The Top 10 Restaurants In Frankfort Michigan

Located in Northern Michigan, Frankfort is a famously friendly community set along the shores of Lake Michigan. Offering guests an abundance of outdoor adventures, the area is also home to many outstanding dining establishments, many of which showcase the local bounty. From Italian to Asian cuisine, there is something for everyone in Frankfort, Michigan. Check out 10 of the top restaurants in the area.

1. A. Papano's Pizza

A. Papano’s Pizza

Established in 1993 in downtown Frankfort, A. Papano’s Pizza is a popular take-out pizza parlor with five locations throughout the region. Priding themselves on offering a quality product, the culinary team procures the freshest ingredients available and makes the sauce and dough by hand daily. With something for everyone, the menu features selections for both meat lovers and vegetarians. Signature must-try pizzas include the Mediterranean – topped with artichoke hearts, roasted red pepper, black olives and feta, and the Buddha with pepperoni, artichoke hearts, tomato and feta. Diners can also create their own pizza or try one of several subs, salads, or wings.

A. Papano’s Pizza, 334 Main St., Frankfort, MI, USA, +1 231 352 6700

2. The Cool Spot

The Cool Spot

A family-owned establishment, The Cool Spot is a delightful ice cream parlor that anyone with a sweet craving will enjoy. Located downtown, this sweet place is a seasonal operation that is closed during the winter. Voted as having the best ice cream in Benzie County, guests will find a great selection of hard ice creams in an array of tantalizing flavors, including Mackinac Island fudge, amaretto cherry, raspberry chip cheesecake, and chocolate peanut butter cup. A host of other sweet treats are available as well, including homemade fudge, saltwater taffy, sundaes, shakes, malts, and more. There is often a line during the summer months, but it is definitely a worthwhile wait.

The Cool Spot, 306 Main St., Frankfort, MI, USA, +1 231 352 7312

3. Coho Café

Bar, Cafe, Restaurant, Cocktails, American

Coho Café is a lovely dining establishment offering guests an array of delicious dishes made with a creative twist. Open May through October for lunch and dinner, this relaxing, seasonal establishment features a beautiful bar made from Lake Michigan sand and agates plus a covered deck with stunning views of Betsie Bay. Procuring local products whenever possible, the culinary team creates highlights such as pan-seared Lake Michigan whitefish with a dill beurre blanc and emu stroganoff with onions, mushrooms, red wine, and heavy cream. To complement the meal, wines, including regional varieties, and cocktails are also available.

4. Crescent Bakery

Bakery, Cafe, Pastry Shop, Pastries, American

Another tasty haunt located downtown, Crescent Bakery entices customers again and again with its selection of sweet and savory treats. A family-owned and operated venue, this bakery serves breakfast and lunch Tuesday through to Sunday within a charming environment. While selections vary from day to day, some staples include donuts, macarons, fritters, muffins, and cookies. The baking team also bakes a variety of fresh bread daily. As for savory options, several breakfast and lunch sandwiches, including the huevos panini – with scrambled egg, spicy chorizo, salsa, avocado and Monterey jack – are available. There are several delightful choices for vegetarians as well.

5. Dinghy's Restaurant & Bar

Bar, Restaurant, American, BBQ

Delighting customers for over 20 years, Dinghy’s Restaurant and Bar is a lively establishment serving tasty American and barbecue cuisine. Sourcing top quality ingredients, including those from local sources when possible, the team at Dinghy’s smokes their own meats and makes every dish from scratch. Within a nautical themed interior, complete with maritime maps and photos adorning the walls, guests can savor favored options such as house-smoked BBQ ribs served with choice of potato, cole slaw, and cornbread. The menu also features specials and the restaurant’s famous Friday night fish fry.

6. The Fusion Restaurant

Restaurant, Asian, Fusion, Sushi

Founded in 2003 by husband-wife duo, VaChong and Bobbiesee Ku, The Fusion Restaurant specializes in delectable Pan-Asian cuisine with American influences. A friendly and vibrant venue, the waterfront locale’s stylish interior is a lovely space in which to feast upon a host of enticing options all made with the freshest ingredients available. From sushi to stir-fries to entrées that will satisfy a wide range of tastes, the menu is varied and includes highlights such as the healthy white velouté, and the chef’s choice bulgolgi — a famous Korean beef dish. An impressive sake list plus dessert options, including walnut cream cake, are also available. Hours vary with the seasons.

7. The Manitou Restaurant

Bar, Restaurant, Seafood, American

Located nine miles north of Frankfort, The Manitou Restaurant is a rustic, fine-dining gem nestled in the woods along the edge of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. With a casual ambiance, the seasonal establishment offers a menu full of entrées that will delight both meat and seafood lovers. Open for dinner Thursday through Sunday, Manitou’s menu features notable choices such as local yellow lake perch either sautéed in garlic and butter or lightly beer-battered and deep-fried. A full bar is also available with a variety of wine, beer, and cocktails.

8. Petals & Perks

Cafe, Coffee Shop, Coffee, American

Part flower shop and part cafe, Petals and Perks is brimming with charm. Owned and operated by Chris and Victoria Mekas, this multi-faceted establishment is tucked inside one of the oldest buildings in the downtown area and features partially exposed brick walls and original hardwood floors. In addition to a great selection of espresso and tea drinks, the cafe also offers a selection of mouthwatering treats in both sweet and savory varieties. From muffins to cinnamon rolls to cookies to scones, options also include soups and made-to-order Belgian waffles with Michigan maple syrup.

9. Port City Smokehouse

Port City Smokehouse

Port City Smokehouse is a seasonal marketplace offering guests a selection of products, including smoked fish, paté, sausage, jerky, jams, and more, along with take-out dishes. Featuring ‘North Country, Big Water’ cuisine, the selection will please anyone wanting to experience local flavors. From whitefish to lake trout, the menu offers guests a variety of fish dinners, which are from the area’s waters, all of which are served with French fries and coleslaw. BBQ ribs, beef brisket, chicken, and pork along with sandwiches, side dishes, and daily specials also make an appearance on the menu.

Port City Smokehouse, 1000 Main St., Frankfort, MI, USA, +1 231 352 9192

10. Stormcloud Brewing Company

Stormcloud Brewing Company

Established in 2013, Stormcloud Brewing Company is a great venue brewing Belgian-inspired beers and serving tasty cuisine imbued with local flavors. Some of the brew’s beer lovers might find one of sixteen taps includes the flagship and award-winning brew, Rainmaker Ale, and the Barrel Aged Tap, which is a saison noir aged in red wine barrels. As for food, the menu features a variety of flat bread pizzas, soups, salads, and more. The brewery also hosts many events, including live music and trivia nights, adding to an already lively environment.

Stormcloud Brewing Company, 303 Main St., Frankfort, MI, USA, +1 231 352 0118

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