Diners' Choice: American restaurants in Northern Michigan

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall American cuisine in Northern Michigan? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

NOMAD.

4.8

4.8 (468)

$31 to $50

American

Petoskey

About the restaurant

About NOMAD.
Located on the waterfront in Bay Harbor, NOMAD. offers a vibrant atmosphere that pairs well with its sharable plates, evolving wine list, and house cocktails.

Our menu was artfully crafted through the senses of a NOMAD, with flavors and influences from across the world.

Recently opened in Spring 2022, our mission is to continuously evolve while always maintaining exceptional quality and creativity.

Please note if booking outside dining, restaurant can't hold inside tables if inclement weather occurs. Thank you for your understanding.

Top review

JulieVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Wonderful channel side location with great tapas style. Shrimp bao was wonderful along with the shrimp cocktail and asparagus!!!!

1852 Grill Room

4.9

4.9 (1111)

$31 to $50

American

Mackinac Island

About the restaurant

When it comes to Mackinac Island dining, 1852 Grill Room is a standout, offering a refined dining experience in a casually sophisticated atmosphere. A live pianist sets the ambiance of an enchanting evening highlighted by brilliant harbor views from the elegant dining room or waterfront terrace patio. Discover exceptional culinary craftsmanship starring chophouse favorites, locally sourced fresh fish, and gourmet desserts. Add a reservation at 1852 Grill Room for a positively memorable evening out.

Top review

Tom

Dined 3 days ago

Best food on the island, the dishes were amazing and drinks were great

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The Dining Room at Arcadia Bluffs

4.8

4.8 (383)

$31 to $50

American

Frankfort

About the restaurant

The Dining Room at Arcadia Bluffs offers full service dining to the public, and our guests. The spectacular views of Lake Michigan and sunsets from The Dining Room and deck make it the most dramatic dining experience on the shore.

The Lakeview Bar offers a more casual dining experience. It includes a bar with multiple flat screens to catch up on the latest leaderboard updates, indoor dining and a uncovered porch with panoramic views of Lake Michigan. Seating for an additional 30 is available in the Lakeview Dining Room, including a private space for that special occasion—all of course with spectacular views of Lake Michigan and Arcadia Bluffs.

The Sunroom offers additional seating with stunning views of Lake Michigan. It is also available as private space that can be sectioned off into two spaces that accommodate up to 45 on each side or opened up to host 90 guests. The Sunroom also has an outdoor glass walled terrace with seating available for use with private events.

Top review

ALLISON T.VIP

Dined 2 days ago

We had a very nice evening dining at Arcadia Bluffs dining room. Our waitress was top notch h and the food was delicious!

Bennethum's Northern Inn

4.8

4.8 (2204)

$31 to $50

American

Gaylord

About the restaurant

HERE AT BENNETHUM'S, WARM HOSPITALITY IS AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING WE DO. BECAUSE WE ARE FAMILY-OWNED AND OPERATED, WE PERSONALIZE YOUR VISITS AND ATTEND TO ANY SPECIAL REQUESTS. THE COZY ATMOSPHERE IS RUSTIC YET REFINED. THE FOOD AND DRINK OFFERINGS ARE DIVERSE AND HIGH-QUALITY.

Top review

Bhru

Dined 2 days ago

The food was outstanding and the drinks were made to perfection.

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Carriage House at Hotel Iroquois

4.8

4.8 (1511)

$31 to $50

American

Mackinac Island

About the restaurant

Under the direction of Chef Greg Murphy, the Carriage House Dining Room is known island-wide for its fine classic American cuisine. Local seafood selections such as Carriage House whitefish from Lake Superior and prime steaks from a Detroit family butcher are paired with fresh salads, soups and desserts topped with signature Iroquois Hot Fudge.

Directly overlooking the Straits of Mackinac, guests enjoy flawless service in our glass-enclosed dining room or on one of our breezy outdoor waterfront verandas. The restaurant features an extensive wine list, full bar and nightly entertainment at the piano bar.

Top review

JohnVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Excellent food and excellent service with a beautiful view.

Terrace Inn and 1911 Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (170)

$31 to $50

American

Petoskey

About the restaurant

1911 Restaurant serves a variety of artfully prepared entrees, appetizers, and salads. All items are prepared in-house by our talented culinary team and feature the best fresh local produce. Enjoy your meal in our charming historic dining room, or on the beautiful terrace overlooking a peaceful park with peaks of Little Traverse Bay.

Open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday from 5 pm to 8:30 pm

Join us for happy hour from 4 pm to 5:30 pm
$5 off appetizers
$2 off all cocktails
plus $5 off any bottle of wine

We look forward to serving you!

Top review

Brian

Dined 5 days ago

Annual visit for our quiet Anniversary celebration. Always wonderful memories - and new chef is remarkable!

Aster

4.8

4.8 (313)

$30 and under

American

Midland

About the restaurant

Welcome to a dining experience that’s as unique as you are. Our restaurant is more than a place to eat—it’s a journey into culinary artistry. Every dish is a story told through hand-selected, locally sourced ingredients, crafted with a creative twist that transforms tradition into something truly extraordinary. Step into an ambiance where modern elegance meets a warm, inviting atmosphere, setting the stage for unforgettable moments. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply exploring new tastes, every reservation opens the door to exceptional service, innovative flavors, and a community of food lovers. Discover your next favorite culinary destination—your table awaits.

Top review

Michele

Dined 5 days ago

Food was delicious and out service was great! Good value for quality food.

Aerie Restaurant & Lounge

4.5

4.5 (1564)

$50 and over

American

Acme

About the restaurant

With panoramic views of Grand Traverse Bay and a vibrant, contemporary menu, Aerie Restaurant & Lounge has always been a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Located on the 16th floor of the Tower, inside Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, we have proudly served northern Michigan for more than 10 years. Our acclaimed dining venue favors friendly over formality and has become a mecca for those who love bold, exciting flavors. We feature local wine and beer selections and make a point of sourcing local ingredients to give you a true taste of Northern Michigan.

Top review

Phyllis

Dined 5 days ago

The view, ambience, service fantastic. The menu is limited, food average. I had higher expectations for an upscale dining experience.

Weathervane Restaurant

4.3

4.3 (135)

$31 to $50

American

Charlevoix

About the restaurant

Welcome to Weathervane Restaurant, where you’ll find the best waterfront dining in downtown Charlevoix. Immerse yourself in a culinary journey where attentive service meets the essence of regional cuisine, all while surrounded by breathtaking views of the waterfront.

Choose to dine al fresco on our expansive deck, where you can soak in the refreshing breeze and admire the picturesque parade of boats passing by. Alternatively, embrace the cozy atmosphere indoors, where the focal point is our magnificent stone fireplace.

Top review

Kelly

Dined 3 days ago

Our waiter was excellent. Food delicious. We loved the bread and French butter

Pier Restaurant

3.8

3.8 (249)

$31 to $50

American

Harbor Springs

About the restaurant

Welcome to the Pier Restaurant, an iconic waterfront dining destination with views of Harbor Spring's yacht basin and Little Traverse Bay. This historic Northern Michigan restaurant provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you choose to dine outdoors at the water’s edge or enjoy your meal indoors surrounded by classically designed nautical décor. Our diverse menu features fresh Great Lakes fish, hand cut beef and incorporates locally sourced ingredients. Our extensive wine list and creative cocktail menu will surely enhance your dining experience. Join us for a memorable culinary journey, quite literally on the water.

Top review

MartyVIP

Dined on Jun 23, 2025

Nice restaurant; food and menu both very good; service was just satisfactory as the server probably had too many active tables.

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