Whether you're just visiting, a recent transplant, or just looking to shake up your weekly dinner plans, there are plenty of great places to eat in Marquette. From dives to fancy dining - there is something for everyone!
#14: Steinhaus
Steinhaus is Marquette's German restaurant. They have creative cocktails, a small menu, and offer brunch and Sunday supper options. We recommend trying their jäger schnitzel with a German beer or Maple Old Fashioned. It's also worth checking out their soft pretzels and pierogi.
#13: The Vierling
The Vierling is right across from Lower Harbor, so you can have lunch with a view! They are known for their whitefish, which is usually fresh caught right from Lake Superior, and Blueberry Wheat beer. The restaurant also acts as a local museum, filled with maps, photos, and mementos from Marquette's past.
#12: Portside
Portside is known for their incredible breadsticks and cheese sauce and ship-like atmosphere. They do a lot of different types of cuisine well from seafood to southwest fare. It's a cozy yet casual place for a romantic date but family friendly as well.
#11: Thai House
Thai House offers generous portions of rice and noodle dishes, vegetarian and vegan options, carries authentic drinks, and is a cozy place to grab a bite to eat. Located on Third Street, they're away from the lake but it's worth the drive! Try their Golden or Drunken Noodles with a Buddha Beer and don't forget a Thai Tea!
#10: Rice Paddy
Rice Paddy offers large portions for a low price, but most people love it because of Aoy. She's the sort of restaurant owner that remembers your order and makes you feel special. She makes everything to order from traditional recipes. The Hot and Sour soup, Crab Wontons, and Pad Thai are local favorites.
#9: The Burger Bus
A great local food truck. The Burger Bus is frequently parked at Blackrocks Brewery and Ore Dock (two great local breweries). They offer a small menu which makes choosing easy. In addition to a gourmet classic burger, they usually have a chicken sandwich, falafel, and Impossible Plant-Based Burgers. They fill your bag with fries and only set you back about $10/person. Look out for their hot fries and make sure you pair them with a great brew. We like Coconut Brown from Black Rocks and Bramble on Rose from Ore Dock.
#8: Smelted
This food truck is easy to catch if you follow them on social media. Smelted makes all of their pizzas in a wood fired oven. The crispy crusted gems are enough to serve two people, the truck is often parked at either Blackrocks Brewery or Ore Dock, and they offer gluten free and vegetarian options. We recommend all of their pizza, but their Green Garden is a particular favorite.
#7: Cafe Bodega
We love Cafe Bodega's all day breakfast options. Most of their entrées are vegetarian or vegan and offer options to add meat and dairy. They're moving toward a farm-to-table focus and feature local art in-house. Their Breakfast Quesadilla is something to write home about, and they always offer at least three varieties of breakfast potatoes on any given day.
#6: Midtown Bakery
Midtown Bakery is in downtown Negaunee is a short drive out of Marquette. On the way, you can check out Teal Lake out your passenger-side window! They have awesome desserts, sandwiches, and great vegan chili. It's a fun little lunch spot that is located next to several antique shops and just down the street from the Historic Vista Theater.
#5: The Delft
The Delft is located in an old movie theater, plays films without sound while patrons eat, and offers fun food concoctions that taste great. We recommend the Foghorn Leghorn - a fried chicken sandwich featuring bacon jam - with an order of their tempura fried cheese curds on the side. If you make it there for brunch, you can't go wrong with their Praline Croissant French Toast or Short Ribs Eggs Benny and a cocktail.
#4: Zephyr
Zephyr is an upscale wine bar that is located on Front Street. They have charcuterie slates, soups, desserts, and offer sandwiches for lunch. Wine can be purchased by the glass or bottle - we love the Skyland Ridge Zinfandel for a not-too-expensive option. They have art installations in their courtyard, and occasionally offer wine tasting classes. A great place to go if you're feeling snacky, and want a city vibe in a small town.
#3: Ralph's Italian Deli
Okay, this place is technically in Ishpeming, and requires a 20 minute drive out of town, but Ralph's is so worth it! They have incredible garlic cheese bread, award winning cudighi, and huge portions for their prices. Plus, they're just up the road from Cognition Brewery, which is known for their whimsically named beer. We recommend trying 'The Octopus Was Very Scary' Stout. It goes down especially easy after an Italian Hero Sub from Ralph's.
#2: Lagniappe
You might not expect to find good cajun creole food in Northern Michigan, but Lagniappe is something to write home about! From Alligator Bites to Fried Green Tomatoes to Po'Boy Sandwiches to Jambalaya - everything on the menu is great. Our favorite is the Crawfish Etouffee with a Mint Julep and Mississippi Mud Pie for dessert.
#1: Donckers
Donckers is a Marquette staple. Located above a candy shop and soda counter, they offer a huge sandwich menu. It's hard to choose a favorite, but the Hiawatha and Scarecrow are both great options. Plus, when you're finished with lunch you can head downstairs for a Cherry Phosphate or Chocolate Malt and what could be better than that?