Marquette, Michigan is a cute tourist/college town in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Sitting on the shore of mighty Lake Superior, it’s a destination for outdoor activities during summer and winter alike. Apart from the beautiful views, hikes, and bike rides, it has a flourishing restaurant scene!
I grew up in Marquette, so I have an in-depth knowledge of just how many excellent dining options there are in town. There is a large variety of cuisine options, including American, Mexican, German, Louisiana Southern, and more.
If you’re looking for a yummy bite to eat, keep reading this list of the 10 Best Dine-In Restaurants in Marquette, MI! Note, these are in no specific order, they’re just numbered to keep track of them.
If you’d rather pick something up to go, here are the 10 Best Takeout Restaurants in Marquette, MI. For any help planning your trip to the area, check out 37 Amazing Things To Do In Marquette, MI.
1. Lagniappe
The Lagniappe is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in the Marquette area. The “Cajun Creole Eatery” located in an old bowling alley on Washington Street downtown will simply blow your socks off.
You’ll find all your favorite Louisiana Southern favorites, including po-boys, gumbo, muffaletta, and more. My favorite dishes are the seafood risotto, the Lagniappe salad, and the seafood bisque. Not everything is spicy, as you might think with Creole food. Don’t forget to try one of their Category 5 Hurricane cocktails!
Current hours (as of 6/14/21):
Tuesday – Saturday: 11am – 9:00pm, limited take-out menu 11am – 7pm
Thursday, Friday, & Saturday additoinal brunch menu available from 11am – 2pm
Visit their website here: www.marquettecajun.com
2. Iron Bay Restaurant and Tap Room
Iron Bay is one of the newer restaurants in downtown Marquette. Located directly under Sol Azteca on the Lake Superior shoreline, this cihc-casual American restaurant has a lot to offer. When Iron Bay remodeled the previously vacant restaurant area, they decided to incorporate as much history of the Lower Harbor and Marquette as possible. In the restaurant, you’ll find some amazing pictures and captions located around the outer walls outlining the past of the Lower Harbor. In the taproom, some of the tables are made with old grates from the Mackinaw Bridge!
Now for the food – they have burgers, salads, and sandwiches. You MUST try their whitefish tater tots as an appetizer – they’re simply to die for. Iron Bay also has a coffee/espresso bar where they serve handcrafted drinks brewed with Keewenaw Coffee Works coffee and carry scrumptious local pies from Peace Pie Company for desserts. Across the hall, they have their own taproom that carries upwards of 15 beers from around Michigan. It’s a great place to hang out and grab a cold one.
Current hours (as of 6/14/21):
Daily 11am – 10pm
Website: www.ironbaymqt.com
3. Steinhaus
The Steinhaus is a relatively new addition to the Marquette food scene serving up German favorites, such as schnitzel, pretzels, and sausages with produce sourced from local farmers. Wash it all down with one of their 50+ bottled beers, house-made cocktails or wine selections. You’re sure to leave feeling appetite-satisfied and thirst-quenched! Their menu proudly features locally sourced produce and grass-fed beef, pork, chicken, fish, duck and more.
Current hours (as of 6/14/21):
Daily 4pm – 9pm
Website: www.steinhausmqt.com
4. Donckers
Opened in 1896 as a hometown candy shop, Donckers has been on Washington Street in Marquette for 125 years! It is still formatted as an old-fashioned soda fountain and candy store, but since 2008 has housed a delicious diner style restaurant on its second floor.
If you’re looking for a comforting homestyle breakfast or lunch, this is your place. Donckers is known for their amazing sandwiches, mac & cheese, and salads. For breakfast, get a yummy omelet, some pancakes, or an elaborate breakfast sandwich. They have a well-rounded selection of both meat and vegetarian options. Don’t leave without grabbing a huge milkshake or ice cream downstairs at the soda fountain.
Current hours (as of 6/14/21):
Monday – Saturday 8am – 8pm
Sunday 8am – 4pm
Website: www.donckersrestaurant.com
5. The Vierling
The Vierling is a Marquette staple, and has the history to prove it – it originally operated as a bar all the way back from 1862 – 1917! After a hiatus, it reopened in 1985 as what it’s known as today – The Vierling. It became one of Michigan’s first brew-pubs after it acquired brewing equipment in 1995. Today it serves up a mix of casual and higher end food, such as steaks, seafood, pasta, salads and sandwiches. The Vierling serves their own beer on tap, as well as other local favorites.
Current hours (as of 6/14/21):
Monday – Saturday 11am – 10pm
Website: www.thevierling.com
6. Vango’s
Vango’s is a Marquette classic serving up the best waffle fries you’ll ever eat – served with a thick homemade ranch dressing, or with ketchup. Apart from that, they are known for their gyros, thin crust pizza, and cudighi sandwiches (a UP specialty!). This is a casual place to grab drinks and a bite to eat with your friends. If you know anyone in Marquette, chances are you’ll see them at Vango’s (at least I always do).
Current hours (as of 6/14/21):
Tuesday – Saturday: 11am – 10pm
Sunday: 12pm – 10pm
Website: www.vangospizza.com
7. Casa Calabria
If you’re in the mood for Italian, this is the place to go! The Casa offers up-scale Italian dining on Third Street in Marquette near NMU. As with most Italian restaurants, go with lowered inhibitions regarding your diet, because they do not skimp on the butter and oil.
Their garlic bread is a lifelong favorite of mine. In our house growing up, whenever my parents came back from date night at the Casa, I knew it would be a fight between my brothers and I to see who got to eat the left over garlic bread. Additionally, they have a lovely house Italian salad, delicious pasta dishes, and of course their lasagna is a big hit.
Current hours (as of 6/14/21):
Daily from 3pm – 9pm
Website: www.thecasa.us
8. Portside Inn
The Portside Inn is a longtime favorite of Marquette locals and visitors alike. Since 1983, The Portside is the place for tasty food with friends, enjoyed in a nautical ‘Superior’ pub atmosphere. They are known for their famous breadsticks, whcih come topped with butter and parmesan cheese, with a delicious garlic cheese spread on the side. Additionally, they serve up yummy pizza, sandwiches, and pasta dishes – perfect for the whole family.
Current hours (as of 6/14/21):
Wednesday – Saturday: 2pm – 9pm
(Kitchen closes at 8pm)
Website: www.theportsideinn.com
9. The Delft Bistro
Another newcomer to Marquette is The Delft Bistro, operated by the same people who own Donckers, and occupying the old fashioned Delft Theatre that used to be on Washington Street. Serving “New American Fare,” The Delft aims to give new, high-end takes on classic dishes that we know and love. They have a variety of meals, including burgers, pasta, ribs, and even sushi on Thursdays! Head on upstairs for a lovely date night or a fancy girls night out – you won’t regret it.
Current hours (as of 6/14/21):
Tuesday – Wednesday: 12pm – 8pm
Thursday – Saturday: 12pm- 9pm
Sunday: Brunch 10am – 2pm, Dinner 2pm – 8pm
Website: www.thedelftbistro.com
10. Sol Azteca
Located in Marquette’s historic waterfront district, Sol Azteca offers excellent Authentic Mexican food with the best view of Lake Superior! They offer outdoor seating during warm weather months, but you can catch the breathtaking views of the lake year round from inside.
You will always get your money’s worth at Sol Azteca – the portions are big, and the food is delicious. There are many options with seafood, chicken, beef, pork, or vegetarian. Get a salad, enchiladas, tacos, burritos, or a big plate – you will not be disappointed!
Current hours (as of 6/14/21):
Sunday – Thursday: 11am – 9pm
Friday – Saturday: 11am – 10pm
Website: www.solaztecamqt.net/
