachos make for a great shareable. Stormcloud’s Rachel sandwich is solid. And if you’re feeling a unique pizza, try The Pulled Perfection or Rider On the Storm. Beer? The Cool Cat Kitty Face is a refreshing IPA that slaps all season.
Upriver Pizza
For some of the best pizza around, try Upriver Pizza, a few miles outside of town in Benzonia. This hidden gem was voted the best crust in Northern Michigan by local radio station Z93 FM. You can build your own or choose from fifteen specialty pizzas. They also offer slices which is convenient for a quick lunch on the go.
Top dinner vibes
There is an abundance of dinner restaurants in Frankfort, especially during the summer months when the town is bustling. Here are a few worth trying:
Slurping Bear Asian Bistro
After The Fusion permanently closed its doors, downtown Frankfort needed another Asian restaurant. Slurping Bear responded to the call to action, specializing in homemade ramen, noodle dishes, and other Asian classics. The menu has options that are both healthy and comforting.
What to get: The Fried Chicken BOA bun is a creative two-biter worth trying. The Pho is exceptional, and I also recommend the Drunken Noodles and Szechuan Stir Fry for bold, savory flavors.
The Roadhouse Mexican Bar & Grill
This bustling Mexican restaurant in Benzonia offers handcrafted food and drink year-round in a vibrant atmosphere, including an outdoor patio when weather permits. Choose from a massive selection of margaritas and other great cocktails, as well as a diverse range of Mexican dishes. This is a dinner-only joint that gets busy quickly, so expect a wait.
What to get: The wet burrito is a comforting option (I like the shredded chicken option), but the fajitas are also a signature dish that delivers on all taste buds.
Vita Bella
This Italian restaurant, located in downtown Frankfort, has a complete menu ranging from woodfire pizza and pasta to soups, salads, and Italian classics. You can’t go wrong starting with a chopped salad or some toasted ravioli, and I’ve never had a main dish that was a miss.
What to get: The shrimp scampi is top-notch, as well as the cavatelli bolognese. I haven’t tried the pizza, but my friend liked his when we were there last.
Do you have a favorite pick for the best restaurants in Frankfort, MI? If so, let me know in the comments section below.