Iron Bay Restaurant
Iron Bay had a great view and delicious food.Their outdoor seating area overlooks their infamous Iron Ore Dock standing tall in the mighty Lake Superior. Here is a picture I captured while waiting for our food.
I got Falafel Tacos, my husband had the Founder’s burger with Yooper Sweet Pepper Jam. We also had the Michigan Cherry Bourbon Wings as an appetizer. Iron Bay is known for their unique and refreshing cocktails. They had many good options and most were offered with locally distilled spirits.
Third Street Bagel
Third Street Bagel is an absolute must-stop. This cozy spot serves up delicious flavored coffees and what feels like endless bagel sandwich combinations. With a wide selection of bagels from plain to savor or even a sweet fruit theme like cranberry and blueberry. Their cream cheese lineup is just as impressive, with fan favorites like garlic herb, veggie, jalapeño, blueberry, and more.
Beyond their spreads, Third Street Bagel shines with a solid menu of bagel sandwiches. You’ll find everything from fresh deli-style sandwiches to warm, melty creations, plus hearty breakfast options. They even offer the classic lox bagel topped with smoked salmon — which is exactly what we ordered, and it’s to die for.
What to Order
- Flavored Latte
- Lox Sandwich
Slabz Grill
Slabz ended up being not only our final stop, but surprisingly our favorite. Tucked inside the Ramada Inn, this restaurant has a cozy yet classy vibe that instantly makes you want to settle in. Exposed birch pillars run throughout the space, giving it an earthy, elevated feel that feels perfectly in tune with the UP.
The staff was wonderful, and their French Onion Soup was absolutely perfect. Their menu is large, impressive, and a bit on the fancy side, with dish after dish that had us saying, “Wait, we should’ve come here sooner.”
Everything we tried was delicious. Honestly, we wished we had discovered Slabz before our last day, because it would have easily become our go-to dinner spot for the trip.
Lagniappe Cajun Creole Eatery
If you’re craving bold, flavorful cuisine that’s a departure from typical Upper Peninsula eats, Lagniappe is a standout choice. This cozy Cajun-Creole eatery serves up authentic Southern dishes made mostly from scratch, bringing the taste of the Deep South, Louisiana-style gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish pasta, and more to the shores of Lake Superior.
The vibe here is warm and welcoming, with a menu that proves Cajun and Creole cooking isn’t all heat—just rich, layered spice for flavor. Even diners who don’t usually seek out spicy food find plenty to love here.
What to Order
- Creole Penny Pasta– Creamy pasta simmered with chicken sausage and Cajun seasoning.
- Atchafalaya Jambalaya – A hearty Louisiana classic packed with chicken, sausage, rice, and big Southern flavor.
- Fried Green Tomatoes – A Southern staple with crisp gluten-free breading.
Lagniappe’s menu is huge (about 100 items) and changes occasionally, so there’s always something new to try whether you’re into seafood, po’ boys, pasta, or classic Cajun comfort food.
Blackrocks Brewery
Even though Blackrocks isn’t a restaurant, it’s one of those Marquette spots you simply have to experience. This cozy, character-filled brewery is known for its creative craft beers, welcoming atmosphere, and the kind of local charm that makes you want to stay for “just one more.”
Blackrocks features live music almost every night, showcasing incredibly talented local performers who bring the whole place to life. Whether you’re inside their warm, cabin-like taproom or hanging out on their patio in the summer, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring.
Their beer list is always rotating, but two of my favorites were the Lavender Lemon Ale and the Raspberry Cream Ale, both refreshing, lightly fruity, and perfect for summer. If you’re someone who likes trying unique, small-batch flavors, this place is absolutely worth the stop.
In the warmer months, food trucks often park right outside, making it easy to grab something quick and bring it back into the brewery. It’s laid-back, local, and exactly the kind of experience that makes Marquette feel like home.
What to Try
- Lavender Lemon Ale – Light, floral, refreshing, and a perfect summer beer.
- Raspberry Cream Ale – Smooth, slightly sweet, and super easy to drink.
- Rotating Seasonal Brews – Their small-batch experiments are always worth sampling.
- Beer Flights – The best way to taste a variety and find your perfect pick.
Once you’ve fueled up, check out Must-See Spots in the Upper Peninsula
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